Paragliding And 4 Other Adventures In Haleakala National Park

Volcanoes, some of the most dangerous places in national parks, are the main attraction in Hawaii's wilderness. But travelers can find so much more in Haleakala.

Visiting the park is not a summer trip you should plan for months; you can just go and start your relaxing but adventurous vacation.

Go horseback riding or sailing if you're looking for more peaceful outdoor experiences. Or you can do one of the following so you can truly experience this the "rare and sacred landscape."

Paraglading

See this unique national park from high above. Feel the vibe of ancient and modern Hawaiian culture connecting nature and people. Paragliding is one of the best ways to witness the majesty of Haleakala. You will be flying with a certified instructor, of course, so you can fully experience the thrill of paragliding. ProFlight flies year-round so you can embark upon this adventure anytime you're there, weather permitting.

Camping

Haleakala is not the first national park ideal for camping that comes to mind but the park, known as the "House of the Sun," stretching along Maui's coastline and featuring a beach of basalt stones and waterfalls, is certainly an exciting choice to camp out. This is a great way to get as close as possible to the unique scenery of Haleakala. There are two wilderness campsites if you're also hiking – Hōlua, which is about 3.5 miles down the Halemauʻu Trail, and Palikū, which is at the base of a rainforest cliff.

Bike down a volcano

Go mountain biking down 6,000 vertical feet. Bike down a Maui volcano, capture views at the summit of Haleakala, view the incredible landscapes and surrounding islands. There are many different bike tours to choose from. One of the most incredible includes the Sunrise Tour. It allows you to see the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala at 10,023 feet.

Stargazing

The only thing better than camping is camping under skies so dark you can clearly see the Milky Way and stars as if you could reach out and touch them. The summit of Haleakalā is one of the best places in the world to observe the night sky. The park is open 24-hours a day so you can experience the wonder of a clear, high-elevation sky, according to NPS. Sunrise and sunset are also absolutely majestic from the summit. Just make sure you dress appropriately as they can be very cold too.

Ziplining

Why not be an Indiana Jones for a day? Zipline through a lush forest and along a swinging bridge. You will fly over canyons, 90 foot drops, and through fragrant eucalyptus trees on the first Zipline course built in the U.S.  Soar above Ka'anapali's far-reaching coastline. Don't deprive yourself of the stunning ocean and island views.

More readings: 

Most Amazing Places for Hiking in the National Parks

The Best Places to Go Glamping in the World

Where is the Atacama Desert and Why You Need to Add It to Your Bucket List