From Central Maui (Kahului) to the Summit is approximately 90 minutes one way.Drive another 1/2 mile to reach the Summit parking lot, park, and watch the sunrise.Pass the Upper Visitor center (aka Haleakalā Visitor Center) after mile marker 20 or stop here for a quick bathroom break.Keep the receipt as it’s valid for 3 days, which you can use to visit on the other side, like the 7 Sacred Pools in Hana. After mile marker 10 is the Entrance to Haleakala National Park and you pay an entrance fee of $20 per car.On Hwy 378 the switchbacks begin for the next 20 miles ….This may be a good option for you if you don’t want to wake up at 2:30am to drive for a couple of hours in the dark. Never tried it yet, but I’ve heard the sunset at Haleakala is just as spectacular and far less crowded. Grab breakfast/lunch at Ulupalakua Ranch.Try one of the many hiking trails at Haleakala National Park.One of the most natural and surreal experiences in my trips to Maui.Īfter the watching the sunrise there are plenty to do afterward: Before the sunrise, you get the chance star gaze and slowly watch the sky transform to amazing colors. In Hawaiian, Haleakala means the house of the sun, very fitting! But do come early to snag a good spot, at least 1 hour before sunrise and dress warmly.

One of the best views I’ve seen in my life. Read more about the Haleakala Sunrise Reservation Systembefore heading there.ĭrive above the clouds and watch the Sunrise at the Haleakala Summit from 10,000 feet above sea level is amazingly breathtaking. UPDATE: Starting Feb 1, 2017, the Haleakala Sunrise requires a reservation.

Haleakala sunrise