Haleakala with a 9 year old

Question

Aloha Maui travellers!

My question for you today is that we are in Maui for 10 nights with our 9 year old this early March and I’m debating about Haleakala.

On the one hand, stargazing is a HUGE interest of hers and my husband’s and I know this would be the best place to do it on Maui. Or, even if we went during the day instead, she’s in fourth grade and there is a national parks program for fourth graders. I think we get in for free and there are some free items given to her and she has an opportunity to earn a “junior ranger” badge- to be honest I know very little about this, but my daughter is a kid who loves to learn a lot and loves educational activities when we travel (she’s in a “gifted” learning program at school) and going to Haleakala and getting to do a junior ranger workbook and learning from the rangers etc seems totally up her alley. This is also likely our only trip to Maui unfortunately! Also our favourite part of our Europe trip this past summer was in Zermatt Switzerland going up to Gongorat and being up in the mountains with crazy otherworldly mountain views, and this seems a similar experience in many ways. We are renting a jeep and my husband will be excited to take it on adventures.

On the other hand, my daughter gets car sick. Not every time we drive, she handled. 7+ hour car ride to NYC from Toronto and other long drives without getting carsick. But it happens to her especially with windy roads. Even myself, who doesn’t usually get carsick, got carsick last year riding on windy roads away from my friends cottage- although I was in the backseat looking at my phone. She got motion sickness (was sick) on our Europe trip on both flights in and out of Europe- unfortunately so was I on our journey there. She got sick on multiple train rides especially the windy ones and after a windy bus ride. She’s a trooper I must say because she rally’s quickly after she’s sick and moves on but of course she HATES getting sick like that and who can blame her. It’s stressful for us too! So I’m worried she and or I would get carsick but even moreso I’m worried about altitude sickness and if they would affect us. I don’t think Gongorat was high enough to have any altitude sickness? We were not affected by it on our trip to Zermatt or St Moritz in Switzerland. But my understanding is that it can last for days so it worries me. But, I’m a worrier type and sometimes need to be coaxed to be more adventurous. Other times my instincts are good.

So, thanks for reading this far! Any honest advice for me if we should try Haleakala or just skip it? We are also thinking we will skip the Road to Hana.

Answer

Aloha! It sounds like you have an amazing trip to Maui ahead of you, and I completely understand your concerns about taking your daughter to Haleakalā. Let me break down some advice and considerations that may help you decide whether Haleakalā is the right adventure for your family, especially with your daughter’s motion sickness and love for educational experiences.

Haleakalā is an incredible destination and offers unique experiences, whether you're visiting during the day or at night for stargazing. It's known for its stunning landscapes, including otherworldly views, similar to what you experienced in Zermatt, Switzerland. Plus, the Junior Ranger program is a fantastic educational opportunity, especially for your daughter, who enjoys learning and hands-on activities. The park rangers will help her with the workbook, and she’ll get a badge, which is an exciting souvenir of the trip!

That said, there are a few things to consider regarding your daughter’s motion sickness and the drive up to Haleakalā:

Windy Roads: The road up to Haleakalā is indeed windy, and motion sickness can be an issue for some passengers, especially in the back seat. While it’s not a super long drive, it can still be uncomfortable, particularly if she’s prone to car sickness. Since you're renting a jeep, the ride could feel bumpier as well. I would recommend bringing some motion sickness remedies, such as ginger candy, wristbands, or over-the-counter medication (if she’s used to it), to help mitigate the effects.
Altitude Sickness: Haleakalā is about 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) above sea level, so altitude sickness is a possibility, especially for those not accustomed to higher elevations. While it affects some people more than others, it can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath. You mentioned you didn't experience it in Switzerland, which is a good sign, but since it’s your first time on Haleakalā, it’s a good idea to monitor everyone’s comfort level. Drink plenty of water, take it slow, and rest if anyone feels unwell.
Stargazing at Haleakalā: If stargazing is a huge interest for your family, then Haleakalā's summit is one of the best places on the island to see the night sky. If you decide to visit, a nighttime stargazing tour could be magical. However, keep in mind that the altitude might make it harder to enjoy the full experience if anyone starts feeling unwell. A sunrise visit is also a beautiful option, although the early morning hours can be cold and may be a bit of a challenge after a long day.
Alternatives: If you’re concerned about the windy roads or altitude, there are other beautiful places on Maui that still offer great views and experiences. The Iao Valley State Park is a wonderful natural site with a less challenging drive and stunning scenery. Also, the Upcountry Maui area has great scenic views of the island and could be a great alternative to the Haleakalā summit. For stargazing, the Makena Beach area or other spots in South Maui might offer decent views without going up to the summit.

Ultimately, it sounds like Haleakalā could be an amazing experience for your daughter, especially with the Junior Ranger program, but it’s important to weigh the potential discomfort from motion sickness and altitude sickness. If you do decide to go, make sure you’re prepared for the drive, take breaks, and listen to your bodies during the trip. If you feel that the risk of discomfort outweighs the benefits, there are plenty of other scenic and educational experiences on Maui that could offer a similar sense of awe without the challenges of the drive.

As for the Road to Hana, it’s also a stunning drive but definitely challenging with many curves. It might be a good idea to skip that, especially considering your daughter’s sensitivity to motion sickness on windy roads. Maui has so much to offer beyond that road, and there are plenty of family-friendly activities that will still give you a fantastic experience!

Enjoy your trip to Maui, and I hope you have a wonderful time with your family!