Increased Public Access in Haleakalā National Park to Begin Wednesday

Science City at Haleakalā National Park. PC: Maui Now file photo

The National Park Service today announced that it will begin increasing public access to Haleakalā National Park on Wednesday, May 27, 2020.

The NPS continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and is using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Beginning Wednesday, the following areas in Haleakalā National Park will be accessible to the public Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.:  

• The Summit District of Haleakalā National Park from the park entrance to the summit at 10,023 ft. elevation. Park entrance fees continue to be temporarily waived.
• Headquarters Visitor Center public restrooms at 7,000 feet (the visitor center building remains closed)
• Haleakalā Visitor Center public restrooms at 9,740 feet (the visitor center building remains closed)
• Hosmer Grove Trail
• Supply Trail from Hosmer Grove to Halemauˈu Trail junction (Halemauˈu trail remains closed)
• Leleiwi Overlook Trail
• Pā Ka‘oao (White Hill) Trail

In following CDC, and state and local public health guidance, all other areas in the park, including the Kīpahulu District, the Crater and all backcountry areas remain closed. Commercial and special use permits continue to be suspended.

Visitors should prepare for a self-guided experience in the park by visiting the park website at www.nps.gov/hale. The NPS recommends departing the open areas within the Summit District no later than 3:30 pm to allow adequate drive time to the park entrances before gates close promptly at 5:00 pm. Visitors exploring the areas open in the Summit District should plan to be self-sufficient; it is recommended to bring a face mask, hand sanitizer, warm layers of clothing for changing weather conditions, and enough food and water for the duration of a visit to the park.

While areas are accessible for the public to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. Sunrise or sunset viewing is not available. Park users should follow local health orders from the Governor of Hawai‘i and Maui County, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding, and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

Haleakalā National Park’s operational approach continues to be centered on examining each facility and service to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public areas and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.

For additional details about Haleakalā National Park operations, visit www.nps.gov/hale. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.