Haleakalā Crater (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Haleakalā Crater?
What makes it 56% Baby-Friendly: Parents can drive to summit, push a stroller around visitor centers, and feed the baby at Hosmer Grove tables, but no changing tables, chilly thin air, and rough trails limit time outside the car.
Positives:
- Easy car access: Key overlooks are reachable by paved road with minimal walking.
- Baby-friendly facilities: Visitor centers offer restrooms with accessible stalls and drinking water.
Challenges:
- High elevation: Summit altitude may cause mild breathing changes; watch your baby for discomfort.
- Cold temperatures: Temperatures can drop below freezing; bring layers and blankets.
What is Haleakalā Crater?
- A crater that occupies the summit region of Maui’s Haleakalā shield volcano
- A collapsed caldera spanning more than seven miles across and pockmarked by numerous cinder cones
- A high-altitude volcanic terrain of hardened lava fields and rare alpine ecosystems
What is so special about Haleakalā Crater for with baby?
- Drive to summit overlooks for crater scenery with minimal walking
- Visit Haleakalā Visitor Center for indoor exhibits and baby facilities
- Picnic under pines at Hosmer Grove for toddler-friendly rest
- Utilize paved paths and accessible restrooms at visitor centers
- Bring layers to stay warm at over 10,000 ft elevation
Recommended visit duration: 2-4 hours
Why 2-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Drive between overlooks, visit the center, and picnic without rushing with a baby.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Haleakalā Crater
Pu‘u‘ula‘ula Observation Deck:
Drive to this summit overlook for panoramic crater views from your car.
Tip: Arrive mid-morning to avoid early cold and find parking near the viewpoint.
Haleakalā Visitor Center:
Explore indoor exhibits on native plants and find restrooms with accessible stalls.
Tip: Use the stroller-friendly paths and refill water bottles at the fountain.
Hosmer Grove Picnic Area:
Sit at sheltered picnic tables among tall pines for a breezy snack stop.
Tip: Pack a blanket and snacks for a comfortable baby feeding spot.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Haleakalā Crater
- Pack layered clothing: Bring warm layers, hats, and blankets for sudden temperature drops.
- Stroller vs. carrier: Use a structured baby carrier for rough paths; strollers work around visitor centers.
Reviews of Haleakalā Crater
Sree Nair
SUPER windy and cold at the top to view sunrise. We had jackets and layers on and were still cold. Kids and I were huddled up at the entrance of the visitor center, which was still closed, to not be directly blasted by the wind. We woke up at 2 am to leave Kihei at 3 am to make it in time to see the golden hour and sunrise at 5-something. Saw many folks in light hoodies or shorts not able to handl...
Megan Vittetoe
So beautiful! It was a little rainier and foggier than most days, but still breathtaking. Be warned! You need a lot of layers to be comfortable at 10,000 feet! We found our souls with the Search of the Brocken Spectre and saw the endangered silversword plant!
Phillip Lucas
Wow, impressive like you just won't believe until you are here. The colors, the geography, and lost sense of the distance of this crater. It's tough to understand what distance you are looking at into you see someone hiking one of the trails below. I did not get a chance to hike, but spent a good few hours here and thoroughly enjoyed it. Wait for sundown if you can. Even if it is cloudy, ...
Fred Ashdown
We had a wonderful time here but wasn't going to spend 200 per head to go up on a tour bus because apparently if you want to go here for the sunrise you need to go online and reserve your spot maybe a month or more in advanve to do so. So we went up for the sunset it was still quite busy so I can see this eventually needing reservations so check ahead of time on these rules
Thomas Cybucki
Be aware that it's over 10,000 feet where the air is thinner, so take your time climbing the short trail to a higher vantage point. It cost $25US for two of us and our rental vehicle to enter the park. The drive from the bottom to the top was a bit longer than expected, took 45 minutes or so. Lots of turns and it winds all the way up the crater. There are multiple good spots to get photos on the ...
When is the best time to visit Haleakalā Crater (Hawaii, United States)?
In summer check for the Solar Festival at Park Headquarters Visitor Center. Winter mornings can be foggy—plan midday visits for clearer views.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle entrance pass | USD 30 |
| Optional baby gear rental (per day) | USD 50 |
| Total Estimated | USD 80 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Haleakalā Crater
Address: Haleakala Crater, Hawaii 96790, USA
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