Haleakala at Sunrise

​Legend says that to help his mother, the demi-god Maui climbed more than 10,000 feet to the summit and waited while the sun slept in the giant crater of Haleakala. When the sun awoke, and the first rays of sunshine began to appear, Maui caught the sun with his coconut-fiber lasso and demanded that the sun move more slowly across the sky to make the days longer. Left with no other options, the sun and Maui struck a deal- 6 months of the year the sun would move at the speed he liked, and the other 6 months he would move slowly to appease Maui. Pleased with the arrangement, Maui released the sun to continue its journey across the sky. 

It may sound like the stuff of legends, but watching the sun rise at the top of Haleakala is one of the most sought-after experiences on Maui! While standing at the edge of the giant crater, the sun appears to rise like a ball of fire. If you’d like to see this spectacular sunrise yourself, there are many options to help get you there.

Here are a couple of ways:

1. SELF-DRIVEN. If you have a rental car, you can drive up Haleakala mountain to the summit (about 10,000 feet above sea level). You will be required to get a vehicle pass in advance from the National Park Service. These are very limited in number and highly sought after. Upon entry each guest will also need to pay the park recreation fee. TIP: save your receipt because it will give you access to both sides of Haleakala National Park for 3 days, including the day it is purchased. 

2. GUIDED TOUR. This is ideal for guests not able to get a vehicle pass or those that do not have a rental car during their time on Maui. Prices can be hefty - it was about $1,000 for our family of five. There are a few different tour options - tour up and back by vehicle and some that even offer a bike ride down the volcano at the end of your early morning adventure! Here are some great options from our favorite tour partner.

​If early mornings (and I mean EARLY - 2:30am departure time) are not your thing you may choose to do Sunset at Haleakala instead. Vehicle passes are not required in advance making this much easier and less stressful. The views are still breathtaking!

Regardless of how you experience Haleakala, it truly is spectacular and was one of our most favorite experiences on Maui. This experience is absolutely something you want to do and will leave you talking about well after you return home! Our team would love to help you plan an incredible Maui Sunrise as part of your next vacation! Contact us today!

Jenn Whitney, Global Travel Advisor

Jenn has a passion for travel. She loves helping families create amazing memories while exploring the world. After growing up in a household where the family summer vacation meant heading to grandma's house, Jenn has spent her adulthood seeing the world and exposing her kids to travel adventures. From fun family road trips through the mountains of California, to climbing Machu Pichu, conquering Disney Parks, and even sailing the seas, she has either been there or helped a family get there! Jenn is a graduate of the University of North Texas.