Haleakala National Park

Driving up the mountain, through a sea of clouds, you'll pass open grasslands, winding mountain roads, and cumulonimbus clouds. The moment you see a vast expanse of blue through the clouds, it's a refreshing experience. Don't forget to put on your down jacket when you pull into the parking lot; those shorts and jackets are only for Europeans and Americans. You'll feel the sudden chill when you get out of the car.

Wrap yourself up and climb the majestic Haleakala volcano. It's so quiet you can hear your own breath. Every step you take feels like stepping on clouds, like riding on mist.

Not being able to watch the sunrise here was a major regret on my trip to Maui. Seeing the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala is an experience every Maui visitor should be proud of. Even those who have witnessed it multiple times say they never see the same sunrise twice. Of course, you need to book in advance and get up early in the morning, but the view is worth it. Equally spectacular are Haleakala's sunsets and starlit nights.

If you are not driving yourself, you can also purchase a one-day tour. A car will pick you up directly at the hotel. You can choose to watch the sunrise or not according to your itinerary.

I thought the 84-kilometer, 600-plus curves of the Hana Highway in the morning were thrilling enough, but I didn't expect to plunge into Haleakala National Park, the world's largest extinct volcano, in the afternoon. While the scenery was a feast for our eyes, the mental thrill was beyond our expectations [facepalm]. The best sunrises are from the mountaintops in the upper half of the park, while sunsets are best from the coast in the lower half. We set off at 4 a.m. and drove along the outer coast for almost two hours. The road was sparsely populated, and for half an hour, we didn't see a single car in front or behind us. We even saw a few wrecked cars on the roadside. 😱 When we finally caught up with the car in front of us, it felt like seeing family [facepalm]. Before sunset, the sea was pink under the setting sun on the left, and the majestic volcano was on the right. It was so beautiful that I could only sigh in admiration! But... The sun went down suddenly, and the scene immediately changed from a beautiful scenery to a horror movie: there were still 40 kilometers of mountain roads to go, and it was pitch dark. It suddenly started to rain, and then there was a heavy fog in the mountains. It was already tense enough, and now I dared not drive faster than 20 miles per hour. And... I was driving a big off-road vehicle that consumed a lot of fuel. When I picked up the car yesterday, it had a full tank of gas, and the fuel gauge was about to reach the warning line. According to the navigation instructions, I drove another 20 kilometers to a dark town, but... There was no gas station in sight [crazy]. I guess they had closed for business, turned off the lights and closed, and I couldn’t find it at all. I continued to drive another 10 kilometers in the rain and fog, and finally got out of the mountain and onto the highway. I immediately found a Shell gas station on the navigation! I was so moved that tears almost came out! [tears][tears] It was a close call, and I’ll have a little drink to calm my nerves in the evening😂😂😂

We were initially disappointed and frustrated by the Big Island volcanic eruption, but then we discovered Maui also has a volcano park, which really got us excited. While Haleakala wasn't as impressive or thrilling as the Big Island volcano, it still far exceeded our expectations. The highlight of Haleakala was, of course, watching the sunrise over the sea of clouds above the volcano. However, to see it, you had to book a spot online in advance! The process was full of twists and turns, but thankfully, we finally managed to secure a spot for our last day in Maui.

In order to watch the sunrise, we decided to set off at 2:30 in the morning.

Although it was cold on the top of the mountain, everyone was excited when the morning sun rose from the slowly moving clouds as expected.

We had originally planned to watch the sunrise, having already paid $1 for a reservation on the official website. However, we were exhausted the day before and decided not to go. While it was a shame, the daytime scenery was truly breathtaking. In ancient times, only the local shamans and their apprentices could enter this sacred place! I'm now a demigod. At our first lookout, we encountered the local specialty—the mythical Hawaiian goose, nicknamed "nene" (supposedly named after its call)! We climbed to the summit, 3,055 meters above sea level. The view from the summit was breathtaking, a world above the clouds. It was a truly worthwhile experience!

You can choose to see the sunrise and sunset multiple times (since you can't stay there from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Halfway up the mountain, I was posing in a light jacket, but once I reached the top, it was freezing cold. The wind was blowing so hard my ears and head hurt, so I immediately grabbed my jacket from the car and put it on! The observatory is not open to the public, so you can only observe it from a distance.

Haleakala is the world's largest dormant volcano. Watching the sunrise above the clouds from its summit is an indescribable magical experience, but it is also a very challenging thing:



1. You have to get up super early, like 2-4 am, to set off, 2. You have to drive through the twisting hairpin mountain road with the abyss right next to you, and 3. It’s super cold at the top of the mountain, so you have to wear a down jacket... But! When you actually see the sacred sunrise above the clouds, it feels like everything is completely worth it!



When we reached the top, the sky was beginning to turn red. The observation deck was packed with people, all shivering with cold but full of anticipation.



The crimson sun gradually emerged from the sea of clouds, fiery, ardent, solemn, and glorious. All the indigenous staff present sang hymns. A primal, sacred power rose, and all the tension, pain, and coldness of the world seemed to disappear in an instant.

Friendly reminder: Be sure to strictly follow the winter clothing guidelines when climbing Mount Haleakala.



