Haleakala drive and Twin Falls

Question

Hello, I have 2 questions about our upcoming time on Maui. We are staying in the Kaanapali area and have a pass for sunrise at Haleakala. First, I have read lots of reports about how scarey the drive is, and I hoped to put it in perspective? We have driven up mountain roads in Washington (Mount Rainier area) , the Canadian Rockies (Takkakaw Falls, Mount Edith Cavell and Banff) and between Bryce and Zion National parks before...would the drive up Haleakala be generally more intimidating than those areas?

Also, would it be feasible to see the sunrise at Haleakala, hike a bit on the Sliding Sands hike, and then drive to Twin Falls? We don't plan to do the entire Road to Hana due to the apprehension over the drive, but would love to get just a taste of it! Thanks for your time!

Answer

The drive up to Haleakala for sunrise is long but generally not considered extremely difficult for drivers experienced with mountain roads. Compared to roads in Mount Rainier, the Canadian Rockies, or Bryce/Zion, Haleakala is a bit narrower in places and has sharp switchbacks, but the road is well-paved and has guardrails in most areas. The main concerns are the early hour (very dark before sunrise) and the high altitude, which can be cold and windy.

Some points to keep in mind:

The summit is over 10,000 feet, so the temperature can be near freezing early in the morning even if it’s warm in Kaanapali.
Drive slowly and watch for blind curves; rental cars can handle it easily.
There can be some morning fog, but visibility is usually fine for the sunrise viewing areas.

Regarding your plan to do sunrise, a short Sliding Sands hike, and then visit Twin Falls:

Sunrise at Haleakala typically takes 1–2 hours including parking, finding a good viewing spot, and enjoying the experience.
The Sliding Sands trail can be done as a short out-and-back hike from the summit area. Even hiking 1–2 miles in, you’ll get the experience of the crater landscape without committing to a long trek.
After your Haleakala visit, the drive back down to Kaanapali and then to Twin Falls is feasible, but keep in mind the timing. You’ll likely reach Twin Falls mid- to late-morning, which is a good time for less crowded waterfalls and easy hiking.

Notes for Twin Falls:

It’s an easy, family-friendly hike with multiple small waterfalls and swimming spots.
The drive to Twin Falls is along the Hana Highway but only the initial section, so it’s manageable if you don’t want to do the full Road to Hana.

Overall, your plan is doable for a full morning/early afternoon adventure. Just be prepared with layers for sunrise, a headlamp or flashlight for early morning driving, and snacks/water for the hike. You’ll get a taste of both Haleakala and the Hana coast without feeling rushed or taking on the entire long drive.

Haleakala drive and Twin Falls

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