Global Adventure - Backpack Hawaii’s Haleakala National Park

The group will meet March 11 at Maui's Kahului Airport and overnight at the Maui Seaside Hotel.  From March 12-16 we'll hike the Haleakala Crater and explore the Ohe'o Gulch, driving back on March 17th along the Hana Highway to Kahului where a final night's stay at the Maui Seaside Hotel is included.  The itinerary ends in the morning on March 18 when participants are free to fly home or extend their travels elsewhere in Hawaii.

Itinerary Highlights:  The group will meet March 11 at Maui's Kahului Airport for a group dinner and overnight at the Maui Seaside Hotel.  Then the group will travel by rental van to Haleakala National Park and backpack from March 12-14, staying at the National Park's Hōlua and Paliku cabins.  On March 15 and 16 we'll spend the day at Ohe’o Gulch enjoying the many waterfalls and warm pools, and camp 2 nights at Kīpahulu campground.  On March 17th we'll drive back along the Hana Highway to Kahului, enjoy a group dinner and overnight at the Maui Seaside Hotel.  The itinerary ends in the morning on March 18.

Time of Year:   Maui weather is ideal in the second half of March, with warm but not hot temperatures and a reduced chance of rain.

Lodging:  Two nights (beginning and end) at Maui Seaside Hotel (double occupancy); three nights at National Park Cabins; two nights camping. The cabins have pit toilets and water available near the cabin (water is non-potable and must be filtered or treated before drinking). Each cabin has a wood-burning stove with limited firewood, 2-burner propane stove, cooking utensils, dishes, and 12 padded bunks. In times of drought, cookware will be removed and you must pack in all your water. There is no electricity in the cabins.  The Kīpahulu Campground has picnic tables, BBQ grills, and pit toilets but no water (drinking water is available at the nearby Kīpahulu Visitor Center restrooms).

Food:   Three group dinners are included in the trip price; participants are responsible for all other meals including trail and camp food.

Leader’s Experience:   Royce Poetter is a long-time active Tacoma Mountaineer. He continues to support The Mountaineers by volunteer teaching, instructing, and leading students in Scrambles and Basic courses. He has previously visited Haleakala and has stayed in their cabins and at Ohe'o Gulch.  royce.poetter@hp.com

Participant Requirements:   Must have no health issues that would cause problems hiking at 10,000' elevation.  Flexibility and the ability to operate well as part of a group under sometimes difficult conditions are essential.  Must be Mountaineers members with a current waiver on file.

Trip Price Detail:  $775 including transportation on Maui, 3 dinners, lodging and entry in National park, and two nights in a hotel.  Not included are air transportation to and from Maui, or meals other than the 3 included dinners.

Registration Instructions:  Please answer the application questions, and email the completed form to the leader by February 1. After the leader’s approval,  register online or by calling Mountaineers Member Services with your credit card information;  the full price is due at time of registration. After your payment is received, the leader will send you an email with information to help you prepare for this outing.

Cancellation Policy: If you cancel because of an emergency, you may receive a refund less expenses incurred and a $100 administrative fee.