After watching the sunrise, don't rush down the mountain. The landscape here is said to be most similar to the surface of the moon, so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along one of the several hiking trails. The Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trail is the most famous, and the entrance is right next to the sunrise viewing point.



Don’t forget to get a certificate from the visitor center before going down the mountain.

Having snagged a sunrise ticket, I couldn't wait to see this popular international sunrise spot. The number of people attending the sunrise is now limited due to the high number of visitors. About 200 parking spots are available daily, with 170 sold two months in advance and 30 sold a day in advance. The price is $1.50 per vehicle, regardless of size, so many groups flock to see it.

It is recommended to book two months in advance. Just report the name of the reservation at the entrance. There are four viewing points for sunrise. The guide said the viewing point at the visitor center is the best, so go straight there. I don't know where the parking lot at the top of the mountain is.

It was pitch black, with stars all over the sky. The place to watch the sunrise was at the railing next to the visitor center. The house on the other side of the parking lot was a toilet...don't stand in the wrong place.

The railing next to the visitor center is not very long, and there are many people at sunrise.

If you want to get a good seat, you must arrive around 4 o'clock, as many people will come later.

The winding mountain road drove all the way to the top of the mountain, and people were already intoxicated by the scenery in front of them. There was heavy fog on the day we went there, so we didn't see the whole picture of Ning, but it was enough experience. You must watch the sunset and wait until it is completely dark to see the starry sky. It is definitely worth the trip.

Standing above the clouds, I have seen the most beautiful sunrise and sunset

Haleakalā National Park is divided into two sections, each of which is inaccessible within the park and requires separate access. The mountainous section is on the left side of the park, while the ocean-facing section is on the right. The middle section is impassable due to the mountain, making the two sections quite distant, approximately a two-hour drive.

Haleakala is a dormant volcano and is the best place to watch the sunrise over the sea of clouds.

The Haleakala visitor center is only a few minutes' drive from the summit, and the view to the east is not obstructed, so it is the best place to watch the sunrise.

Hike along the route to the "Moonscape." There are many hiking options in the mountaintop section of the park, and there are also many branch trails in the valley floor. It would take a whole day to complete all of them.

According to the advice of the staff at the visitor center, since the hiking route goes down first and then up, if you plan to play for 2 hours, it is best to walk down for about 45 minutes and then turn back.

You need to arrive before 4:00 or you won't be able to enter. Based on my research the night before, many netizens said the road up the mountain was difficult to walk on. After experiencing the mountain road in northern Maui, my husband was very proud of himself because the road to the park was not a problem at all...

The scenery along the way was so beautiful as we circled up the mountain. It was like walking in the clouds. There was a lot of fog and it was drizzling. It felt like we were riding on the clouds in the car. It was so beautiful...

Due to the high altitude, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the Maui plains and the Pacific Ocean on the way up the mountain. It feels like you are walking in the clouds all the way.

We entered the park smoothly at 3:30, costing $10 per car. After entering, it still took more than ten minutes to circle the road to the visitor center. The visitor center wasn't the best viewing platform for the sunset, but the volcanic ruins on the mountain really made my husband feel deeply moved!

Standing on the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the moon-like landscape. Many tourists are not satisfied with this and continue to explore the wonderful lava pits, walk through the unique paths, and explore the amazing volcanic relics!

The summit houses several observatories and a US Air Force space surveillance system capable of detecting objects as large as a basketball 20,000 kilometers away. Watching the sunrise from Haleakala's summit is unforgettable, with renowned American author Mark Twain calling it "the most magnificent sight I have ever seen."

To watch the sunrise in Haleakala National Park, you need to book in advance on the official website. There are only 150 tickets available each day (calculated by car). We booked more than two weeks in advance and they were sold out. As my husband is lazy and doesn't want to get up early (they said we would depart at 2 a.m. and arrive at 3 a.m.), we didn't have any regrets in the end!

But the sunset is still okay, and what's more, the gentleman is not interested in the sunset, he is still obsessed with the magical scenery of the volcanic ruins!

Around 7:30, the sun had already set, and people started to get up and head home. The convoy formed a long, winding line along the winding mountain road, which was truly spectacular! And it was safe, because the front and rear headlights illuminated the way home, so I didn't feel lonely at all!

The scenery on the way up the mountain is amazing. Although the clouds are still a bit thick, the occasional blue sky makes people feel more beautiful. There is a large pasture halfway up the mountain, and a clear view of the town coastline at the foot of the mountain.

Maybe it was because of the daytime, the top of the mountain was not as cold as imagined, but the wind was a little stronger. The crater was always shrouded in clouds. The clouds moved very fast, and when the front and back were not connected, the occasional "moon surface" was revealed, which was amazing.

Haleakka is definitely the soul of Maui. No matter where you go, looking at the misty mountains from afar, you will feel an inexplicable peace in your heart.

We set off around 10 a.m. and navigated directly to the visitor center midway up the mountain. We picked up a map and packed some clothes. The temperature was getting a bit chilly as we climbed higher, and it was raining and foggy—the weather wasn't great. I asked the visitor center attendant if we could see the Martian landscape today, but he immediately gave me a pity-faced look and told me it probably wouldn't be possible. We were quite disappointed. However, the drive from the visitor center to the summit only took a little over 20 minutes, so we decided to give it a try.

