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Haleakala National ParkvsWai'anapanapa State Park
Both are highly recommended by professional reviewers writing for major publications. On balance, Haleakala National Park ranks marginally better than Wai'anapanapa State Park. Haleakala National Park scores 89 with accolades from 6 reviews including Fodor's, Where and Michelin Guide.
Haleakala National Park
Frommer's
Fodor's
Travel + Leisure
Where
Michelin Guide
U.S. News & World Report Frommer's Fodor's
Kula, Maui, HI 96790
From $0/night
Frommer's "Hiking into Maui’s dormant volcano is the best way to see it. The terrain inside the wilderness area of the volcano... is astonishing." Full review
i
Try to arrange to stay at least 1 night in the park
Fodor's "Nowhere else on Earth can you drive from sea level to 10,023 feet in only 38 miles." Full review
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Before you head up Haleakala, call for the latest weather conditions.
Travel + Leisure "A must for any visitor to Maui is Haleakala, the world’s largest dormant volcano... more than 10,000 feet above sea level." Full review
Where "Haleakala National Park encompasses the world’s largest dormant volcano and 26,000 acres of dry forests, rain forests and desert." Full review
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"It's worth waking up in the dark of early morning to drive from your beachfront resort and watch the sunrise over the Halekala's 10,023-foot summit." Full review
U.S. News & World Report5.0
"Every year, more than a million tourists visit Haleakala National Park, home to the world's largest dormant volcano." Full review
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No matter when you visit, be sure to wear warm layers.
Frommer's "This stunning national park offers a variety of options for campers throughout its diverse landscape: car camping at Hosmer Grove halfway up the summit or at Oheo Gulch in Kipahulu; pitching a tent in the central Haleakala wilderness; or cozying up in one of the crater’s historic cabins" Full review
Fodor's "The Kipahulu section of Haleakala National Park, also known as the backside of Haleakala, is rich with greenery, waterfalls, ocean vistas, ancient archaeological sites, and a variety of hikes" Full review
Wai'anapanapa State Park Frommer's Fodor's Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Michelin Guide Travel + Leisure
Hana Hwy. near mile marker 32, Hana, Maui, HI
From $0/night
Frommer's "Tucked in a tropical jungle on the outskirts of the little coastal town of Hana is this state park, a black-sand beach set in an emerald forest." Full review
Fodor's "Home to one of Maui's only black-sand beaches and freshwater caves for adventurous swimmers to explore." Full review
Travel + Leisure "The Waianapanapa beach is part of a 120-acre state park near Hana, in east Maui." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Visiting the famous “Black Sand Beach” is a highlight of any Hana itinerary, and campers who stay at this state-run campground have it right in their backyard." Full review
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"This State Park nestled in the northwest corner of Maui boasts a wild, natural setting dotted with volcanic rocks." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Black volcanic pebbly shores and turquoise tides make Waiʻānapanapa State Park one of the most gorgeous beaches in Maui. Better for photography than sunbathing, it's also prime for swimming"
