haleakala sunrise itinerary
haleakala sunrise itinerary
Visit historic Makawao Town, Photo by Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson. What luck! The summit is also home to a string of futuristic-looking domed observatories. No matter when you go sunrise, during the day, sunset weather does have to be on your side, though! Standing at an elevation of more than 10,000 feet, Haleakala is the worlds largest dormant volcano. The Haleakala National Park website notes that the only way to get to Kipahulu is via the Road to Hana, a 64-mile-long route along the northern coast of Mauis east side. And then you will want to add in some extra buffer time just in case! You will know best whether you think a sunrise is worth waking up for! The parking lot fills up fast, get there early. From sweeping coastline vistas to lush flowering trees and roaring waterfalls, the Road to Hana is a not-to-be-missed experience. Recreation.gov. And I learned that tours, such as those by Skyline Hawaii, provide their participants with warm jackets and hot chocolate. And considering all there is to see, your 3 a.m. wake-up call for catching the sunrise will put you in a good position for a full day of sampling what the park has to offer. Throughout the drive, youll come across a few places to take short hikes. Thanks for your support! Please pick up your trash; never touch any marine life, plants, or other animals; and avoid spots that are unsafe. If you choose to do neither, you must quarantine for 14 days. Watching the sunrise from Haleakala was on the top of my list, and I made a solo trip here. One of the most important things you should know about doing the Haleakala sunrise on your own is that it requires waking up very early. Some other things to be aware of is that you may experience altitude sickness due to the 10,000 foot climb. Instead, I went to the Haleakala summit during the day, and I thought it was amazing. Before heading back to your Maui Hotel, stop at Hookipa Beach and its scenic overlook. You dont need to travel far to see the expansive view of the massive crater open up before you! And while you dont need a tour to do the Haleakala sunrise, you do need a reservation. ), You will make Haleakala sunrise reservations through the National Park Service reservation system which is recreation.gov. The road to the Haleakala sunrise viewing area is a national park fee area. EVERGLADES FL (It was like this even pre-covid. Its cold at the summit! If it gets to be too much, just drive back down as soon as possible. At this overlook, youll see the crater floor from a completely different perspective. Youll still get a great view of a crater rim in the condensed version and you'll have more time for the rest of the activities on this tour! Plan for traffic as you make your way to the summit. MAUI By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Might as well stop and grab a picture with the sign! But this 3-day pass (receipt) is also good for the Haleakala coastal side. It is also a very (very) windy place. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Now, I have not actually seen the Haleakala sunrise myself. And indeed, the sun rising over the craggy volcanic rocks of Haleakala is a sight to see. It is also a perfect way to start your day at the spectacular Haleakala National Park. The view from the summit is spectacular and it is from here that you can. Very pretty. It gets trapped, condenses, and rains down on the Hana coast, leaving this part of the island bone dry. Honestly, I thought I would bump into the Mars Curiosity Rover at any point. The Old Lahaina Luau is regarded as the best luau in Maui. It is also a very (very) windy place. GRAND CANYON AZ Still they stay, in anticipation of one of Mauis premier attractions. There is no daylight savings time in Hawaii. The Haleakala sunrise has become so popular that reservations are required. Kalahaku offers the best view of the crater apart from the Sliding Sands hike, with glowing red colors in the afternoon of a sunny day. And, for cheese enthusiasts check out Surfing Goat Dairy. If you only have two or three days in Maui. Check the weather before you go. the night before to avoid the long journey in case of extreme weather. If youre flying from the mainland US or Canada for example, jet lag will be on your side. You need a permit only if you want to go to the Haleakala summit between the hours of 3am and 7am and these hours include the sunrise hours! haha. This Haleakala campground used to be free, and it used to be first-come first-serve. Ready to take the Sunrise at Haleakala Tour? And remember that parking is limited, so you dont want to be the last to arrive! It takes at least an hour each way just to drive up and down Haleakala, but remember youll be stopping along the way for trails, overlooks, or to possibly watch the sunrise or sunset. This is the actual summit of Mount Haleakala at 10,023 feet above sea level. , stop at Hookipa Beach and its scenic overlook. Known as the worlds largest dormant volcano, Haleakala reaches a height of 10,023 ft (3,055m) and, as well soon see, is responsible for much of the bizarre weather on Maui: the tropical north and the dessert-like south. The entire trek will take you past such notable spots as the crater floor and Peles Paint Pot. Finally, the tip of the sun will appear, to the collective gasp of the crowd. Not anymore! For picnic fixings, head to Mana Foods for bakery items and fresh produce. Keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable, especially at the summit. This side of Haleakala National Park is where you will find the famous bamboo forest and famous waterfalls.). If you plan on doing the whole hike, or a large portion of it, remember to bring water. Regardless of where youre staying in Maui, the drive is sure to be long from 1.5 hours to 3 hours. Hawaiis natural resources are precious, its up to all of us to help preserve these resources. Nearly 11 miles long and featuring approximately 2,500 feet of elevation change, the Sliding Sands Trail is rated as difficult. WIND CAVE SD Entrance to the national park costs $20 per vehicle. Most visitors pass up Leleiwi Overlook but in our opinion its actually one the best on the mountain! This site contains affiliate links. Bookmark this link to search for the best places to stay in Maui., Before you go: Make a reservation to enter this National Park to watch the sunrise. MOUNT RUSHMORE SD You may also see nene in Haleakala National Park. Don't want to wake up for sunset? 