The road spiraled upwards, foggy and rainy, with visibility less than 50 meters. All cars were moving slowly uphill at 15 mph. But there was a surprise: halfway through, we saw a lot of white, steam-like gas floating on the ground in front of the car. It took a moment to realize it was clouds! It really felt like we were riding the clouds! Driving among the clouds was magical.

The drive to the summit was foggy and rainy, and once we reached the summit, the wind was incredibly strong. We decided to grab a bite to eat in the car, but then a turning point arrived! Just as we finished eating, a gust of wind suddenly transformed the sky into a brilliant blue. The sky was high and the sun was blazing—a truly stunning sight! The tourists at the summit grabbed their cameras and rushed off to see the Martian landscape. It was truly spectacular! Everyone was stunned. And the observatory in the distance, against the backdrop of the blue sky and the volcanic sands, was a truly beautiful sight!

It's really beautiful. It takes about an hour to drive from Kahului. There are many sharp turns along the way. The scenery becomes more and more beautiful. It's foggy and sunny. You must hike. Those with good physical strength can walk further. It's worth a visit.

A trip to Maui without visiting the volcano is a complete waste. It's worth it, but it's very cold up there. We went at noon, and even with our light down jackets, it still felt a bit chilly. Imagine how cold it gets after sunset. The road is winding, so those with motion sickness should be careful. The highlight isn't the scenery from the top, but the ascent—the magical feeling of passing through thick clouds, then seeing the sun again, and then the clouds finally being at your feet.

Haleakala, widely considered the world's largest dormant volcano (last erupted in 1790), shaped the topography of East Maui. Volcanic activity and river erosion have carved a basin 12 kilometers long, 4 kilometers wide, and 910 meters deep (large enough to engulf Manhattan Island). Within the basin are numerous volcanic features, including more than a dozen conical craters.

There are several observatories on the summit, as well as equipment used by the US Air Force to monitor space: it can detect objects the size of a basketball 20,000 kilometers away.

Watching the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala is unforgettable. Renowned American author Mark Twain called it "the most magnificent view I have ever seen." However, due to the high number of visitors and limited parking, starting last year, reservations must be made online in advance to enter the park between 3:30 and 7:00 PM. There are four viewpoints from which to view the sunrise, listed from highest to lowest:

Puuulaula summit

Haleakala Visit Center

Kalahaku overlook

Leleiwi overlook

The tour guides who run the daily sunrise tours also arrange for everyone to watch the sunrise at the visitor center. For the tour operators, their choice should be the ideal observation point, so we chose to watch from the visitor center without hesitation.

If you want to climb higher, you can reach Puuulaula Summit, but it's somewhat obstructed, and the view isn't optimal. It's also incredibly windy and cold at the summit, with the perceived temperature 10 degrees Celsius lower than at the visitor center. The visitor center is located on the side of the mountain, out of the wind, so I didn't feel cold during the entire photo shoot. However, once I reached the summit, my toes were practically frozen.

It's very cold on the summit in the early morning, so if you don't have a down jacket, bring a sweater and a windbreaker. The sea of clouds is spectacular, suffusing the sky with orange. It looks like giant marshmallows. I love the clouds and the observatory before sunrise; it's so gentle! The sea of clouds, sunrise, and volcano all appearing in one frame truly captivate me.

Everyone remember to bring a coat, it’s really cold on the mountain and you can’t wear short sleeves. I got frozen and it was a bloody lesson for me to go up in short sleeves.

The sunrise and starry sky here are extremely beautiful. It is a must-see attraction and reservations are required in advance. The sunrise ticket is $1.6 per car and the park ticket is $15 per car.

We set off at 10 AM and drove an hour to the visitor center. The road up the mountain was just like the Road to Hana the previous day, with many sharp turns and U-turns. There were also many sections without guardrails. Furthermore, there was a section that shot up into the sky with visibility less than 10 meters, so driving carefully was essential.

Arriving at the visitor center headquarters, I found a set of picnic tables and chairs. From there, I could see the clouds just below the mountain. They were thick, plump, and soft, like cotton. This must be the sea of clouds. I felt so high above them that I thought I should skydive again.

We picked up a park map at the visitor center headquarters. It showed numerous hiking routes, all aimed at viewing the crater, varying in length, distance, and difficulty. To see the entire crater, you'd need to be high up to see the view from a distance, so we chose the Keonehe'ehe'e route. This trail starts at the Haleakala Visitor Center, and it's a 20-minute drive from the headquarters. The round-trip trial, consisting of sand and gravel, is 0.8 kilometers long and takes half an hour, including the viewing area.

I planned to go to the observatory, but it turned out to be closed to the public.

"Whether you're here to watch the sunrise or to summit at noon, don't forget to come here. If you haven't been to Haleakala National Park, you haven't really been to Maui. At least—you can't say you've touched the soul of Maui unless you've climbed to the summit of this awe-inspiring mountain."



Waking up at three in the morning to watch the sunrise was also an unforgettable experience

It is very cold at the top of the mountain, and the Sun House is crowded with people waiting to watch the sunrise. It is recommended to bring a down jacket!

