At this overlook, you’ll see the crater floor from a completely different perspective. It’s definitely worth a stop!

Most visitors pass up Leleiwi overlook unknowingly. But it’s actually one of the best overlooks on Haleakala! The panoramic view of the crater is absolutely spectacular, and is from a completely different vantage point from the ones you’ve seen so far.

At the lookout, you will notice that the mountains are greener than at the summit. This is because moisture in the clouds brought in by the winds are trapped inside  the volcanic basin. If you just stand there for a few minutes, you can actually watch the clouds form. It’s a very unique and awesome experience, to witness weather happening right before your eyes!

To get to this overlook, you will need to follow a short path that starts on the opposite side of the parking lot ahead. It’s a short, half mile walk. On the way back, you will see a wall of stacked stones. This is the  remains of a ranch wall made in the late 1800s. At one time, it stretched for about 2 miles, and was intended to guide cattle to more fertile pasturelands on east maui.

About a minute past the visitor center at the end of the road, you’ll find an overlook called Pu‘u‘ula‘ula or Red Hill. This is the actual summit of Mount Haleakala, at 10,023 feet above sea level. From here, you can watch as the sun sets for the night into the arid, mars-like landscape of Haleakala.

As you make your way back from the summit, you can return to the visitor center parking lot to hike Sliding Sands Trail. It is a rigorous 11-mile hike, but we recommend you just hike to the first switchback or until you get tired.

You don’t need to travel far to see the expansive view of the massive crater open up before you! When you are ready to return, just retrace your steps back the same way you came. If you plan on doing the whole hike, or a large portion of it, remember to bring water. The area isn’t shaded, and you’ll be walking for a long time.

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Note: we recommend you do this hike during the day.

Hosmer Grove is located just outside the national park entrance, at an elevation of 6,800 feet. Here, you will see trees from all around the world, including Juniper and Fir from North America, Cedar and Seigi Pine from Japan, and Eucalyptus trees from Australia. This is a short, relaxing, half-mile loop trail. It’s a great spot to stop and breathe in the fresh air from all the foliage around you. It’s also a completely different landscape from the ones you’ll see later in the tour.

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This mini hike starts at the visitor center and takes you to an overlook with a great view of the crater. The walk is just .5 miles, and it’s well worth it. If you’re thinking to yourself, “another overlook?” Yes, but we promise - this one has great views!

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This 8-mile trek is actually rated hard, but we suggest you just hike the first mile, then turn around the way you came. You’ll still get a great view of a crater rim in the condensed version - and you'll have more time for the rest of the activities on this tour!

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Make a quick stop here for some snacks and water. There is no food once you’re in the park.

Just before Haleakala is a charming little town named Makawao. Makawao is dubbed the biggest little town in Upcountry Maui, and has its roots in the cattle industry. In recent years, Makawao has evolved into a charming art town, where you will find galleries and workshops of local artists - many with Hawaii inspired themes - as well as lots of tasty local food.

As we make our way to the bottom of the mountain there is a lookout that offers one final glimpse of Maui. Feel free to pull over for a quick view or to snap a photo.

As we near the base of Haleakala, we will approach Upcountry Maui. In Upcountry Maui, there are a couple interesting farms in the area. Here you can find the Ali’i Lavender Farm, a great place to unwind and enjoy the fragrance of lavender. For plant lovers, there’s Kula Botanical Garden. And, for cheese enthusiasts, check out Surfing Goat Dairy. This spot has a petting zoo and sells gourmet goat cheese and specialty items like chocolate goat cheese truffles. Finally, you can check Maui Winery - which is famous for its pineapple wine.

As we pass the ticket booth for the park entrance, you will see a sign on your left for ‘Haleakala National Park.’ On the sign you will see a depiction of the Hawaiian legendary God ‘Maui’ with his rope trying to pull down the sun. You’ve learned all about this demigod on the tour today. Might as well stop and grab a picture with the sign!