Itinerary · 2 days · Hawaii
2 Days in Haleakalā National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Haleakalā National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: Jan–May, Sep–Nov. Closest major airport: Kahului, Maui (OGG), about 1.5 hours to the summit.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Watch sunrise from the summit (reservation required). Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Hike the Sliding Sands Trail into the crater.
- Evening: Hike the Pīpīwai Trail through the bamboo forest.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: See the rare silversword plants.
- Afternoon: Stargaze from the summit.
It's near freezing at the summit at dawn. Bring warm layers, a hat and gloves, even in summer.
When to go
The best time to visit Haleakalā National Park is January–May and September–November.
Questions
How many days do you need in Haleakalā National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: watch sunrise from the summit (reservation required) and hike the sliding sands trail into the crater on day one, then see the rare silversword plants on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Haleakalā itinerary?
Go in Jan–May, Sep–Nov, when the park is rated at its best. May and September through November offer the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Haleakalā in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss see the rare silversword plants. Two days is the sweet spot.