How to Get to Haleakalā: Airports, Access, and Transportation

By Erika Müller · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Haleakalā

The closest airport is Kahului Airport (IATA code: OGG), on the island of Maui, about 34 miles from the Summit District entrance. Plan on 1.5 to 2 hours of driving, depending on traffic. The road is winding, with a steep grade over the last few miles. Kīpahulu District, on the southeast coast, is a different story. From Kahului Airport, you'll take the Hana Highway for about 56 miles, which takes 2.5 to 3 hours to drive.

Airports around the park (5)

• Airport Hana Airport HNM · 11 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
• Airport Kahului International Airport OGG · 22 miles from the park · international Directions ↗
• Airport Kapalua Airport JHM · 38 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
• Airport Lanai Airport LNY · 52 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
• Airport Waimea Kohala Airport MUE · 58 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗

Show interactive map Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO

Where to Fly: Which Airport for Haleakalā

Kahului Airport (OGG): Maui's Gateway

This is where you'll land. Kahului is Maui's only commercial airport, and all the major U.S. airlines serve it from the mainland. You can pick up a rental car right at the airport, which makes things simple. Collect your luggage, pick up the car, and take Route 37 south.

Plan on a very early wake-up if you're going for sunrise. See the “Entrances” section below. The road to the summit, Haleakalā Crater Road (Route 378), requires careful driving, with tight curves and a speed limit of 25 to 35 mph depending on the section.

Honolulu (HNL) and Pacific Hubs

If your itinerary takes you through Honolulu on the island of Oʻahu, allow an additional 30- to 40-minute interisland flight to Kahului. Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest operate this route regularly throughout the day.

Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and Seattle (SEA) offer nonstop flights to OGG. These are the natural connecting points if you're arriving from Europe.

Getting to Haleakalā from France: Nonstop or Connecting Flight

There are no nonstop flights between France and Maui. The trip takes two legs: a long-haul flight from Paris-CDG to Los Angeles, about 11 hours, or San Francisco, about 11.5 hours, followed by a flight to Kahului, which takes 5 to 5.5 hours from the West Coast. Door to door, plan on 20 to 25 hours of travel, depending on connections and layovers.

Air France flies daily from Paris-CDG to Los Angeles. Hawaiian Airlines then connects LAX and Kahului several times a week. Air Tahiti Nui is another option on this route, especially during the low season.

One tip: if your trip includes several islands, Honolulu is the most flexible hub for interisland connections. If you're visiting Maui alone, fly directly to OGG from the mainland.

By Car: Distances and Drive Times from Maui Towns

A rental car is essential. No bus or public shuttle goes up to the summit of Haleakalā. Reserve one as soon as you land at Kahului Airport.

These drive times account for the road's terrain. For sunrise, plan to leave Kahului before 2:30 a.m. You must reserve a timed entry reservation. See below.

On the Hana Highway toward Kīpahulu District, cell service becomes unreliable after Hana. Download offline maps before leaving your hotel.

Park Entrances

Haleakalā has two areas reached by separate roads, with no road connecting them inside the park. Visiting both in one day is possible, but it makes for a demanding day with several hours of driving.

Summit District. You reach the entrance from Route 37, then Route 377, and finally Route 378 (Haleakalā Crater Road). This is where you'll find the visitor center, overlooks, and the summit at 10,023 feet. The park is open 24 hours a day, but you need a timed entry reservation to enter between 3 and 7 a.m. Without a reservation recorded on recreation.gov, the gate stays closed. These reservations sell out months in advance, especially during the peak season. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, valid for 3 days. For pass options, see our Fees & Passes page.

Kīpahulu District. Located on the southeast coast near Hana, this area is accessible only via the Hana Highway (Route 360). You'll find the ʻOheʻo Pools and lush tropical forest here. No timed entry reservation is required for this area.

Elevation and Logistics in the Park

At 10,023 feet, some visitors experience headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath. Take it slow, drink plenty of water, and head back down if your symptoms get worse. Dress warmly. At dawn, temperatures near the summit hover around 32 to 41°F, while the coast is around 81°F. For information about driving in the park, parking, and shuttles, Getting Around Haleakalā covers the practical details.

Other Options: Guided Tours and Biking

If driving at night on an unfamiliar mountain road isn't your thing, Maui operators offer van tours from hotels in Kīhei, Wailea, or Lahaina for sunrise. The package includes transportation, a guide, and often breakfast after the descent. It's a good option for travelers who aren't renting a car or don't want to handle Haleakalā Crater Road on their own at 2 a.m.

Biking downhill from the summit is another popular activity. Local outfitters provide bikes and gear, and the group rides down in a line. Keep in mind that most of the route follows a public road, not the park itself. Check the exact route before booking.

In Summary: The Best Route Based on Where You're Starting

From France: Paris-CDG to LAX or SFO, then a connecting flight to Kahului (OGG). Pick up a rental car at the airport as soon as you land.

Already on Maui: From Kahului or the south coast, take Route 37 → 377 → 378 to the Summit District. Take the Hana Highway to Kīpahulu District.

For sunrise: Reserve your timed entry reservation on recreation.gov as early as possible, several months ahead. Leave Kahului before 2:30 a.m., and bring a warm coat. Temperatures near the summit approach freezing at dawn.

Frequently Asked Questions