(Exact time difference will depend on when you go. Since you are going to see a sunrise it means that you need to wake up well before sunrise to go and actually SEE it! Spend some time on luxurious Wailea Beach, and dont miss these hidden gems. Prepare for traffic since there is only one lane up and one road down. So first, yes, you can do the Haleakala sunrise on your own! Known as the house of the sun, Haleakalas elevation is over 10,000 feet above sea level. Now that the sun is up and you are thawing, its time to start hiking the many paths Haleakala National Park has to offer. As you are driving the Haleakala Highway in the dark for your Haleakala sunrise, take extra care to look out for wildlife, including nene! If you dont feel like a luau show, head to Paia after catching up with the turtles and dine at the. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Youll need a reservation to enter the park for sunrise. It gets VERY cold all throughout the year due to the altitude. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences, and savor the journey. . While your drive to the summit will be in the dark, the trip back down will feel like youre traveling in the clouds. PEARL HARBOR HI It does not store any personal data. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site contains affiliate links. Youll definitely be driving through and above the clouds on this trip, so be prepared for that too! Itll cost you $1.50 per vehicle, not per person, and you can make the reservation up to 60 days in advance. You will also pass a Haleakala headquarters visitor center shortly after you pass the entry station. There is no food once youre in the park. We recommend all the stops suggested on the Shake Guide. Plan ahead: There are no gas stations, so make sure you have a full tank if youre driving here and remember youll need to pay an entrance fee at the park in addition to making the sunrise reservation. It can be hard to believe as you sit on the beach in Mauis 80-degree weather, but the temperatures at the summit are typically 30 degrees colder. It is recommended that you get your request in as soon as the reservations become available, 60 days before your visit. Check out my Oahu Travel Guide. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Home / Travel Guides / North America / Hawaii. There is a separate area of Haleakala National Park that is actually a part of the Road to Hana, but that will be covered in a separate post since it is not connected to the Summit area of Haleakala. Advanced reservations are a must as this show often sells out weeks in advance. Slowly, a glow will form on the horizon, turning the murky black into a sea of soft pastels. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Habit view Hana coast at Leleiwi Haleakala National Park, Photo by Forest and Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0 US, via Wiki Commons. From the overlook, youll not only be offered to buy some weed but youll primarily enjoy sweeping views of the coastline and the daring surfers that ride its waves. When youre in Hawaii, we ask that you act respectfully towards the locals, land and wildlife. Let me tell you a little backstory about this excursion. Founded in 1896, Paia is known for its historic backdrop and laid-back vibe. Another thing that you may consider as you are planning your Maui itinerary is that you might try to schedule your Haleakala sunrise trip within the first few days of landing in Maui. So if you decide to go and you get good weather so that you can see the sunrise theres a very good chance that you will think the Haleakala sunrise was worth it too! You may also experience car/motion sickness if youre prone to it, so try to be the driver if you can. Once you arrive at the summit, you will want to join the crowds gathered along the ledge as soon as possible. UTAH Also dont read while in the car and have the windows down for fresh air. Now that there are reservations required, and there are so few campsites available, well, it probably requires a little bit of luck to go camping at this spot near the Haleakala sunrise. . Both of these were actually rather good things. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. At 10,023 ft (3,055m), the highest point on Maui is a prime location for scientific and space observatories. Crater at Haleakala National Park, Photo by Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson. SOUTH DAKOTA And that means that it will be even more cold! This is around a 30 minute drive to the summit. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. With a paved road leading all the way to the top, reaching the summit of Haleakala is a no brainer. The views are surreal: endless shades of red, cinder cones galore, and clouds hanging over the scenic Hana coast. The Haleakala summit, where youre headed to see the Haleakala sunrise, is at high altitude. Her blog, NearandFarAZ gives readers an insider's view of the wonders of the U.S. Southwest, and a traveler's take on far-off locales from Panama to Hong Kong to the Czech Republic. This is a short, relaxing, half-mile loop trail. Traveling to Oahu? But if one day is all you have, here is an itinerary for seeing the best of Haleakala, sunrise to sunset. So you dont need a tour to do the Haleakala sunrise. The park recommends that you rent a pair of binoculars at one of the island dive shops, pick up a star map at the Haleakala Visitor Center, stop at one of the park overlooks, and see if you can spot the moons of Jupiter. At Haleakala National Park, you can spend the day hiking or going a bike riding tour, but watching the sunrise from the summit is worth setting your alarm for and making the drive to the top. