Haleakalā Visitor Center — Attraction in Maui

The Haleakalā Crater is one of the main destinations to venture out to in Maui. Tourists usually try to catch the sunrise or sunset. (In our case, it was sunrise). If you're going to catch sunrise, there are a few things you should prepare for to get the best experience possible.

Dress warm. And I mean dress like you were going to Antarctica-- stacked with layers, gloves, three scarves and a beanie. It's cold af up there.

Sleep early and leave your hotel at 2AM to get a head start. Don't worry, you're not the only one that's going to be up in the middle of the night. You will surely see a line of cars behind you as you head up the summit. Leave at this time if you want to get a good parking spot and view.

If you get car sick easily, take some Dramamine beforehand.

When you reach the Visitor Center parking lot, you might see a fork to the right. If it's open, you can go to the top-top. I was a dummy and didn't know that you could go to the very top. When we turned around to go back they closed it because the lot was full. Get there early if that's the view you desire, but the normal view is still beautiful.

The employees at the site willingly help you to make sure you get a great view. They suggested certain rocks to stand on, best angles, etc. That was much appreciated.

On your way back, you could stop by the charming little town, Makawao. Visit T Komoda Bakery for them guava malasadas and cream puffs. Or the general store across from it has breakfast, lox...

Edit Feb. 2017: I understand they've started issuing tickets now, GREAT move probably makes for a much more enjoyable experience!

We came up for sunrise and it was worth the early wake up. There were a few locals who mentioned it was the clearest sunrise they had seen in several visits so we got lucky.

Tips: -Like everyone says, leave early. We were on the road by 330 for a July sunrise. -Get some snacks to bring up with you, nothing was open. -The ride itself was not bad, we followed the same people literally the entire way. The road is paved nicely and in good condition, it's certainly not an easy drive but I was never too nervous. -Ticket booth takes credit cards, in fact I think it was ONLY credit cards. -When you get here you'll see it's where most people are watching sunrise from....tho I found out you can go higher but that area must fill up really quickly. -If you arrive early enough parking is simple, there are people there managing the vehicles. If you arrive too late you'll be parked tandem and may have to wait to get out. I found it was all managed very well. -It really is cold, I knew it was coming but just didn't have room to pack any more warm stuff. You'll see people with hotel robes and hotel blankets on....be prepared. Wearing pants, sweatshirts, etc we shivered for 45 minutes to hold our spot. It was of course worth it.

After sunrise make sure you take a ride up to the top for even better views. I wouldn't miss this if your in Maui,...

Most rangers are super friendly and very informative. Most are very excited about their jobs and are happy to amswer your questions with an exception of one grumpy, nasty gentleman with a scottish accent who kept his eyes on a tablet he was playing on while sitting at the counter. Instead of answering the question asked, he pretty much indicated that he is annoyed by tourists and them stucking their noses where they don't belong. The only thing that I asked was why were there posted signs stating that it's a hunting area and you can get shot there. Another nice lady was kind enough to explain.

Aside from that grump, everything was absolutely amazing.

Hiked the crater for about 2 hours. We were hiking before the sunset. It is hard to describe the stunning views which change with each step you take and as the sun changes position.

Cameras don't do it justice, just enjoy it and take it in.

If staying for sunset, go to the top, but make sure you show up at least an hour before or you won't find parking.

Dress well as the temperatures go as low as 50 Fahrenheit. We packed warm clothes and still our feet froze. Thoiugh it was well worth it. We stayed till the very end as every second of that sunset was absolutely precious. Watching sunset beng located between clouds is an unparalleled experience.

Make sure to schedule your trips to Haleakala and Hanna falls within 3 days. This way you pay park...