
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