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Depending on the time of year, the sun rises over Haleakala between 5:45 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. Eat a meal before going in or bring one to have a picnic if youd like. GULF ISLANDS FL Youll find the trailhead just next to the visitor center. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mTEj_m3di4?rel=0]. Be prepared for a slightly eerie drive along winding roads. In the winter, the sun rises at around 5:30 a.m., and in the summer, it rises close to 7 a.m. You can expect the drive to Haleakala from West Maui (the major resort areas of Lahaina and Kaanapali) to take about 2 hours, that doesnt include the drive to the summit. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING In recent years, Makawao has evolved into a charming art town where you will find galleries and workshops of local artists, many with hawaii inspired themes, as well as lots of tasty local food. And it also takes some time to drive to your Haleakala sunrise spot. However, you can simply hike part of the trail to get a feel for the crater floor which is exactly what I did. Its truly a sight to behold! We had originally purchased tickets for Sunrise at Haleakala National Park on the first full day of our trip. Unlike the hike to the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island, in Haleakala, you hike down to the main attraction, and theres no better way to fully experience the Haleakala Crater than on the Sliding Sands Trail. Camping sites are also available. I made a solo trip to the top, so that means planning the night before. 
It is a rigorous 11-mile hike. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. At 10,023 ft (3,055m), the highest point on Maui is a prime location for scientific and space observatories. Once back on Earth, well celebrate Polynesian culture in one of the best luau shows in Hawaii. The, . This is one of the top surfing beaches in Hawaii! (pronounce: nay-nay), Its happened on the Haleakala Highway. After the dusty red of Haleakala, its time to return to the blue of the Pacific. See current fees. Make a quick stop here for some snacks and water. IDAHO The day before you will also want to be sure you have a full gas tank so thats not something you have to worry about in the morning! Road-tripping In Italys Largest Island. So you may think its well worth it to see the Haleakala sunrise too! You used to be able to just show up for free camping in the Haleakala National Park Summit District at the Hosmer Grove Campground. Nene, as seen in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Another option is to head to the old sugar plantation town of Paia. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. With 360-degree views of the Maui and the Pacific Ocean, this dormant volcano is a must-see on your visit to Maui. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". In one moment, the fog will be so dense you can barely see the terrain around you, in the next, it will clear giving you a panoramic view of the crater. But, plenty of people have said it is well worth it to see the Haleakala sunrise! . If youre up for an adventure: try a downhill mountain biking tour, horseback riding in the park, or explore several trails in the area. As we near the base of Haleakala we will approach Upcountry Maui. So neat! We especially enjoy visiting National Parks, wine tasting, and taking day trips around Southern California! Might be easier to get the boyfriend to join in the evening as opposed to the morning. Watching the sunrise at Haleakala National Park in Maui is one of the ultimate experiences in Hawaii. And the views! (map). Even in the foggy conditions that I experienced, the suns appearance was a revelation, illuminating the summit and revealing the otherworldly lava formations all around. Although estimates vary, it could take you 3 hours or more to drive the 52 miles to Hana. NEW YORK Theyre not open to the public (except for on special astronomy tours), but it is interesting to read about the role they play in astronomical research by entities such as the Air Force Research Laboratory. (aka the Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park aka the Road to Hana side of Haleakala National Park! While its Hawaii, youll still want to dress in layers as temperatures will be much colder at the summit. If youre still in the summit area, check out the sunset and then stay for the night sky. Your ticket is valid for three days and for entering the Kipahulu side of the national park (see day 1 itinerary) which is not accessible from the summit area except on a multi-day hike. After 3.9 miles (6.3 km), youll reach the floor of the crater and a fork in the trail. 
