Getting to Heleakala
Written by Vacation Idea.com Travel Editors.
Whether you've decided to visit the crater at 10,000 feet or drive to the coastal part of Heleakala on East Maui, you'll have to allocate a full day to complete the trip. Keep in mind that there is no direct road from the summit to East Maui, so you won't be able to squeeze both trips into one day.
Haleakala Crater
The drive to the summit takes one and a half hours from Kahului airport. If you are staying in one of the popular resort areas, such as Kapalua, Kihei and Wailea, it will take about 2.5 hours one way. Accommodations are available closer to the summit, such as the rustic Kula Lodge.
Seven Sacred Pools
To reach the Seven Sacred Pools on the east side of Maui, you'll have to brave the curvy Hana Highway for about 2.5 hours from Kahului airport to O'heo Gulch. If you are staying in Kapalua, Napili, Ka'anapali, Kihei or Wailea, add another hour to estimate your driving time.
A day trip to the Seven Sacred Pools won't give you much time to enjoy the area and swim in the pools because you'll have to complete the same 3.5 hour drive back. It's a better idea to plan on staying in Hana for a day or two.
Read more about visiting Haleakala National Park on Maui.