Even though it was foggy that day, it was still very beautiful

If the weather is clear, the scenery will be even more beautiful.

The ticket is $25 per car, and you can enter and exit multiple times within seven days. Special reminder: it is very cold on the mountain...be sure to bring thick clothes!

Because the mountains are very high, we had to pass through the clouds for a long distance. It was sunny and rainy at times, sometimes the sun was scorching, and sometimes the visibility was less than five meters with light rain and heavy fog... It was in the fog that we realized we had taken the wrong road.

The road up the mountain is full of U-turns, which makes it difficult to drive. However, because there are few cars and the road is wide, the drivers are very well-behaved and the speed limit is basically around 20, so it is still very easy under normal weather conditions.

The weather on the mountain is also very unpredictable. One second it was foggy and white, like Silent Ridge, and the next second the clouds and fog cleared, revealing a different world! The volcanic canyon was white when we arrived. Lao Wang said forget it, let's go, it's too cold. I insisted on waiting a little longer. Ten minutes later, the fog dissipated, and the colorful canyon came into view. Although it still didn't show the whole picture, I was very satisfied with this!

Haleakala National Park is divided into two parts: the Summit Area and the coastal Kipahulu Area. These two areas are not connected within the park and require separate access.

Today we went to the coastal Kipahulu area, which is only accessible via the Road to Hana. The ticket costs $10 per car and $5 per person, valid for three days in both parks. We had previously purchased a three-park annual pass at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, so we didn't need to buy a ticket this time.

Unlike Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, visitors need to park their cars in the parking lot and explore the park on foot. It is very small, much smaller than the Volcanoes Park on the Big Island.

Although we didn't book a sunrise ticket, we waited until after 7 o'clock to go up the mountain. The clouds and mist were so thick that we thought we had come up for nothing, but a gust of wind brought us a different view.

Waking up early to watch the sunrise is too painful for someone like me who loves to sleep, and watching a sunset is equally shocking.

Haleakala National Park is located at an altitude of 10,000 feet. The winding mountain road is full of twists and turns, and there is a cliff on one side, which really tests your driving skills.

The feeling of standing on the clouds cannot be expressed in words.

It was completely dark when we went down the mountain. As we slowly moved forward with the traffic, it felt much more relaxing than when we went up the mountain.

It is quite cold on the mountain in the evening, so remember to bring warm clothes.

Recommendation index: five stars

Full star recommendation, the world above the clouds. To use the TV series, it is a feeling of ascending to heaven.

The most popular activity here is watching the sunrise. There are also many professional sunrise tours available. If you want to go up the mountain on your own, you'll need to arrive around 3 or 4 in the morning to secure a spot. Remember to bring a thick jacket, as it can be very cold at the top.

Tickets are $25 per car.

If you are lazy like me and can't get up early, the sunset here is also breathtakingly beautiful.

The drive up to the summit took over an hour, winding through the mountains. There were plenty of places to stop and admire the scenery. Halfway up the mountain, we were practically navigating the white clouds. The azure sky, adorned with white cotton candy-like clouds, felt almost tangible.

The top of the mountain is a world above the clouds. The setting sun shines on the dense white clouds, gradually dyeing the sky a rich golden yellow. After sunset, the sky will slowly turn purple and red. There is a feeling of being away from the hustle and bustle, quiet and beautiful.

It is recommended to arrive early to get a parking space.

Watch the sunrise! I rented a car, but I joined a day tour because it was so early and there were so many mountain roads and bays, and I didn't want to drive. We were picked up at the hotel at 2:40 AM and arrived at the mountain around 4:30 AM. It was incredibly cold up there, so everyone wore down jackets. I was practically freezing. Some of the best sunrise viewing spots were incredibly windy, so if you want to grab a good spot for photos, be prepared for the cold. Getting up early was worth it; it was truly stunning. The restrooms here are simple portable toilets, the kind you can't flush. Those with a nagging obsession with toilets should avoid drinking too much water.

If you drive around the island, it's a good way to go and the scenery is nice.

Haleakala (10,023 feet (3,055 meters) above sea level) is the world's largest dormant volcano and forms 75% of the island of Maui.

The unique volcanic landform here is very similar to the surface of the moon. When the United States implemented the Apollo moon landing program, in order to make the astronauts familiar with the lunar surface environment, they specially arranged for the astronauts to train here.



We took an international flight to Maui via inter-island transfer. It was already noon when we arrived at the hotel from the rental car agency. We ate at a Burger King across from the hotel and immediately drove to Haleakala National Park, where the sunrise is said to be the most famous. However, it is a bit dangerous to drive up the mountain before dawn. I am a coward, so I decided to watch the sunset safely.



The hotel we stayed in on the first day was the closest hotel to the Volcano Park and Hana Highway, and it was less than an hour's drive to the top of the mountain.

There are many private ranches and wooden houses halfway up the mountain, with flowers and plants, it feels like a paradise. Unfortunately, it rained on the way up the mountain and we couldn't get off the car to take pictures.

