Puʻuʻulaʻula, also known as the Summit Observation Deck, is the tallest point in the park and on the island of Maui at 10,023 feet (3055 m).
Make the drive up here to see the sun rising over the crater, or just to gain a greater perspective of the world around you. Weather permitting, you can enjoy sweeping 360 degree views of the crater, telescopes, west Maui mountains, surrounding islands, and the vast Pacific ocean. The summit building provides protection from the wind, while still allowing viewing opportunities through wrap around windows. Paved and unpaved paths allow guests to explore the area.
A highlight for many folks making the journey to the summit is viewing the rare ʻāhinahina, or silversword. This particular subspecies is only found here at Haleakalā. The ʻāhinahina is an example of incredible diversifaction and adaptation--its silvery hairs protect it from the intense sunlight and help collect moisture from the moutain mist. These fascinating plants can live for 30 years or more, but they only bloom once in their lives. After unfurling a towering stalk of purple flowers, the plant dies. Do your part to protect this unique feature of Haleakalā--stay on the established trails, and do not approach the silverswords, as our footsteps can damage their fragile root system. Mahalo for helping preserve and protect our ʻāhinahina for future generations to enjoy!
Pleaes note: the observatories and telescopes on the adjacent hill are not part of the park and are not open to the public.
Make the drive up here to see the sun rising over the crater, or just to gain a greater perspective of the world around you. Weather permitting, you can enjoy sweeping 360 degree views of the crater, telescopes, west Maui mountains, surrounding islands, and the vast Pacific ocean. The summit building provides protection from the wind, while still allowing viewing opportunities through wrap around windows. Paved and unpaved paths allow guests to explore the area.
A highlight for many folks making the journey to the summit is viewing the rare ʻāhinahina, or silversword. This particular subspecies is only found here at Haleakalā. The ʻāhinahina is an example of incredible diversifaction and adaptation--its silvery hairs protect it from the intense sunlight and help collect moisture from the moutain mist. These fascinating plants can live for 30 years or more, but they only bloom once in their lives. After unfurling a towering stalk of purple flowers, the plant dies. Do your part to protect this unique feature of Haleakalā--stay on the established trails, and do not approach the silverswords, as our footsteps can damage their fragile root system. Mahalo for helping preserve and protect our ʻāhinahina for future generations to enjoy!
Pleaes note: the observatories and telescopes on the adjacent hill are not part of the park and are not open to the public.
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Itineraries across USA
Acadia
Arches National Park
Badlands
Big Bend
Biscayne
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison
Bryce Canyon
Canyonlands
Capitol Reef
Carlsbad Caverns
Channel Islands
Congaree
Crater Lake
Cuyahoga Valley
Death Valley
Dry Tortugas
Everglades
Gateway Arch
Glacier
Grand Canyon
Grand Teton
Great Basin
Great Smoky Mountains
Guadalupe Mountains
Haleakalā
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes
Hot Springs
Indiana Dunes
Isle Royale
Joshua Tree
Kenai Fjords
Kobuk Valley
Lassen Volcanic
Mammoth Cave
Mesa Verde
Mount Rainier
North Cascades
Olympic
Petrified Forest
Pinnacles
Rocky Mountain
Saguaro
Shenandoah
Theodore Roosevelt
Virgin Islands
Voyageurs
White Sands
Wind Cave
Yellowstone
Yosemite
Zion