2 Best Sights in Maui, Hawaii

This is one of the few places on Earth can you drive (or bike) from sea level to 10,023 feet in only 38 miles. What's more, in that ascent to summit of the Haleakala volcano, you'll journey from the lush, tropical island landscape to the stark, moonlike basin of the volcano's enormous, otherworldly crater.

Several trails take in these varied landscapes, including the Keoneeheehee (Sliding Sands) Trail, a hike with out-and-back segments to overlooks and down into the crater; if you're truly fit and ambitious, you can even follow it all the way across the crater floor. Hikers and those camping at the tent-only Hosmer Grove Campground (reservations required) should check in at the Park Headquarters Visitor Center, near the Summit District entrance. This is also a good place to learn about the volcano's history and pick up trail maps at the gift shop. You'll also find the Haleakala Visitor Center at the crater's summit.

If you plan to head to the summit before 7 am, you must make sunrise reservations, which you can do up to 60 days before your visit. (Make these and campground reservations at  recreation.gov). Although a few last-minute sunrise-viewing tickets are released online two days out, they can be difficult to secure. Alternatively, consider visiting for sunset. Reservations aren't required and, on most days, the views are as stunning as those during sunrise.

Regardless of when you head up Haleakala, check ahead for the latest weather conditions. Extreme gusty winds, heavy rain, and even snow in winter are not uncommon. Because of the high altitude, the mountaintop temperature is often as much as 30°F cooler than that at sea level, so bring a jacket. In addition, the air is thin at 10,000 feet, so don't be surprised if you feel breathless while walking around the summit. Take it easy, and drink lots of water. Anyone scuba diving within the last 24 hours should not make the trip up Haleakala.

Note that entrance tickets are valid for three days. It's a good idea to hold onto your receipt in case you want to visit the Summit District on more than one day, or you also plan to visit the park's Kipahulu District in East Maui as part of a drive along the Hana Highway.

When most people think about Haleakala, it's the volcano in the park's western (Upcountry) Summit District that comes to mind. However, the so-called backside of the park runs down from the mountain's volcanic crater east to the sea, encompassing the Kipahulu District, an area that's rich with greenery, waterfalls, ocean vistas, and archaeological sites.

The Kipahulu Visitor Center, about 12 miles southwest of Hana (mile marker 42 on the Hana Highway) is a good first stop, not only to get your bearings, but also find out about scheduled cultural demonstrations and other activities. The center is open daily year-round, though hours can vary by season.

The 4-mile round-trip Pipiwai Trail truly showcases this district's natural beauty. It's a moderately strenuous trek, with an 800-foot gain in elevation, but it's well worth the effort, taking you to Makahiku Overlook—with views of its namesake falls—and through a remarkable bamboo forest before ending at Waimoku Falls.

If time is short, consider the easier, 1-mile round-trip Kuloa Point Trail, which offers views of Oheo Gulch and its famous pools. (Some tour guides incorrectly call this area Seven Sacred Pools, but in truth there are more than seven when the water is high, and they've never been considered sacred.) Note that many people who drive the Hana Highway make Oheo Gulch their last stop, so visit earlier in the day to avoid crowds.  Although you may be tempted to take a dip, know that the pools are generally closed for safety reasons. Take closure notices seriously, as people have died here.

You'll need to make reservations ( recreation.gov) to camp at the 20-site Kipahulu Campground just south of the visitor center; be sure to stock up on provisions before arriving. Note, too, that entrance tickets are valid for three days and are honored both here and in the Summit District, so hold onto your receipt if you're also planning a visit to the crater.