When you really go up the mountain, you will encounter many 180-degree hairpin bends. My husband gets excited when he sees bends, which directly led to the second day's itinerary being changed from Whaling Town to the Hana Highway, which has more bends.



If you ask me how I feel about Haleakala Volcano - showers, dark clouds, fog, cold, and a vast expanse of white. I finally reached the top and saw the sun, but the fog came again. My luck was just there.

But the photos my friend posted the next day were so beautiful, what the hell~



Notes:

The climate on the top of the mountain is very changeable, with temperatures ranging from 5 to 16 degrees Celsius year-round. We visited in late March, which was still winter, so be sure to bring warm clothing. I recommend buying a lightweight down jacket with a hood from Uniqlo, which is easy to pack and provides plenty of warmth.

2. Due to the high altitude, it feels like you are driving in dark clouds most of the time. The visibility on the mountain road is low and there are many hairpin bends. Therefore, you must control your speed, pay attention to driving safety, and try not to drive at night.

There were quite a lot of people in the morning, and by 6 o'clock there was no place to climb the railing. But standing on the rocks at the back was also good, the position was high. As long as you have a telephoto lens, there is no one in front.

Haleakala, Maui's highest peak, is also the largest dormant volcano in the world.



The entrance fee is $20 per car, which grants unlimited entry and exit for three days. The drive from the base of the mountain to the summit takes about 40 minutes. There are many sharp turns and U-turns along the way, so experienced drivers should be careful. Also, when descending the mountain, remember to switch from automatic transmission to manual mode and use the engine to control the speed. Prolonged braking can easily overheat the brake pads and cause them to fail.



The summit of Haleakala is a stark contrast to the scenery below. The landscape is desolate and resembles the surface of the moon. The United States used this location as a simulation base for training astronauts for the lunar landing. The temperature at the summit is quite low, so if you're here to watch the sunrise or sunset, it's best to wear a jacket or a light down jacket. The sun was quite strong when we arrived, so a baseball shirt was sufficient.

Haleakalā, widely considered the world's largest dormant volcano (last erupted in 1790), shaped the topography of East Maui. Volcanic and river erosion have formed a basin 12 kilometers long, 4 kilometers wide, and 910 meters deep. Within the basin are numerous volcanic features, including more than a dozen conical craters. The unique volcanic landscape here is so similar to the lunar surface that the Apollo astronauts trained there to familiarize themselves with the lunar surface.



Haleakalā National Park is divided into two parts: the Summit Area and the Kipahulu Area (coastal area). These two areas are not connected within the park and require separate access routes. Generally speaking, the mountainous area is on the left side of the park, while the coastal area is on the right. The middle area is impassable due to the mountain. The two areas are quite far apart, approximately a two-hour drive.



The sunrise from the park's Summit Area is a must-see. The unique and colorful landscapes on the summit are truly stunning and highly recommended! Friendly reminder: Starting February 1, 2017, reservations are required to watch the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance and cost $1.50.



The Kipahulu Area, on the coast, offers a completely different experience. Its tropical rainforest, tranquil bamboo forest, and spectacular waterfalls are all well worth a visit! However, if it rains, the paths in the rainforest can get quite muddy, which can be quite damaging to your shoes.



From the top of the mountain to the Kipahulu Area on the seashore, if you take the south coast of Maui, there is a dirt road and many sections are single-lane roads, but ordinary cars are fully capable of doing so. Don't worry, just drive carefully and pay attention to avoid oncoming vehicles.

The House of the Sun lives up to its reputation. Many cars go up the mountain to watch the sunrise, and there are dedicated staff at the visitor center to guide parking. Parking is limited, so it's recommended to arrive before 5:30. The road is winding and has many U-turns, so drivers need to be alert and drive carefully.

It is best not to go on a cloudy day, otherwise you won’t be able to see it. Drive to the top of the mountain and look down, the white clouds are all below. Nature is really amazing.

I went twice, with a $20 ticket valid for three days. The first time, I watched the sunset from the summit of Haleakala, a breathtaking and unforgettable sight. The second time, I drove clockwise from the Road to Hana to Hana Town, then continued on Highway 360 clockwise, where I saw the Great White Water Gorge and the Seven Sacred Pools, and was pleasantly surprised by a rainbow. A word of caution: the roads past Hana Town to the Great White Water Gorge and back to Lahaina are steep, so it's best to drive during the day.

This is a must-see on Maui. If you only visit the beach in Hawaii, you'll only see one side of the world. If you visit the Casa del Sol, you'll experience a completely different, parallel world. Driving to the top of the mountain, you'll pass through the clouds, creating a mysterious feeling.

This dormant volcano, about 3,000 meters high, is surrounded by tall trees at the base. Halfway up, you'll find a large meadow, and further up, you'll find volcanic rocks. The view from the summit is breathtaking. Rainbows often appear after rain.

Haleakala, at 3,055 meters above sea level, is a full 1,000 meters lower than Mauna Kea and is recognized as the world's largest dormant volcano (its last eruption was in 1790). Haleakala means "House of the Sun" in Hawaiian. Legend has it that the Hawaiian demigod, Maui, captured the Sun God here and only released him after the God promised to walk slowly through Maui, ensuring the island's abundant sunlight and warmth. The unique volcanic landscape here closely resembles the lunar surface, and it's said that the Apollo astronauts trained there to familiarize themselves with the lunar surface during their missions. However, the summit observatory is not open to the public, reportedly because some of the facilities are used by the US military to monitor international spy satellites. Reaching the summit requires navigating 22 curves, many of which are hairpin turns, making it a challenging task for drivers, but a sports car would surely be thrilling!

