Dear Best Hawaii Vacation Visitors,
Our Hawaii winter rates 2009 included Maui Escape Winter at the Maui Prince Hotel - starting rate range $298, which is not really a bargain for the budget traveler. Don't let that discourage you from planning your Maui vacation. Maui's south coast, like the Kihei Coast, is beach territory for snorkeling, kayaking and whale watch from shore during the winter months. The Kihei community offers affordable condos and hotels for Maui budget travelers.
On our numerous posts about Maui Vacation, we gave our Hawaii blog visitors hints for finding the best Surfing Spots, shared Maui Surfing videos with you and best things to do on your Maui Vacation Not to forget our post 'How to have a great Maui vacation and save money'. If Maui is your vacation Hawaii destination, find useful information on our Maui Vacation posts. Start cruising and I bet you will find something which intrigues your interest on Maui, just like our today's article about Haleakala.
How could it happen that I neglected one of the biggest Maui attractions - or maybe the biggest - so far?! Easy answer: Hawaii and the Hawaiian islands are like a never ending reservoir of fascinating stories about white sand, tropical flowers, swaying palm trees, amazing ocean life and so much more. One can easily get carried away writing about the beauty of the islands. Well, today it's finally time to catch up on Heleakala Volcano on Maui. Before we give you some tips for visiting Haleakala on your Maui Vacation - Yes, do it. Don't just lie on the beaches. Have the adventure of your lifetime! - we thought a few facts about Haleakala can be educational and fun.
Haleakala Facts
Like all of the Hawaiian Islands, Maui was formed as the result of undersea volcanic activity. Although a lush and green, island today, evidence of its far more violent and volcanic past can be seen in the impressive Haleakala volcano, the centerpiece of Haleakala National Park. Standing over 10,000 feet it is the world's largest dormant volcano. Last eruption is registered though in 1790, which does not seem that long ago at all. Originally part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Haleakala National Park became its own entity in 1961.
The Haleakala Visitor Center, open daily from sunrise to 3pm, is near the summit, 11 miles from the park entrance. It offers a panoramic view of the volcanic landscape, with photos identifying the various features, and exhibits that explain its history, ecology, geology, and volcanology. Park staff members are often on hand to answer questions. The only facilities are restrooms and water.
Haleakala National Park Headquarters (ph 808/572-4400) is open daily from 7am to 4pm. It is one mile from the park entrance, at 7,000 feet. That's the perfect place to pick up information on rules and regulations, park programs, activities. You can also get camping permits and details on Haleakala hiking trails through the Park. Restrooms, a pay phone, and drinking water are available. This is a great place to get acclimated to the higher elevation. By the way, to tour Haleakala takes a round trip that covers about 76 miles throughout Haleakala National Park.
All park visitors, including campers, are required to purchase a recreational pass upon entering Haleakala National Park: $10 per car, $5 for motorcycles, bicycles and hikers. Passes are non-transferable. They are valid for 3 days. Campgrounds in Haleakala National Park are available for free on a first come first serve basis. The stay in the campgrounds is free.
A slideshow of Haleakala National Park, Mau'i, Hawai'i by Paradisedriver 2006
A slideshow of Haleakala National Park, Mau'i, Hawai'i by Paradisedriver 2006
5 Best Tips to visit Haleakala Volcano on Maui
1.
Check the official Haleakala National Park site for maps, driving directions and times from different locations.
2.
Be prepared for sudden temperature change. Get dressed in layers the summit of Haleakala can be 30 degrees lower than they are at sea level. Your Mainland attire with warm anorak, gloves and woolen cap might come handy.
3.
Stop at Leleiwi Overlook. It is one of the most popular overlooks in Haleakala National Park. It stands at an elevation of about 8,000 feet and lies about 8 miles from the Visitor Center.
4.
Come prepared for your visit to Haleakala with plenty of food + water (maybe even warm tea in thermos). There won't be lodges, food or gas stations once you entered the Park!
5.
Always inquire locally before you start your trip to Haleakala to determine conditions at the summit or whether you might want to make the trip another day. Call tel. 808/572-4400 or the National Weather Service tel. 808/871-5054.
That's it from us for your adventure tour to Haleakala Volcano on Maui. Take Highway 37 to Highway 377, and then to Highway 378. After that it's just heading up to Haleakala - The House of Sun! If you are early birds, you might want to visit Haleakala for a spectacular sun rise! Let us know what you think of Haleakala. Mahalo, Pua Hawaii Vacations
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