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What makes Haleakala so Popular?

Sunrise at the summit of Haleakala has been a visitor attraction since the late 1800s when the popular Samuel Clemens better known by his pen name Mark Twain, the American writer, humorist, entrepreneur, publisher, and lecturer said it best: "It was the sublimest spectacle I ever witnessed, and I think the memory of it will remain with me always."

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Haleakala is the perfect place to watch a Maui morning sunrise. Its The park's Summit District begins at 7,000 feet (2,134 m) of elevation and reaches 10,023 feet (3,055 m). The summit's high elevation, the lack of light, and environmental pollution, and dynamic weather patterns make it an ideal and popular place to view the sky.

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Due to the popularity of sunrise viewing at the summit and limited parking, Haleakala National Park now requires reservations for each vehicle entering the park before sunrise between the hours of 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.

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Driving There:

The Summit District of Haleakala National Park can be reached from Kahului via Route 37 to 377 to 378 (Crater Road). Driving time to the summit (10,000 feet elevation) from: Kahului is 2.5 hours, Wailea is 3 hours, Lahaina is 3.5 hours. These drive times take into account expected heavy traffic and steep, winding roads. Your last 30 minutes of driving will take place inside the park, after passing the entrance station at 7,000 feet (2,133 meters) of elevation. The summit's elevation is 10,023 feet (3,055 meters). Always respect speed limits. 

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More Information To Know Before You Go:​

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• Reservations. A reservation is required for each vehicle entering the park from 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. You may book a reservation up to two months in advance and until 4:00 p.m. Hawai'i Time the day before your arrival. Individuals may book one vehicle reservation per day. The reservation holder must be present and provide identification matching the name on the reservation (ticket) confirmation. Tickets for Haleakala Summit Sunrise viewing are NOT available first-come, first-served at the park or at the entrance station.

• Reservations Required for each Vehicle. Haleakala Summit Sunrise Reservations are required and available year-round for a $1.50 reservation fee per vehicle. Visitors without a reservation may enter the park after 7:00 a.m. All non-commercial vehicles parking in any of the four highest elevation parking lots (Summit, Haleakala Visitor Center, Kalahaku and Leleiwi) during sunrise hours (3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.) must have a valid reservation, which must be produced. The proof of identification must match the name on the reservation (ticket) confirmation. Visitors without a reservation may enter the park after 7:00 a.m. 

• Parking. Reservations do not ensure a parking space at any particular parking lot. Reservation holders may be directed by park staff to available spaces. Each driver of a non-commercial vehicle in any of the four highest elevation parking lots (Summit, Haleakala Visitor Center, Kalahaku and Leleiwi) must have in their possession a sunrise reservation during sunrise hours (3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.). There are no sunrise reservation refunds due to inclement weather.

• Sunrise Reservation Confirmation and Photo ID. Be prepared to show your reservation confirmation when you enter the park in your vehicle and a photo ID matching the name of the reservation-holder. The proof of identification must match the name on the reservation (ticket) confirmation.

• Entrance Fee Payment and Check-in. The park entrance fee is separate and payable via credit card on the day of your visit. Paying the entrance fee with a credit card will reduce wait times at the entrance station. The park honors the Annual, Senior, Access and other Interagency Passes as well as the Annual Hawai'i Tri-Park Pass with appropriate photo identification. There is no pass discount for sunrise reservations.

• Dress. Be prepared for all kinds of weather. Temperatures at the Summit are at least 20 degrees colder than at sea level and often drop below freezing. Dress warmly or in layers. Bring water, sunscreen, and wear sturdy shoes.

• No Services. Fill up your gas tank and bring food. Neither is available in the park. Visitor centers may not open until after sunrise. Visit the park Operating Hours and Seasons page at, https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/hours.htm, for details.

• Speed Limits. Always respect speed limits. The park road passes through endangered species habitat.

• Leave no Trace. Please leave natural resources and cultural artifacts, rocks, and structures alone.

• Summit is Sacred. Please be quiet and respectful. The Summit is sacred to Native Hawaiians.

• Remote Location. The Summit is remote and is high altitude. Emergency medical assistance is at least one hour away.

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***The information above is from Haleakala National Park Summit Sunrise Reservations website www.nps.gov/Hale/PlanYouVisit and www.recreation.gov. Please be aware the reservation fee and entrance fee are subject to change without notice. We are just passing on the information and are not responsible for Reservations made on the Haleakala National Park Summit Reservations Website. For more information or for questions regarding a booking please visit their website at www.Recreation.gov and or contact them directly at:

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Haleakala Contact Information:

Mailing Address:

PO Box 369  Makawao  HI  96768 

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Phone Number:

Information: 1-808-572-4443

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Haleakala's Info Website

www.nps.gov/hale

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Question Regarding your Haleakala Reservation Booking Made directly at www.Recreation.gov

Call: 1-888-448-1474