Image by thehikinghi.com
Spring Break in Hawaii!
March 7-14, 2026
Get ready for an unforgettable week in paradise! We’re heading to Maui for a weeklong escape packed with jaw-dropping scenery, tropical vibes, and some serious outdoor adventure. The heart of the trip will be a four-day backpacking trek through Haleakalā National Park, where we’ll hike through the surreal volcanic crater, camp beneath the stars, and soak in the dramatic views of ancient lava flows, silversword plants, and sweeping skies. From the summit’s sunrise to the remote backcountry trails, it’s going to be an epic journey through one of Hawaii’s most stunning and otherworldly landscapes.
Before we lace up our boots and head into the backcountry, we’ll kick things off with a catamaran tour along Maui’s stunning coastline. This sail will take us out to some of the island’s best snorkeling spots, where we’ll dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs and tropical marine life. With a little luck, we might swim alongside sea turtles or even catch a glimpse of spinner dolphins. The catamaran ride will be the perfect way to soak up the sun, feel the ocean breeze, and ease into island time before we take on the rugged trails of Haleakalā.
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maui-historyMaui's History and Culture
Maui is an incredibly special place, and as UMass Lowell's Outdoor Adventure Program, we want to honor and appreciate this place by respecting it and learning about it. Here is a quick description, and we will soak up all the knowledge we can while we are there.
Haleakala means "House of the Sun" in Hawaiian. The name comes from a legend where the demigod Maui lassoed the sun, forcing it to slow its journey across the sky, providing long and sunny days. It is known for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views from the summit, which is often above the clouds. In ancient Hawaii, only the high priests and their students were allowed at the sacred summit.
Haleakala National Park is a sacred place in native Hawaiian culture. Because of its significant height over 10,000 feet, the native Hawaiians found (and continue to find) deep meaning and significance in this land. The summit of Haleakala is a wahi pana - a legendary place. This place has been a place of pilgrimage and ceremony. It also has archeological resources, which include an adze quarry (a stone tool), built enclosures, and ahu (trail markers or cairns) and rock walls.
It is alternately called a dormant volcano and an active volcano capped by a dry crater. Either way, it hasn't erupted in 500 years, and isn't expected to do so again any time soon.
descr-tripDescription of the Trip
Departure
Saturday: We will fly early as a group early in the morning on Saturday, March 7 from Boston across the country, changing planes in California. We arrive late afternoon to Maui, where we'll grab our rental vehicles and drive to a campground on the south side of Maui and crash!
We will camp in our tents at Camp Olowalu for two nights before our backpacking adventure and one more night at the end of the trip. Camp Olowalu is located on the western shore of Maui and has beautiful sand beaches. We will have communal bathroom facilities and hot water showers available, as well as comfortable spots for sleeping.
Snorkeling
Sunday: Before we lace up our boots and head into the high Maui backcountry, we’ll kick things off with a catamaran tour along Maui’s stunning coastline. Early in the morning (but not so early to us with jet lag), we will meet for a tour to Molokini. This boat ride on a large comfortable catamaran will take us out to one of the island’s best snorkeling spots, called Turtle Town. Molokini is an extinct volcano cone, teeming with vibrant coral reefs and tropical marine life, and the snorkeling visibility is usually 100 feet or more! With a little luck, we might swim alongside sea turtles or even catch a glimpse of spinner dolphins. The catamaran ride will be the perfect way to feel the ocean breeze and ease into island time before we take on the rugged trails of Haleakalā. After finishing our tour, we will be digging in back at the campsite to finish packing all of our food and gear for our backpacking adventure.
Image by Mandy Keef
Backpacking Trip
Embarking on a four-day backpacking adventure through Haleakalā National Park is like stepping into another world—a silent, surreal realm sculpted by fire, time and wind. This trek takes us down into the vast, volcanic wilderness of the crater, across vibrant cinder deserts and ancient lava flows, and back up to the summit, where the clouds spill like waterfalls over the rim.
