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Resources & References

Resources & References

Hawaii, USA

Digital Resources

Essential Apps

  • Recreation.gov

    Required for booking Haleakalā sunrise vehicle reservations and camping permits. Download and create an account.

  • National Park Service (NPS) App

    Download the 'Haleakalā National Park' section for offline content, maps, guides, and real-time alerts. Invaluable with limited cell service.

  • Google Maps/Apple Maps

    For general navigation across Maui. Download offline maps for the entire island, especially for Haleakalā and the Hana Highway, as cell service is spotty.

  • AllTrails/Gaia GPS

    For detailed hiking maps and trail information. Download specific trail maps (e.g., Sliding Sands, Pipiwai Trail) for offline use.

  • Weather Apps

    NOAA Weather, AccuWeather, or a local Hawaiian app for up-to-the-minute forecasts, especially for changing conditions at the Haleakalā summit.

Useful Websites

  • National Park Service - Haleakalā

    The official source for park information, including hours, fees, alerts, trail conditions, regulations, and safety. Check regularly: Nps.gov/hale.

  • Recreation.gov

    The central portal for all federal land reservations, including Haleakalā: Recreation.gov.

  • Go Hawaii (Hawaii Tourism Authority)

    Provides general Hawaii travel information, including island guides, activities, and cultural insights: Gohawaii.com/maui.

  • Maui County

    The local government website provides information on public transportation (Maui Bus schedules), local services, and community events: Mauicounty.gov.

  • Social Media Accounts

    Follow official NPS Haleakalā social media accounts for timely updates, alerts, photos, and educational content. Maui tourism accounts also provide inspiration and local tips.

Print Resources

Fodor's Essential Hawaii

A comprehensive guidebook for general Hawaii travel, with detailed sections on Maui and Haleakalā. Look for the latest edition.

Lonely Planet Hawaii

Another popular choice for detailed travel information and recommendations.

National Geographic Map - Maui

Detailed topographical maps of the island, including Haleakalā National Park. Essential for hikers.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contacts

  • Emergency (Police, Fire, Medical): 911 (U.S. National Emergency Number). Dial this for any immediate threat.
  • Haleakalā National Park Dispatch: (808) 985-6170 (non-emergency park issues).
  • U.S. Coast Guard: (808) 842-2600 (for marine emergencies off Maui's coast).

Medical Facilities

  • Maui Memorial Medical Center: 221 Mahalani St, Wailuku, HI 96793 (the main hospital on Maui).
  • Kaiser Permanente Maui Lani Medical Office: 295 Kehalani Rd, Kahului, HI 96732.
  • Various urgent care clinics operate in Kihei and Lahaina for non-life-threatening medical issues.

Further Reading & Exploration

Books on Hawaii

  • "Shoal of Time: A History of the Hawaiian Islands" by Gavan Daws.
  • "Maui: The Demigod" (various versions) to learn more about the Hawaiian mythological figure.
  • "Hawaii" by James Michener, a classic historical fiction novel.

Local Publications

  • The Maui News (local newspaper).
  • Maui Magazine.
  • Various free tourist publications found at airports, hotels, and visitor centers.

Language Learning

  • Consider using apps like Duolingo or Pimsleur to learn basic Hawaiian phrases.
  • Even a few words go a long way in showing respect.

Critical Safety Information

Lost Document Procedures

Passport & Cards

  • Contact your embassy or consulate immediately to report lost or stolen passports.
  • Report lost credit cards to your bank immediately.

Stolen Items

  • File a police report for stolen items.

General Advice

  • Keep copies of important documents separately.
  • Use travel wallets for security.

Natural Disaster Protocol

Tsunami

  • If a tsunami siren sounds or you receive an alert, move immediately to higher ground inland.
  • Follow local evacuation routes.

Hurricane

  • Monitor local news and weather alerts from the National Weather Service.
  • Follow instructions from local authorities for shelter or evacuation.

Wildfire & General Safety

Wildfire

  • Follow official evacuation orders.
  • Avoid areas with smoke.
  • Check local news for updates.

General Safety

  • Stay informed through official channels.
  • Have an emergency plan with your group.

Community & Language

Online Communities

  1. Participate in online travel communities and forums (e.g., TripAdvisor, Reddit's r/maui, r/hawaii) for questions and experiences.

Language Resources

  1. Consider using apps like Babbel or Duolingo to learn basic Hawaiian phrases.
  2. Even a few words go a long way in showing respect.

Cultural Immersion

Documentaries & Films

Look for documentaries on Hawaiian volcanoes, island ecosystems, Native Hawaiian culture, and history.

Music & Art

Listen to traditional Hawaiian and contemporary music. Explore local art galleries in Makawao, Paia, and Lahaina.

Podcasts & Digital Content

Search for "Hawaii travel podcasts" or "Haleakalā history" for background, tips, and stories.

Important Safety Note

Keep emergency numbers and contacts readily available. Be aware of natural disaster protocols and know what to do in an emergency.

Cultural Insights & Further Exploration

Cultural Insights

Media & Learning

  • Documentaries & Films

    Explore Hawaiian volcanoes, island ecosystems, and culture through documentaries.

  • Local Music & Art

    Immerse in traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music and art.

  • Podcasts & Digital Content

    Search for "Hawaii travel podcasts" or "Haleakalā history."

Community & Language

  • Online Communities

    Participate in online travel communities and forums (e.g., TripAdvisor, Reddit).

  • Language Learning

    Consider apps like Babbel to learn basic Hawaiian phrases.

  • Respectful Phrases

    Even a few Hawaiian words go a long way in showing respect.

Essential Contacts

Emergency Services

Dial 911 for Police, Fire, Medical emergencies. Haleakalā National Park Dispatch: (808) 985-6170 (non-emergency).

Medical Facilities

Maui Memorial Medical Center (Wailuku). Urgent care clinics in Kihei and Lahaina.

Lost Documents

Contact your embassy immediately for lost passports. Report lost credit cards to your bank. File a police report for stolen items.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Tsunami & Hurricane

  • Tsunami Protocol: Move immediately to higher ground inland if sirens sound or alerts are received.
  • Hurricane Protocol: Monitor local news and weather alerts. Follow instructions from local authorities for shelter or evacuation.

Wildfire & General Safety

  • Wildfire Protocol: Follow official evacuation orders. Avoid areas with smoke. Check local news for updates.
  • General Preparedness: Stay informed through official channels. Have an emergency plan with your group.

Further Cultural Deepening

Media & Exploration

  • Documentaries & Films: Explore Hawaiian volcanoes, ecosystems, and culture through documentaries.
  • Local Music & Art: Immerse in traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music and art.
  • Online Communities: Engage with travel forums for recent experiences and advice.
  • Language Learning: Learn basic Hawaiian phrases with apps like Babbel.

Reading & Research

  • Books on Hawaiian History: Read comprehensive historical accounts of the islands.
  • Mythology of Maui: Discover stories about the demigod Maui and his connection to the volcano.
  • Local Publications: Pick up The Maui News or Maui Magazine for current events and tips.
  • Stargazing Guides: Find resources for identifying constellations visible from Haleakalā.

Maximize Your Knowledge

Deepen your appreciation by exploring cultural contexts and historical narratives before your visit.