Haleakala, whose name translates as "house of the sun," is the largest dormant volcano in the world at 10,023 feet. Not yet extinct, it is expected to erupt sometime in the next 200 years (it last erupted in 1790).

One of the more popular things to do on Maui, is to drive to the top of Mt. Haleakala, to see the sunrise over the mountain. There are companies that will drive you up in a van to the summit to see the sunrise, then have you bike the whole way down the mountain.  From top to bottom is around 20 miles. People who do this need to wear layers of clothes, and as they descend down the mountain, they peel layers off, and put them in the van.

If you go to the top in morning, dress warm as it is 30 degrees at the summit at 6 am. The weather in both the summit and Kipahulu areas of Haleakala National Park is unpredictable and can change quickly. Be prepared for a variety of conditions. Temperatures in the summit area commonly range between 32 and 65 degrees F; wind-chill can dramatically drop the temperature below freezing at anytime of year. In Kipahulu, high temperatures are common but can drop quickly with the frequent rain showers. Intense sunlight, thick clouds, heavy rain, and high winds are possible at any time in either area of the park. There are no facilities to purchase food, gasoline, or supplies in the park. There is no drinking water at Kipahulu. The towns of Kahului, Pukalani (17 miles from the summit area), and Hana (10 miles from the Kipahulu area) have limited stores and outfitters. An admission fee of $10.00 per vehicle is charged at the park entrances. Bicyclists, motorcyclists, and hikers on foot are charged $5.00 each. At this time, credit cards are not accepted. Keep your receipt since the entrance fee is good for seven days in both the Kipahulu and summit areas of the park. Wilderness camping, car-access camping and wilderness cabins are available in the summit area, and car- access camping is available in the Kipahulu area.

Orientation talks are given everyday in the summit building at 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00. Guided hikes are available regularly. There are plenty of pull-off's for cars, on the way down Mt. Haleakala, where you have breath taking views of Maui.

Visitor Centers and Exhibits

• Park Headquarters Visitor Center, Haleakala Visitor Center, and Kipahulu Visitor Center are open daily and year round subject to staff availability (with the exception of Haleakala Visitor Center on December 25 and January 1).
• All visitor centers have cultural and natural history exhibits. Books, maps, and posters are offered for sale by the Hawaii Natural History Association. Naturalists are on duty during business hours to answer questions and help you make the most of your visit. Programs are offered regularly. There is a pay phone near both the Park Heheadquarters Visitor Center and the Kipahulu Visitor Center.

Hours

• The park is open 24 hours a day.
• Park Headquarters Visitor Center (7000 ft/2134 m) - 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Haleakala Visitor Center (9740 ft/2969 m) - Winter: 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Summer: 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Kipahulu Visitor Center (sea level) - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.