This Veteran’s Day, November 11, Haleakala National Park is waiving its entrance and parking fees to all visitors.  The magic of this dormant volcano awaits where ever you may be within the grounds. Whether it be native bird-watching amongst the indigenous hardwoods in Hosmer Grove, exploring the majestic pools and waterfalls amidst lush tropical rain forests in Kipahulu, or reveling above the unbelievable beauty of a famous Haleakala sunrise, many undiscovered nooks still exist in the 30,000-plus acres designated as national park.

The Summit and Inside the “Crater”

One of the most popular trips to the park, and probably one of the “must-do” activities while on Maui, is watching the sun ascend from the depths of the Pacific.  Many visit the 10,000 ft summit early each morning, brave the very “un-tropical” temperatures, and experience what most call the most stunning sunrise on earth.  Once the sun has has brightened over the valley and crater (geologically speaking, its a depression) below, even more stunning views become illuminated.  South Maui’s oceanfront homes, Upcountry’s estates, and the condos in Kihei all illuminate within an hour of sunrise, as the rest of the Valley Isle greets the morning sun.  If you love a good trek, arrive prepared and venture 3,000 ft. down into the depression’s floor onsome of Maui’s most rewarding hikes.  Here are a few amazing pictures of Haleakala I took on a 20 mile hike during the winter of 2008.

Kipahulu and the Coastal Rain Forest

The waiver fee also includes the Kipahulu park entry fee, a well preserved coastal rain forest that encompasses numerous waterfalls, freshwater pools, and hikes into mysterious bamboo forests.  From the parking area, The Pipiwai trail leads two miles up to the majestic Waimoku Falls (top right), a 400 foot waterfall that is easily my favorite on island.  10 minutes in the opposite direction of the trail, back towards the Pacific, leads to the pools at Oheo Gulch (top left) – sometimes still referred to as the “7 Sacred Pools,” even though there are much more than 7, and all fresh water is considered sacred in Hawaii.  All in all, Haleakala National Parks offer some of the widest range of activities and views you can experience on Maui, and this weekend is a perfect opportunity to bypass the normal fees.   I’d like to hear about some of your favorite things to do within the parks, it would be fantastic to find a new spot to go exploring!