Haleakala Crater
Haleakala Crater, Haleakala National Park: Address, Phone Number, Haleakala Crater Reviews: 4.5/5
Haleakala Crater
Haleakala Crater
4.5
About
A dormant volcano measuring 10,000 feet above sea level, it is Maui's highest point.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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9 within 10 kms
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1ChuckW
Rapid City, SD74 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
Beautiful scenery the crater is massive we went to see the sunset there were hundreds of people up there the road is 2 lanes so it took awhile coming back down
Written 16 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
shendrix
Scottsdale, AZ595 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
Just incredible. My husband and I have gone to Maui over and over since 2002…we never did this bucket list excursion because neither of us would commit to getting up in the middle of the night. Well, thanks to our adult children we hauled along on this trip, we did it. and now that it’s over, I would like to strongly recommend that everyone do this on your trip to Maui…if it’s your first time or last time or you live there, you simply have to do this. the sight of that sun coming up over the clouds is like nothing I have ever seen…and I have been to 70 countries in my lifetime, so there you have it. It’s a bucket list, PITA sort of thing, but man-o-man, you will not regret it. Just suck it up, go to bed early, get in the car at 2 a.m. and just go, people. It literally kind of wrecks 2 days of your trip because A), you have to go to bed at 7 to get up at 2 (unless you are one of those ppl that doesn’t need sleep) and B) the next day yo have been up since 2 a.m., so it makes the next day really short as you need to either take a huge nap when you get back or go to bed at 6 p.m. Anyway, just do it. You won’t be sorry.
Written 11 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WPLandry
Fairfax, VA481 contributions
Dec 2021
The views are amazing here. My husband and I have visited and hiked several volcanoes in the world. The colorful and unique landscape here offers a unique perspective. We were astounded at the colors present in the geological formations. The easiest way to access the top is to drive. Since we were traveling with our (older) parents, we opted for that route. But, you can complete several lengthy hikes, which we would definitely do in the future. Once at the top, you can take some shorter hikes which offer different vantage points, all of value. If you are not accustomed to altitude, you may notice yourself becoming more out of breath than usual. Take breaks and use those mini-breaks to enjoy the incredible scenery. It is significantly colder than at sea level. We were lucky it was a sunny day, temps were about 42 (wind chill at 35) at summit, so we were comfortable in shorts and windbreakers, as long as we were moving! Prepare for lower temps at the top! If you are prepared, you will enjoy your time there.
Written 10 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SkipperBill2
Belvidere, IL726 contributions
Oct 2021
This was nice to see. We stayed at the top, but with more time I would like to hike further into the crater.
Written 9 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
robert-not-home
Boston, MA2,249 contributions
Jan 2022
Other worldly scenery, just fabulous. If you really want to see some radically different scenery from the rest of Maui visit Haleakala. There are numerous hikes that allow you to take in some amazing views and scenery. Depending where you hike you can be nearly up 10,000 feet so the air is thinner and the temperature is much lower so plan accordingly. Nonetheless the scenery is simply stunning so well worth your time.
Written 6 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Usman K
Chicago, IL7 contributions
Jan 2022 • Family
Beautiful and picturesque! Unfortunately we didn’t experience a full sunrise due to too many clouds but it’s definitely a worth exploring trip.
Written 31 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
bfjLondon
Larchmont, NY106 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
You need to be lucky… we were not as we got deep fog from 6am to 7.30am on the day we went up there BUT when the winds were pushing the fog away the views were outstanding. So if you are lucky and the sky is clear, it will be an amazing journey. We strongly recommend your try.
You dont need to go by 3am though. Being there by 5 or 5.30am is enough as long as you have a reservation.
You dont need to go by 3am though. Being there by 5 or 5.30am is enough as long as you have a reservation.
Written 21 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
floatyourboatToronto
Toronto, Canada173 contributions
Dec 2021
We went in the afternoon after our morning sunrise reservation was rained out. We had already done the sunrise about 10 years ago so it wasn't a big deal. This time we did a hike - heed the warnings that it will take you longer to get back up!
Most went up to the summit to watch the sunset but we chose to see it at the west-facing side at the visitor's centre. I think this was a better choice - fewer people and a beautiful panoramic view without any buildings (observatory) to contend with.
At the T-intersection where you drive to the summit there is a bank of about a dozen parking spots. We backed in the car and faced where the sun would set. After our hike we had some snacks in the warmth and comfort of the car while watching the start of the show. About 15 minutes before sunset we walked over to the railing for a better view. Since we weren't thoroughly frozen (having spent much of the time waiting and enjoying the view in our car) we waited for the crowd to disperse then drove to the summit for some star-gazing.
The colours of the sunset were beautiful although different from our sunrise experience. Oranges where the sunset then as you turned round the most unique blues and pinks behind you. Pictures don't do it justice. Unfortunately the moon was almost full so the stargazing wasn't as spectacular as it could have been, but the expanse with the clouds was still breathtaking.
On our way down from the summit we picked up some very cold hikers (in shorts) who had left their car at the visitors centre (parking at the top fills up an hour before sunset). Turns out the young man proposed to his partner after the sunset! It was indeed a magical evening!