Monday: Descent into the Martian Wilderness
Our journey begins at just under 8,000 feet from the Halemau'u Trailhead, where the landscape transforms dramatically. As we descend into the canyon, the earth beneath our boots shifts from red to ochre, rust, and coal black. We're hiking into the heart of Haleakalā’s massive eroded crater—a silent amphitheater seven miles wide, ringed by towering walls and dotted with cinder cones that look like the sleeping sentinels of ancient gods. We will set up camp at Hōlua, a remote wilderness tent site surrounded by stillness and stars. This campsite is a field just below the rocks of the crater and provides pit toilets.
Tuesday: Crossing the Heart of the Crater
On our second day, we traverse the crater floor—a surreal expanse of lunar beauty. The trail leads across lava fields, some jagged and brittle, others smooth like frozen waves. With little vegetation and almost no sound, it feels like you're walking on the moon. As evening comes, the sky blazes with stars, unobstructed by city lights—Haleakalā is one of the best stargazing spots on Earth. We will camp at Paliku Campsite.
Wednesday: Hidden Oases and High Country
The third day takes us back through more varied terrain, where rare silversword plants glint in the sun. We may spot native nēnē geese gliding silently overhead, or possibly visiting us at our campsite. The trail rises gradually, bringing glimpses of misty ridgelines and ancient Hawaiian dryland forests clinging to life in the shelter of the crater walls. We will camp again at Hōlua, and enjoy a night out under the stars, in one of the darkest places in the world.
Thursday: The Ascent and Return to the Sky
The final day is a challenging but rewarding climb—a steady ascent back to the summit via the Halemau‘u Trail, zigzagging through switchbacks with panoramic views of the crater we have come to know intimately. As we rise, the atmosphere cools and the vegetation thickens slightly, with clouds swirling below you. At the top, we will pause—exhausted, exhilarated, and changed. The journey through Haleakalā leaves each of us with a deep sense of awe, a respect for the ancient power of the land, and memories etched into the soul. At the end of this day, we will drive back down to Camp Olowalu and celebrate an amazing trip.
Return
Friday: This morning will be spent relaxing and reflecting on the adventure we had, and possibly swimming in the ocean at our beach if there is time. We will also be packing up our gear to head out back to the East Coast. Our flights return via California again, with an overnight trip across the continent returning to Boston on Saturday morning. We'll be picked up, head back to the Bike Shop and Outdoor Center, return our gear and have a last moment to really reflect and enjoy on our amazing memories and accomplishments!
Image by thehikinghi.com
what-to-knowWhat to Know
Where we are staying: The whole trip will be tent camping. Camp Olowalu is a lovely beachfront campground on the south side of Maui. The campground has running water and hot showers. When we aren't at Camp Olowalu, we will be in Haleakala National Park at National Park Services campsites named Holua and Paliku. These sites have natural water sources that we will filter, and pit toilets, but nothing else.
Who is leading the trip? We will have 1 professional staff plus 1-2 student trip leaders. The program leaders have solid experience leading Outdoor Adventure Program trips, including overnight excursions, along with Wilderness First Responder medical training. You will recognize these trip leaders from all of our other normal trips during the semester: hiking, kayaking and other adventures. As noted, we will also hire a local professional guide for our snorkeling excursion.
How physical will this trip be? Medium to significant, but varies with each day's location. Each day will involve 6-8 hours, and there is some significant hiking down into the crater, and then back out again on the last day. Hiking and backpacking generally uses your legs mostly, plus plenty of core and back muscles. Physical conditioning prior to the trip will be an important step to having a great time, both for yourself and the group. The more you prepare, the better the experience will be. Since hiking is quite leg and core dependent, one of the best activities you can do to prepare is go hiking or running, as well as general fitness workouts in the gym with weight.
Please note: UMass Lowell's Campus Recreation Facilities offer great access to excellent work-out equipment. Consider signing up for personal training sessions. Please speak with your doctor about any physical training regimen.
Image by Noah Cisneros
What to know about the weather: It may surprise you, but we will expect to have all kinds of weather. Sea level locations likely will have the temps you'd expect for a Hawaii vacation: warm but not hot. However, at 10,000 feet, we must be prepared for anything. Conditions can be highly variable throughout the year: extremely windy, sunny, rainy, hot, cold: all of it is possible at 10,000 feet on a tiny island. We will be prepared with warm layers, rain layers and also hot weather gear, as well.
