Haleakala Crater
Haleakala Crater
4.5
About
Part of the larger of the two volcanoes that make up Maui, this peak is more than 10,000 feet up and the highest point on the island.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- Sarah FOklahoma City, Oklahoma30 contributionsMemorable sunrise, worth doing onceVery memorable sunrise! Overall it was worth the early rise and long drive in the dark, although my two teenagers didn't really appreciate it much (no surprise there). We checked the weather several times the night before and the morning of departure and were pleased that we had partly cloudy conditions. At the summit you are above the clouds and the sunrise is stunning and unique. It is very cold up there so bring all the warm clothes you have plus the blanket off your bed. While we were a little nervous about driving the road in the dark based on other reviews, we thought it was perfectly fine and weren't nervous at all. It probably just depends on what you're used to.Visited March 2023Written 22 March 2023
- MayandollarReno, Nevada229 contributionsStay as long as you possibly can!Stunning. Astonishing. Freakishly beautiful ! We didn’t get sunrise tickets but drove up in the morning and it was utterly clear. Clouds rolled in rapidly but the crater was sunny so we walked 3 hours on shifting sands trail. A must do to get down into the crater. The colors, the light, the landscape : all gorgeous. Wear a down sweater or a fleece and a good warm hat. Take a lot of picnic food and at least 2 liters of water. Find a place to enjoy it in the utter peace and solitude of the crater. Every overlook was lovely as well. The rangers were friendly and amazing and told us to go to Hosmers grove trail loop. Short hike WELL worth it. Shady gorgeous trees and hundred of birds. We saw three endangered birds at the overlook. Many many of them: bright red and just fantastic! The drive wasn’t bad for us but we live in the mountains. It was very densely cloudy on the way down and the driver had to “ focus”.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 March 2023
- Eman K3 contributionsPlan a visit to see the sunrise!The sunrise is a sight to see! Book tickets early as sunrise tickets are by reservation only and there’s a limited number. The drive up to the top of the crater is beautiful - it’ll be dark obviously on the way up if you watch the sunrise, but just drive slowly. After watching the sun come up, would recommend the Halemau’u Overlook Trail for some great sights of the crater. We packed a light breakfast, coffee, and snacks so that we didn’t feel rushed to leave the park to go eat. Would recommend!Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 April 2023
- Mike F7 contributionsWorth the effortAmazing view from the Summit! Well worth the trip. Since we didn't plan ahead, we were lucky enough to land one of the 50 reservations released 48 hours in advance. Need a quick hand right at 7am local time. 4/5/23. Wakeup call at 2am, departed Kaanapali area at 3:15am and grabbed the last parking spot at the summit just before 5. If you don't get the summit lot, there are others. Tip, I believe the view from Kalahaku overlook may provide as good of a unrise view as the summit if you can't get a summit parking spot. Was coolish (41 Fahrenheit) with a breeze. We were not dressed as warm as we would have liked, however manageable for the 90 minutes we were there. Surreal view of the full moon for the first 30 minutes. Felt like we were on the moon. Peaks of color started around 5:15 am with full sunrise, above the clouds just after 6.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 5 April 2023
- JDSouiTampa, Florida6,494 contributionsPanoramic Views - EverywhereThe views and the sights are simply amazing. The clouds and changes of warm and cool offer a unique experience in how quickly the temperatures and conditions can change. The clouds also offer a unique and different experience given the sunlight impacts the color within the crater. Did not do much hiking on this occasion but there are trails into the crater for those who come prepared. Overall a fabulous experienceVisited April 2023Written 9 April 2023
- TravelingAnnKVentura, California332 contributionsAbove the CloudsTruly amazing. We were awe struck by the stark beauty. The road up to the top is long and winding. When you are at the top you are above the clouds. The colors of the rock were red, orange, black and brown. In the distance you can see the blue ocean. At 10,000 feet you can feel the altitude.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 June 2023
- serenescene1818Boston, Massachusetts24 contributionsMust do!Wondrous place especially at sunset when you don't need reservations. The hikes are strenuous except for the Lilikei Lookout esp the altitude. We were nervous about driving to the summit and considered taking a tour but we're glad we drove as the tours are too expensive. Only the 20min segment between Headquarters Visitor Ctr and Haleakala Visitor Ctr (summit) was a little scary with no guardrails and dropoffs. The rest of the drive was fine.Bring warm clothing including long pants and jackets. The wind was wild. Sunset was beautiful and the ensuing golden hour was magnificient. If you don't like driving mountain paths in the dark, you still have approx 35mins to drive down with some daylight after sunset.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 11 June 2023