2:00 Departure

There were few cars along the way. When we approached Haleakala National Park, there was no moon, but we saw the sky full of twinkling stars. It was really beautiful.



3:19 Buy tickets

At the park entrance, you can only buy tickets at the self-service ticket machine. It seems that you don't have to buy tickets, and no one will check. The ticket shows the time is 3:19am... That's really early...



4:00 Arrive at the Visitor Center

Arriving at the Haleakala Visitor Center, the parking lot was nearly empty. The guy said sunrise was at 5:00, so the whole lot should be full by now. It was freezing outside, so my husband and I put on our long underwear and turned on the heater.



5:00 Waiting at the Visitor Center

Travel agency cars began arriving at the parking lot, and tourists gathered at the entrance. To get a good spot, we got out and waited outside. Staff members pointed out the planets and constellations with large flashlights. Jingjing and I even spotted a moving satellite. A foreigner nearby pointed his phone at the sky and saw a series of connected constellations on the screen—Star Walk. If I hadn't had internet, I would have jumped on that one. My English isn't great, so I didn't understand much. I really should have studied the constellations in English beforehand to make it easier to understand.



5:45 Found the mountain road

While looking for a restroom, LG and Sen spotted a small path in front of the visitor center that led to a higher peak. We decisively abandoned the visitor center and began the climb. While it wasn't high, it was quite tiring in the dark, with the path covered in rocks. By the time we reached the summit, several people had already set up their tripods and were waiting for sunrise. We also unpacked our gear, and LG began adjusting it.



6:00 Sunrise

That liar, Xiao Hei, said sunrise was at 5:00?! I arrived two hours early! At 6:00, the sky was beginning to lighten. It's been 30 years since I last saw it, except for the time my mom took me to Beidaihe to see the sunrise in elementary school. Because—I couldn't get up! This time, if it weren't for jet lag, I probably wouldn't have been able to get up either. I was worried it would be cloudy and I wouldn't see the sunrise, but it turned out not to be the case at all. The clouds were all below, so even if it was raining, it was guaranteed to be sunny from that high up.

We drove all the way to the south bank of the volcano. The scenery was very beautiful. It is worth a visit.

I went up the mountain in the middle of the night. The cashier at the park gate hadn't woken up yet, so I couldn't find the cashier's office. The sunrise I watched from here was truly spectacular.

An unforgettable mountain climbing experience. The scenery here changes rapidly, with unique plants and creatures in the world. It is a great location for stargazing. The temperature here is relatively low, but the scenery is really amazing! A must-see place!

It is no exaggeration to describe this place as the surface of Mars. Being here is like being in a scene from the movie "The Martian".

We booked the tour through Adventure Maui because they said they were the only one that biked down to the coastline, but later I felt that the beginning part was the most fun and the rest was just average, so I thought maybe the other tours were okay too.



However, this website has a lot of information about local tours in Maui. The founder of the website has given very detailed tips under each page. After reading it, I feel like an expert!



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We contacted the tour leader in advance and waited for the car to pick us up at the community gate at around 2:00 am. After picking us up, we went to pick up another family and then set off towards the volcano. I want to say something about the last American family. When we arrived at the bottom of their hotel, they were not there. The tour leader called for a long time but could not reach them. Later, they finally came out. It delayed everyone's time a lot, but they didn't even apologize when they got in the car. I felt it was really too much.



We then drove to the foot of the mountain, probably at a company location. Everyone got their own clothing (Mr. Zhu's was Columbia, mine wasn't; it depends on the situation). It was mainly windproof, but generally warm. They also gave out some drinks and food, and we used the restroom. Then we headed up the mountain. The guide explained some things about the volcano along the way. What struck me most was that he said, "Those beautiful houses and palm trees you see on the beach were built after the white people came. Maui wasn't originally like this. This volcano is what Maui was like." Many of Maui's native species were nearly wiped out after the white people arrived.



He also said, do you know what the most popular activity in Maui is? It’s not snorkeling in Molokini, but watching the sunrise at the volcano.

When we got to the top, he told us where to go and where to meet up. He also told us not to use the restroom at the top because the lines were so long.



There were already many people waiting half an hour before sunrise. It was so cold on the top of the mountain. I didn’t wear enough clothes this time.

The sunrise, the sea of clouds, and the colors of the sky are all stunning!

When you come to Maui, you absolutely must watch the sunrise. Otherwise, you'll regret it. Watching the sunrise from Haleakala is an unforgettable experience, and you can even gaze at the stars at night. When I was planning my honeymoon in Hawaii earlier this year, I decided I had to watch the sunrise. Standing high above, overlooking the sea of clouds, the sunrise is truly breathtaking. Every photo I took felt like something straight out of a movie. Booking a sunrise tour also includes hotel pickup and breakfast. See the sunrise at Haleakala, Maui: ***?u=148444

Sea of clouds, sunset, starry sky, sand-slide trails, a wonderful journey

The weather here is sunny, and even finding a spot halfway up the mountain offers stunning views. Standing on the mountainside, you'll feel like your feet are level with the sea of clouds, and you'll want to step on these cotton candy-like clouds! You'll also want to jump right in!

