Haleakalā Wilderness

Haleakala Wilderness is a protected natural area on Maui that spans nearly 25,000 acres across a volcanic mountain. The landscape varies between barren volcanic terrain at higher elevations and thicker forest growth in lower zones.

The area received federal wilderness protection in 1976 as part of Haleakala National Park. This designation was created to preserve the native plant and animal communities of this volcanic region.

The mountain holds deep meaning in Hawaiian tradition as the place where the demigod Maui caught the sun to give islanders more daylight. This story remains central to how local people understand their land and connection to this landscape.

Advance reservations are required through Recreation.gov for camping at the two main sites in this area. Book early since spaces fill quickly, and be prepared for harsh mountain conditions with cold nights and sudden weather changes.

The area is home to the rare Haleakala silversword plant, found nowhere else on Earth, with striking silvery leaves that gleam in high-altitude sunlight. This specialized plant shows how nature adapts to extreme mountain environments.