Is the road to Haleakalā paved?

Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're heading to the summit of Pu'u'ula'ula (Red Hill) on Maui, a staggering 10,023 feet above sea level! The road to the top, known as Crater Road or Route 378, is a fully paved adventure. It kicks off in Kahului and stretches for nearly 35 glorious miles into the Haleakalā mountains. Pro-tip: Pukalani or Makawao are your last stops for supplies, so stock up on snacks and gas.

Trust me, this drive is worth it. At the summit, you'll find a huge parking lot and the Haleakalā Observatory. The summit building itself offers unbelievable panoramic views. On a clear day? Forget about it! You can spot Hawaiʻi (Big Island), Lanaʻi, Molokaʻi, and even Oʻahu.

Now, about the road itself: It’s a well-maintained two-lane highway, but hold on tight! There are tons of blind turns, seriously steep drop-offs (without guardrails!), and a whopping 32 switchbacks! Keep an eye out for cows, nene geese and other critters that might wander onto the road. Fog can also roll in and reduce visibility.

This epic road was built in the 1930s, taking two years to complete, and it snakes its way through Haleakalā National Park. It's a record-breaker, too, gaining the most elevation in the shortest distance (35 miles) anywhere! Be prepared for some serious climbing, with gradients hitting 15% in places. You'll gain over 9,900 feet in elevation with an average gradient of 5.39%. This is one unforgettable drive!