Haleakalā Crater (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Haleakalā Crater?
What makes it 74% Kids-Friendly: Kids earn Junior Ranger badges, see rare silversword plants, and walk the short Pā Ka‘oao trail; high elevation, early sunrise hours, and lack of restaurants require extra clothing, snacks, and patience.
Positives:
- High Elevation Views: The summit offers a unique lunar-like landscape kids will find exciting.
- Interactive Learning: Visitor Center exhibits and the Junior Ranger program keep children engaged.
Challenges:
- Altitude & Temperature: Temperatures can drop below freezing; pack warm layers and watch for altitude effects on kids.
- Limited Facilities: No food or fuel inside the park; bring all supplies and fill your tank in nearby towns.
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 kids?
- Free Junior Ranger program with a souvenir badge.
- Easy, paved trails suitable for young children.
- Interactive Visitor Center exhibits and seasonal demos.
- Scenic overlooks accessible by car for quick stops.
Recommended visit duration: 2-4 hours
Why 2-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for the Junior Ranger program, a short hike, and visitor center exhibits without rushing young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Haleakalā Crater
Junior Ranger Program:
Pick up a free activity book at the Visitor Center and complete simple tasks to earn a badge.
Tip: Start early to avoid midday crowds and return to hand in the book by 3 p.m.
Pā Ka‘oao Hike:
Enjoy a 0.4 mi round trip trail with a 100 ft rise to view ancient rock shelters.
Tip: Bring hats and water; this trail is paved and stroller-friendly.
Visitor Center Exhibits:
Explore interactive displays on geology and native plants at the Headquarters Visitor Center.
Tip: Check the schedule for seasonal Solar Festival demos in summer.
Scenic Drive & Overlooks:
Stop at Pu‘u‘ula‘ula and Kalahaku Overlooks for crater views from your car.
Tip: Bring a picnic and layer clothing; these spots get chilly even midday.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Haleakalā Crater
- Time Your Visit: Arrive after sunrise to dodge pre-dawn crowds and avoid the 3–7 a.m. reservation fee.
- Pack Smart: Bring a stroller or carrier, hats, snacks, water, and extra layers to keep kids comfortable.
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)?
Visit in summer for the Solar Festival demos at the Visitor Center. Winter mornings can be cold; bring warm layers year-round.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Entrance Pass (3-day) | USD 30 |
| Snacks & Drinks | USD 20 |
| Total Estimated | USD 50 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Haleakalā Crater
Address: Haleakala Crater, Hawaii 96790, USA
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