Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? Visiting Haleakalā National Park is a must for anyone looking to experience the breathtaking beauty of Maui. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just want to take in the views from above the clouds, we’ve got you covered with tips and insights to help you make the most of your trip. Let’s dive into how to plan your visit to this majestic volcanic landscape!

Table of Contents

Choosing the Right Time to Visit

Sunrise/Sunset: The most popular times to visit Haleakalā are for sunrise or sunset! Sunrise is famous for its stunning views, but it also requires an early wake-up time and reservations.

Daytime: If you prefer to avoid the crowds, you can visit during the day. This will also give you the chance to hike and explore the park’s trails.

We chose to visit for sunrise and the 3:00am alarm was absolutely worth it!

How to Get There

Drive: Haleakalā is about a 2-hour drive from most parts of Maui. The summit area is accessible by car, and the main entrance is via the Haleakalā Highway (Route 378).

Tours: If you don’t want to drive, there are guided tours that will take you up to the summit, including sunrise and sunset tours!

We rented a car for our time in Maui and drove up to the summit to give us more freedom. Be aware that it is a steep and windy path up to the summit, especially before sunrise. I felt safe driving the whole time, but if that is something that makes you nervous, booking a tour may be a better option!

Entrance Fee

Haleakalā National Park has an entrance fee:

$30 per vehicle (valid for 3 days)

$25 for a motorcycle

$15 per individual (for pedestrians or cyclists)

Sunrise Reservations

To visit the summit for sunrise, you MUST make a reservation in advance!

Reservations can be made on the recreation.gov website and are available for a small fee.

Sunrise reservations are available 60 days in advance, and you’ll want to book as soon as possible, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Tip: Set a calendar reminder for 60 days prior to the day you will be visiting Haleakalā so you don’t forget!

Planning for the Weather

The summit of Haleakalā can be chilly. Temperatures can drop to 40°F (4°C) or lower at sunrise, and it can get windy. Bring warm clothing, jackets, hats, gloves, and blankets!

If you plan to hike, wear sturdy shoes as the terrain can be rocky and uneven.

We absolutely underestimated how chilly 40°F with a windchill could be. Luckily we both had hoodies, but we were still very cold.

Exploring the Summit

Once at the summit, there are several things to do:

• Lookout Points: Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the crater, surrounding valleys, and Maui.
  • Sunrise Viewing Area
    • Location: Near the Summit Lookout area, but specifically designated for those visiting to watch the sunrise.
    • Description: The sunrise at Haleakalā is one of the most famous natural spectacles in Hawaii. To experience it, you’ll need a reservation (if you’re visiting before 7:00 AM) and a bit of early morning preparation. The view from here is absolutely stunning, with the sun rising over the vast, moon-like crater.
    • What You’ll See:
      • A stunning sunrise over Haleakalā Crater, often with clouds below the summit that create a sea of clouds, providing a dramatic and magical effect.
      • Views of the surrounding coastline and valleys of Maui, which slowly come to life as the sun rises.
    • Tip: Arrive early (at least 30-60 minutes before sunrise) to secure a good viewing spot, as it gets crowded. Temperatures can be cold, so be sure to bring warm layers.
  • Summit Lookout
    • Location: Near the Haleakalā Visitor Center (9,740 feet elevation)
    • Description: This is the most popular and iconic lookout point at Haleakalā. It offers panoramic views which are particularly captivating at sunrise and sunset.
    • What You’ll See
      • The vast Haleakalā Crater, which is a massive, eroded caldera.
      • Views of the Upcountry Maui region and the ocean in the distance.
      • On clear days, you may be able to see the island of Molokini and the island of Lanai in the distance.
  • Kalahaku Overlook
    • Location: About 1.5 miles from the summit parking area, along the Haleakalā Crater Road (Route 378).
    • Description: This is a popular overlook with panoramic views of the inner part of the Haleakalā Crater. You’ll get a closer look at the crater floor and see the dramatic landscape of volcanic cinder cones and the rugged terrain.
    • What You’ll See:
      • An expansive view of the crater’s floor, with colorful volcanic rock formations.
      • The central basin of the crater and the surrounding ridgelines.
      • Cinder cones and the incredible geological features of the volcano.

• Visitor Center: The Haleakalā Visitor Center is at 9,740 feet (2,970 meters) and offers information, exhibits, and restrooms.
• Hiking: There are several trails, ranging from short walks to longer hikes, such as:
  • Sliding Sands Trail (Keoneheehee) – An 11 mile, challenging hike that descends into the crater.
  • Pa Ka’oao Trail – An easy, out and back 0.5 mile trail with a great viewpoint.
  • Hosmer’s Grove – A lower elevation 0.5 mile loop with great bird watching.

We planned to do the Pa Ka’oao Trail, but we were so cold we decided to stay in our car until the sun began to rise instead and went to the Sunrise Viewing Area instead. It was an amazing view!

Final Notes

The summit is at over 10,000 feet, so be mindful of the altitude. If you’re not accustomed to high elevations, you may feel short of breath or lightheaded. Take it slow and drink plenty of water.

As with all national parks, practice Leave No Trace principles. Respect the environment by staying on designated trails and not disturbing wildlife.

Whether you’re there for sunrise, hiking, or just to see the views, Haleakalā is a magical place. Take lots of photos, but don’t forget to enjoy the experiences with your own eyes and not just through a screen! By planning ahead and preparing for the elevation and weather, you’ll have an unforgettable visit to one of Maui’s most iconic natural landmarks!