A two-day ticket costs $15 per car, and there are two entrances to the park. Entering from the Hana Highway gate, you will see the Seven Sacred Ponds and hiking trails, and you can also reach the beach; the other gate is halfway up the mountain, and entering the park you can reach the top of the mountain to see the sea of clouds.

Once you reach the Park Headquarters Visitor Center, you can stop to use the restroom, buy some groceries, and ask the staff about the weather at the summit. The peak was very windy the day we visited, so the staff said hiking wasn't possible and recommended not to stay there too long.

Once we reached the summit, we discovered the staff's predictions were true. The wind was so strong it was practically impossible to move, even the car was shaking. Overhead, a dark cloud was overhead, bringing a light rain. We barely made it to the observation deck, snapped a few photos, and then returned to the car.

This is also highly recommended, but be sure to dress warmly. At over 3,000 meters above sea level, I felt cold even in my down jacket. As you watch the clouds gradually turn red and the sun slowly break through the horizon, you truly feel the sense of "not being afraid of the clouds blocking your view, because you are at the highest point"!

Watching the sunrise at Halekana Volcano National Park, at an altitude of over 10,000 feet, was indeed cold, but it was really great.

The sunset is breathtakingly beautiful, but very short-lived, so you must watch it intently without blinking!

There were quite a lot of people in the parking lot at the top of the mountain, but most of them just got out of the car to take photos and then left. It was indeed quite cold.

Tip: Be sure to bring plenty of clothes when going to Haleakala! Every lookout along the way made us want to take pictures.

Besides the feeling of walking in the clouds, the most eye-catching thing here is the surface feature of Haleakalā Crater, which looks like the surface of the moon. The colorful cinder cones and craters are in full view...

There are two trails, waterfalls, ponds, bamboo forests, and banyan trees. I love it here.

The highest point is 3055 meters above sea level. The volcano has been dormant for 400 years and the landscape is so beautiful.

Haleakala National Park, with its highest point at 3,055 meters above sea level, is a volcano that has been dormant for 400 years. The landscape is so beautiful.

TIP: It's cold on the mountain, so remember to bring plenty of clothes to keep warm. If you're really short on clothes, you can always use the hotel blanket. I remember wearing a green miniskirt, black leggings, a yellow jacket, a black quilted jacket, two heat pads, and a pink NB. It was a stunning combination.

The Haleakala Summit Area is dominated by volcanic landscapes. Haleakala (10,023 feet (3,055 meters)) is the world's largest dormant volcano, forming 75% of Maui. Counting from its base, it is one of the highest peaks in absolute terms, surpassing Mount Everest. Entering the park requires a winding 37-mile climb from sea level to the park entrance at an elevation of 7,000 feet (2,130 meters). The scenery is breathtaking, and we felt like we were walking in the clouds. After entering the park, it's another 10 miles of zigzagging, winding roads to reach the Haleakala Visitor Center. Along the way, we pass the Leleiwi Overlook and Kalahaku Overlook, where colorful cinder cones and craters can be seen on clear days. We were lucky enough to see them!

Before we knew it, we drove into a vast area, with misty mountains on one side and sunset sea view on the other. I wished time could stop at this moment and didn't want to leave, but we had to return to reality after all.

It's really cold on the mountain. It's completely different from the seasons down there. The temperature is only a few degrees. I'm already wearing my warmest clothes. Everyone should wear more clothes too.

It's very beautiful. It's a large area and you can hike around. However, it was already evening when we arrived, so we could only walk along the beach.

There is basically no beach here. The mountains extend into the sea, with small waterfalls and bends flowing into the sea. It is very beautiful.

It should be noted that there is no food or water available for purchase in this national park. If you want to go hiking, you must plan your time accordingly.

I got up at 3am and set off. I had to arrive before 5am or there would be no parking. I had to wear more clothes. Look at these foreigners without long johns, haha.

When I first saw the photo of Haleakala, I was amazed that there is such a special and magical place on Earth. No other place in the world better connects ancient and modern Hawaiian culture, this land and the people who live here than Haleakala.

My wife and I got up at 1:30 in the morning and set off in a private business car at 2 o'clock to watch the sunrise at Haleakala Volcano National Park. It was the first time to watch the sunrise on a volcano. The scenery was beautiful. Very good.

It's incredibly beautiful, over 3,000 meters above sea level, completely different from the Hawaii I imagined. There's also an observatory.

Watching the sunrise from the top of Haleakala is a very desirable thing, just like watching the sunrise from the Five Sacred Mountains in China. Thirty years ago, my husband went to Huangshan twice in three days to watch the sunrise, but he didn't see it. This was his lifelong regret. Since then, he has become obsessed with sunrises and sunsets. When he was doing his homework, he saw the introduction to the famous sunrise of Haleakala and was so yearning that he had a guide for the entire Maui Island.

