HAWAII

Haleakala National Park. Views from the viewpoint of Leleiwi. Maui. Hawaii. The Haleakala National Park ranges through five distinctly different climates zones. The road to the Haleakala summit, known as the Haleakala Highway, holds the world record for climbing to the highest elevation in the shortest distance of 38 miles. The dormant volcano's vast moon-like crater floor with its towering cinder cones is an incredible wonder of Maui. From the 10,023 foot summit, the Big Island of Hawaii can be seen off in the distance, usually with a peak or two poking above the clouds. One mile inside the park is the Visitors Center. In front of the Center, the rare Silversword can be viewed. This is a threatened species of plant that only grows above 6,000 feet. The plant can live for up to 50 years and blooming ends its lifecycle. Read more on our Silverswords of Hawaii article. So what does Haleakala National Park have to offer as you head up Highway 378 towards the summit? Let's take a Mile by Mile look up the highway. Park Entrance You'll approach the official entrance to the park right beyond mile marker 10. Here you will see the official ' Haleakala' sign welcoming you to the park. The $10 fee for admission is good for both the summit and Kipahulu area of the park. If you already paid in Kipahulu (within the last 3 days), just show them your park pass or receipt. If you arrive early enough for the sunrise, there may not be anyone in the booth so you may want to pay on the way back down. (Photo by: Sergi Reboredo/VW Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)