Haleakalā National Park Summit District
Experience the majestic dormant volcano of Haleakalā, offering surreal crater views and unforgettable sunrises/sunsets above the clouds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, no reservation needed
Haleakalā National Park Summit District
Best Time
Fewer crowds, no reservation needed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the majestic dormant volcano of Haleakalā, offering surreal crater views and unforgettable sunrises/sunsets above the clouds.
"Watching the sunrise from this spot is absolutely breathtaking—like standing on the edge of another world."
🚗 Fill Up Gas Beforehand
No gas stations on the summit road. Fill your tank in advance to avoid running out.
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
Temperatures can drop to 40s°F with strong winds. Bring jackets, hats, and gloves.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunrise Above the Clouds
Summit District
Witness the sun paint the sky from above a sea of clouds. An otherworldly, unforgettable spectacle.
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Sunset Over the Crater
Summit District
Experience a magical sunset with soft light and dramatic cloud formations over the volcanic crater.
Volcanic Crater Views
Summit District overlooks (e.g., Leleiwi, Kalahaku)
Gaze into the vast, ancient crater with its unique cinder cones and lava flows.
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Stargazing
Summit District
With minimal light pollution and high altitude, the stars here are incredibly vivid and clear.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sunrise Reservations are Key
Dress in Layers for Summit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Fill Up Gas Beforehand
No gas stations on the summit road. Fill your tank in advance to avoid running out.
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
Temperatures can drop to 40s°F with strong winds. Bring jackets, hats, and gloves.
⏰ Allow Ample Drive Time
The drive from Kihei can take 1.5-2.5 hours. Factor in traffic, especially for sunset.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
High altitude means intense sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, even if it's cloudy.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Fill Up Gas Beforehand
No gas stations on the summit road. Fill your tank in advance to avoid running out.
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
Temperatures can drop to 40s°F with strong winds. Bring jackets, hats, and gloves.
⏰ Allow Ample Drive Time
The drive from Kihei can take 1.5-2.5 hours. Factor in traffic, especially for sunset.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
High altitude means intense sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, even if it's cloudy.
🥾 Be Prepared for Hiking
Bring sturdy shoes if you plan to explore trails. Weather can change rapidly.
📸 Capture the Views
The summit offers stunning panoramic views. Don't forget your camera or phone for photos! +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Haleakalā Summit for its breathtaking, otherworldly views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The unique volcanic landscape and the experience of being above a sea of clouds are frequently highlighted as unforgettable. However, the strict reservation system for sunrise and the cold, windy conditions at the summit are common points of caution. +1
"It is definitely worth the drive to go up to the top of the of Hawaii. We did not make reservations for sunrise, so we skipped that this time. But I have done it before and it is worth waking up at 3am. We drove up a little bit after lunch took us a little over an hour to get up to the top. The lower visitor center was open, but the upper visitor center only had the bathrooms available. Highly recommend driving to the top and taken in the views. It is absolutely breathtaking.
The visitor center is a must, you can pick up your national pin, get some cool merch, and talk to the local park Rangers, who are super friendly and knowledgeable.
I would give yourself 4 hours at least for the trip. We used about half a tank of gas, maybe a little bit less in a Toyota 4Runner, so I would recommend filling up before heading up there.
If you’re going for sunrise, make sure you make reservations in advance so you can get in. From 3 AM to 7 AM. You need to have a reservations to enter the park. after 7 AM. You can enter anytime with no reservation. On our descent down, there was a good amount of traffic coming up for the sunset so if you are heading up there for watching the sunset, make sure you give yourself enough time to drive up and enjoy the view before finding a spot to settle down to watch the show.
We went on a Thursday, it was really quiet, hardly any people pretty much had the place all to ourselves,.
Just remember, take it slow, enjoy the drive, take in the breathtaking views and maybe a few times take a couple of deep breaths and just be grateful for the experience. Aloha 🌸"
Agnes Kerchner
"For sunset or sunrise:
You can see if from Kalahaku Overlook, Haleakala Visitor Center or the Summit (the most popular).
So beautiful there! We drove up to Haleakala Visitor Center - which had restrooms and plenty of parking spaces. You do need to make reservations ($30 per personal car), good for a 3 day visit. If you plan to do sunrise - you have to make another reservation and go early! Bring layers to add on. Once we got there the temperature dropped to 43 degrees. It was so windy and cold. We did the sunset and got there per GPS (an hour) at around 4:45pm. We also visited on a Wednesday. It was slow, we were able to visit freely with others. By 5:30pm many cars arrived and it was crowded."
Pang Mee Xiong
"Visiting Haleakalā National Park was an unforgettable experience, and it all began at the Summit District entrance. The drive up Crater Road offered breathtaking views, and upon arrival, the entrance sign provided a perfect photo opportunity to commemorate the journey.  
The gift shop at the Haleakalā Visitor Center was a delightful surprise. Stocked with a variety of souvenirs, from educational books to unique keepsakes, it offered something for every traveler. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall experience. 
A standout moment was meeting a passionate park ranger who shared her experiences from both Haleakalā and Great Basin National Parks. Her enthusiasm and dedication to preserving these natural wonders were truly inspiring, adding depth to our visit.
