Haleakalā in August: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
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August is one of the best months of the year to visit Haleakalā National Park: crowds run 86% of the July peak (70,083 average visits). Weather: highs average 66°F and lows 49°F, with 2.2″ of precipitation and 12.9 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Haleakalā in August
- Packable rain jacketSee it on AmazonWhy: 2.2″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking bootsSee it on AmazonWhy: every park, every month.
- Water bottles for the daySee it on AmazonWhy: hydration is one of the NPS Ten Essentials.
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Haleakalā in August: what the park service says
August is the last of the summer months the park links to drought in the crater, when hikers staying overnight carry their own water. After dark, the summit is a fine place to watch the sky: the high elevation often gives clearer air, and there is minimal light pollution. It cools fast once the sun sets, so the park asks stargazers to bring warm layers, something to sit or lie on, and their own snacks, since no food is sold. Use a red light if you need one and keep phone screens off. Drive down slowly: the endangered ʻuaʻu, the Hawaiian petrel, lives here, and wildlife can be disoriented by headlights or land on the road.
Source: NPS 1, NPS 2, checked 2026-11-08.
Crowds in August
Haleakalā averages 70,083 recreation visits in August — 86% of what July, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — book early and start days at dawn.
Weather & daylight
Days are pleasant (highs average 66°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 49°F). Average precipitation is 2.2″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 12.9 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station HALEAKALA RS 338, HI US (7 mi from park coordinates, 6,962 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of August.
What to pack for Haleakalā in August
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Packable rain jacket — 2.2″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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Also at their best in August
Other parks whose computed August verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Guadalupe Mountains in August — 28% of peak crowds, highs 84°F, score 80/100
- Lassen Volcanic in August — 56% of peak crowds, highs 78°F, score 77/100
- Bryce Canyon in August — 81% of peak crowds, highs 78°F, score 68/100
- Redwood in August — 85% of peak crowds, highs 66°F, score 67/100
Common questions
Is Haleakalā crowded in August?
Yes — August runs 86% of Haleakalā's peak, averaging 70,083 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Haleakalā.
What is the weather like in Haleakalā in August?
Average highs of 66°F, lows of 49°F, 2.2″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, HALEAKALA RS 338, HI US station). Compare it with other national parks in August.
What should I pack for Haleakalā in August?
Packable rain jacket; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page. Going in September instead? Haleakalā in September has its own list.
See also: the best national parks to visit in August · Last verified 2026-09-24