Haleakala sunrise - need advice

[LJT]

We were able to get reservations to see the sunrise on Friday morning. We haven’t done this before - any advice? We are staying at the Marriott Courtyard Kahului on Thursday night. Any idea how long it will take to get to the summit? Normally it would be a little over an hour but the website said to plan two and a half because of traffic. Is it really that crowded heading up? Will restrooms be open somewhere up there that early or should we skip our morning coffee??? Any other advice?

 

[CalGalTraveler]

We took a tour last summer and left our hotel at Kaanapali at 2:30 AM. It took about 1.5 or more to get to the top from the tour base at the bottom with the bus. It is crowded at the top and there was traffic.

You need to reserve parking in advance if you are not taking a tour.

Since it is early, best to do this when you first arrive on the island and are on mainland time.

We loved this. Enjoy! Dress warm.

 

[klpca]

We did it before the reservations were required so it's been a few years.

I think that the restrooms (unheated) will be open. I've never seen them closed. I didn't know about needing parking reservations. That's a new one to me but I can see how it would be an issue. We always drove ourselves and never had any traffic so I would think that whatever your gps is telling you plus some extra time for a buffer will be fine. Come to think of it we don't travel this time of year so maybe it's more crowded? You can also use google maps set for the appropriate time to see if they have any additional data about travel time at that hour.

Don't forget your coats (we did, lol). Bring blankets and towels from your unit just in case you are too cold. Make sure that you fill up with gas the night before. We love Kula Lodge and always have breakfast down there on our way home.

Let us know how it turns out. Good luck!

 

[Henry M.]

It can be freezing cold - literally 32ºF or so! No kidding about needing a coat or blankets. I haven't been since the reservation system was put in place. Traffic wasn't bad before, but it was hard to find parking.

 

[geist1223]

We do this on every trip to Mau'i. It appears that you know about making the Reservation online if you want to arrive prior to 7am. Remember you will still have to pay the standard National Park Entry Fee at the Gate. We left KBC between 2:00am and 2:30am. Take warm clothes - jacket, knit cap, gloves, and, sweater or sweat shirt. Coffee in a thermos is nice. We also take sandwiches, fruit, chips, etc. After the sun is up walk to other side and see the shadow of Halaeaka on the ocean. Make a morning of it.

Several years ago when we were on Maui for my Nephew's wedding my brother (father of the groom) decided to go with us. He showed up at our Condo in T-shirt, shorts, and sandals. Patti told him that would not do and went in our Condo and got him some blankets. He said stupid, stupid, stupid. He had worked and hunted at high altitude for decades and knew better. I believe the change is about 3.5°F per 1,000 feet. So 35° less at the top of Haleakala from sea level.

 

[DaveNV]

We went in 2018 with a reservation. Without a reservation, you'll be turned back at the gate - they check names. We drove right to the top, no real traffic, although it did get much busier after we were up there. We timed it to arrive early. I think it was about 90 minutes from our location (Lahaina), and we arrived about 5:00. Still pitch dark, windy, and cold. We wore winter coats, gloves and hats, and were quite comfortable. Parking was easy (for us, because we were so early.) Bathrooms were open. The gift shop opens early (I think 5:30 or 6:00), but they didn't have any beverages other than water. There is no food available. Bring snacks, and your own hot beverages. We waited though the beautiful sunrise, taking many pictures, and then made our way down the mountain. We went to Kula for breakfast, and I think we were back in Kahului by 9:00 at the latest.

Two things:

1. Try to go the morning after you arrive in the Islands - your jet lag will be to your advantage, since you'll be awake early.

2. It's worth it.

Dave

 

[LJT]

Thanks so much everyone. We are hoping we aren’t rained out!

 

[easyrider]

We go for sunset. No reservation required. Don't need to wake up at 2:30 am. Very few people to deal with compared to sunrise.

Bill

 

[JIMinNC]

We go for sunset. No reservation required. Don't need to wake up at 2:30 am. Very few people to deal with compared to sunrise.

Bill

We have done sunset as well as sunrise, but the OP needs to understand that with sunset, the sun is in the opposite direction. At sunrise, it rises OVER the actual Haleakala crater, and since that also faces the eastern, windward side of the island, there are often low clouds below the summit, and you get the effect of the sun rising over the clouds with the crater in the foreground. Sunsets are pretty, but the sunrise is a very unique, special visual experience.

 

[easyrider]

We have done sunset as well as sunrise, but the OP needs to understand that with sunset, the sun is in the opposite direction. At sunrise, it rises OVER the actual Haleakala crater, and since that also faces the eastern, windward side of the island, there are often low clouds below the summit, and you get the effect of the sun rising over the clouds with the crater in the foreground. Sunsets are pretty, but the sunrise is a very unique, special visual experience.

I like them both. Sunset does shadow the east giving the crater a mysterious coloring especially when the clouds are right. The only thing I like about sunrise over sunset is there are no observatories in the view looking east. Even so, I like sunset better because as it gets dark the stars come out and the island light up.

Bill

 

[LJT]

Just to report back. We left Kahului at 4 am and hit the summit a little after 5:15 so a pretty easy drive up. Not too much traffic but that is probably because it was very cloudy with misty rain. We got the last parking place at the summit. By the time we got out of the car to head up the stairs the parking lot, stairs, handrails etc were all covered in ice. There was an icy mist falling and walking up was very slick. The windows at the observation room were covered in ice too. We hoped we might see a glimpse of sun but not even any light thru the clouds was visible! Oh well. We went to breakfast at Kula lodge and were treated to a full rainbow with our pancakes! Always find ways to enjoy Maui even thru the rain! Snow showers are predicted at the summit today and tomorrow.

 

[klpca]

Just to report back. We left Kahului at 4 am and hit the summit a little after 5:15 so a pretty easy drive up. Not too much traffic but that is probably because it was very cloudy with misty rain. We got the last parking place at the summit. By the time we got out of the car to head up the stairs the parking lot, stairs, handrails etc were all covered in ice. There was an icy mist falling and walking up was very slick. The windows at the observation room were covered in ice too. We hoped we might see a glimpse of sun but not even any light thru the clouds was visible! Oh well. We went to breakfast at Kula lodge and were treated to a full rainbow with our pancakes! Always find ways to enjoy Maui even thru the rain! Snow showers are predicted at the summit today and tomorrow.

Wow! What a beautiful rainbow! Don't you just love the view from Kula Lodge? Bummer about the sunrise but you did your best. Last time we were on Maui we went up to hike - twice - and had cold rain both times. Oh well.