Last Updated on April 29, 2025 by Deanne
If you’re planning a trip to Maui, you’ve no doubt heard about the sunrise at Haleakalā – where the fiery sun rises above a sea of clouds high on Maui’s 10,000 ft. volcano. I’ve heard people describe the Haleakalā sunrise as “life-changing” or “spiritual,” but I feel like they’re setting expectations a bit too high. Don’t get me wrong – it’s beautiful. But is it worth a 2:45 a.m. alarm, a long, winding drive up a volcano, and sharing the moment with a crowd of shivering strangers? That depends. If you’re wondering, “Is the Haleakalā Sunrise worth it?” – here’s how it went for us and whether we think you should Trip It or Skip It!
Our Haleakalā Sunrise Adventure
The morning of our adventure, Ryan and I let our three teenagers sleep in while we dragged ourselves out of bed at 2:45 a.m. With eyes barely open, we piled on layers (knowing it would be cold at 10,000 feet), snuck out of our condo by 3:15 a.m., and headed to one of Maui’s most popular experiences – the Haleakalā sunrise.
The Haleakalā Drive: Dark, Curvy, and Kind of Nerve-wracking
The Haleakalā drive takes about 1.5 hours from most parts of Maui. It’s a dizzying climb from sea level to 10,000 feet in just 37 miles (no other road in the world gains this elevation in such a short distance!)
In the pitch dark, it’s a slow, winding route filled with switchbacks and cliffside turns. Ryan was behind the wheel and didn’t think the drive was too bad. I, on the other hand, had my eyes closed almost the entire time – I don’t do well with heights or curves next to steep drop-offs.
The Haleakalā Experience
We pulled into the viewing area parking lot around 4:45 a.m. – a full hour before sunrise – and we weren’t even close to the first ones there. Apparently, a lot of people are willing to sacrifice sleep for this moment.
We put on our hats and gloves and squeezed into a spot along the railing next to other early risers. It was dark and cold – but with an air of anticipation. As the light started to appear, it looked like a fiery orange line shooting straight across the horizon.
As the sun rose even higher, it illuminated the otherworldly landscape and crater in front of us. But the most striking scene – and what everyone comes to witness – is the sea of clouds light up right in front of the rising sun – clouds that could easily be mistaken for ocean waves.
Watching the sun rise above the clouds is certainly memorable, but there are pros and cons to the Haleakalā sunrise that are worth noting:
The Pros:
- It’s a unique experience – how often do you watch the sun rise above the clouds from 10,000 feet?
- The landscape is dramatic and otherworldly.
- It’s something you’ll probably remember for a long time.
The Cons:
- You have to wake up very early.
- It’s cold up there – you’ll want hats and gloves! For us, it was in the low 40’s Fahrenheit.
- The Haleakalā drive in the dark can be intimidating.
- It’s crowded. Don’t expect a peaceful sunrise moment.
- And no matter how many photos you take, they won’t come close to capturing the real thing.
After viewing the sun rise, there are a variety of hiking trails to explore.
A Quick Haleakalā Hike
After the crowd thinned out, we took the short PaKa‘oao Trail – a nice little half-mile Haleakalā hike that brings you to a slightly higher viewpoint.
From there, we drove just a bit farther to the summit parking lot at 10,023 feet. The panoramic views include the crater, the coastline, and even the neighboring islands if it’s a clear day.
There are longer hikes too, including ones that go into the crater, if you have the time (and energy) after sunrise.
(Planning to attend a Hawaiian luau while on Maui? Read this article first: Old Lahaina Luau – Our Honest Review)
Is the Haleakalā Sunrise Worth It?
Scenic and Savvy says: Trip It.
While I wasn’t completely sold on the whole experience (I let the long, winding, and nerve-wracking drive up the mountain in the dark taint my view of the day) the sunrise itself was beautiful. Looking back at our pictures, I see just how truly unique the Haleakalā viewpoint is. In the end, I’m glad we did it once, but I don’t know that I’d need to do it again.
Ryan, on the other hand, was impressed and thought it was totally worth it. I’m not sure he’d use the words “spiritual” or “life-changing,” but he highly recommends it. And for the record, he thought the drive was very doable and shouldn’t be a concern for people.
If you do decide to go, here are some tips to make the most of your trip.
Haleakalā Sunrise Tips: What You Need to Know
Consider these Haleakalā sunrise tips to make your adventure go smoothly:
- Go early in your trip – your body clock might still be on mainland time, making the early wake-up slightly easier.
- You need a reservation for sunrise, which you can get through the National Park Service website. Book early – they sell out fast.
- There’s a $30 entrance fee for the park, which is valid for 3 days. (You can get it at the link above.)
- Dress warmly. Layers, hats, gloves – you’ll thank me.
- Stick around after sunrise to hike, explore, or just enjoy the views without the crowd.
- Some tours offer a bike ride down the volcano after sunrise – looks like fun if you’re up for an adventure.
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