Thanks for your support! If you dont feel like a luau show, head to Paia after catching up with the turtles and dine at the Paia Fish Market before calling it a day (see day 1 itinerary). Once again, if you will be hiking, I recommend leaving the viewing areas (aside from the summit) for the drive down since the views on the hike will trump those from the lookouts. ), The Haleakala website says, With world-class night sky conditions, Haleakala offers one of the most easily accessible places to watch the planets, stars, and moon after dark.. and make sure it matches the name on your reservation. See current fees. OAHU Bring a jacket and blanket. As we make our way to the bottom of the mountain there is a lookout that offers one final glimpse of Maui. Its a great spot to stop and breathe in the fresh air from all the foliage around you. If you end up parking at the Haleakala National Park Visitor Center, you can walk the remaining half a mile to the summit. On the October morning that I visited, the temperature at the summit dropped to 42 degrees. Hundreds of blanket-clad spectators huddle each morning atop Mauis highest mountain all eyes, cell phones, and cameras turned toward the east. Take your time on the way up and get acclimatized to the altitude. Take your time and breathe deeply, the air is much thinner up there. After you watch the Haleakala sunrise, its time for a morning hike to a Haleakala crater overlook and/or a morning hike into the Haleakala crater! HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS (map), The drive time from West Maui / Kapalua to Haleakala summit might be around 2 hours. Do the math, and youll see that a 3:30 a.m. departure time is typical for people driving to the summit. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. MAMMOTH CAVE KY If you want to avoid the crowds, arrive early. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. This 8-mile trek is actually rated hard, but we suggest you just hike the first mile, then turn around the way you came. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. We recommend taking about 4-6 hours or more to get the full experience. As we pass the ticket booth for the park entrance, you will see a sign on your left for Haleakala National Park. On the sign you will see a depiction of the Hawaiian legendary God Maui with his rope trying to pull down the sun. Youll need to leave your accommodations extremely early to make it to the summit for sunrise. NORTH DAKOTA . Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. It was such a serene experience, and while I was exhausted on the way down, it was worth it. Once you get to the parking lot, look for any open spots because the viewing areas fill up fast. When driving back down from the summit area, shift your vehicle into low gear to avoid unnecessary strain on your brake pads. With more than 600 curves along the way, the road is not a quick and easy drive. Between ocean adventures and waterfalls, there are so many amazing things to do on your visit to Maui. When you make it to the summit of Haleakala, you will no doubt comprehend the meaning of its name in native Hawaiian the land above the clouds. Once you arrive at the Haleakala National Park entry station, you will also need to pay a national park entrance fee. Check our full list of national parks requiring changes for visitors for the latest updates. As you ascend the mountain on your way to the summit for sunrise, well tell you stories and legends about the sacred Hawaiian volcano youre about to explore. You should now have a few hours to freshen up and rest before the evenings entertainment. So one of THE most popular things to do in Haleakala National Park is to see the Haleakala sunrise. HAWAII VOLCANOES HI GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS TN NC Probably. It gets trapped, condenses, and rains down on the Hana coast, leaving this part of the island bone dry. Here you will see trees here from all around the world, including juniper and fir from North America, cedar and seigi pine from Japan and eucalyptus trees from Australia. In less than one hour, youll reach the split rock. You can take a left onto the Halemauu Trail and reach the main road within a less challenging 7.3 miles (11.7 km) climb, after which youll need to hitch a ride back to the parking lot (if you didnt plan this ahead of time with two cars). However, due to Winter weather at the summit, our tickets were cancelled.
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