The House of the Sun

Founded in 1916, the Haleakala National Park has a total area of about 120 square kilometers and is located on the Hawaiian island of Maui in the Pacific Ocean. The "crater" of the same name, is about 3,000 meters from the ocean, towering volcanic mountain, the main attraction of the park.

Moonscape of the demigod Maui In reality, it is the Haleakala "crater" is a about 900 meters deep weathering basin. In the twelve kilometer long and four kilometers wide erosion basins rise about ten small, younger volcanic cones in the gray-black to yellow-red sparkling lava. In the language of the Polynesian immigrants Haleakala means "House of the Sun". According to legend, began the demigod Maui,

Walks through the moonscape of Haleakala crater are very popular with tourists. From here a narrow belt park leads down to the Pacific coast. Nestled in the lush vegetation of the rain forest is the small Ohe River plunges through several levels in depth and makes a few small ponds that are ideal for swimming. As the archipelago of the Hawaiian Islands is isolated from the mainland, has developed here a unique animal and plant life. Numerous bird, plant and insect species occur here are endemic, that is, their occurrence is limited to certain areas of the archipelago. In addition to 70 different birds, and about 5,000 different insects live in Hawaii, a seal, bat and Blindschleichenart.

Activities Among the most popular activities in the national park include hiking and horseback riding. The main hiking the crater basin of the Haleakala volcano. Glasses and hats to protect from the strong sunlight in the higher elevations. Even a rain cover should be in any season to include luggage. Two roads lead into the crater basin. At its end, after about 15 km the Paliku are of the same hut and campsite. Short walking tours in the southeast located Oheo Gorge are very popular with tourists. In the subtropical jungle area, there are several waterfalls that flow into small pools. Flora and bird life are especially fascinating. Private companies offer single-and multi-day riding trips into the crater. Meals and accommodation are included in the excursions. The riding has to be booked early. Information on the various tours give the park ranger at the visitor centers. In both of the park visitor centers are daily held informative talks about the specifics of the island. In summer, the ranger to accompany groups of visitors a day to half-to two-hour walks on the crater rim and explain the history of the Hawaiian Islands. The ranger station in Hana also offers regular guided walks through the park.

Visitor Information The Haleakala National Park is open all year round. Season is also the whole year round. Sunglasses and a hat to protect from the strong sunlight in the higher elevations, but also a rain cover should be in any season to include luggage. In the national park there are two visitor centers and ranger station.

Climate In the summit area of Haleakala, the weather can be said is very difficult to advance. The temperatures are between about 4 ° and 18 ° Celsius, but can fall all year round below the frost line. In the higher elevations of Haleakala, the weather changes constantly. Visitors have a day with gray clouds, expect rain, strong winds, but also with intense sunlight. Sunglasses and a hat to protect from the strong sunlight in the higher elevations, but also a rain cover should be in any season to include luggage. Visitors with cardiovascular problems could get that large amounts of health problems. The weather in the lowlands are generally warm but very rainy. Spring tides and strong currents for swimmers and hikers can be equally dangerous. Visitors should check with the rangers about the current situation. Mosquitoes are in the region a veritable plague!

Arrival The flights to Kahului Airport, the main town of the island of Maui is rarely out of the American continent. Honolulu on the island of Oahu and Hilo on the island of Hawaii are scheduled several times daily flights from the U.S.. From here, local airlines fly daily to the island of Maui. At the airport Maui, there is the possibility to rent cars. The northern entrance to the park visitors will reach the airport on the mountain roads No. 37/377 and 378 for about 40 km. According to Kipahulu, which is called as the southeastern part of the park, we arrive in approximately 100 km of driving on the narrow coastal road, No. 36

Camping / Hotels In the national park there are two undeveloped, and some backcountry campsites. The Hosmer Campground has 25 units and is situated only one kilometer east of the park entrance. The Oheo Gulch campsite is situated in the subtropical south of the park and has 50 units. The backcountry campsites and cabin-camp, with cabins are equipped with beds and hot plates, are located in the crater. They are accessible only on foot or by horse. They can be reserved at the park headquarters. All sites are open all year round.

The simple cabins are the only indoor accommodation in the National dar. Reservations should be made up to 60 days prior to departure at the park headquarters. On the mountain road 377 and on the coastal road 31 are some accommodations. In Kahului, there are some hotels. Catering facilities such as restaurants and grocery stores there are just outside the park, in the larger towns of the islands. Because of the large tourist crowds all nights should be booked at one of the Hawaiian Islands in advance through a travel agent.

Visitor Center In Near the park entrance, located northwest park administration and visitor center of the park. Another small visitor center is located on the rim of Haleakala. Those who do not regularly staffed ranger station is located in the small town of Hana on the coastal road 31st