Harold W. Rice Memorial Park
A serene upcountry park offering breathtaking panoramic views of Maui's shores and Lanai, perfect for sunsets and stargazing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For stunning sunsets & stars
Harold W. Rice Memorial Park
Best Time
For stunning sunsets & stars
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene upcountry park offering breathtaking panoramic views of Maui's shores and Lanai, perfect for sunsets and stargazing.
"Beautiful view from a wonderful park upcountry. Couldn't be better!!"
Bring Cardboard for Sliding! 🛷
Kids (and adults!) love sliding down the grassy hills. Bring a flattened cardboard box for extra fun!
Pack Out What You Pack In ♻️
Help keep this beautiful spot pristine. Clean up after yourself and others to preserve the park.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Island Views
Throughout the park
Unobstructed vistas of Maui's south and north shores, plus the island of Lanai. A photographer's dream!
Spectacular Sunset Spectacle
Western-facing areas
Catch a breathtaking sunset without the summit crowds. The colors over the ocean are unforgettable.
Celestial Stargazing
Open areas at night
Clear skies at this elevation make for incredible stargazing. A peaceful, magical experience.
Grassy Knoll Sliding
Hilly terrain
Kids (and adults!) love sliding down the grassy slopes on cardboard. Pure, simple fun!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sunset & Stargazing Spot
Picnic Paradise with a View
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cardboard for Sliding! 🛷
Kids (and adults!) love sliding down the grassy hills. Bring a flattened cardboard box for extra fun!
Pack Out What You Pack In ♻️
Help keep this beautiful spot pristine. Clean up after yourself and others to preserve the park.
Sunset & Stargazing Magic ✨
Arrive in the evening for incredible sunset views and clear night skies perfect for stargazing.
Picnic Ready 🧺
With picnic tables and grills, it's the ideal spot for a leisurely meal with a view.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cardboard for Sliding! 🛷
Kids (and adults!) love sliding down the grassy hills. Bring a flattened cardboard box for extra fun!
Pack Out What You Pack In ♻️
Help keep this beautiful spot pristine. Clean up after yourself and others to preserve the park.
Sunset & Stargazing Magic ✨
Arrive in the evening for incredible sunset views and clear night skies perfect for stargazing.
Picnic Ready 🧺
With picnic tables and grills, it's the ideal spot for a leisurely meal with a view.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Harold W. Rice Memorial Park for its stunning, unobstructed views of Maui's shores and Lanai, making it a prime spot for breathtaking sunsets and peaceful stargazing. It's a beloved local treasure offering picnic facilities and a fun, grassy area for sliding, providing a more relaxed experience than crowded viewpoints.
"Beautiful view from a wonderful park upcountry. Picnic tables and bathrooms plus a farm stand right at the end of the road. Couldn't be better!!"
Helen Gauthier
"Perfect local spot to catch a breath taking sunset with our having to reach the summit."
Leigh Trelaine Farrow
"Come at night, Stargazing here is very nice. Not too crowded but please clean up after yourself and others."
Rotary Engine
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located on Kula Highway and Lower Kula Road on Mt. Haleakala. It has a small parking lot that can accommodate about a dozen vehicles. It's easily accessible by car.
Yes, there is a small parking lot available, though it can fill up quickly due to its size.
The park sits at an elevation of 2,500 feet on Mt. Haleakala, offering cooler temperatures and stunning views.
Yes, the park is accessible by car at night for stargazing and sunset viewing. Ensure your vehicle's lights are used responsibly.
The park is situated between Kula Highway and Lower Kula Road, making it visible, but the entrance to the parking lot is key.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Harold W. Rice Memorial Park is a public park and does not require an entrance fee. It's free to visit and enjoy.
As a public park, it is generally open from dawn until dusk, and accessible for stargazing at night. There are no official posted hours, but it's best to visit during daylight or early evening for safety.
No advance booking is necessary as it's a public park. You can visit anytime, though it's recommended to check weather conditions.
General park rules apply. Please be respectful of the space, clean up after yourself, and be mindful of other visitors. No specific entry restrictions are noted.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check local Maui County park regulations regarding pets. Leashed pets are often permitted in parks, but always confirm.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers picnic tables, grills, and restrooms, making it well-equipped for a day out. There's also a farm stand nearby.
Absolutely! It's described as a perfect local spot for picnics with jaw-dropping views, featuring picnic tables and grills.
You'll enjoy unobstructed views of Maui's south and north shores, and the island of Lanai, from its high elevation.
Kids enjoy sliding down the grassy knolls, but caution is advised as they might hit railings or go through them. Adult supervision is recommended.
The park has a hilly terrain with grassy knolls, which are popular for sliding. The overall area is a sliver of land with unobstructed views.
📸 📸 Photography
Evenings are ideal for capturing stunning sunsets. Daytime offers clear views of the islands and a great backdrop for portraits. Nighttime is perfect for astrophotography.
You can capture panoramic island landscapes, vibrant sunsets, starry night skies, and fun family moments, especially with the grassy slopes.
The entire park offers unobstructed views, so any vantage point facing the ocean or islands will yield beautiful shots. The higher points offer the most expansive vistas.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. For sunsets and stargazing, a tripod and a camera capable of low-light photography are beneficial.
Yes, the beautiful views and romantic ambiance make it a lovely spot for engagement or wedding photos, especially during golden hour.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the fun and games, the park offers a chance for children to appreciate the natural beauty of Maui, with expansive views of the ocean and neighboring islands. It’s a great spot for a picnic lunch or an afternoon of play, offering a more laid-back experience compared to some of Maui's busier attractions. Remember to bring snacks, drinks, and of course, cardboard for the slides!
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
As evening progresses, the park becomes a magical location for stargazing. The clear, unpolluted skies offer a chance to marvel at the constellations together. It’s a peaceful and awe-inspiring experience that can create lasting memories. Pack a cozy blanket, some snacks, and enjoy a truly special evening under the stars.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
At night, the park transforms into an astrophotographer's dream. The high elevation and minimal light pollution provide exceptionally clear views of the night sky, ideal for capturing the Milky Way or distant galaxies. For those interested in lifestyle or portrait photography, the scenic backdrop of the islands and the unique grassy slopes add character to any shot. Don't forget to capture the fun of the grass sliding for some dynamic, candid moments.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History: Harold W. Rice
The park itself, a 3.8-acre parcel, is strategically located at the intersection of Kula Highway and Lower Kula Road. While the proximity to the road means you'll hear passing cars, the elevation of 2,500 feet on Mt. Haleakala provides unparalleled, unobstructed views of Maui's south and north shores, as well as the distant island of Lanai. This unique vantage point offers a different perspective of the island's beauty, making it a cherished local spot.
Beyond its historical namesake and scenic beauty, the park is a place for simple joys. Its hilly terrain is a magnet for children and the young at heart, who often use flattened cardboard boxes to slide down the grassy knolls. While this activity is a source of fun, visitors are reminded to be cautious of the railings at the end of the slopes to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Experiencing the Views: Sunsets and Stars
As night falls, the park transforms into an exceptional spot for stargazing. Away from significant light pollution, the clear skies at 2,500 feet reveal a dazzling array of stars. It's an ideal location for anyone looking to connect with the cosmos in a peaceful and accessible setting. Visitors often emphasize the tranquility and beauty of these nighttime experiences, making it a memorable part of their visit.
To make the most of these celestial and solar spectacles, it's recommended to arrive in the late afternoon to secure a good spot and enjoy the transition from day to night. Remember to bring a blanket or chairs for comfort, and perhaps a flashlight for navigating after dark. The experience is often described as magical and a highlight of any trip to the upcountry.
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