Haleakala National Park straddles Maui's southern and eastern coastlines and boasts Maui's highest peak. Standing 3,055 meters tall, Haleakala's graceful slopes are visible from anywhere on the island. Haleakala means "House of the Sun" in Hawaiian. Legend has it that Maui's demigod stood atop the volcano and lassoed the sun as it passed across the sky, slowing its descent and making the days longer.

The road up the mountain is not as easy to drive as the mountain road of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii, because there are often cliffs on the other side of the road. There is a fence on the road before entering the national park, but after entering, the road turns left and right on the edge of the cliff. I was so scared that I held the handrail tightly and talked some light-hearted topics with the driver to reassure him.

Haleakala National Park (established on August 1, 1916) is one of two national parks in Hawaii, located on the island of Maui. The park is divided into two main areas: the Haleakala Summit Area and the Kipahulu Coast Area, offering a variety of scenery, including rainforest, desert, and subtropical beaches. The Haleakala Summit Area is primarily volcanic. Haleakala (10,023 feet (3,055 meters)) is the world's largest dormant volcano, forming 75% of Maui. If measured from its base, it is one of the highest peaks in terms of absolute height, exceeding Mount Everest. Access to the park requires a winding, 37-mile climb up the road from sea level to the park entrance at an elevation of 7,000 feet (2,130 meters). The scenery along the way was magnificent, and we felt like we were walking in the clouds. The sky was blue and sunny below, but the higher we went, the darker it got, and finally it started to rain. It felt like we were driving through a giant cloud.

Haleakala National Park's most famous feature is the lunar-like Haleakala Crater. This area wasn't formed by a volcanic eruption, but rather by thousands of years of erosion. The Haleakala Visitor Center is the perfect spot to admire this magnificent spectacle. When we first arrived at the center, it was rainy and windy, and the view was nothing but a vast expanse of white. We waited a long time, even giving up and turning back, but we never got to see the full view of this "lunar landscape." Fortunately, a few brief periods of clearing allowed us to glimpse some of the amazing scenery behind the clouds, like a mirage. We were able to glimpse the vastness of the landscape, and it was well worth the trip.

The scenery along the way was magnificent. We seemed to be walking in the clouds, feeling the vastness and openness. It was well worth the trip.

Haleakala National Park, spanning Maui's southern and eastern coastlines, boasts Maui's highest peak. Haleakala volcano rises 10,023 feet (3,055 meters) above sea level, its graceful slopes visible from anywhere on the island. Haleakala, meaning "House of the Sun" in Hawaiian, is the perfect spot for sunrise viewing. On a clear morning, watching the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala is an unforgettable experience. Even those who have witnessed it multiple times say they never see the same sunrise twice. Equally spectacular are Haleakala's sunsets and starlit nights.

It was very windy and cold on the mountain, probably only 10°C. We hadn't anticipated the temperature to be so low when we came down, and we were freezing. We quickly threw on all our clothes, but it was still warm inside the visitor center. The center is surrounded by glass, offering a commanding view of Maui's southern and eastern coastlines and the beautiful volcanic landscapes. At the summit, we saw the precious silver sword tree.

A white driver picked us up in a special, high-roofed, spacious tour bus that could accommodate twelve people, and we began our ascent along the rugged mountain road. This driver-guide, who also served as our guide, endlessly explained the local geography, history, plant species, and agricultural practices. He explained that the southwestern, or leeward, areas of the Hawaiian Islands are generally drier, while the northeastern, or windward, areas are wetter. This is why most people on Oahu, the Big Island, and Maui live on the sunny west and south sides. He also explained how the indigenous people arrived in Maui by relying on the stars and seabirds for navigation, how the island's plant species were introduced by wind and birds, the endangered Hawaiian barnacle goose (Nene), which has hybridized with native species, and the precious Silversword tree. Along the way, there were adventure bikers hiking up and down the mountain, as well as campsites and cabins. Every year, many visitors come to the summit to watch the sunrise. On a clear morning, watching the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala is an unforgettable experience. After chatting for about an hour, we arrived at Haleakala, Maui's highest peak, at 10,023 feet (3,055 meters) above sea level, which is also the visitor center of Haleakala National Park.

The scenery at the foot of the mountain is also beautiful. I wonder what it’s like up there. I really don’t have the energy to go up there.

Haleakala Volcano is said to be the home of the sun. The summit, 10,000 feet high, towers above the clouds. On a clear day, the volcano offers a spectacular sunrise, making it one of the best sunrise viewing spots in the world. We booked a sunrise tour at our hotel for $100 per person, departing at 3:00 AM. We expected a large crowd, but when we arrived at the hotel lobby at 3:00 AM, we were the only two people there. Alas, most people wouldn't be able to get up. We packed our warm winter clothes and set off with the car. The temperature on the summit was very low before sunrise, so we made sure to wrap up warm.

We took Highway 377 to Haleakala National Park. This road is called Haleakala Highway all the way and was built specifically for the park. The scenery along the winding mountain road is beautiful, with grasslands on the hillside.

You can enter the park after showing the 10 dollar ticket you bought at the gate, and then go up to the crater after passing the visitor center.