Where is Haleakala Crater, Kula, Hawaii?

Written by | Updated On: December 08, 2025, 13:55 ET

Haleakala Crater is located in Haleakala National Park, Maui, Hawaii, USA.It lies between the island’s central highlands and the southeastern coast, situated on the summit of Haleakala volcano, and is famous for its massive volcanic crater, sunrise views, and unique alpine landscapes.

Haleakala Crater Location Map, Kula, Hawaii

Top Attractions Inside Haleakala Crater

  • Summit Visitor Center – Main viewpoint offering sunrise and sunset vistas over the crater.
  • Sliding Sands Trail – Scenic trail descending into the crater with volcanic landscapes and unique flora.
  • Haleakala Observatory – Astronomy site with stargazing opportunities and high-altitude views.
  • Puʻu ʻUlaʻula (Red Hill) – Highest peak within the crater providing panoramic views of the island.
  • Hosmer Grove – Forested area with hiking trails and picnic spots near the crater rim.
  • Crater Overlooks – Multiple viewpoints offering dramatic perspectives of lava fields and cinder cones.
  • Silversword Plants – Unique native plants found only in Haleakala’s volcanic environment.

Haleakala Crater Facts

Official NameHaleakala Crater
LocationHaleakala National Park, Maui, Hawaii, USA
Latitude & Longitude20.7097° N, 156.2536° W
Elevation10,023 feet (3,055 meters) above sea level
Managed ByNational Park Service (NPS)
Region / ConceptVolcanic crater, scenic overlook, hiking, sunrise/sunset viewpoint
Main FeaturesHaleakala Crater, cinder cones, volcanic landscapes, native flora and fauna, scenic overlooks
Visitor ActivitiesHiking, sunrise/sunset viewing, stargazing, photography, guided tours, ranger programs
Trails & AccessSliding Sands Trail, Halemau’u Trail, short overlooks accessible by car
AccessibilityScenic viewpoints accessible by car; some trails steep and challenging, limited wheelchair accessibility
Nearby TownsKahului, Pukalani, Makawao, Maui, Hawaii
Entry / FeesPark entrance fee: $30 per vehicle (valid 3 days as of 2025)
Best Time to VisitEarly morning for sunrise; late afternoon for sunset; dry season April–October
Annual VisitorsApprox. 1 million
Nearby AirportKahului Airport (OGG) – 35 miles (56 km)
TransportationPrivate vehicles, guided tours, shuttle services (limited), parking at main viewpoints
Time ZoneHawaii-Aleutian Time (HST) — UTC−10 (no Daylight Saving)
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm
Famous ForSunrise from summit, volcanic crater views, native Hawaiian ecosystems, stargazing
UNESCO / National StatusPart of Haleakala National Park; U.S. National Park System

Distances from Haleakala Crater to Nearby Landmarks

  • Haleakala Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Kīpahulu Visitor Center – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) – 52 km (32 mi)
  • Makena Beach State Park – 65 km (40 mi)
  • Waianapanapa State Park – 70 km (43 mi)
  • Hāna Town – 75 km (46.5 mi)
  • Paia, HI – 45 km (28 mi)
  • Kahului Airport – 45 km (28 mi)
  • Makawao Town – 35 km (22 mi)
  • Pukalani, HI – 30 km (18.5 mi)
  • Kula, HI – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • La Perouse Bay – 60 km (37 mi)
  • Molokini Crater – 65 km (40 mi)
  • Big Beach (Makena) – 65 km (40 mi)
  • Haleakala Summit Trail – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area – 20 km (12.5 mi)
  • Upcountry Maui – 30 km (18.5 mi)
  • Makawao Forest Reserve – 28 km (17.5 mi)
  • Keanae Peninsula – 55 km (34 mi)
  • Haleakala National Park Headquarters – 0 km (0 mi)