Seeing the first rays of light emerge from beyond the horizon at 10,000 feet above sea level is definitely a bucket list moment. There’s just something about being above the clouds while enduring 40 mph winds and 30-40º weather that you’ll never forget. It was surreal being able to explore an alien landscape atop Maui’s highest peak. Endless fields of volcanic rock scattered the ground, and it felt as though we’d been transported to Mars. Here’s my complete guide to watching the sunrise at Haleakala National Park.
HOW TO MAKE A RESERVATION
Reservations must be made in advance in order to enter the park for sunrise viewing from 3-7 am. You can reserve your ticket online at 7 am Hawaiian Standard Time up to 60 days prior to your visit. Reservation fees are $1 per ticket per vehicle. If you’re unable to secure a ticket, you can always try again 2 days prior to your scheduled visit when the second batch of tickets is released online. Be prepared to show your confirmation email along with a matching photo ID when entering the park.
THINGS TO NOTE
- Entry to Haleakala National Park costs $30 per vehicle and is valid for up to 3 days.
- Plan to arrive 60-90 minutes before sunrise to stake out a good viewing spot. Due to uphill traffic, it can take 1.5-2 hours to reach the summit, so plan your departure time accordingly.
- Fill up on gas the night before so that you’re ready to go in the morning.
- Parking is available at Haleakala summit. In the event that it’s full, you can also park at the Visitor Center, which is 0.5 miles away. The Visitor Center is also a popular spot for sunrise viewing, so you can stay here if you prefer not to make the 1 mile round trip trek to the summit.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO AFTER SUNRISE
Haleakala Summit Visitor Center: Located on the edge of the crater, this visitor center has restrooms, as well as a park store.
Pa Ka’oao Trail: This short 0.4 mile round trip hike begins at the Haleakala Visitor Center parking lot. A great alternative to the Sliding Sands Trail for those wanting a more relaxing experience, this trail leads to an overlook of the Haleakala volcano crater.
Sliding Sands Trail: One of the most popular hikes in the park, this challenging 22 mile round trip (or 11 mile point-to-point) trail descends into the crater floor before connecting to the Halemauu Trail. Some visitors opt to hike to a unique section of the crater floor called Pele’s Paint Pot at the 5.7 mile mark before turning back. Another option is to hike 20-30 minutes to the first overlook and back for a total of 0.5 miles. The Sliding Sands Trail also begins at the Haleakala Visitor Center parking lot.
Kalahaku Overlook: This overlook features an observation deck with views of the crater floor.
Leleiwi Overlook: This overlook offers additional views of Haleakala crater.
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU
- A screenshot of your Haleakala summit sunrise reservation ticket. Cell service will be limited once you reach a certain elevation, so it’s best to have a screenshot of your email handy.
- Extra layers & blankets. At sunrise, it was 30º F with 40 mph winds. I was really thankful I brought a blanket and multiple thermals.
- Plenty of snacks & water. There is no food or water available for purchase inside the park.
- Comfortable shoes if you plan to go hiking.
- Headlamps. Since we parked at the visitor center, we had to hike to the summit in the dark. Headlamps helped tremendously when navigating the pitch-black roads before first light.