Maui: Sleep for less inside a volcano

If you’ve been to Maui, chances are you’ve thought about going to the top of Haleakala volcano to catch the sunrise. But seeing the sun peek through the clouds ringed around the rim of the ancient volcano from the park road can’t begin to compare to seeing the event from inside the collapsed caldera itself. If you’re an avid hiker, stay inside one of Haleakala National Park’s historic wilderness cabins, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s.

Deal: Although the reservations lottery application process takes time, staying overnight in the wilderness cabins inside Halekala National Park rates among my favorite experiences in Hawaii. In fact, I’ve done it twice. From the volcano summit, it’s a 3.7-mile downhill hike to Holua cabin, to enjoy panoramic sunrise views through the Koolau Gap; 5.5 miles to Kapaloa cabin, for easy access to multicolored cinder cones; and 9.3 miles to Paliku, on the rainy side of the volcano. To reserve any cabin costs $75/night for up to 12 people ($60/night for last-minute bookings).

Is it worth getting up to see the sunrise at Haleakala? Share your experience in the Comments section below.

More…details: Applications for the wilderness cabins’ reservations lottery must be received by the first day of the month that is 2 months prior to your intended stay (e.g., for any date in May, be sure your application is received by March 1). Mail your request to: Haleakala National Park, PO Box 369 Makawao, HI 96768 Attention: Cabins. Lottery winners will be notified by mail and must pre-pay for their reservation a minimum of 3 weeks before their stay.

Tip: Write down a few alternate dates on your lottery application, to increase your chances of getting a reservation. To check last-minute cabin availability, call (808) 572-4459 between 1 and 3 p.m. HST anytime less than 3 weeks before you’d like to visit the park.

Caveat: The cabins are very basic. Although they have wood-burning stoves, padded bunk beds and cookware, there is no electricity. You’ll need to bring warm clothes, a sleeping bag, candles, a flashlight, food and, during times of drought, all of your own water.

Why Go: Star gazing from inside Haleakala, a volcano that is technically still active, is amazing.

Why Not: It’s a rugged place to sleep, almost like camping out. Be prepared for bugs and freezing-cold temperatures, especially during the winter months.

Disconnect: There is no Internet access for visitors at Haleakala National Park.

Contact: Haleakala National Park, (808) 572-4400

Related links:
Haleakala National Park’s bicycle tours on hold after deaths
Hawaii: Go Maui discount card
Watching Kilauea: Going with the lava flow in Hawaii

— Sara Benson

[Photo: Courtesy of National Park Service]

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This entry was posted on Monday, October 8, 2007 at 7:49 am by Sara Benson and is filed under Eco-Travel, Hawaii, Maui, National Parks, Outdoors & Adventure. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.