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Sky-watching is a great way to escape the world! Stop at one of the several overlooks on the Park road or take a short walk away from the traffic noise to watch the clouds. The visual horizon in many places in the Park is up to 115 miles out to sea. Even cloudy skies can offer amazing sights including rainbows, moonbows and halos seen around your shadow. Haleakala offers one of the most easily accessible places to watch planets, stars and moons after dark. Rent a pair of 10x50 or 7x50 binoculars at one of the island dive shops, pick up a star map at Park Headquarters or Haleakala Visitor Center, and see if you can find the moons of Jupiter.
Sunrise and sunset are both amazing events, but sunrise is more crowded. Arrive at least one half hour before each to watch colors change. A flashlight will come in handy and warm clothes are a must! Good sunset locations include the Halemauu Trail and the Summit. Sunrise can be seen from Leleiwi or Kalahaku Overlooks, the Summit, and Haleakala Visitor Center.
Bird and wildlife watching are great at Haleakala. In fact, Haleakala National Park is one of a few places to see rare Hawaiian forest birds. Walk along Halemauu trail or through Hosmer Grove on your own or join our guided Waikamoi Hike offered on Mondays and Thursdays, from 9:00 til noon at Hosmer Grove. After dark, watch the tree tops on moonlit nights for one of only two native mammals in Hawaii, the peapea, or Hawaiian Hoary bat. On summer nights stop at Leleiwi overlook and listen for the rare Uau, or Dark-Rumped petrel, calling for its mate along the cliffs below.
During the winter months watch for Humpback Whales from the porch of the Kipahulu Ranger Station.
Magnificent views of the crater can be seen at the Haleakala Visitor Center. It is located near the summit of Mt. Haleakala. Overlooks with orientation panels and exhibits are located at Leleiwi, Kalahaku, and Puu Ulaula along the park roads between the visitor center and the summit. The rare silversword plant can be seen at Kalahaku, and if cloud conditions are right, the "Specter of the Brocken" can be seen at Leleiwi.
Many opportunities for walking and hiking await you in the crater area - and they range from short self guided walks to overnight hikes of several days. For views of Keanae Valley and Koolau Gap, take the Halemauu Trail from the highway to the rim or walk along Hosmer Grove Nature Trail. Hike down Sliding Sands trail, but be careful, the return trip can be exhausting from this altitude.
Check the Hiking Page for other hikes offered.
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