Haleakala National Park

Haleakala National Park preserves the outstanding volcanic landscape of the upper slopes of Haleakala on the island of Maui and protects the unique and fragile ecosystems of Kipahulu Valley, the scenic pools along Oheo Gulch, and many rare and endangered species.Isolated in the mid Pacific, the Hawaiian Islands are the most remote major island group on earth. Lying 2,400 miles from the nearest continent, they have never had connection to any other land mass. Natural crossings across this great expanse of ocean by animals and plants were extremely rare. Haleakala National Park preserves intact this superb example of the Hawaiian Islandsí native ecosystems.Haleakala, originally part of Hawaii National Park, was redesignated as a separate entity in July 1961. Haleakala National Park was designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980. Of its 30,183 acres, 24,719 acres are designated wilderness.