For those planning a trip to Maui, a visit to Haleakalā National Park is a must. The combination of stunning landscapes, educational resources, and passionate staff make it a highlight of the island."
Jeremy Warren
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The drive from Kihei to Haleakalā Summit can take anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. It's recommended to start your journey well in advance, especially if aiming for sunrise or sunset.
The drive involves many winding roads and switchbacks, which can be challenging for those prone to motion sickness. Taking it slow and stopping at overlooks can help.
While there are private tour operators offering shuttle services, public transportation directly to the summit is limited. Renting a car is the most common way to access the park.
The roads are paved and well-maintained, but they are steep and winding. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, including fog and potential ice in colder months.
No, there are no gas stations or food services once you enter the Summit District. It's crucial to fill up your gas tank and pack snacks and water before you begin your ascent.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a reservation is required for sunrise entry (3 AM - 7 AM). Reservations can be made on recreation.gov and sell out quickly. Sunset and daytime visits generally do not require a separate reservation beyond the park entrance fee. +2
The park entrance fee is $30 per personal vehicle, valid for three days. Sunrise reservations have an additional fee.
Reservations are released in two batches: 100 are available 60 days in advance, and 50 are released two days prior at 7 AM HST on recreation.gov. They sell out within seconds.
You can visit Haleakala Summit without a reservation after 7 AM for daytime and sunset viewing. The sunrise window (3 AM - 7 AM) strictly requires a reservation.
The Summit District is generally open 24 hours a day, but access for sunrise requires a reservation between 3 AM and 7 AM. Daytime and sunset access is available without a specific reservation.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Temperatures at the summit (over 10,000 feet) can be surprisingly cold, often dropping into the 40s Fahrenheit, even during summer months. It's also very windy.
Popular viewpoints include the Summit (Puʻu ʻUlaʻula), Kalahaku Overlook, and Leleiwi Overlook. The Summit is the most popular for sunrise and sunset.
Yes, there are rugged trails that pass cinder cones and lava flows within the Summit District. Be prepared for varied terrain and weather.
You might spot the endangered Nēnē (Hawaiian goose) and other native birds. The park is also home to unique volcanic flora.
Cell service can be spotty and unreliable at the summit. It's advisable to download offline maps and information before you go.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, with vibrant colors and unique cloud formations. Daytime offers stark volcanic landscapes. +2
You can capture stunning panoramic views of the crater, unique volcanic formations, sea of clouds, and breathtaking sunrises/sunsets. Stargazing photos are also incredible.
For personal photography, no special permit is typically required. However, commercial photography or videography may require permits. Check with the park service for details.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can capture details in the crater. A tripod is useful for low-light conditions like sunrise and stargazing.
The 'sea of clouds' is most common during sunrise and sunset when the clouds are below the summit. Patience and timing are key to capturing this phenomenon. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the day or for sunset to avoid the strict sunrise reservation requirements and the 3 AM wake-up call. The visitor center offers educational opportunities, and short, accessible viewpoints can be enjoyed without strenuous hiking. Ensure children are well-hydrated and monitor them for any signs of altitude sickness.
💰 Budget Travelers
Camping is a budget-friendly option, with campgrounds like Hosmer Grove in the Summit District costing as little as $5 per night.
Packing your own food and drinks is essential, as there are no services within the summit area, saving you money on expensive tourist traps. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Bring a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas and consider a tripod for low-light conditions. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather, which can add to the dramatic shots. Remember to respect park regulations and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Sunrise vs. Sunset at Haleakalā
+1For those seeking a similarly breathtaking, yet less logistically challenging, experience, sunset at Haleakalā is an excellent alternative. As highlighted by many visitors, sunset offers soft, beautiful light and dramatic cloud formations without the need for advance reservations. The drive up is still scenic, and the views are just as awe-inspiring. This option allows for a more relaxed pace and avoids the stress of reservation hunting.
Ultimately, both sunrise and sunset provide unforgettable moments. The choice often depends on your willingness to plan ahead and endure an early morning versus a more spontaneous evening visit. Regardless of the time, the sheer scale and beauty of the volcanic landscape are guaranteed to impress.
Navigating the Summit District
+1When exploring the summit, preparation is paramount. The thin air and intense sun at this elevation require visitors to wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Crucially, the temperature can plummet significantly, often into the 40s Fahrenheit, accompanied by strong winds. Therefore, packing warm layers, including jackets and gloves, is essential for comfort, even during warmer months.
For the adventurous, hiking trails like the Sliding Sands Trail offer a chance to immerse yourself in the volcanic terrain. However, these trails can be challenging due to the altitude and ruggedness. Always carry plenty of water and be mindful of the rapidly changing weather conditions.
+1The Importance of Park Rangers and Visitor Centers
Interacting with a ranger can significantly enrich your visit, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation for Haleakalā. Many visitors have shared positive experiences meeting rangers who are dedicated to preserving these natural wonders, making the visit more meaningful.
Beyond the human element, the visitor center also offers educational exhibits and the opportunity to purchase park pins and unique keepsakes. It's a great starting point to orient yourself and gather any last-minute necessities before heading to the summit.
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