- TravelFun7Bloomington, Illinois79 contributionsHaleakala is heavenly!Not counting the beaches, if you don't do anything else on Maui, do Haleakala. It is 100% worth it, and better than the experience on Road to Hana IMO. We did not go for sunrise and the experience was still absolutely incredible. Completely breathtaking!Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 6 July 2023
- Robert P30 contributionsBeautiful, unique views. Challenging drive.The views from the summit are unique and spectacular, very different from the typical Hawaii landscape. We drove and were fine, but it does take some concentration and you will be tired at the end. Use your lower gears on the way down. We went at mid day to avoid crowds and it was not crowded. We drove through clouds on the way up but by the time we reached the summit the clouds had burned off, offering an amazing view. The changing landscape as the elevation increases was interesting. Take a jacket and be careful of the altitude. It is a steep rise and you well feel the effects at the summit.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 July 2023
- Patricia G7 contributionsExtraordinary!This was the most moving tour in competition with the Grand Canyon! Nettie, our Kapuna tour bus driver took us up to Haleakala National Park on Maui at sunset. She was a 12 out of 10 commentator and informing as well as inspirational tour guide! We were so honored to be with one of only 500 full blooded Hawaiian's left as a tour guide. We had a heart stopping view of the crater and the mind blowing sunset above the clouds. Our most memorable tour of our cruise and excursions!Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Matthias T
Cambridge, MA28 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
My wife is not the most confident driver, and, after reading dozens of reviews of the drive up, she was very nervous about this drive in particular... til she wasn't because it's super duper easy and nothing to worry about at all. We drove up during a clear afternoon, and are so glad we did. Definitely a "peak" experience. :)
Be sure to go all the way to the top, and be sure to bring layers. I am reasonably healthy and have no weight, heart or breathing issues, but I did have to take it slow once we got about 7500 ft or so, as I could definitely feel the thinness of the air with each breath, so be prepared for that as well. Worth it though: it's like being on another planet once you get into the crater proper.
Be sure to go all the way to the top, and be sure to bring layers. I am reasonably healthy and have no weight, heart or breathing issues, but I did have to take it slow once we got about 7500 ft or so, as I could definitely feel the thinness of the air with each breath, so be prepared for that as well. Worth it though: it's like being on another planet once you get into the crater proper.
Written 13 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
angeleyes27
Brigantine, NJ5,196 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Twice we drove over 2 hours each way to see the crater and saw nothing because of clouds. The crater when you see it is interesting and beautiful to see. There used to be a webcam so you could see the view at the top but it is inactive. A visitor center at the top was closed. It is a half mile from the visitor center to the summit which has an observatory. Haleakala Crater is beautiful but the road is winding, well paved and has drop offs in places
Written 8 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TAB
Encinitas, CA17 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Every day before our trip, we had the conversation...so, do you want to do the Haleakala crater? Weighing the pros/cons, we realized we needed to secure a ticket online before deciding. So, I created an account and did a trial run to to through the process for getting a reservation the day before I actually made our reservation. Make sure you set up your account ahead of time since securing tickets are a quick process. I was online at 7:00am, and all tickets were gone by 7:02am. Our reservation was for the second day we were there, which was great because we were already a bit jet lagged and getting up at 3:30am wasn't as big a deal as if we were already more relaxed. We almost didn't go because the weather report was for high winds, but we decided to give it a try. We brought hats, polartec jackets, sweats and the hotel gave us extra blankets. Gloves would have been a good addition. We arrived at 6am from Kapalua in our rental car. So glad we arrived early because you can really appreciate going from darkness to light. It was cold and windy, but really not an issue overall. So, if you are on the fence, just do it! It is a beautiful experience. Nature at it's finest. Stop for breakfast on your way down and then kick back and enjoy the Aloha of Hawaii, the people and the beauty of the island.
Written 13 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
L2912UBs
Melbourne, Australia767 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
There are few volcanoes in the world that offer so much and allow visitors to walk in such a Goliath of a crater.
