Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park
4.8
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Also known as the "House of the Sun," this 30,000-acre national park is popular for hiking, camping, and catching sunrises and sunsets.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Haleakala National Park
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
1 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.8
2,650 reviews
Excellent
2,204
Very good
356
Average
69
Poor
9
Terrible
12
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN8,566 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
If the weather is clear, the views at the summit of Haleakalā National Park are spectacular. Watching the sunrise as it appears over the crater is said to be an almost spiritual experience. I didn't do this as it requires being on the road by 4-430am if staying at Ka'anapali Beach and you will need to make a reservation for entry either 60 days in advance of 2 days in advance. Tickets sell out quickly and you best be ready to make the request just after 7am Hawaii time to secure a ticket. I arrived at 1045am with the intention of hiking the strenuous Sliding Sands Trail. I parked at the Halemau'u Trailhead which is where the trail ends and was able to hitch a ride from a passing car to the summit where the hike begins. There is a designated spot where hikers should stand, and we waited just a few minutes before a helpful driver stopped. Most aren't probably into picking up hitchhikers, but I would encourage anyone making the drive to not hesitate to pick up any waiting hikers as this is the expected practice at the park. This was a strenuous 6-hour hike down into the crater starting near the visitor center. The last 2 hours hiking out of the crater through the numerous switch backs was brutal. Hiking poles are a necessity. Only hiking out of the Grand Canyon was comparable. However, this was one of the most incredible hiking experiences I have done especially as I was fortunate to have clear weather conditions for the first few hours of the hike.
Written 24 February 2025
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.
Stylistbanker
San Francisco, CA155 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
The ride to get up to the top is scary and beautiful at the same time. We went there on Sunday morning so there were not many cars and people. It took about 2 hrs drive from Lahaina beach. Recommended to pack water and some light snacks. We got lucky that the weather was very nice in the mid 60’s at the end of Nov. My husband wore short and I wore a dress without feeling cold. The admission is $30 and you can pay with credit card only. If you plan to go there to watch sunrise & Milky Way between 3-7 am, reservation is required. We took a lot of photos. The view was incredible.
Written 28 November 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.
Lara
Chicago, IL7 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
Def going to recommend this place to everyone! Its so magical and something that would make you feel you are in your dream, but it's greater!
Two warnings:
- if you have problems with blood pressure or heart, try at least stay a day before going higher to Summit, in higher elevation. My mistake was staying next to the beach and going right up within 3-4 hours and I was passing out on Summit waiting for sunset
- if you want to see sunset in the highest Summit and you are with your car, be there at 4:45 latest as parking gets full by 5pm already. You can chill on top and make yourself comfy, and def bring food and blanket. And please be respectful to others and Hawaiian gods, so don't speak loud to your surroundings. No one needs loud conversations, it's really quiet up there, so everyone will hear you.
Two warnings:
- if you have problems with blood pressure or heart, try at least stay a day before going higher to Summit, in higher elevation. My mistake was staying next to the beach and going right up within 3-4 hours and I was passing out on Summit waiting for sunset
- if you want to see sunset in the highest Summit and you are with your car, be there at 4:45 latest as parking gets full by 5pm already. You can chill on top and make yourself comfy, and def bring food and blanket. And please be respectful to others and Hawaiian gods, so don't speak loud to your surroundings. No one needs loud conversations, it's really quiet up there, so everyone will hear you.
Written 21 September 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.
Greekipina
Arvada, CO382 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
The sunrise summit on Haleakala is a MUST on your visit to Maui. You'll have to go recreation.gov two days prior to your visit to make a reservation. The pass is good for three days (Do Ohe'o Gulch as well as the 400-ft Waimoku falls at the end of the road to Hana). You'll need park reservations to enter from 3am-7am (we made reservations for this timeframe but drive in at 2:50a and no one was at the gate). There is about 15 parking spaces at the summit parking lot and then more at the Visitor Center lot. It really is AMAZING to get there so early, we were able to see the Milky Way with the naked eye. Even my 9 and 11 year olds were in awe. It is COLD up there, bring a beanie, sweats, hat, blankets, anything to nip that cold air. There is a small viewing room with glass that blocks the wind. Mostly people stayed outside and on the road to view the sunrise. It truly is majestic watching the sky change every color of the rainbow as you are high above the clouds. The pictures really do not do justice. The visitor center at the summit is open early and you can get your national park stamp there as well as cool souvenirs. Definitely a memorable stop!
