One of the most popular destinations in Maui, the Haleakala National Park is a natural wonder composed of some 27,468 acres. There are two separate and distinct destinations within the Haleakala (“House of the Sun") National Park – Haleakala Summit and the Kipahulu coast. There is no direct road between the two but they can both be reached from Kahului. Sky watching is one of the most popular pastimes at the park. You can rent a pair of binoculars at an island dive shop and watch the planets, stars and moons after dark. Even with cloudy skies during the day, you can see rainbows, moonbows and halos around your shadow. On the drive to Haleakala Summit, you will climb from sea level to 10,000 feet in just 37 miles and at the summit will be offered a view that extends for more than a hundred miles. Along the way up the 10,023-foot-mountain you will pass various overlooks that allow different perspectives of the world’s largest dormant volcano. The crater itself is 3,000 feet deep, 7 ½ miles long and 2 ½ miles wide. Sunrise is the most popular time to go as the view is usually free of clouds, but the best time for photos is in the afternoon. Try to arrive an hour before sunrise to so you don’t miss all the color changes. The weather at the summit is unpredictable, so be prepared. Temperatures commonly range between 40 and 65 degrees, but can be below freezing anytime of the year. The weather changes frequently, you may experience intense sunlight, thick clouds, downpours and high winds all in one day. Additionally, due to the high altitude, people with heart or respiratory problems and pregnant women should check with their doctors before coming to the Park. The lush, tropical Kipahulu Area is usually warm with frequent rain. Flash flooding is common so check with rangers before entering any of the many pools and streams. Haleakala National Park offers a number of hiking and camping possibilities in both the Summit and Kipahulu areas. There are also guided walks and programs on the geology and natural and cultural history of the area in both sections. To the Park: From Kahului Airport, take Highway 37 (Haleakala Highway) to Pukalani, where you’ll pick up Highway 377 (which is also Haleakala Highway, which you’ll take to Highway 378. To the summit: Continue on through the park entrance and past the Leleiwi Overlook and the Kalahaku Overlook. Next you’ll reach the Haleakala Visitor Center and then a little further on, the Puu Ulaula Overlook where you can see the actual summit. It takes about two hours to get from the airport to the summit lookout. To the Kipahulu coast at the east end of the park: From the airport, take Highway 36 along the famous “road to Hana.” From Hana take Highway 31 for about 30 miles until you reach Oheo Gulch at Kipahulu. Due to traffic and rough road conditions, plan on a 4-hour drive, one-way.