What about wildlife and plants? There is great wildlife to see and enjoy in Haleakala as well as the ocean surrounding Maui. Up in the crater, we will be lucky to to see two of the more unusual living things on Maui: the native nēnē (a Hawaiian goose) and the silversword plant, a rare and unusual plant with unique spiky leaves that only grows at the ceiling of Maui. The primary dangerous animals in Maui are mainly found in the ocean, mostly stinging animals like jellyfish or sea urchins. On land, there may be centipedes or scorpions that can be dangerous, but these are less common and we will take precautions, such as wearing appropriate clothing.
What about technology? We don't expect to have any cell service while we are backpacking in Haleakala National Park. While we may have cell service near sea level, we nonetheless encourage everyone in the group to take a break from screens during this experience. Trip leaders will have both phones and satellite devices should we need emergency help. On past trips, some students have even left their phones behind in Lowell entirely, preferring cameras to capture their experiences. We strive to create experiences that allow you to spend your time connecting with your classmates and nature, so you can come back refreshed and ready to succeed in classes. Since we will return on Saturday, this will still leave you with Sunday for completing any assignments.
Image by Jade P.
costCost
UMass Lowell (UML) cost: $1,495, all-inclusive with air and van travel, your guides, gear and all food for this entire week! This literally covers everything! Paid in a deposit plus three payments:
- $50 deposit to apply for consideration
- $545 due upon acceptance in early October
- $500 due November 15
- Last $400 due December 15
The trip is priority for UML students. If you are not chosen, your $50 application will be refunded!
The actual cost of this trip, including transportation, food, lodging and all the activities, is approximately $2,400 (and some may say, priceless!). Campus Recreation is proud to offer it to our UML students in order to provide new and adventurous experiences.
Image by thehikinghi.com
Fundraising
Even though this trip is significantly subsidized by the Outdoor Adventure Program, we do know that $1,495 is still a lot to cover! To this end, the group of individuals who are chosen will have some required group fundraising activities, as well as some options to do some individual additional fundraising. This will be planned around your class schedules.
We can reasonably expect that each person could earn $200-300 and possibly more to reduce the amount you are expected to pay. (for example the final payment due December 15 may only be $100 instead of $400, for example.)
If for any reason, you have fundraised but drop out of the trip, any money you raised will go back to the group as a whole.
Non-Student Registration:
While we don't expect this trip to have any open spots, if it does happen, we may open registration to current UML faculty or staff to join, or friends/family of current UML student registrants. Cost: $2,395. This option may open in mid-December and only if there are any remaining open spots. These registrants would pay in two payments: $1,200 due upon registration, with the remaining $1,195 due January 19.
Please email: kate_ford@uml.edu early to indicate interest in joining if this option is made available.
Image by Mandy Keef
how-to-applyHow to Apply
This trip is only open to UMass Lowell students. Please use your UML email address when you register.
Spaces are limited! Group size maximum is 10 people total in the national park, including trip leaders.
Prerequisites:
- You must have participated in an OAP hiking day trip in September or the Nickerson State Park camping trip, or have come on a previous OAP hiking or backpacking trip (Wellness Day Hike not applicable). *If spots are all full and you aren't able to join, please email kate_ford@uml.edu to work out an alternate plan for a substitute trip or a hiking day trip in October.
- Overall good physical fitness. This will allow for a successful trip; please consider exercising at least 2-3x weekly to prepare.
- Ability to be active for approx. 6-8 hours or more per day, with an emphasis on walking.
- NOTE: No previous backpacking experience is required, just a good attitude to challenge yourself and try new things!
To apply, you must submit two items by October 1 and confirm the prerequisite participation:
#1: Apply for a spot on our Hawaii Spring Break!
Register online using our link to make your $50 deposit. Remember, this deposit is refundable if you are not chosen to participate.
#2: Submit Participant Application for Hawaii Spring Break!
Submit the Participant Application for Spring Break in Hawaii to answer some questions about your motivations, goals and reasons for applying. Please answer honestly and thoroughly. Do not use AI to generate answers, it will not benefit you or the group to use AI. Please write from your own brain so we can get to know you, the real you who will be on this trip!
Deadline to submit BOTH pieces is October 1.
