Haleakalā National Park is home to a 10,023′ tall dormant shield volcano built almost entirely of lava flows. Containing one of the world’s largest volcanic craters, Haleakala (Hawaiian for “House of the Sun”) last erupted over 200 years ago, spewing ash and a highly fluid form of lava called basalt. This volcano plays an important role in Hawaiian myth and legend and is said to be the place where the demigod Maui lassoed the sun, forcing it to slow its pace across the sky to increase the growing season.
Because of their elevations, overlooks in the Summit District of the park are known as some of the best places in the world to experience sunrise, sunset and incredibly clear views of the night sky. Don’t forget to pack warm clothes and a coat when you go. Even Maui can get cold at these elevations!
Not only are the volcanic landscapes of Haleakalā National Park amazing, but so is the sub-tropical rain forest found in the Kīpahulu District of the National Park. Here you can see stunning waterfalls, a bamboo forest, pools of water and lush green foliage. This special National Park is also home to endangered species like the po’ouli bird, Maui parrotbill, sphinx moth and Hawaiian hoary bat. Inside and outside the park, Maui is a breathtakingly beautiful place to visit, so don’t forget your camera when traveling to this special place! Be sure to check out the park website for current conditions and closures!
Map of Haleakalā National Park:
Top Photography Locations and Sights at Haleakalā National Park:
As photographers, we know that many of you will only have one chance in a lifetime to visit the National Parks. To make your life easier, we have compiled a list of our top photography locations and sights at Haleakalā National Park! While this is not comprehensive, and there are many more amazing sights to see, it should give you a good feel for the park.
Kīpahulu District
A lush, coastal area featuring dramatic waterfalls, bamboo forests, and stunning ocean views.
The Summit District
A volcanic landscape with otherworldly views, including the iconic sunrise above the crater and vast lava fields.
Haleakalā National Park Wildlife Photography:
Haleakalā National Park is filled with wildlife and biodiversity. If you like wildlife photography, you will love what this park has to offer!
Featured National Park Photographers:
- Vezzani Photography: Waterfalls, Pīpīwai Trail, Pools of ‘Ohe’o, Waimoku Falls, Haleakalā Visitor Center, Kalahaku Overlook
- NPS: Halemau’u Trail
- Shutterstock / aamartinez: Bridges
- Shutterstock / Alex GK Lee: Bamboo Forest, Banyan Trees
- Shutterstock / Amy Devine: House Mouse on Haleakalā
- Shutterstock / Beth Ruggiero-York: Pu’u Ula Ula (Red Hill Summit)
- Shutterstock / BlueBarronPhoto: Common Myna in Haleakalā
- Shutterstock / BlueBarronPhoto: Wild Feral Pig Foraging in a Bamboo Forest
- Shutterstock / BlueBarronPhoto: Wild Mongoose in a Bamboo Forest in Haleakalā
- Shutterstock / Dark Side of Pink: Chukar Partridge on the Summit of Haleakalā
- Shutterstock / Evan Austen: Haleakalā Crater
- Shutterstock / iDiscoverer: Keonehe’ehe’e
- Shutterstock / Mark Earey: Haleakalā Summit
- Shutterstock / Mark vanDam: Kuloa Point Trail
- Shutterstock / Susanne Pommer: Leleiwi Overlook
- Shutterstock / Vladimir Turkenich: Hosmer Grove
- Shutterstock / Wunson: Nene on the Slopes of Haleakalā
- Shutterstock / yggdrasill: Makahiku Falls
Want to visit more parks? Check out our complete list of the US National Parks!
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