Haleakalā Sunset Summit

Question

Aloha!

I’m a solo traveller from Canada arriving in Maui on August 30th, and I’m planning to hike the Haleakalā Summit for sunset on September 1st.

The only catch? I don’t have my drivers license yet, and the tours I’m seeing are wayyy out of my budget. 😅

Is anyone going up that day and open to rideshare? I’ll happily pitch in for gas/snacks

Or if you know of any cheaper tour options, I’d love the tip.

Thanks in advance! 🙏

Answer

Hiking or visiting the Haleakalā Summit for sunset is one of the highlights of a Maui trip, but it does come with a few logistical challenges, especially for solo travelers without a driver’s license.

Here are some practical options and tips for getting to the summit without renting a car or paying for an expensive private tour:

Rideshare with other travelers: Platforms like the Maui Travelers Facebook group, local Reddit pages, or Meetup may have fellow visitors looking to share a ride. Pitching in for gas and snacks, as you mentioned, is common and often welcomed by locals or other solo travelers.
Budget group tours: While many sunset tours can be pricey, some smaller shuttle companies or hostel-based excursions may offer lower-cost options. Check with hostels or local tour offices in Kahului or Paia for deals, as last-minute availability can sometimes lower the price.
Public shuttles: There are a few shuttles that operate from central Maui areas to Haleakalā National Park, though schedules may be limited around sunset. Contact the National Park Visitor Center or check local shuttle companies for possible options.

Additional tips to make your sunset experience more enjoyable:

Reserve your summit entry online in advance, as the park requires a reservation for sunset visits.
Dress in layers — it can get very cold and windy at the summit, even in September.
Bring a flashlight or headlamp for the descent, as it will be dark after sunset.
Arrive at the meeting point early if doing a tour or rideshare, as traffic can get busy and parking is limited.

In short, while your options are limited without a driver’s license, ridesharing with other travelers or scouting budget tours through local hostels or shuttle services are your best bets. Connecting with the local traveler community online can often yield reliable and friendly ride offers for a fraction of the cost of private tours.