3 Ways to Experience Maui’s Volcano | Visit Haleakala National Park for Sunrise, Sunset, or Whenever

[@barryokeefe8095]

I get to enjoy Maui every day. My wife and I retired to the upcountry area of Maui 3 years ago, in the town of Makawao. Never a boring day. The weather is perfect nearly 95% of the year.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Makawao is a beautiful town, congrats on the move and retirement!

[@gracemccaughey5151]

This channel is literally a godsend. I've been using your videos for planning a Maui trip and it has been so helpful! ❤

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks so much Grace! Have a great trip to Maui.

[@brysonc.4198]

Valley isle excursions is the way to go! 🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@RobKnapp1]

I can't wait to apply your tips in October when I return to this splendid Island ! Great video !

[@maritesmacasadia118]

Congratulations on your new baby 💞 Can’t wait until our trip next week. I’ve been watching your videos for months to prepare for it. Thank you!!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thank you! She is doing well. Safe travels and enjoy your trip!

[@rannyreynolds3152]

Thanks for another fantastic video. It is amazing to see first-timers pulling out their hotel blankets and anything else to keep warm. Also, don’t forget to purchase an official coffee mug from the Park store. I feel warm every time I use it.

[@jop0224]

My daughter and I did the tour with Valley Isle tour on Tuesday. Awesome experience and breakfast was delicious! We’re off to surf lessons with Ohana Surf Project today. Thanks for all the travel tips!

[@robertcrosby9607]

My wife and I have been to Maui many times, but this last trip we went to Haleakala for the first time at sunset and it was amazing!! We spent most of the late morning, early afternoon hiking through sliding sands, went back to the car to take a quick cat nap and then stuck around for the sunset......absolutely amazing, Maui never disappoints!!! On a side note, the park rangers were amazing and gave many helpful tips, hats off to them!!!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks for sharing Robert! I like how you did the hike and stayed for sunset. The Park Rangers are super nice at Haleakala and very helpful.

[@B1gzHerc]

We took the tour with Valley Isle and it was perfect! …. Except the getting up early part. The entire staff was perfect.

[@rrhowe2]

you guy have the best guide videos. thank you

[@JordanHeller1]

Love these 2

[@littlefroe3316]

Haleakala was literally the best part of visiting Maui! Also congrats on your new family member!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks so much!

[@toddf7582]

Looks great. I’m planning on doing some hiking and stay for the sunset next month when I’m there. Last time I was up there, it was sleeting and I couldn’t see much. Hopefully this time will be better. 😁

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Best of luck with the weather! The summer gets better weather of course, but one never knows at that elevation.

[@alexalonso2807]

Love your energy! Great video!

[@Fmj95]

Your channel is incredible. I’ll be going to Maui for my honeymoon this summer and I have watched every single one of your videos and have been using your website to plan everything

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Congrats on the honeymoon! Make sure to check out our website too! Have a wonderful trip

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Mahalo for watching and being cold with us on Haleakala. Learn more about our sunrise tour here: thehawaiivacationguide.com/activities/haleakala-guided-sunrise-tour-2/ and save 10% with promo code HVG10. Thanks to Valley Isle Excursion for hosting us to the top of Haleakala. We are a partner with them so we earn a small commission when you book using our link. Thanks for your support!

[@davidhulka-hikeaz6193]

Great video!

[@ja-lj2tb]

We did the sunrise at Haleakala first time to Hawaii 7 yrs ago. We drove up and we didn't need reservations back then. It was extremely cold and we were bundled up even had thermals on. Seen one guy with shorts on and a hotel blanket shivering before he ran back to his car...🥶 Awesome place so glad we did it!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

There is always that guy or girl up there! Thanks for sharing!!

[@billhobartclairvoyantmedium]

You guys look really COLD! The scene is beautifully gorgeous and very inspirational ❤️🙏❤️ YES Jordan you’re PRETTY

[@sandramorey2529]

Good suggestions. Here are some more off the beaten track for Haleakala. If you drive up on your own, stop at Hosmer Grove. The Amakihi (little yellow green honeycreeper) are tame here & will hop up onto your table to say hello. If you take a short easy hike you will hear & see Apapane & Ii'wi (2 indigenous honeycreepers) & if it is the right time of year, you'll spot Kole'a ( golden plover). We went up for sunrise eons ago. all fogged in, no sunrise. So we hiked all day and stayed for sunset. Gorgeous. Also, we backpacked for a week in the crater. It was wonderful. We saw sunrise every morning, watched the wind p/u a tent and blow it clear up the mountain. We hiked all over,but made our camp at Holua. Maybe 6 other people camping. If you are coming up on your own bring food. There isn't much for sale after you pass Kula. Also if you have a National Park Senior pass, use it.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

thanks for sharing Sandra!

