Start Early and Pack Smart

From Wailea or Kaanapali, expect about a two-hour drive to the summit. Plan to arrive at the Haleakala Visitor Center at least 30 minutes before sunrise to get a good viewing spot. In summer, sunrise can be as early as 5:38 a.m., so check times in advance.

What to bring:

• Warm layers, jackets, gloves, and blankets since it is often 30° colder than sea level

• Breakfast or snacks, since there is no food or gas in the park

• A camera to capture the experience

Haleakala’s summit sits just above 10,000 feet, which can feel very different for visitors coming from sea level. The air is thinner, which means less oxygen. If you are sensitive to altitude, take it slow, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity until you adjust. If you start feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or short of breath, pause, rest, and breathe deeply. Above all else, enjoy the view! Watching the first rays of sunlight spill across the crater is unforgettable. As colors shift from deep purples to golds and fiery oranges, you will understand why Mark Twain called it “the most sublime spectacle I have ever witnessed.”

Explore the Trails

After sunrise, stay a while and explore some of Haleakala’s stunning trails:

• Pa Kaoao Trail (White Hill Trail): Less than 0.5 miles roundtrip with sweeping views into the crater and across the island

• Leleiwi Overlook: A short walk from the parking area and perfect for cloud watching

• Sliding Sands Trail (Keoneheehee): An 11-mile trek into the crater, but even walking 15–30 minutes in gives you a taste of its otherworldly, Mars-like landscape

• Hosmer’s Grove Nature Trail: A 0.5-mile loop through forest plantings and native bird habitat, making it a great stop on your way down for a cooler, greener contrast to the summit

Local Tip: If you only have an hour, hike Pa Kaoao Trail for crater views, then stroll Hosmer’s Grove on your way down. It is the perfect sampler of Haleakala’s volcanic and forest ecosystems.

Breakfast Stop: Grandma’s Coffee House

After your adventure, head to Grandma’s Coffee House in Kula. Locally roasted coffee, hearty breakfasts, and an old-Hawaii vibe make it the perfect way to refuel after an early morning at the summit.

Option 2: A Sunset Escape

If a 3:00 a.m. wake-up call is not your style, Haleakala at sunset is equally breathtaking, and no reservation is required.

Grab An Early Dinner on The Way

Arrive at least an hour before sunset to find parking and soak in the views. On your way up, stop by the Kulamalu Food Truck Courtyard (open until 6:00 p.m.) in Pukalani for dinner to-go or a quick bite before heading higher.

Hike Before Golden Hour

If time allows, enjoy a short hike before sunset:

• Sliding Sands Trail: Walk in just 20–30 minutes to experience the dramatic cinder landscape

• Pa Kaoao Trail: A quick climb to one of the best viewpoints near the summit

Parking and Entrance 

Parking fills up quickly near the Haleakala Visitor Center, especially for sunset. If the main lot is full, you may need to park near the bathrooms and walk up. There is also an automated pay station at the park entrance, which works like a parking garage, so plan for extra time as it can slow things down.

Stay for the Sky Show

The sunset is only the beginning. After the sun dips below the horizon, the sky explodes with vibrant colors, shifting from fiery oranges to deep purples as the stars start to shine. Haleakala’s summit is one of the best stargazing spots in Hawaii thanks to its high elevation, clear skies, and minimal light pollution.

Look out for the Haleakala Observatories, home to the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, the most powerful solar telescope in the world. From here, you will see planets, constellations, and the Milky Way with incredible clarity.

The drive down Haleakala, exactly like the way up, is steep and winding, so it is important to shift into a lower gear to help control your speed and avoid overheating your brakes. Take your time on the descent, watch for cyclists and wildlife, and pull over at designated spots if faster cars need to pass.

Local Tips for a Perfect Day

• Dress Warmly: Temperatures drop into the 40s year-round

• Bring Snacks and Water: There is no food or gas inside the park

• Take Your Time: Stop at overlooks and trails on the way up and down

• Take It Slow at Altitude: At over 10,000 feet, the air is thinner; pace yourself, stay hydrated, and rest if needed

• Plan Ahead for Traffic: For sunset, expect slowdowns at the automated pay station

• Stay After Dark: Whether for stargazing or soaking up post-sunset colors, it is worth lingering

• Drive Carefully on the Descent: Use a lower gear to control speed and avoid overheating your brakes

Whether you are above the clouds at sunrise or under a starlit sky after sunset, Haleakala National Park delivers one of Maui’s most unforgettable experiences. The sweeping views, unique landscapes, and endless sense of wonder make it a place where you can truly connect with nature and with the island itself.

For those considering making Maui home, exploring Haleakala is more than just a day trip. It is an invitation to experience the magic of Upcountry living.