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Haleakala National Park

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Maui Jon
Maui Jon
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4 out of 5
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Editor Pick

Sunrise Was Not What We Expected (We Are Chickens!)

  • May 10, 2009
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Princess00 from Dallas, Texas
Sunrise Was Not What We Expected (We Are Chickens!)

Our second day, my husband and I woke up at 2 am (yes, crazy) to drive to the top of Haleakala. Located 10,023 feet above sea level, the Haleakala crater can be seen from almost anywhere in Maui. The clouds that form on its north face is the source for the rainfall for the Road to Hana waterfalls on the north shore.

Sunrise at Haleakala – Not the Best Conditions for a Good Sunrise

In pitch black, we arrived at the base of the mountain. Neither of us had every driven up a mountain before and not sure what to expect. Upon entrance into Haleakala National Park where the visitor center was located, it was still pitch black, windy, and had started raining. My husband began to question our sanity, but I urged him to continue on. After the visitor center, switchbacks on the road increased and the road narrowed. Clouds forming just below the crater became thicker and thicker as we ascended, with increasing winds and rain. Soon, the visibility in front of us completely became enshrouded with clouds. The only thing we could see were the yellow reflectors in the center of the road guiding us like breadcrumbs to our destination. Since we could not see, there was no option but to just keep going and pray those little breadcrumbs would not suddenly go away. Finally, we were at the top of the crater. We headed to the lookout point to watch the sunrise. Basically, the clouds kept rising as the sun rose, leaving us slightly disappointed with the ‘majesty’ of it all. It was nice, but not spectacular and the fright-fest we endured ascending at that early in the morning left us thinking it was something we should have not done for the result we got. I think, however, that our experience of the sunset was tainted as we probably did not have the best conditions for the ‘out of this world’ experience I had heard so much about. Also, dress warm. We had hats, gloves, a jacket, and long underwear, and it was still freezing standing in the dark waiting for the sun to peek above the crater. Further, if you bring a camera, make sure it is fully charged as the cold does drain your battery quicker than normal.

The Summit, Crater, and Drive Down - Lovely and a Must See

Once the sun rose, it warmed up and the crater came into view. At the top, the views of the island of Maui and the ocean below were amazing. As we slowly descended, we stopped as much as we could to enjoy the lovely lookout points along the way. The terrain at the top of the mountain is almost like being on another planet – rough, red, and covered in interesting arid plants (like silverswords). In spite of the drive up, we really enjoyed visiting Haleakala National Park. Actually, we almost laughed seeing the switch-backs in daylight as there was nothing we should have been scared of. If you decide to wake up early and see the sunrise, just know that it is dark, windy, and cloudy and once at the top, you might not see an amazing sunrise. If it is worth the early wake up call on your vacation, then go for it! Hawaii is all about adventure. The sunrise part was not for us, but had we had the amazing sunrise we hoped for, it might have changed our expectations. As for the rest, it was certainly something we enjoyed seeing and I can’t imagine visiting Maui and not seeing Haleakala.

Also, if you are also visiting Ohe’o Gulch during your trip, be sure to save your Haleakala ticket as it is valid at both locations.

Bike Company Observation – Do your Research

We chose not to bike down Haleakala as we had heard some things about the dangers of this activity. I really did not think the actual bike ride seemed dangerous; however, certain tours did not give the appearance that they were as ‘safe’ as others. We saw one couple using a tour that told us their ‘bike was terrible’ and then watched the husband fix his wife’s chain and break that had broken before they headed down a very steep hill. This same tour had a guide that showed the group how to work their bike at the top of the mountain, then got in a van and stated ‘see you at the bottom’ and left them to fend for themselves. This is compared to another company that stayed with their group the entire time and stopped along the way to provide a brief narrative of the sites of Maui. So, be sure to do your research if you are considering this option as there is a big difference between tour companies. This difference, it appeared, also impacts the level of safety for this activity.

From journal Return to Paradise - Maui and Kauai

Free Stargazing on Haleakala Summit

  • September 7, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by LinakaJoy from Haiku, Hawaii
Many people enjoy nightlife on Maui inside; here is a wonderful alternative. Head up in the late afternoon or early evening to the summit at Haleakala. This is the area where the observatories are located...so darker and more stars visible, especially on clear nights. There is a bit of a risk involved since you never know about weather, alto afternoon winds can usually blow off the clouds. If you are nearby in Kahului, north shore or upcountry, and have a nice dinner around sunset, you could perhaps check local weather, OR look up - if you see no clouds and clear sailing all the way up the slopes - go for it! Haleakala summit is a must-do on Maui whether for sunrise, sunset, or star gazing. The drive up or down is a slow one; but the road is in good shape - paved, clearly marked, glow in the dark markers, guard rails on most sections; just no shoulders on some of the really twisty parts. We have driven up and down at 3am, midnight, 10am, 4pm...in clouds, fog, rain, and clear conditions. Be aware there is loose livestock in some sections, so watch for cows meandering across the road.  