How to get there: we drove up hitting base of the 378 highway by 0400 hrs. Took 1 hour from there to summit with experienced 4wd driver.
There are no street lights but the highway is well kept. Tight hairpins and in pitch black and windy as you travel up high are challenging but the biggest challenge is control of the car speed around the bends and also as you come down.
Ensure your car has good lights.
Quite a few cars pulled over where they could as this is psychologically challenging too.
But we did it.
Alternatively you can go by bus tour but you arrive just before sunrise and leave straight after, missing all this has to offer.
If driving, you need to pre book a $30USD ticket plus an additional $1USD summit parking fee.
Begin in awe early before sunrise at 0400-0600 with star gazing at the summit. It is surreal but cold. How cold?
London winter wind chill cold. Need a beamy, wind proof jacket and good thermal warm layers.
Bring a blanket. Use camera light to find spot to watch & turn off to reduce light pollution.
Requires walking up steps.
At sunrise approximately at 1 o’clock or 20 degrees, watch amazing colours.
As sun rises it warms.
Stay for a trail walk to see differing views. The shifting sands trail appears like the moon.
Allow 1.5-2 times you walk down, to get back up. It is very long and steep on rock dirt sand path.
Requires endurance.
Asthmatics may struggle.
If you do walk it gets hot quickly so layer off.
My pics were an old iPhone but we also have camera that picked up stars.
No toilets up top at summit.
Gift shop at top. Toilets too. Take your rubbish home, help the park rangers.
How to get there: we drove up hitting base of the 378 highway by 0400 hrs. Took 1 hour from there to summit with experienced 4wd driver.
There are no street lights but the highway is well kept. Tight hairpins and in pitch black and windy as you travel up high are challenging but the biggest challenge is control of the car speed around the bends and also as you come down.
Ensure your car has good lights.
Quite a few cars pulled over where they could as this is psychologically challenging too.
But we did it.
Alternatively you can go by bus tour but you arrive just before sunrise and leave straight after, missing all this has to offer.
If driving, you need to pre book a $30USD ticket plus an additional $1USD summit parking fee.
Begin in awe early before sunrise at 0400-0600 with star gazing at the summit. It is surreal but cold. How cold?
London winter wind chill cold. Need a beamy, wind proof jacket and good thermal warm layers.
Bring a blanket. Use camera light to find spot to watch & turn off to reduce light pollution.
Requires walking up steps.
At sunrise approximately at 1 o’clock or 20 degrees, watch amazing colours.
As sun rises it warms.
Stay for a trail walk to see differing views. The shifting sands trail appears like the moon.
Allow 1.5-2 times you walk down, to get back up. It is very long and steep on rock dirt sand path.
Requires endurance.
Asthmatics may struggle.
If you do walk it gets hot quickly so layer off.
My pics were an old iPhone but we also have camera that picked up stars.
No toilets up top at summit.
Gift shop at top. Toilets too. Take your rubbish home, help the park rangers.
Written 12 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christi S
North Richland Hills, TX36 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Haleakala at sunrise
We made our reservation but it was cancelled due to weather on Haleakala so we did not get to this. It was open the day before and the days after, however they would not accommodate us even though they cancelled. Because of that I would suggest to use multiple people to make more than one reservation to ensure you get to do this.
We made our reservation but it was cancelled due to weather on Haleakala so we did not get to this. It was open the day before and the days after, however they would not accommodate us even though they cancelled. Because of that I would suggest to use multiple people to make more than one reservation to ensure you get to do this.
Written 29 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ponopuppy
Langley109 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
We decided to take friends up to the crater, just to see the views. We drove from Kihei up the. Mountain to the entrance where we pay to get into the park. The person collecting the money told us our 16 lb dog had to stay leashed and stay on paved pathways. We told her no problem!
At the information center, I told my dog out to urinate and a ranger came up and demanded to know what I was doing with a dog in my car. He was incredibly rude and finally repeated what the person at the toll booth said.
Why do people treat tourists with such disrespect?
We had no desire to go against any rules but we never saw a sign that said no dogs. It was only after we drove thirty five miles or so on a very windy road and paid our thirty dollars that we were treated rudely.
