Hawaii, USA
Most foreign visitors typically obtain either a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to enter the United States. Citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries (e.g., Australia, New Zealand, most EU countries, Japan, South Korea, United Kingdom) apply for an ESTA online. An ESTA authorizes stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business. It is not a visa but an authorization to travel. An approved ESTA is generally valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Apply for your ESTA several days or weeks before your trip. Citizens of non-VWP countries, or those ineligible for ESTA, require a B-2 tourist visa. This process includes completing an online application (Form DS-160), paying a fee, and attending an interview at a U.S. Embassy or consulate in your home country. Beginning this process many months in advance is advisable, as appointment wait times may be lengthy.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the U.S., unless your country has a specific agreement exempting this rule. Carry a printed confirmation of your ESTA approval or confirm your physical visa appears in your passport. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) often requests proof of your departure from the U.S. Within your authorized stay period. Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in the United States. A digital photo is a requirement for online visa applications (DS-160) and ESTA applications. The photo must meet specific U.S. Visa photo requirements.
Haleakalā National Park charges an entrance fee. As of late 2023/early 2024, the fee for Haleakalā National Park is $30 per private vehicle, providing 3-day access. A motorcycle fee is $25, and an individual entry fee (pedestrian or bicycle) is $15. The America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Pass is an option if you plan to visit multiple U.S. National parks or federal recreation sites within a year. It covers entrance fees for one year from the month of purchase. Purchase it at park entrances or online via the USGS Store. This pass quickly delivers value if you visit two or more parks.
An additional $1.00 per vehicle reservation is booked for sunrise viewing (3:00 AM – 7:00 AM) at the summit. This reservation is separate from the park entrance fee and booked through Recreation.gov. Securing this reservation as soon as your travel dates are firm is a good idea. Permits are a requirement for backcountry camping at Palikū and Hōlua campgrounds, located deep within the park's wilderness area. Securing these reservations via Recreation.gov well in advance is advisable, as they are extremely limited. Commercial filming or photography within the park also requires a specific permit from the National Park Service.
Apply for ESTA online
Up to 90 days for tourism/business.
Several days or weeks before travel.
For non-VWP citizens
Online application, fee, embassy interview.
Many months in advance due to wait times.
3-day vehicle access
$30
$1 additional (required 3AM-7AM)
Travel insurance is highly recommended. A comprehensive policy should cover medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation or interruption, and lost luggage. Verify your policy specifically covers any activities you plan to undertake, like hiking at high altitudes or adventure sports. Review the policy details to understand what is included and excluded. Explore options like World Nomads for adventurous travelers or SafetyWing for digital nomads.
The United States has no specific vaccination requirements for entry beyond routine vaccinations (e.g., MMR, DTaP, Polio, Chickenpox, Flu, Tetanus). Consult your doctor for personal recommendations based on your health history and travel plans. Officials conduct standard immigration checks for general health.
Store digital and physical copies of all important travel documents separately.
Confirm if your nationality requires an IDP with your home license for car rental.
Carry a doctor's note for prescription medications, specifically controlled substances.
For delayed/canceled flights, AirHelp may secure compensation.
Have your country's embassy or consulate contact details available.
Maui, and by extension Haleakalā National Park, presents itself as an expensive destination. Plan your budget with care to manage costs, regardless of your travel style.
The official currency of the United States is the United States Dollar (USD, represented by $). ATMs are widely available across Maui, specifically in major towns like Kahului, Kihei, Wailea, and Paia. Most establishments accept major credit cards. Be aware of potential foreign transaction fees charged by your bank or credit card provider. Inform your bank of your travel dates to prevent card holds.
Accommodation and meal costs fluctuate significantly based on season and booking lead time.
Luxury Traveler Daily Costs: $600+ USD. This tier includes high-end resorts, luxury vacation rentals, or private villas for accommodation ($300-$1000+). Meals involve fine dining experiences, private chefs, and gourmet food tours ($150-$300+). Transportation expenses cover premium rental cars, private transfers, or even helicopter tours for scenic views ($100-$200+). Activities and park fees entail private guided tours and exclusive experiences like a private sunrise bike descent ($50-$100+).
The environment here presents unique considerations, especially at high altitudes and in remote areas.
