Haleakala Sunrise Reservation

Question

When going to the website to reverse the date, it shows 2 options

1. Haleakala Sunrise Summit and

2. Haleakala National Park Summit Sunrise Reservation

A few questions

1. Which one should we choose

2. What time should we try to reach (early December)

3. Currently December dates are NR. When would they release these.

4. On the site it states cost is $1 per vehicle. Is there no other charge to enter the park.

Also are there any other sites that we need to reserve in advance in Maui and Kauai.

Thank you.

Answer

For your Haleakalā Sunrise Reservation, here are the answers to your questions:

1. Which one should we choose?

You should choose "Haleakalā National Park Summit Sunrise Reservation" when making your reservation. This option grants you access to the summit area where you’ll be able to view the sunrise from the top of Haleakalā Crater, which is the most popular and iconic sunrise experience. The other option, "Haleakalā Sunrise Summit," might be a part of the same experience, but it’s best to choose the full "National Park Summit Sunrise" option to ensure you're covered for access to the park.

2. What time should we try to reach (early December)?

For a December sunrise, you will want to arrive early to secure a good spot for the sunrise viewing. Sunrise at Haleakalā typically occurs between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM in early December, but temperatures can be extremely cold before sunrise, so it’s recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before sunrise. To ensure a smooth experience, aim for an arrival time between 4:30 AM and 5:30 AM. The drive up to the summit can take 1.5 to 2 hours, so plan accordingly.

3. Currently, December dates are not available. When will they be released?

Reservations for Haleakalā Sunrise can typically be made up to 60 days in advance. If December dates are not yet available, they should be released soon. You will want to keep checking the website regularly, as the dates are released on a rolling basis. Generally, reservations for December should be available by early October. You can also check any announcements or updates on the official website regarding the exact date when reservations for December will open.

4. On the site, it states the cost is $1 per vehicle. Is there no other charge to enter the park?

The $1 reservation fee is required to guarantee a spot at the summit for the sunrise, but there are additional entry fees to the park. The standard entrance fee for Haleakalā National Park is $30 per vehicle (which is valid for 3 days). So, in total, you will pay $31 for your sunrise reservation: $1 for the reservation and $30 for the park entrance fee. Keep in mind that the entrance fee is separate from the reservation fee, and it applies to all vehicles entering the park, whether you're visiting for sunrise or not.

5. Are there any other sites that we need to reserve in advance in Maui and Kauai?

For Maui, Molokini Crater snorkeling tours often require reservations, especially if you want to visit the crater at sunrise or on a popular boat tour. These tours fill up quickly, so it’s advisable to book early.
If you plan to hike the Pipiwai Trail in Haleakalā National Park, while there’s no specific reservation required, it’s a popular hike, and it’s best to arrive early to avoid crowds.
In Kauai, Na Pali Coast boat tours, helicopter tours, and Waimea Canyon tours also require advance reservations, especially during peak tourist seasons. Book these tours as early as possible to ensure availability.

For any other activities or attractions, it’s always a good idea to check directly with the official park websites or tour operators to confirm if reservations are needed, especially during busy months like December. It's best to plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

Hope this helps, and enjoy your trip to Haleakalā and the islands!