Written 21 August 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.
Kevin H
Lodi, WI19 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
You must drive up here to see the stars
I have never seen them so crisp and bright in my life
That is one of the reasons they have the telescope up here
It’s like another planet watching the sunset
Bring your warm clothes it’s very windy and chilly
Well worth the drive
I have never seen them so crisp and bright in my life
That is one of the reasons they have the telescope up here
It’s like another planet watching the sunset
Bring your warm clothes it’s very windy and chilly
Well worth the drive
Written 19 February 2025
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.
Cassandra Bowman
Montreal, Canada20 contributions
Mar 2025 • Family
We drove up ourselves in a jeep wrangler for the sunset fitting 5 people. The drive up had some excitement and was much shorter than we expected. It took about a hour and a half to get there from waliea. It was breathtaking once we reached higher than the clouds. Once we got up there the sunset was around 20 minutes away and we walked around and saw some cool plantation and the crater. It was essential to be dressed warm since it was chilly. The sunset it itself wasn’t really what we expected but it was totally worth it and will be recommended to others!
Written 10 March 2025
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.
EpicGuy12
Queen Creek, AZ881 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
I am not sure what else to say that already hasn't been said about this place. If you are on Maui this is the one spot you truly need to hit as seeing the sunrise above the clouds is truly an experience. However, just make sure to dress warm as it will get very cold up there no matter what time of the year that you go. After the sun is up, you can't believe just truly high up that you are. This place is truly special and must visit if you are in Maui.
Written 15 May 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.
Debinohio
Millersburg, OH1,406 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
We discussed trying to get reservations for sunrise, go for sunset, or just go at our leisure. Ultimately we decided to wing it and arrive about mid morning. We were so glad we did as it suited us fine.
We left our hotel so we would arrive between 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. The morning crowds were gone and we were able to take a leisurely drive up and down, with very few people around. The views were spectacular as we had no clouds. It was very windy and in the 50s by the time we got to the top, about 25 degrees cooler than at the bottom. We were glad we wore pants and had hoodies with us.
Our timing allowed us to enjoy lunch in the area and see other sites nearby.
We travel a lot in what we call the shoulder seasons, off peak travel times but close enough where we have nice weather. We were on Maui Nov 13 - 25 and we found this was a great time to visit. I recently read of 45 minute waits to get into the park over this holiday season. Glad we missed those crowds.
We left our hotel so we would arrive between 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. The morning crowds were gone and we were able to take a leisurely drive up and down, with very few people around. The views were spectacular as we had no clouds. It was very windy and in the 50s by the time we got to the top, about 25 degrees cooler than at the bottom. We were glad we wore pants and had hoodies with us.
Our timing allowed us to enjoy lunch in the area and see other sites nearby.
We travel a lot in what we call the shoulder seasons, off peak travel times but close enough where we have nice weather. We were on Maui Nov 13 - 25 and we found this was a great time to visit. I recently read of 45 minute waits to get into the park over this holiday season. Glad we missed those crowds.
Written 6 January 2025
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.
MattIowa
Coralville, IA153 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Recommend getting the sunrise tickets in advance on recreation.gov and setting your alarm early! Remember to get up there about an hour before sunrise and bring warm clothes. Also enjoyed a moderate hike out to see the crater from above starting at Halemau'u Trailhead. Also recommend going around to the backside of the park on a different day and doing the Pipiwai Trail with the Banyan tree, bamboo forest and waterfall.