The rapid ascent to 10,023 feet (3,055 meters) can cause symptoms of altitude sickness like headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. To mitigate these, hydrate well before and during your ascent. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine upon arrival at altitude is a good practice. Move slowly and avoid strenuous activity immediately upon reaching the summit. Descending to lower elevations helps if symptoms worsen. High elevation at Haleakalā also means stronger UV radiation; the sun’s intensity significantly intensifies every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Using High-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen is important. The dry air at the summit and strenuous hiking may quickly lead to dehydration. Drinking plenty of water, especially when hiking or at altitude, is recommended.
Temperatures drop dramatically at the summit, especially at night and early morning for sunrise viewing. Strong winds amplify the cold. Hypothermia poses a risk if preparation with warm clothing is inadequate. Dressing in warm, layered clothing, including a windproof outer layer, hat, and Gloves, is important. Changing out of wet clothes quickly also helps.
Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the U.S. This number works for all emergencies within Haleakalā National Park as well. Maui Memorial Medical Center in Kahului is the island's main hospital. Urgent care clinics are available for non-life-threatening issues.
Hospital & Urgent Care access.
Rapid descent for worsening altitude sickness.
Tap water in developed areas of Maui is generally safe for drinking. In Haleakalā National Park, potable water is available at visitor centers. However, bringing ample water is advisable, especially for hikes into the crater where no water sources exist. Water sources in the backcountry are for treatment or filtration before consumption. Food hygiene standards in the U.S., including Maui, are high. Eating at reputable establishments is recommended.
Treated tap water is safe.
Untreated backcountry water not for consumption.
Overall, Maui and Haleakalā National Park stay very safe destinations. The main safety concerns within the park relate to environmental factors (weather, altitude, uneven terrain) rather than crime. Vehicle break-ins may occur at trailheads and popular overlooks if valuables are left visible in your car. Always lock your vehicle and place all valuables out of sight or take them with you. Hawaii experiences frequent, usually minor, earthquakes. Larger quakes are rare but possible. Hawaii is also susceptible to tsunamis. Tsunami warning systems are in place; following official instructions from local authorities during alerts is important.
Generally safe destination.
Leaving valuables visible in car is not recommended.
| Service | Number | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Services | 911 | Police, Fire, Medical (U.S. National) |
| Haleakalā Park Dispatch | (808) 985-6170 | Non-emergency park issues |
| U.S. Coast Guard | (808) 842-2600 | Marine emergencies |
The same clothing suitable for a beach day will not work for a pre-dawn summit visit.
Moisture-wicking material (merino wool or synthetic) close to skin.
Insulating Fleece jacket (e.g., Columbia Men's Steens Mountain Fleece 2.0 Jacket or Columbia Women's Benton Springs Fleece Jacket).
Windproof and Waterproof jacket (e.g., Marmot Men's PreCip Eco Jacket or The North Face Women's Venture 2 Jacket). A warm, Packable down jacket is highly recommended.
Lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking clothing for a tropical, humid, and often rainy environment.
Pack a Rain jacket or Poncho for sudden downpours. A Swimsuit is good for natural pools, but check park alerts for closures. For hiking, sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip are necessary. Hiking boots (e.g., Merrell Men's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot or Merrell Women's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot) or robust Trail shoes are highly recommended.
For water activities, Water shoes or sturdy Sandals that can get wet and offer good grip protect your feet on slippery rocks around pools or stream crossings. Comfortable Walking shoes suit short walks around visitor centers.
Cultural dress code considerations and modesty requirements: Haleakalā National Park has no specific cultural dress code requirements. Comfortable and practical outdoor attire is appropriate for all park activities.
Carry original passport and printed ESTA confirmation or physical visa.
Policy number, emergency contacts, coverage details (physical & digital copies).
Haleakalā sunrise reservation, accommodation, rental car, flights, tours.
While not typically a requirement for U.S. Entry, having personal copies of your vaccination records and relevant health documentation (e.g., for pre-existing conditions, medication lists) is useful for medical emergencies.
Planning your electronics with care, especially considering the remote nature of Haleakalā National Park, is important.
U.S. Uses 120 V, 60 Hz, Type A/B plugs. Bring a Universal travel adapter. Most modern smartphones are compatible with U.S. Networks. Prepaid SIM cards or eSIM are options.
For low light, a DSLR or Mirrorless camera with a Sturdy tripod is useful. Bring several extra charged batteries. Portable chargers and power banks (e.g., Anker PowerCore 20000 Portable Charger) are highly recommended.
Download offline maps for Google Maps or hiking apps. Keep Airalo for eSIM needs. Backup photos and videos daily to cloud storage or an External hard drive.
