Haleakala (House of the Sun) is Maui’s most spectacular mountain, tied to many Hawaiian legends. One of the most sought after after activities on Maui Island is watching the sunrise atop the Haleakala crater. But is it really worth driving up the mountain in the dark just to catch a glimpse of the rising sun? We asked ourselves the same question the first time we went.
Watching the sunrise at Haleakala requires advance reservations. Because this became such a popular experience, the National Park Service now requires an advance reservation to avoid overcrowding at the summit. If you do not have an advance reservation, you cannot enter the park until 7 am, so you’ll miss the sunrise.
Reservations can be made online up to 60 days in advance. You can only make your reservation online using the recreation.gov website. You cannot call to make your reservation, or get one at the visitor center. There is a $1 reservation fee per ticket.
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What to Expect When Watching the Sunrise at Haleakala
You may find it hard to believe that you may freeze on a tropical island. However, the first thing that will strike you as you get out of your car atop the Haleakala crater to watch the sunset, is the freezing temperature.
Those few steps we had to climb to reach the observation deck seemed to be draining our last drop of energy. We were so frozen and so beaten up that we couldn’t even move! We managed to get behind a big rock that provided a little protection from the strong wind.
A few minutes later however, as the sun began peeked through the horizon, all the discomfort and inconveniences have been forgotten. What we were seeing was so uplifting, so spiritual, it was almost surreal. The “ahs” and the “ohs” that filled the air confirmed that all those present were in agreement about that.
How to Prepare for the Sunrise at Haleakala Trip
Watching the sunrise at Haleakala is an uplifting experience, but before you venture on this memorable trip there are a few things you need to be prepared for.
Start Early
The success of this road trip relies on the starting time. What can be more disappointing than going all the way up the Haleakala and arriving 3-4 minutes after the sunrise? Or missing it because you can’t find parking?
What you should know is that every single day of the year hundreds of visitors overflow the few parking lots at the top of the mountain long before dawn. So arriving early is essential.
Plan to be at the summit at least 45 minutes before sunrise to secure a spot. Depending where your starting point in Maui is, driving up the Haleakala Highway (HI37) can take up to two hours.
Dress Warmly
The temperature at the summit of Haleakala is in the low 30s, but the wind chill factor makes it feel below freezing. It is unbelievably COLD!
The first time we went I just brought a light jacket and I was frozen stiff. Dressing in layers is the best strategy, because once the sun is up the temperature rises considerably.
Dress like for winter: gloves, a knit beanie, two layers of pants and a hooded jacket will keep you warm enough to enjoy the experience. We saw some people wrapped up in hotel blankets or beach towels, but they didn’t seem to be too comfortable.
Pack Breakfast
There is no food or gas station at the Haleakala National Park, so fill up your tank before you start the 11 mile ascent and bring some food and water.
If you really die to have a cup of coffee, there is a place on the way to the summit where you can stop for a $4/cup mediocre coffee, but I wouldn’t waste precious time there. It’s basically a stand on the side of the road, open between 2:30 a.m and 7:30 a.m.
READ NEXT: Where to Find the Best Black Beaches in Maui
Bring Your Camera
If you want to catch some stunning pictures of the sunrise, you need to come prepared. Photographing a mountain at dawn is not an easy task, so for good clear shots you will need a tripod and a zoom lens.
The best view of the crater is from the visitor center, but finding a good spot at the pavilion is difficult unless you arrive very early. But if you hike the little path to the right of the parking lot, you will find an excellent spot which is way less crowded.
Plan to Stay Atop the Haleakala Beyond the Sunrise
Most of the people rush to leave right after they saw the sun rise, without even looking around. But once the sun is up, an incredible show of form and color is revealed.
The dark red colors of the rocks around, mostly basalt, the ash and the cinder cones that cover the crater, will make you feel like you are on another planet.
The view from the summit is breathtaking, 360° of spectacular landscape. On a clear day you can see the Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanoes on the Big Island. As you start your descent, there will be several look-out points where you can stop for great pictures and some more exploration.
Hiking the Haleakala Crater After the Sunrise
There are over 30 miles of hiking trails in the summit area, ranging from just 10 minutes to multi-day overnight trips. If you are planning to hike the Haleakala crater after watching the sunrise, be advised that the air is very rare up there.
You will probably need some adjustment at the high altitude before you proceed. Also, bring lots of water as it will get very hot during the day.
READ NEXT: Maui vs the Big Island: an Unbiased Comparison
A Final Word
I hope the information I provided will help you plan your Haleakala trip better, so that you can fully enjoy the experience. However, if you feel overwhelmed and uneasy about driving up the mountain at night, don’t worry. You can book a guided tour for the summit that will pick you up from your hotel and then bring you back.
TIP: If you want like to get up early at 3 o’clock in the morning and endure the cold, you could also watch the sunset at Haleakala. It’s also a very uplifting experience, although not as impressive as the sunrise though.
Planning to visit Maui? Read some of my other articles about this beautiful island:
Best Places to Eat on Maui
How to Plan a Romantic Maui Getaway for Your Anniversary
30 Amazing Pictures from Hawaii to Inspire You to Visit the Islands
How to Spend a Day at the Pasadena Huntington Gardens and Visit for Free
Sissi Spacek
What an amazing post! Your descriptions made me feel like I was right there at Haleakala watching the sunrise. I’ve always wanted to experience this, and your tips on what to expect and how to prepare are so helpful. Thank you for sharing your insights!
Paul
I worked at the summit of Haleakala for 10 years. One of our favorite activities was after our shift was over at midnight, we would take our bikes and bike down the mountain when there was a full moon. There is no problem seeing cars approaching and the view is awesome.
Anda
Wow, that must have been awesome, Paul!