Tell people clearly what the rules are but don’t disrespect them especially if you want tourists to return. This ranger ruined the day for the four of us in the car and we will let others know how we were treated.
At the information center, I told my dog out to urinate and a ranger came up and demanded to know what I was doing with a dog in my car. He was incredibly rude and finally repeated what the person at the toll booth said.
Why do people treat tourists with such disrespect?
We had no desire to go against any rules but we never saw a sign that said no dogs. It was only after we drove thirty five miles or so on a very windy road and paid our thirty dollars that we were treated rudely.
Tell people clearly what the rules are but don’t disrespect them especially if you want tourists to return. This ranger ruined the day for the four of us in the car and we will let others know how we were treated.
Written 27 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JoanneLB
Long Beach, NY58 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
Driving up is not for the faint of heart. The road is 1 lane each direction and very windy. Half way up there is no more guard rail and just mountain down the side. It was all worth it. We headed up for sunset. When we got to the top we parked and had to walk up a bit to get to a section to watch sunset. There is another section you can walk further up the road to but the air is thin so we didn't go up there. It feels like this is what being on the moon would be like with the black rocks and dirt. Anyway, you can't see the full sunset because you are up at 10,000 feet and the clouds are there but watching the sun set under the clouds was still amazing. It was my teenage daughters favorite part of the trip. It is high up and definitely cold so bring warm clothes to put on once you get up there. Also, once the sun goes down I recommend moving fast so you can start driving before the tour busses head down and before it gets really dark. If we ever go back we will check out sunrise.
Written 14 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt Mills
London, Canada339 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
We really wanted to visit Haleakala, and hike some of the crater…..but we didn’t want get up at 3am, lol!
So we opted to go in the late afternoon, hike, then finish the drive to the top to watch an outstanding sunset.
People will tell you - and believe them - you will need/want a hat and gloves at sunset, as well as long pants and either a heavy sweater or coat.
The temp difference up 10,000 feet is extreme. We saw people at the top wrapped up in blankets and I wished we would’ve thought of that! We did however, bring lawn chairs to set up - as it takes a while for the sun to actually set - and that was a total life hack. Bring chairs!
And maybe even a little snack or picnic….the views are out of this world, the crater, the lava rock, the plants. You might even see an endangered NeNe goose like we did - they’re pretty cute 😁
Enjoy the view from the top!
So we opted to go in the late afternoon, hike, then finish the drive to the top to watch an outstanding sunset.
People will tell you - and believe them - you will need/want a hat and gloves at sunset, as well as long pants and either a heavy sweater or coat.
The temp difference up 10,000 feet is extreme. We saw people at the top wrapped up in blankets and I wished we would’ve thought of that! We did however, bring lawn chairs to set up - as it takes a while for the sun to actually set - and that was a total life hack. Bring chairs!
And maybe even a little snack or picnic….the views are out of this world, the crater, the lava rock, the plants. You might even see an endangered NeNe goose like we did - they’re pretty cute 😁
Enjoy the view from the top!
Written 7 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rafal Los
Atlanta, GA6 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
In a word: AMAZING.
No review will do this justice - it's something you MUST go and experience for yourself. The facilities are clean, stocked, and readily available. The very top is a wonder to behold - either go for the sunrise, or stay for the sunset - either way it's MAGICAL.
No review will do this justice - it's something you MUST go and experience for yourself. The facilities are clean, stocked, and readily available. The very top is a wonder to behold - either go for the sunrise, or stay for the sunset - either way it's MAGICAL.
Written 15 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jane2001
Columbus, OH197 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
It is unclear to me why Trip Advisor says this site is closed - only the observation building is closed; the crater and all of the trails are definitely open. I made our reservations for sunrise a couple months ago so you roll your dice on weather and visibility. For us, it rained during our 2 hour drive leading to the summit. Once we moved above the clouds we had the most amazing view of the stars ... for about an hour. Forty minutes before sunrise ... the clouds rolled in again. Twenty minutes before sunrise ... the clouds broke offering an amazing view of the valley for the remainder of our visit. Like I said, you roll the dice when you have to reserve your spot. We were more prepared this visit with appropriate clothing, water and snacks. We wanted to hike but one in our party was feeling the effects of elevation sickness so we cruised back down the crater before he got to feeling worse.