We anticipate that applicants will be notified of their status by October 8. We will choose the main group, as well as a group of waitlisted people. If people drop from the list, we will move to the next people.
Depending on applications, we may allow more students to continue applying after first consideration closes on October 1.
Image by Mandy Keef
Cancellation Policy
Due to the commitment and scope of the program, the deadline for cancellations with full refund of your deposit is November 14. After this deadline, participants needing to cancel will only receive a refund of their deposit payment if another participant assumes their place on the trip. As stated above, we will maintain a waitlist and will attempt to fill the space if at all possible.
If the trip is cancelled by the Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) for any reason, participants will receive a full refund of the money paid.
Image by Justin Ellis
pre-trip-mtgsPre-trip Meetings
- Mid-September: An informational meeting is open to all at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Driver, Lowell, MA) or on Zoom. This meeting is for anyone, including students who have already submitted their application for consideration, as well as anyone else who is interested in learning more and potentially joining the waitlist. Topics will include:
- Description of Maui and Haleakala National Park: This is obviously a great destination with a lot of variety. We will share photos and descriptions, so you can see what you might expect on this awesome trip!
- Daily schedule: We will talk over the plan for each day of the trip, describing each activity and answering any questions. We will also talk over the travel plan.
- Meals and Lodging: We will talk over meal possibilities; our menu will vary depending on the needs of the group (dietary restrictions, etc.).
- Trip Leaders: Come meet the staff leading this trip! Kate Ford, Assistant Director of Outdoor Programs, will be leading this trip, along with one to two of our student trip leaders whom you may have already met on other trips.
- Mid-October. Date/time may be changed due to student schedules. In this required preparation meeting, everyone who is on the trip, plus the top one or two from the waitlist, will focus on making and scheduling a fundraising plan. Additionally, as time allows, we will review the plan for the trip, as well as maps and talk through any dietary restrictions.
- Mid-November. Date/time may be changed due to student schedules. This will be our final fall meeting to check in on fundraising efforts and talk through the gear that will be needed. You will leave this pre-trip meeting knowing what extra gear you can borrow, as well as any items you may decide to purchase yourself (or ask for holiday presents, even!).
- Late January: In this final required preparation meeting, we will go over the full personal packing list. You will leave this pre-trip meeting with all the information you need and knowing what extra gear you can borrow, as well as any last items you may decide to purchase yourself.
- Late February: Roughly one week before we leave, everyone will be asked to bring their fully packed gear. We will do a full gear shakedown with each person to make sure you have sufficient items. You may check out any OAP gear you need.
Image by Irina Leneva
packing-listPacking List:
Clothing should be non-cotton. The top of Haleakala can vary immensely, so even though it is Hawaii, it could still be cool or even cold! In these kinds of temperatures, the saying is, "Cotton is rotten" -- this is because cotton, once it gets wet, will cling to your body without providing any insulation. Your layers can get wet due to your own sweat from inside, and/or outside moisture, like snow or rain. Fleece, wool, or treated down provide the "dead air space" structure that still holds heat even when wet.
Therefore, you will want and need to wear non-cotton layers, from the layer closest to you to the outermost layer, including socks. Jeans, t-shirts and sweatshirts are cotton and therefore not appropriate or safe for hiking or backpacking in this climate. Wool, silk, nylon, polypropylene, fleece, etc. are all good. And don't forget, also, we have some gear you may borrow; you don't have to buy everything. When traveling or at camp at sea level, there's no problem wearing cotton.
Plane luggage is limited in size! Besides personal gear, we will be flying with all of our camping gear, including tents and hiking poles. Please plan to wear mostly the same layers every day that you are on this trip. We will all expect to wear the same backpacking clothes every day for days in a row - don't worry, everyone is the same! You may bring two sets of base layer tops and bottoms if you have them; if you have two different weights, that's great. It will be acceptable for each person to have a set of traveling clothes, snorkeling swimsuit/towel and backpacking clothes, but please keep your packing tight.
The weather forecast and your thermal perception (i.e. if you generally feel cold easily or often feel hot) should be considered when packing.
Image by thehikinghi.com
Clothing
- For backpacking, you will re-wear clothes; you do not need fresh pants and shirts for every day.
