Haleakala National Park

Haleakala National Park contains a range of natural ecosystems including the Oheo stream, the subalpine shrublands, dry forest and rainforest. The diversity extends from the Haleakala Crater, the dormant volcano summit area, to the coastal Kipahulu area. Bird-lovers love to hike to the summit of Mount Haleakala to view the nesting colony of the Hawaiian Petrel, an endangered species of migratory seabird. A hike into the nearly seven-mile across, two-mile wide crater allows visitors to view the cinder cones up close.

Pack a picnic lunch for a beautiful hike through the rainforest to the base of the 400-foot Waimoku Falls. Be sure to stop along the scenic Hawaiian roads to enjoy the views from the overlooks, and don't forget your binoculars at night to view the incredibly clear sky. Drive a short distance to the historic district of Lahaina, for comfortable lodging with Best Western hotels.