Haleakala National Park
Witness otherworldly sunsets above a sea of clouds from the summit of a dormant volcano. A truly magical Maui experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, comfortable temps
Haleakala National Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, comfortable temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness otherworldly sunsets above a sea of clouds from the summit of a dormant volcano. A truly magical Maui experience.
"Amazed by its surreal volcanic landscape and the colors of the crater at sunrise were unforgettable."
🎯 Sunset: No Reservation Needed
Enjoy spectacular sunset views without the need for a reservation, unlike sunrise. Arrive early for parking!
🧥 Dress in Layers
It's cold at 10,000 ft! Bring a warm jacket, hat, and gloves, even in summer.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Above the Clouds
Summit District
Witness the sun dip below a sea of clouds, painting the sky in breathtaking hues. An otherworldly experience above the world.
Volcanic Crater Views
Summit District Overlooks
Marvel at the vast, surreal landscape of the dormant volcano's crater. The colors shift dramatically throughout the day.
Pipiwai Trail
Kipahulu District
Hike through lush bamboo forests to stunning waterfalls. A refreshing contrast to the summit's volcanic terrain.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sunset Over Sunrise: Beat the Crowds
Dress Warm, Even in Summer
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Sunset: No Reservation Needed
Enjoy spectacular sunset views without the need for a reservation, unlike sunrise. Arrive early for parking!
🧥 Dress in Layers
It's cold at 10,000 ft! Bring a warm jacket, hat, and gloves, even in summer.
🚗 Drive Carefully
The winding road to the summit can be steep and is doable in a regular car, but take it slow.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The high altitude can be dehydrating. Bring plenty of water for your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Sunset: No Reservation Needed
Enjoy spectacular sunset views without the need for a reservation, unlike sunrise. Arrive early for parking!
🧥 Dress in Layers
It's cold at 10,000 ft! Bring a warm jacket, hat, and gloves, even in summer.
🚗 Drive Carefully
The winding road to the summit can be steep and is doable in a regular car, but take it slow.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The high altitude can be dehydrating. Bring plenty of water for your visit.
♻️ Respect Nature
Do not take rocks or plants. Pack out everything you pack in to preserve the park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently amazed by Haleakala's surreal volcanic landscapes and the breathtaking views above the clouds, especially during sunset. The unique colors of the crater and the feeling of being on top of the world are frequently highlighted. However, the early morning drive for sunrise can be exhausting, and the summit's cold temperatures are often underestimated.
"Haleakalā National Park amazed me with its surreal volcanic landscape and the colors of the crater at sunrise were unforgettable. I really enjoyed the feeling of being above the clouds, which made the whole experience feel otherworldly. On the downside, the early morning drive up was exhausting and the cold at the summit was harsher than I expected. Still, I’d rate it 5 out of 5 for the sheer uniqueness and beauty of the place."
Yulia Pers
"Great park with lots of view, plant life only found on the mountain/volcano. While we went during the government shutdown and no park rangers were on site, we had a tour and learned alot of information about the volcano and park. Our tour started early to watch the sunrise"
Eric Russo
"Amazing views. The mountain peak is only 10k in altitude, but because it goes from sea level to 10k, the effect is dramatic. At some points it feels like you're driving into the clouds."
Emily Yolo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main entrance, the Summit District, is accessible via Highway 377. The drive from major towns like Kihei or Lahaina can take 1.5-2 hours. The Kipahulu District (Pipiwai Trail) is located off the Road to Hana and requires a longer drive.
The road is winding and steep, but generally well-maintained. Many visitors find it manageable in a regular car, especially during daylight hours. Take your time and enjoy the scenic ascent.
Yes, you can drive your own car to Haleakala National Park. Reservations are required for sunrise viewing, but not for sunset.
The Pipiwai Trail is in the Kipahulu District, about 10 miles past Hana Town. Allow at least 2.5-3 hours of driving time from Kahului and consider getting there early.