Written 10 July 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.
kbailey1088
Columbia, SC142 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
Unique and diverse National Park. We were impressed with the diverse landscape along the switchback road to the top to see the summit and the lava domes. The literature helps explain the landscape and the views are vast!
It is cold at the top so take a jacket and water. The landscape is rocky so wear closed toe shoes with support.
It is cold at the top so take a jacket and water. The landscape is rocky so wear closed toe shoes with support.
Written 4 October 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.
Is it worth the drive during the day to not go on any hikes? We are Just wanting to see the view at an overlook. Plus, I know you have to pay for parking. Should we just pay the annual pass as we do plan on hiking pipiwai trail more than 3 days later?
Written 1 March 2025
Is it worth the drive during the day to not go on any hikes? We are Just wanting to see the view at an overlook. Plus, I know you have to pay for parking. Should we just pay the annual pass as we do plan on hiking pipiwai trail more than 3 days later.
Written 1 March 2025
Can we enter Haleakala national park summit before 3am without a sunrise reservation?
Written 2 May 2023
I would definitely get a reservation. Waiting would be very cold, if it was even possible. If you get there at 7 it will still be beautiful!
Written 4 May 2023
Anything interesting to do without going to the top? Traveling with a 2 year old and a 6 year old, and the older one has quite bad motion sickness. So I doubt if we can make to the top. Anything fun to do in the middle?
Written 2 January 2023
g'day mate there is not a lot to do but the trip up in a mini van is not too bad - put the window down and it might help with motion sickness - if you manage to go to top you will not be disappointed
Written 2 January 2023
how long does it take to drive down the road after sunset? My husband is concerned. TY
Written 9 April 2022
I want to say it took longer than an hour. I don’t recommend driving after sunset unless you know the area. I don’t think it’s safe to drive in the dark.
Written 26 March 2023
I would like to go up there but I have mild COPD. I thought that if I go I would bring my portable CPAP machine that I can use in the car. Thoughts?
Written 25 September 2021
Would check with your doctor but ? Cpap is usually for obstructive sleep apnea not COPD. If you are on oxygen for COPD might want to be careful. Kaleakana is 10K feet above sea level, keeping in mind that Denver is 5 k feet above sea level. In terms of exertion there are places you can drive and dont have to climb much.
Written 3 November 2021
HI Everyone,
Does anyone know which entrance to the park we would use to get to the summit? We'd like to go up to the top near the observatory to see the sunset and do some stargazing. Has anyone done that recently? How late can we stay up there before we exit the park?
Thanks,
Mary in San Diego :)
Written 8 August 2021
The inland entrance to the park to see the crater and experience the summit is past Pukalani on route 37 - then take 377 to 378.
Written 8 August 2021
Hi there-
Planning to do the sunrise viewing at the end of the summer and already got my $1.00 sunrise ticket reserved in advance. But I see on their website you also need a park entrance ticket that's like $30 for 3 days. Can that also be purchased online in advance like the sunrise ticket was? It's a bit unclear on the website about when/where to get that 3 day pass, but ideally I'd like to buy it ahead of time so I'm not worrying about getting it at 4am that morning somewhere at the park in the dark...
If anyone could provide more info on that, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thanks! -Alyssa
Written 6 July 2021
Its easy to get that when entering the park at the booth when you come in or at the machine. i dont know and dont think its available online
Written 7 July 2021
Hallo,
kann man nachts, wenn man zum Sonnenaufgang fährt den tri-park Pass (55$ )kaufen? Ist dort ein Automat?
Die Reservierung für den Sonnenaufgang habe ich bereits online durchgeführt.
Written 2 February 2020
Ja, der Tri-Park-Pass bietet bei Sonnenaufgang Zugang zum Park. Dies gilt nur für nicht gewerbliche Fahrzeuge. Die Reservierung, die Sie haben, sichert Ihnen einen Parkplatz.
(Ich habe Google Übersetzer verwendet, mein Deutsch ist schlecht)
Written 22 February 2020
…
Showing results 1-10 of 57
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing