Haleakalā Sunrise — Local services in Maui

DATE VISITED: 3/2/2024 for the sunrise.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: make reservations ahead of time (both for the sunrise and parking) $1 per vehicle for the sunrise, $30 vehicle pass allow enough travel time. Read reviews to help prepare prior to our trip, which was helpful. The website indicates to allow 3hrs of travel time if you are coming from the West side of the Island. I read a review that recommended to allow 2hrs, which we did (took about 1.5-2hrs). If driving in the dark on narrow roads feels sketch for you, then allow yourself 3hrs+ travel time lol. NOTE, arriving early is suggested to secure parking close to the stairs where you will walk up and watch the sunrise. The next lot is 0.5mi down (if you're ok walking, no need to arrive by 3am). We arrived at 3:20a and slept in the car until 6a to secure a good spot to watch the sunrise.

PREPARE: We were blessed with great weather (no rain, no fog)! But it was super cold! My fingers and toes were pretty frozen. Remember, weather can be unpredictable at high altitudes. So come prepared for possible rain. Highly recommend to layer your clothing! Dress warm! I brought a down jacket, which folded and compressed well in my carry-on! We also brought extra blankets from our rental. If you get cold easily, think about bringing hand/feet warmers! Reviews said to bring snacks, which I didn't think was necessary. But bring water! TRAVEL JANE/JOHN!! These will come in handy! Just remember, to bring any trash back out with you and respect the land!

ARRIVAL: NO BATHROOMS at the peak, only at the next lot (0.5mi down). Highly recommend to bring a Travel Jane/John with you for emergences!

VIEWING: There is an enclosed room with windows at the peak if you do not want to stand outside. The view is still spectacular from here! But if you want a good view, you will need to go early to secure the front row window viewing. You are not allowed to climb over the wall and sit on the dirt. You are allowed to sit on the wall to view. If you bring a tripod, I recommend securing a spot at the wall outside. Reviews mentioned that the guide does a chant, which we did not hear. I believe he did this during his walk down the peak to the entrance.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS...

Wonderful experience. First note is there is a reservation system so you have to have secured yours or you won't be let in at the park entrance. We got to the summit at an hour before sunrise and the very top summit lot was already full so get there very early if your looking for the absolute top spot. The second location which I have pictured is absolutely fine. Bathrooms at location. Note of course, it will be cold up there, it's over 10,000 feet up. Wear some warm clothes and don't be my cousin in the attached photo! You can see from the photos you probably won't be alone, they still let a decent amount of people up there. There was a very nice chant performed right up at sunrise by some local folks which made it even more memorable and magical. After that great memorable morning start, the 2nd best thing was getting back in the car and turning the heat on and heading back down the mountain, beautiful views...

Haleakala is one of the best places on Maui to view the entire island. There aren't many downsides with the exception of the amount of people that now go up for the sunrise. We booked online and had a digital copy of the park pass. Remember you still need to pay the National Park fee as well as the sunrise fee. Research suggested that only 50 cars can go up between 3:00 and 7:00 am and booking opens up 60 days out. We missed the last parking spot and parked in an open bus spot. Bus tours are expensive and they bring up way too many people. Once sunrise hit, most including the tour buses headed back down the volcano. If you have time, go to the upper lot and see a whole new view of West Maui. We saw Kihei from the south to Kahului to the north at the airport. I think I like sunset better now that we...