Most went up to the summit to watch the sunset but we chose to see it at the west-facing side at the visitor's centre. I think this was a better choice - fewer people and a beautiful panoramic view without any buildings (observatory) to contend with.
At the T-intersection where you drive to the summit there is a bank of about a dozen parking spots. We backed in the car and faced where the sun would set. After our hike we had some snacks in the warmth and comfort of the car while watching the start of the show. About 15 minutes before sunset we walked over to the railing for a better view. Since we weren't thoroughly frozen (having spent much of the time waiting and enjoying the view in our car) we waited for the crowd to disperse then drove to the summit for some star-gazing.
The colours of the sunset were beautiful although different from our sunrise experience. Oranges where the sunset then as you turned round the most unique blues and pinks behind you. Pictures don't do it justice. Unfortunately the moon was almost full so the stargazing wasn't as spectacular as it could have been, but the expanse with the clouds was still breathtaking.
On our way down from the summit we picked up some very cold hikers (in shorts) who had left their car at the visitors centre (parking at the top fills up an hour before sunset). Turns out the young man proposed to his partner after the sunset! It was indeed a magical evening!
Written 17 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BnMadven
New York City, NY410 contributions
Nov 2021
The chance to watch the sun rise above the clouds sounded like a magical experience. I marked the date I could make a reservation to enter Haleakala National Park and snagged a reservation (and you must have one for entry). My partner and I were lucky that the sun rises a little later at the end of November, so we left our hotel in Kihei at 3AM to give ourselves enough time to safely drive up the mountain while it was still dark. The drive up had hairraising moments, particularly the highest sections where there weren't guardrails between the edge of the road and the mountain face. & a tip to future drivers going up, it isn't necessary to tailgate the car(s) in front of you going at the proper speed limit and have your brights on the entire time. You will also be charged $30 for a 3 day parking pass for Haleakala (we were visiting the other side of the park the following day, so that worked in our favor. However, if you're only visiting once, you may need to tell them you only want a 1 day pass). We got to the summit with 45 minutes to spare before the official sunrise but many people got there before us and we were one of the last cars to park at the summit lot. My partner and I were able to wear our November clothes from NYC up at the summit to keep warm. Gloves would be smart, if you're keeping your hands out on your phone/camera to capture as much as you can. The way the light changes truly is magical, turning high and low laying clouds from shadows to shapes. A park ranger was at the summit giving some background and did a Hawaiian sunrise chant as the sun appeared from the horizon of clouds. It was an absolutely magical moment. Many people appeared to leave after the sunrise, but take a few hours to hike part of the Sliding Sands Trail. The topography really feels otherworldly. And if you look hard enough, you can see smoke or steam coming from the tops of the cinder cones further in the valley, to remind you that Haleakala is still a live volcano. Take your time with the hike (and bring water) as you are just under 10,000 feet above sea level and may have shortness of breath at that height. Regardless, it's an experience like no other.
Written 7 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
AntoniosNYPizza
Estes Park, CO12 contributions
Nov 2021
While steep, the road to the summit is beautifully paved and stunning views are literally everywhere. There are multiple places to pull off and take some photos or just sit and stare like I did. Be sure to stop at the viewing area on the left just below the summit for it offers a perspective you cannot get from the summit's angle. A word to those who made the mistake of taking the road to Hana first- this is a 1 on a scale of 1-10 in difficulty if Hana is a 10.
Written 27 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Richard B
Huntingdon Valley, PA
Just curious what the temperature was in June at the top of the crater.
Thanks
Jerri L
Johnston, IA1,764 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
maitaimike2015
Laguna Hills, CA203 contributions
Ibrahim P,
The road to the summit is fine (you don't need 4-wheel etc.) Plenty of parking at two places. If you wish to hike into the crater, you should do a little research. You cannot drive into the crater area. Great views & photos from the overlooks.
Safe travels,
Mike
Hi I would like to know what type of car we need to do a tour by myself
MJ@lets go 1996
Greenville, SC164 contributions
We were in a SUV. We saw a lot of Jeeps as well as many other types. Hope this helps.
Where would you recommend we park if we want to see the sunset and cannot do a very very hard trail /
?
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
397 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.
VolcanoLover9
Wellington, New Zealand10 contributions
How do you get to the crater? Can you drive right up to it? Or does it require a hike/walk? If so how long is the walk? I am just trying to get a better understanding of the area.
Also, does anyone know if there is a park map available online anywhere? I haven't been able to find one.
MOG808
Maui, HI722 contributions
One may drive to the summit for a view of the crater. The Sliding Sands trail and the Switchback trail (trailhead is about two miles below the summit area park) lead into the crater. There are various distances to hike depending on how far one wants to venture into the crater. It is a wilderness area and it is not a gentle stroll. Sturdy boots and trekking poles are highly recommended. Maps may be found online if you google Haleakala crater map.
Hi - Hey may I ask where you parked? I know for sunrise bike ride you need a permit if you drive yourself. How about mid-AM -- is parking available? Thanks!
Sarah
Palo Alto, CA12 contributions
We are driving ourselves to see the sunrise. We want to do the bike/zip line tour. Has anyone done this? How does logistics work?
Do we drive down to meet the group then come back up in their van?
