Day Trips Hawaii

Haleakala sunrise- Breathtaking and cold

Although the effort involved in getting up in the (very) early morning hours is off-putting to many (us included); the amazing sight of sunrise from above the clouds on Maui’s highest point makes it well worth it.

The drive to the Haleakala crater will be long and dark if you’re planning to be there for sunrise. The drive from Kannapali/Lahaina will take about 2 hours, Kihei about an hour and a half, and even a drive from Paia will take an hour and 15 minutes. 

It’s an easier drive then the Road to Hana and if you do the drive while it’s dark, you don’t even realize how close you were hugging the cliff until you drive down in the morning light.

There was a meteor shower the night we drove up the crater, so we arrived in the middle of the night to hopefully enjoy that spectacle, and then stay in place for the sunset.

There was almost no one there, as we shivered on top of the crater watching the most spectacular meteors we have ever seen. The park is open 24 hours a day, so even if there is no meteor shower scheduled, the stargazing can be spectacular.

Most people head up in the early hours to catch the famous sunrise.  It will be crowded and people will be taking selfies in the shadow of the light, so make sure you arrive early to grab a good spot to watch.  A recent report says the sunrise draws an average of 600 visitors each morning. 

Once the sun is up, depending on the cloud conditions, you can sometimes see all the way south to the Big Island.

There are two stopping locations near the peak. The first one is a more developed area that includes the interpretive centre. Make sure to skip this first stop and keep going all the way to the top. The interpretive centre offers some excellent viewing of the inside of the crater, but there is plenty of time for that on the drive down.

It is beautiful and breathtaking.

If you plan on doing this trip when in Maui – bring a parka, hat, and mitts in your luggage. Trust us.

You can also take some blankets fro m your hotel – but trust us on the winter coat!