Dress warm; it can be 30 degrees or colder with wind; bring water, snacks, hot beverages in thermos. Gas up; check your brakes; use low gear if your car allows; stay alert; and go slow. Actually we love the changing vistas, and the quality of the air as you descend at night. Depending on the timing, we also love to stop at Kula Lodge for a drink, great coffee, or a hot cocoa by the fireplace. It’s a wonderful topper to a summit adventure, day or night.

From journal Upcountry Magic on Maui

Haleakala National Park

  • May 21, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by sbm7 from Mineola, New York
Haleakala National Park

We went to Haleakala sunrise biking tour. Since most of us are from east of Hawaii, it is also good to do it the first day (with serious jet lag like us). We met 1:45am in front of Sheraton. We spent 20-30 minutes at the bike place to go over rules, etc. Then we head up to the mountain. It took 1-2 hours to get up there. It's very cold and windy up to the top. You will see many people getting up there around 6am. The sunrise itself is only 5-10 minutes. Then we started bike down. You cannot paddle the bike once it reaches 35 mph as we were told. So, most of the time, you just sit there. It could get scary going downhill with the speed but you kind of get used to it later on. It's very scenic. The tour will stop at couple place to take pictures. If any rider don't feel like riding, they can hop onto the van which always dire behind us. We went from 10,000+ ft down to the beach. We passed by some rainforest area in the middle. We stopped of a little bar area (like western style) for lunch. I have to say, this is an awesome experience for us. Once you get to the beach area, it's bright, hot, and sunny. The company did provide some heavy wind breaker and pants for rider.

From journal Honeymoon in Hawaii

Editor Pick

Haleakala National Park

  • December 25, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by travellingdave from Calgary, Alberta
Haleakala National Park

A wonderful, pristine drive up scenic Haleakala volcano treats the visitor to some awesome scenery. This dormant volcano forms more than 75% of the island of Maui, looming over 10,000 feet above sea level. The name Haleakala means "house of the sun," and you’ll understand why as you ascend the steep mountain in your rental car or hired tour bus.

You will begin the driving thinking not much of it, winding through some small towns with some tropical vegetation. It is only when the vegetation disappears and you are climbing high above the heavens, the clouds far beneath you, that you’ll realize this is one of the most scenic places on earth. Considered one of the USA's best National Parks, the ride to the volcano's crater at its summit is sure to please.

Mile after mile visitors are provided the opportunity to pull over and take in views from above the clouds. Some views will surely knock your socks off. My favorite overview, located just past the entrance gate, features a small path that you can descend a bit of the mountain on. With the clouds totally beneath you, it seems as though you are hovering over a giant pillow, and the view is mesmerizing.

The entrance fee is $10 and the information at the visitor center is totally free and included in the price. I encourage you to stop in and chat with the knowledgeable guides, who although make the trek up the volcano every day, are far from jaded by it. They exude passion as they talk about this geological marvel. Some small souvenirs are available here. The visitor center houses some neat exhibits highlighting the history and geology of the volcano, which are far from boring – take the time to read them.

There are trails available for hikers to hike to the crater center, and many tours run from Lahaina and major Maui hotels. The most popular tour is the sunrise tour, where you join a crowd of people at 3:30am and travel up the volcano to witness a stunning sunrise. You can do this by car also, if you can handle driving that early.

There is a functioning astronomical complex at the summit of Haleakala, complete with massive telescopes and satellite dishes. Feel free to walk up the somewhat arduous climb to the summit and get a 360 degree overview of the entire volcano. The views are excellent from this high up. Luckily, there is an enclosed shelter for those who can’t handle the strong winds.

It can get very cold and windy up here, so dress in layers. The temperatures hover between 5 and 16 degrees Celsius (40 and 60 Fahrenheit), so be prepared to be chilled a bit. It can be a welcome respite on those very hot Maui summer days.

Parking is included free of charge in the park, and water is available for purchase at the visitor center. There are no restaurants.

Visit Haleakala National Park online at: www.nps.gov/hale

From journal Two Days in Maui

Haleakala National Park

  • March 17, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by kwhispa from Grantville, Pennsylvania
Haleakala National Park

Hiking the trails of Haleakala will be some of the most memorable experiences you can have on earth. You will think that you are in another world. The hikes can range from a few hours, to a full day. There are Summit Area Trails and Kipahulu Area Trails, each are very distinctive in the views and the flora, fauna, and landscape.

From journal Haleakala

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