Safety

Haleakala National Park is a challenging, remote landscape, and visitors are responsible for their own safety. Weather atop the summit can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and prepared for cold and damp conditions, especially if you are driving up for sunrise. If an emergency does occur, keep in mind that an ambulance may take up to an hour to arrive to the summit or Kipahulu areas. The summit area of the park begins at 7,000 feet elevation, and reaches just over 10,000 feet at its peak, so keep in mind the high altitude of the environment you're visiting. Those with respiratory health issues, elderly visitors, pregnant women, and small children should all have a clean bill of health before visiting the summit. Those who go diving on Maui must also take care not to visit the summit within 24 hours of their last dive due to the risk of decompression sickness (a.k.a. "the bends"). Visitors should drink plenty of water and wear adequate sun and wind protection. In the coastal Kipahulu area, safety concerns mostly center around the pools at 'Ohe'o Gulch. If the pools are closed, do not enter them even if the stream looks calm and local weather is good. Heavy rains at higher elevations can trigger flash floods and rock slides in this area, so it is imperative that you obey warning signs. Visitors to this area should also be wary of slippery rocks. Bring sun protection, rain protection, mosquito repellent, and plenty of water.