Public transportation is not available to Haleakala National Park. You will need to drive your own vehicle or book a guided tour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations are required for sunrise viewing at the summit, typically booked months in advance. Sunset does not require a reservation, but parking can fill up.
The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, valid for three days. This fee covers both the Summit District and the Kipahulu District.
Haleakala National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, specific facilities like visitor centers have limited hours. Sunrise viewing requires a reservation and specific entry time.
Yes, an America the Beautiful Pass or other valid National Parks Pass will grant you entry into Haleakala National Park.
Sunrise reservations are highly competitive and should be booked as soon as they become available, typically 60 days in advance, through the recreation.gov website.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets above the clouds, hike scenic trails like the Pipiwai Trail, explore volcanic landscapes, and stargaze. +2
Dress in warm layers, including a jacket, hat, and gloves, as temperatures at the summit are significantly colder than at sea level.
Yes, the park offers various hiking trails, including the popular Pipiwai Trail in the Kipahulu District, known for its bamboo forest and waterfalls.
The summit overlooks offer incredible panoramic views. For sunset, the Haleakala Visitor Center area is popular. For sunrise, the main summit viewpoints are sought after.
Yes, Haleakala is known for its incredible stargazing opportunities due to its high elevation and minimal light pollution.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or food services within Haleakala National Park. It's recommended to pack your own food and snacks.
Dining options are limited near the summit. You'll find more choices in towns like Pukalani, Makawao, or further down the coast in Kihei and Lahaina.
Yes, picnicking is allowed in designated areas. Remember to pack out all your trash to keep the park clean.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting and colors, creating magical scenes above the clouds. Golden hour before sunset is also spectacular. +2
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions during sunrise/sunset.
The summit overlooks provide iconic crater views. The Pipiwai Trail offers unique shots of the bamboo forest and waterfalls.
You can photograph the unique flora, but remember not to disturb or remove any plants. Respect the park's natural environment.
A Brocken Spectre is a rare optical phenomenon where your shadow is cast onto clouds, often surrounded by a rainbow. It can be seen from Haleakala's summit under specific conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The drive up can be long, so pack snacks and entertainment. The unique volcanic landscape is fascinating for kids, and the Pipiwai Trail offers a chance to explore a magical bamboo forest. 💰 Budget Travelers
Opting for sunset over sunrise saves you the reservation fee and potential tour costs. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive landscapes and a tripod for low-light conditions. The Pipiwai Trail also offers stunning shots of the bamboo forest and waterfalls. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Sunrise vs. Sunset: The Great Debate
+1Sunset, on the other hand, offers a more relaxed and equally stunning experience. No reservations are needed, crowds are significantly smaller, and the temperatures are more manageable. The colors of the sky as the sun dips below the cloud layer are truly magical and provide an unforgettable spectacle.
+1Ultimately, both offer incredible views, but for a more peaceful and comfortable experience, sunset is often the preferred choice for many travelers.
Exploring the Kipahulu District: Beyond the Summit
The highlight here is the Pipiwai Trail, a moderate hike that winds through a breathtaking bamboo forest and leads to the impressive Waimoku Falls. Along the way, you'll also encounter the Pools of Ohe'o (Seven Sacred Pools), though swimming conditions can vary.
Remember that the entrance fee for Kipahulu is $30 per vehicle and is valid for three days, allowing you to visit both the summit and Kipahulu districts. Allow ample time for the drive, as the Road to Hana is a destination in itself.
The Unique Volcanic Landscape
+1The crater itself is vast and awe-inspiring, with colorful cinder cones and lava flows. The changing light throughout the day dramatically alters the appearance of the crater, making it a photographer's dream. Visitors often describe the feeling of being on another planet.
Beyond the crater, the park protects unique endangered species and fragile ecosystems. It's crucial for visitors to stay on marked trails and avoid disturbing the natural environment to preserve this special place for future generations.
Social
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