Not sure how anyone else feels about the reservation process but I love it. I do feel bad for those families unaware of this requirement and get turned around until after sunrise but the difference between the free-for-all we experienced in 2019 versus this visit is like night and day. Parking availability and fewer people made for a much more enjoyable and memorable experience.
If you are a Veteran - bring your proof and get free access to all Federal Parks throughout the United States.
Not sure how anyone else feels about the reservation process but I love it. I do feel bad for those families unaware of this requirement and get turned around until after sunrise but the difference between the free-for-all we experienced in 2019 versus this visit is like night and day. Parking availability and fewer people made for a much more enjoyable and memorable experience.
If you are a Veteran - bring your proof and get free access to all Federal Parks throughout the United States.
Written 3 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louella C
Nakusp, Canada
How long does it take to drive from theSummit park entrance to the final viewing point?
L2912UBs
Melbourne, Australia767 contributions
Allow 45 minutes. It is windy and in pitch darkness it is quite hair raising.
Road is in peak condition.
Just take your time. There are not many pull over points and if you do it’s risky.
milena692016
Busto Arsizio, Italy96 contributions
Buongiorno
in merito alla tua escursione noi siamo un gruppo di 7 persone non tutte agilissime! che saranno ad agosto a Maui: mi puoi definire meglio la difficoltà di questa escursione e se è lungo il tragitto a piedi? Non riusciamo a capire bene se ci sono sentieri facili e adeguati per il nostro gruppo, magari parzialmente raggiungibili in auto. Grazie per l'aiuto
Richard B
Huntingdon Valley, PA
Just curious what the temperature was in June at the top of the crater.
Thanks
Jerri L
Johnston, IA2,174 contributions
It was unseasonably hot when we were there compared to most years. Daytime temperatures were in the 70’s and lower 80’s as we hiked snd climbed (late morning into early afternoon). We were at the summit around 5-6pm and temperatures were in the 50’s-low 60’s. We all were wearing shorts and threw on light sweatshirts and jackets at the summit when we were taking pictures and exploring.
Hi I would like to know what type of car we need to do a tour by myself
Sandy C
Germantown, MD45 contributions
Our family drove a mini-van into the park and up to the summit. The road is paved yet curvy so leave enough time to travel safely.
Hi I would like to know what type of car we need to do a tour by myself
MJ@lets go 1996
Greenville, SC177 contributions
We were in a SUV. We saw a lot of Jeeps as well as many other types. Hope this helps.
Is it required to make reservation to see Sunrise or can we drive up there without a reservation and be able to see the sunrise? Please let me know. TIA !!
Can we drive here and do the bike ride down or do we need to book a tour?
Christina K
423 contributions
If you rent your own bike you could have someone drive you up and then you ride down. Otherwise, there are tours that take you up and let you ride down.
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Claim your listingHaleakala Crater - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Haleakala Crater
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Haleakala Crater:
- Haleakala Sunrise Tour - Welcome to Maui! (From HK$1,842.44)
- Haleakala Sunrise Best Self-Guided Bike Tour with Bike Maui (From HK$2,064.14)
- Maui Sunset & Stargazing at Haleakala Audio Driving Tour (From HK$156.33)
- Haleakala Classic Summit Tour with Haleakala EcoTours (Vehicle Tour) (From HK$2,076.34)
- Haleakala, Iao Valley & More - Welcome to Maui! (From HK$1,340.30)
- Hotels near Haleakala Crater:
- (0.08 km) Haleakala National Park Campgrounds / Wilderness Cabins
- (8.81 km) Kula Sandalwoods Inn & Cafe
- (9.21 km) The Kula Lodge & Restaurant
- (12.14 km) Aloha Cottage
- (14.61 km) North Shore Lookout
- Restaurants near Haleakala Crater:
- (9.36 km) Kula Bistro
- (11.05 km) Grandma's Coffee House
- (9.19 km) Kula Lodge
- (3.64 km) Higher Ground Cafe
- (15.73 km) Pukalani Superette
- Attractions near Haleakala Crater:
- (0.04 km) Roberts Hawaii Historical Valley & City Tour
- (0.08 km) Haleakala Sunrise Tours
- (0.46 km) Sliding Sands Trail
- (0.62 km) Polynesian Adventure
- (7.25 km) Paraglide Maui