Attractions and Places To See around Keokea - Top 20

Keokea is renowned for its stunning natural features, primarily its location on the slopes of the Haleakala Volcano. Visitors highly recommend the Sliding Sands trailhead with a view of the observatory, which offers breathtaking vistas and is the starting point for the 11-mile Sliding Sands Trail. Another must-see is the Keonehe‘ehe‘e Trail (Sliding Sands) Middle Segment, known for its grandiose play of colors from different shades of sand. Don't miss Split Rock (Keoneheʻeheʻe Trail, Haleakalā Wilderness), a unique geological formation where the trail passes directly between two parts of a large rock.

Keokea boasts a rich Hakka Chinese heritage, evident in several significant landmarks. You can visit the Kwok Hing Society Temple and the Kwock Hing Society Building, which once served as a refuge for Chinese sugarcane laborers. Sun Yat-sen Park honors China's first president, who resided here. The St. John's Episcopal Church features unique Chinese characters, and Our Lady Queen of Angels is a picturesque Roman Catholic church set against the mountain slopes. The Henry Fong Store also offers a glimpse into the town's past as an old-time country general store.

Yes, Keokea offers several family-friendly options. The Haleakalā Visitor Center is considered family-friendly, providing educational insights into the volcano's history and importance. Additionally, Keokea Park is a county park equipped with picnic tables and a playground, perfect for a relaxing family outing. The scenic views and gentle atmosphere of the upcountry area are also enjoyable for all ages.

Keokea's location on the slopes of Haleakala means temperatures can vary significantly. While the lower elevations are warm, it's always colder at the summit. For sunrise viewing at Haleakala, which is a popular activity, you'll need to get up very early (around 4:00 AM) and make a reservation well in advance on the National Park website. Generally, the weather is pleasant year-round, but it's always wise to bring layers, especially if heading to higher altitudes.

Keokea is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views. From its elevation of approximately 2,860 feet, you can enjoy sweeping vistas of Haleakala's rolling ranch lands and distant ocean views, including Molokini, Lanai, and Kahoolawe. The Haleakalā Visitor Center and the Summit Building offer exceptional viewpoints, with the latter providing views extending to the Big Island on clear days. The Sliding Sands trailhead also provides stunning outlooks.

Absolutely! Keokea is a gateway to incredible hiking opportunities. The Sliding Sands trailhead is the starting point for the challenging 11-mile Sliding Sands Trail on Haleakala Volcano. You can find more detailed information and routes, including the Mamane Trail and Waipoli Road Loop, by visiting the Hiking around Keokea guide.

Beyond hiking, the area around Keokea offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous running trails, such as the Keawakapu Beach Trail loop run, detailed in the Running Trails around Keokea guide. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes like the Kīhei to Kula loop, which you can find in the Road Cycling Routes around Keokea guide. A short drive to Ulupalakua also offers horseback riding experiences.

For a taste of local flavors, Grandma's Coffee House is a popular rustic bakery and café in Keokea. It's well-known for its fresh baked goods and house-roasted, Haleakala-grown coffee, making it an ideal stop, especially after an excursion to the volcano.

Visitors highly appreciate the Haleakalā Visitor Center for its educational value and stunning views. It's a fantastic place to learn about the mysticism of Haleakala and its importance to indigenous peoples, with large panoramic orientation tables. Many visitors consider it the best spot to watch the sunrise, often accompanied by a Ranger's ancestral song of greeting to the sun, though reservations are required.

Yes, the Keokea Gallery provides a venue where you can appreciate art created by talented local artists, offering a glimpse into the region's creative community.

The Haleakala Observatory, located at an altitude of 3,050 meters, is primarily used for scientific research by the University of Hawaii Institute of Astronomy. It has been instrumental in discovering new asteroids, comets, and other celestial objects. While its use is mainly scientific, it also serves military purposes for the Air Force. You can get a view of the observatory from the Sliding Sands trailhead.

Yes, a short drive from Keokea will take you to Ulupalakua, where you can visit the Tedeschi Vineyard Winery (Maui Wine). It's located in the historic Kalakaua Cottage and offers wine sampling experiences.