Haleakalā Sunrise
Watch the sun come up from above the clouds, at 10,023 feet, on the rim of a huge volcanic crater. You'll need a reservation, and warm clothes.
- Open
- Open all year; sunrise needs a reservation
- Price
- Park entrance fee; sunrise reservation
- Time Needed
- Half a day
- Address
- Haleakala Hwy, Kula, HI 96790Google MapsApple Maps
- Getting There
- About two hours by car from Lahaina or Wailea, leaving very early.
Why Go
Reservations are required for cars entering between 3 and 7 am, sold on Recreation.gov up to 60 days ahead, with a small batch two days before. It's sacred ground in Native Hawaiian tradition, and you may hear a chant at dawn.
After sunrise, walk the Sliding Sands Trail down into the crater, a moonscape of cinder cones. Sunset needs no reservation, and it's far less crowded.
Tips
- It's often near freezing up top. Bring layers and drive slowly, as the road has no lights.
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