- Long underwear shirt/base layer Recommend 1 long-sleeve and 1 short-sleeve, quick-dry, lightweight, non-cotton, no sweatshirts
- *Insulating upper layer Recommend 1-2 layers fleece, wool, or puffy top layer, should be compact
- *Rain jacket/shell Used for both rain and wind.
- Underwear Quick-dry (non-cotton) preferable (enough for every day)
- Long underwear bottoms/lower base layer Quick-drying material such as nylon or polyester required
- Pants/Shorts/Hiking Skirt Recommend 1 pair pants, or 1 shorts and 1 pants; quick-dry, non-cotton, no jeans
- *Rain Pants Used for both rain and wind. Bottoms are a must, as weather in mountains can change suddenly
- Socks Hiking socks should be a wool mid-weight hiking style are required, especially for wet conditions and blister prevention; 2-3 pairs is ideal.
- Hiking Shoes or Boots with good tread, and ideally with ankle support
- Camp Shoes Very lightweight athletic shoes or sport sandals are ideal—no flip flops or open-toed sandals; can also be your shoes for traveling and around camp at sea level.
- *Warm Hat Sun and/or cold protection, depending on season
- *Gloves
- Scarf/Neck Gaiter optional
- Baseball hat or sun hat
- Pajamas
- Comfy clothes to wear while traveling. Consider one pair of pants for the whole time, and a fresh shirt for 3 days (2 travel days + snorkel day), not more.
Snorkeling Gear
- Hat
- Towel
- Reef Safe Sunscreen Required reef safe! We'll talk more about this.
- Swim suit
- Sun shirt/pants recommend this to wear over swim suit to reduce sunscreen needs
- Waterproof Camera or phone in a waterproof case
- The company will provide snorkeling gear, you do not need to buy or bring this.
Personal
- Sunglasses - Recommend with leash
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Feminine hygiene supplies plus small disposal bag, pee rag
- Personal environmental supplies Sunscreen, lip balm, bug spray
- Small pack towel
- If needed: Hair ties
- If needed: Contacts/contact solution
- Small pack towel and/or Bandana Washcloth is a perfect size. Versatile: use as sweat rag, hanky, napkin, etc.
- Personal Medications
- Medical Insurance Card
- Optional: Hand sanitizer Small bottle
Equipment
- *Headlamp You must provide 3 AAA batteries if borrowing one of ours
- *Sleeping bag Proper temperature rating for the season necessary; we use 0 or 20 degree bags
- *Sleeping pad
- *Trekking poles
- *Backpack 40+ liters(L) required. We provide 65 L backpacks.
Image by Noah Cisneros
Food and Water
- *Bowl Recommend a small plastic Tupperware-type bowl. No plate needed.
- *Mug or cup Lightweight plastic for warm drinks
- *Utensils
- *2 Water Bottles
OPTIONAL
- A few snacks for yourself We will provide all the food including snacks; however, if you want to bring some extra along, bring no more than 1-2 per day
- Money For food on the road and/or possible souvenirs
- Camera (or camera phone). A waterproof and protective case is highly recommended. Turn phone to airplane mode to preserve battery (and enjoy nature)
- Book or journal or notebook Great for the van or down time on the trip
- Lightweight rechargeable battery pack and charging cables
- Multi-tool or pocketknife
- Binoculars
*All items with an asterisk are available to check-out and included in the cost of your registration. There are no extra costs for any gear you use!
Image by Jason Mercer
If you have any personal equipment (backpack, sleeping bag, etc.) that you would like to bring, please bring it to one of the pre-trip meetings so trip leaders can make sure it is appropriate for the needs of this trip.
OAP will provide all the necessary group items, including tents, cooking supplies, stoves and fuel, all the food (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks on the trail) and food storage, water purification, restroom kit (trowel, toilet paper, rest stop bag), hygiene kit (hand sanitizer and biodegradable soap), first aid kit, emergency communication device, and maps.
Check out our other upcoming trips on our Trips and Events Calendar webpage.
Contact
Please ask us any questions you may have about the trip or the Outdoor Adventure Program!
- Email: OutdoorAdventure@uml.edu, or Kate Ford by email at: kate_ford@uml.edu
- Phone: 978-934-1549