[@KhunPamela1963]

Good information! I'm a decades long kamaaina but just only witnessed the sunrise on Haleakala from Red Hill two weeks ago. Truly one of the most spiritual and majestic moments of my life. Kulekele ho`okuleana: no laila, i kou komo `ana i keia wahi kapu, nou keia kuleana e ho`oko... Therefore, as you enter this sacred place, this kuleana is now placed upon you. Epic experience!! PS it was 37 degrees at the summit

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Well done seeing it from Red Hill! I'm glad you could make it up to the top. Thanks for sharing!

[@jordanmcclure6960]

Maui is an amazing island❤️

[@angperez23]

My fiancé and I were there when you did the sunrise in March! So nice meeting you both. Hello from Oklahoma!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

That is awesome!! It took us way too long to make the video but thanks for keeping an eye out for it!

[@martinniz4869]

we lovevyour videos, We are heading to Maui next month and I would love to have more info about the tour. Thank you

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

here is more info on the tour: thehawaiivacationguide.com/haleakala-sunrise-guided-tour/

[@TheonetheycallQuaid]

After watching your video, this was a no brainer for us, we booked the tour immediately. This is something we’ve always wanted to see but didn’t have time when we first came to Maui in 2019. We are going this summer during 4th of July. I’ve also took notes on where to snorkel as we’re staying on west side of island. We can’t wait. Thanks again for the excellent content you two put in your videos. It definitely helps us plan out our visit. Mahalo.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks so much for subscribing and the comment! Have a wonderful trip this summer. It sounds like you are well prepared for your visit.

[@wnmech6495]

Our first trip to sunrise Haleakala we had no idea of how cold it was. We did a tour but I don’t remember the folks that we used. After the sunrise tour we rode the bicycles down the mountain it was also a cool experience. Thanks for the updated information we will do the sunrise again next January on our annual visit now that Covid is hopefully behind us.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

It is a great experience. The cold is a surprise, the bitter cold. Thanks for all the comments!

[@chasingadeline]

that is so cool..we where there 3 weeks ago..but we did not get up that early.

[@derbagger22]

It was below freezing at the top of Mauna Kea last September. After 6 days in Hawai'i, we flew to Anchorage for 8 in Alaska. People asked how cold it got on our trip. When we said the coldest was below freezing...in Hawai'i, that blew their minds...

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

I love watching the cameras on Mauna Kea for a snow report. Hawaii is a crazy place with weather.

[@BrentBarr-nh1zu]

Omg this was my last tour working at the park ❤

[@justairexperts4121]

Have you made or will you ever make a video on the star gazing tour on Haleakala? Wondering if you could really see the Milky Way with the naked eye?

[@KhunPamela1963]

I live in Hawaii and can confirm you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye from the top of Haleakala, no light pollution makes it perfect for viewing. With its ideal combination of dryness, height, stillness, and clarity-not to mention its views of three-quarters of the entire sky-it provides optimal conditions to contemplate the heavens above and gather fundamental research.The Valley Isle’s highest peak is also home to Haleakala Observatory, one of the leading astronomy observatories on Earth. Otherwise known as the Haleakala High Altitude Observatory Site or “Science City,” this lookout-which lists the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network as two of its tenants-operates above one-third of the Earth’s atmosphere.

[@elizabethnitsch7653]

We visited Haleakala for sunset during our stay in April per your recommendation. It was an incredible experience!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

That is great to hear! Sunset is a wonderful experience, especially if the stars are out.

[@andrews4901]

I have a question, just to be clear.. if we choose to go for sunset, all we need to do is buy a park pass? No reservations needed?

[@elizabethnitsch7653]

@@andrews4901 yes no reservations needed. I do recommend getting there early because it can get very packed. Also it gets very cold so don’t forget to bundle up.

[@Chrissy4281]

Im learning sooo much about Hawaii and all it’s attractions through you two. I appreciate all you do immensely. Is it that cold there any time of the year? This is something I would love to do when my husband and I visit.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

It is cold up there all year long in the morning. Come prepared! It gets snow every few years, usually in February. Hope you can come out to see Haleakala!

[@donnaw1835]

I’ve only used Valley Isle excursion to Hana (twice). Loved them. Been up to Haleakalā during the day for bicycle tours and for sunset but never sunrise. I’ll have to try it sometime. Iʻve heard that if you are coming from the mainland it’s a good idea to schedule the sunrise tour for your first morning on island. Might as well make jet-lag work for you. Were the pick-up times you mentioned for west or south Maui?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

They are for West Maui but South Maui would be similar. That is a great trip to do the sunrise while one already has jet leg!

[@Alexchin-n3i]

Thanks for the videos , do you think is to cool around September 15th to visit Haleakala national park ? I would love to go see waimoku falls , Thanks.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

September is still warm in our experience and looking at historical weather data. It’s always cold at the top, even in July. Enjoy the trip and the road to Hana!

[@Alexchin-n3i]

Thank you very much, God bless you 🙏🏼🙏🏼.

[@FA-jx6nr]

Trying to figure out a place to stay that's gonna be the closest drive drive to the Summit. Any suggestions would be super helpful. Thank you!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Kula Lodge. Can be pricey but it’s on the side of the volcano. A classic place.