CP
Great article – couple of my thoughts from visiting this spot twice during week of July 11. Reservations are needed to go to view sunrise thru Recreation.gov. Tickets open up sixty days in advance so best to try to find tickets for when you will be in Maui. There are 25 last minute spots which open up at 7 am local time 48 hours beforehand. However these go extremely fast and it’s like winning the lottery (I fortunately did on my fifth day). The ticket gets you entry for one vehicle so it’s good if you can share the ride with others but there is no real system to ride share (I went up alone in 7 seater – what a waste).
Yes – it’s cold up top and best to go prepared – if you have confirmed reservations before going to Hawaii – bring a thermos for hot coffee or tea. Having done the sunrise and sunset, I would not be too upset if I missed the sunrise. I idea is to go up top and spend the day hiking and soaking in the scenery. The park opens up to all visitors at 7 am and the ride up and back down has awesome views. The road itself is an engineering marvel.
Marin Burney
Anda , excellent photos ! Thank you ! Thanks for memories we shared with “Mama” too ! Dad .Marin
corinne
What an amazing hike and that sunrise was definitely worth it. So pretty. I’ll have to do this sometime Anda!
Anda Galffy
It’s really worth seeing at least once, Corinne.
Ruth
This place is beyond beautiful! It is not an spectacle I will not want to miss. I guess you will have to pack warm clothes only for this spot. Low 30 is very cold. You have to prepare for that.
Anda Galffy
It is freezing cold and very windy up there, Ruth. If you ever go pack a warm jacket, gloves and a hat. It warms up quite fast after the sun rises, however.
Different Shores
As usual your images are absolutely stunning. I love the “Walking the crater trails” one especially, above the clouds. I would kill to be up there with my camera. Another for the dreamlist! Honestly, I’m quite willing to sacrifice a fair bit of comfort and convenience if there is a spectacular pay-off – there’s not much I won’t do for a good view…
Anda Galffy
I hear you, I’d sacrifice a lot for some good shots.
Tracy Collins
That looks amazing! I am not good at early starts but always manage it in Africa for game drives! I think for me getting up early is the hardest thing but its worth it with views like that! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Anda Galffy
Yea, I hear you, Tracy. I am not an early person either. That morning for the Haleakala sunrise was a real sacrifice.
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
We once spent a week in Maui. It was tremendous fun but I don’t thin we ever saw the sun rise.
Mary {The World Is A Book}
Love these stunning photos. We went to Haleakala a few years ago and never made it for sunrise. We’re not morning people much. So glad I got to virtually see these through you. We loved Haleakala though. It’s such a special place.
Anda Galffy
It’s hard to get the kids going at 3:00 a.m., Mary, I agree with you. We went there 3-4 times so far and every time I felt it was a big sacrifice to get up so early. And what makes it very stressful is that if you don’t move fast enough you can miss it.
Rhonda Albom
This is something we have never done, although we did go to Maui a long time ago. It is so beautiful and your tips are really useful. I would hate to get there and not find parking. I imagine that happens daily. What do people do?
Anda Galffy
There is parking further down, but then you have to hike on foot to the Observation Deck and it’s not an easy hike. Besides is freezing cold and very windy.
Cathy
Beautiful photos, I love the undercast clouds! Added to my hiking wish list!
Doreen Pendgracs
Hello, Anda, and thx for this post. I have not seen the sunrise there, but have been to Haleakala and found it breathtaking. It was not clear on the morning we were going there, so need to rush for the sunrise. But yes, it’s cold up there! So often, these locations where it is said to be there at a certain time, are not worthy of the hype. The sunset at Oia in Greece comes mind.
Anda Galffy
I’d love to see the sunset at Oia in Greece, Doreen. Thanks for commenting.
Lolo
Wow! What an absolutely breath taking experience! #TheWeeklyPostcard
eileen g
This looks fantastic. I would never travel with a tripod, but I love your shots. It’s so important to remember that Hawaii has a lot more than just beaches and pineapple cocktails (though after this hike, i would enjoy one of those).
Anda Galffy
I know what you are saying, Eileen. What would Hawaii be without a nice cocktail?
Lydia C. Lee
Those shots with the sun are just stunning. You look like you had a spectacular experience.
Anda Galffy
It’s not my first time at the crater, Lydia. I always have a great experience there.
Rosemary Kneipp
What a lovely place, Anda! I’d love to visit it.
Victoria@celebratetheweekend
Anda, just how winding was the ascent? I tried ascending Mount Washington by car once (we tried would be correct) and turned back! it was just too scary. In Maui we had a much quieter week since I was pregnant with my daughter and did not want any extra excitements:)
Anda Galffy
The ascent was not difficult, Victoria. It’s windy only at the very top of the mountain, if you stay outside. But even there is quite all right in the car. Besides, when the sun comes up the weather changes completely.
Lara Dunning
We watched the sunrise a few years ago and totally froze even though we did bring some warm clothes. I saw people with hotel blankets and wished I had done the same. I wrote an essay about it, it is published on Mountain Gazette. When I was doing research I found out that one of the park rangers who is a native Hawaiian sings a traditional song at sunrise. Made me wish we’d been where she was so we could hear it. No one in my group wanted to stay around after sunrise so I need to go back and explore the park.
Anda Galffy
I’m glad we stayed around after the sunrise this time. It was absolutely magnificent!
Liz
Those sunrise photos definitely make an early start (and a long drive!) worth it. Your tips for the Haleakala sunrise trip are also great for most other sunrise trips – I’m yet to master sunrise photography but it’s definitely a goal. Thanks for the tips! 🙂
Anda Galffy
Photographing the sunrise and sunset may be a little tricky if you want good pictures, but if you have a tripod it’s not very difficult.