[@allystanhope4431]

We did sunset last summer and it was very busy. Park rangers had to direct people where to park off of the side roads. I wouldn’t be surprised if they start requiring reservations for that too.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

You are probably right! Tour companies already offer tours for sunset to help take the stress out of the experience.

[@Golmah]

We were only able to book the Hawaii Tours Express Tour option for the sunrise. Is there any major difference in your opinion, other than meeting them at a pickup point rather than at our hotel? :) Thanks for your great Maui itinerary! Purchased and can't wait to use it!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks for purchasing our maui itinerary. I don’t think there is a differing the tour, besides the pickup

[@stephanietzompa6564]

What time do you recommend getting to Haleakalā to enjoy the sunrise ? 😊 I purchased your Maui guide but might have missed that info.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

thanks for grabbing the Maui Wayfinder! See Erica's article here with details on that question: thehawaiivacationguide.com/haleakala-sunrise-or-sunset-when-should-you-go/

[@Chloestockdale]

Love your videos! Planning a trip to Maui in December and not getting a rental car so debating paying big money for a tour for sunrise or sunset. I hear visibility is sometimes zero which would be crushing after spending close to $1000 to bring my family of teens up there. Can anyone tell me how often you can’t see the sunrise (or sunset)? 10% of the time? 50%? Any clues would be appreciated!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Aloha Chloe, I don't have those numbers! That is a risk. You could rent a car for a day and drive up for afternoon hiking and sunset when you know the weather will be good.

[@tank5944]

Did the Mill House close? Id so, where is a good breakfast after sunrise?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Mill House is now Cafe O’lei. Great place still after sunrise.

[@bubblepearl158]

I went to haleakala today and I almost cried because I was scared of the heights😂

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

😂 it is a high lookout

[@yojs17_]

I did Haleakala with my husband in 2016. It was the scariest drive up, pitch black. I thought I was going to drive off the side of the mountain. I realized that was not the case on the way down once the sun rose, lol

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

We almost hit so many cows on our way down at sunset. We couldn’t stay for stargazing one time so we got to clear the road of cows for everyone.

[@ChrisClark_808]

Hahah. I could really hear the hurry and the cold in the way you both were talking.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

rushing to get into the warm van and before they left without us!

[@mikemitchell5994]

Sang sent me here!

[@lucievedomimkestesti]

Thanks! Do you know if i can get an Uber to Haleakala? And, of course, back.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

I doubt that. You could get one up but I doubt a driver would want to go up to get you. Plus you’d have to be at the entrance, which is 3000 ft from the summit.

[@taylorhill8063]

Any recommendations on where to park? Top or not quite at the top maybe?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Red Hill at the top is a nice view but get there early for a spot. The place we did at the visitor center is a good spot to see the sun coming out of the crater. Guided tours can only go to the visitor center below white hill, where we went in this video.

[@CourtneysCockpit]

I went just after sunrise to avoid crowds, cold and fees. not to mention it was a solo trio and i didnt know how the roads would be. it was freezing!!!! even with thr sun up so i cant imagine while still dark. need coat, gloves, ear muffs and 3 blankets 😜😜😜

[@yangyangyu6680]

What do you think about taking a 3.5 year old to Haleakalā sunrise? Too cold?

[@rollercoasterfweak]

I'd say this was kind of a trap for the ride itself. I didn't feel the bang for buck with the time it took to get to the top. Wish I had a clear view like you guys did. It was very cloudy

[@tmann1244]

What time should we get there to watch sunrise? 4 am?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks for watching, see our article for details: thehawaiivacationguide.com/haleakala-sunrise-or-sunset-when-should-you-go/

[@sophiebaillargeon6478]

Do they give time to hike in the sunrise tour?!?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Afraid not. They continue the tour.

[@countryboy-bk7ke]

I'll be in hawaii Monday

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Have a wonderful trip! thanks for subscribing!

[@cassandrabriggs9133]

Is that a Duke sweatshirt, Erica? Aloha from another Duke alum!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

If she doesn't have her Duke hat on, she rocks the sweatshirt.

[@SuperDharshu]

Hi, I have a quick question, I am planning my first trip to Hawaii to celebrate my 10th wedding anniversary with my 2 kids. I am planning for the end of Feb to mid of March. Is it a good time to come? I am thinking to visit two islands (Maui & Oahu).

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Check out our article on visiting in Feb: thehawaiivacationguide.com/maui-in-february/

[@melanysespinosa4140]

Is Haleakala worth visiting during the day? I want to experience it but im scared of driving up or down in the dark in the parts with no railings 😬

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

It is a wonderful national park. We feel it is worth the drive up during the day

[@sharon2198]

Which would you guys recommend for first timers / which was your fave - sunrise or sunset?!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Sunrise is more memorable. Since you will have jet lag, do that one.

[@derbagger22]

24 hour bathrooms? Looks like it must be a fantastic place to stargaze...