Haleakala Sunrise & Summit Guide
Yes, you need a reservation for Haleakala sunrise, booked at recreation.gov, for each vehicle entering the park between 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. The reservation fee is $1.00 per vehicle and is separate from the park entrance fee. The summit sits at 10,023 feet and it is cold up there, so pack warm layers. KBM's concierge can book a sunrise tour if you would rather leave the driving to someone else.
Sunrise reservations: how they work
A sunrise reservation is required for each vehicle entering the park between 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. You book it at recreation.gov. The reservation fee is $1.00 per vehicle, and it is separate from the park entrance fee. You need one reservation per vehicle, whether you drive yourself or go with a tour. Reservations open up to 60 days in advance. A portion for each day is released 2 days, or 48 hours, in advance, so check again two days out. The limit is one sunrise reservation per three-day period, so choose your sunrise morning with care. The entrance fee is $30 per private vehicle and is valid for three days.
Driving up from Wailea, Kihei or West Maui
From the park entrance gate, the drive to the summit takes about 30 minutes. The summit road has no streetlights or guard rails, so take it slowly in the dark. When descending, use a low gear. The National Park Service publishes drive times to the summit: from Kahului, 45 minutes to 1 hour; from Kihei, 1 to 1.5 hours; from Lahaina, 1.5 to 2 hours. Wailea is near Kihei, and KBM's West Maui resorts at Kaanapali, Napili and Kapalua fall in the Lahaina range. Plan your departure with those times in mind, since the sunrise entry window opens at 3:00 a.m.
How cold it gets and what to wear
The summit is at 10,023 feet. Temperatures there are at least 20 degrees colder than at sea level and can reach 32F or below, while afternoons warm to roughly 50-60F. Weather right before dawn and right after dusk is regularly wet, windy and below freezing, and in storms winds can exceed 80 mph. Pack warm layers, more than feels reasonable when you leave your lanai. There is no food, clothing or gas for sale in the park, so bring what you need and fill the tank before you go. Sleeping in a vehicle outside a campground is prohibited.
Sunset and daytime visits: no reservation needed
No sunset reservation is required, and the park does not close except in extreme, hazardous weather. If you would rather skip the 3:00 a.m. alarm, a sunset or daytime visit is the easier path. You still pay the entrance fee of $30 per private vehicle, valid for three days. Parking lots close when full, so arriving earlier helps. Afternoons can be mild, but weather right after dusk is regularly wet, windy and below freezing, so keep your layers within reach for the drive down.
Tours, guided hikes and the KBM rental car
KBM's concierge can book a Haleakala sunrise tour. Whether you go on a tour or drive yourself, you still need the separate reservation at recreation.gov, one per vehicle. The concierge can also book Hike Maui's Haleakala Crater Hiking Experience, which includes two guided hikes, one at the summit and one on a lower lava trail, with lunch included. If you drive yourself, you may take the KBM rental car up Haleakala. KBM includes a complimentary rental car with qualifying longer stays, so check your reservation before booking a separate one. Write to concierge@kbmresorts.com and we will help you plan the morning.
Park reservation rules, fees and road conditions can change. Please confirm current details at nps.gov/hale and recreation.gov before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a reservation for Haleakala sunrise?
Yes. A sunrise reservation is required for each vehicle entering the park between 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., booked at recreation.gov for $1.00 per vehicle. It is separate from the $30 park entrance fee, and it applies whether you drive yourself or take a tour.
How long does it take to drive to Haleakala from Wailea or Kaanapali?
The National Park Service lists 1 to 1.5 hours to the summit from Kihei, and Wailea is near Kihei. From Lahaina it is 1.5 to 2 hours, and KBM's West Maui resorts at Kaanapali, Napili and Kapalua are in that area. From the park entrance gate to the summit is about 30 minutes.
Can I drive my KBM rental car up Haleakala?
Yes, guests may take the KBM rental car up Haleakala. The summit road has no streetlights or guard rails, and you should use a low gear when descending. For sunrise, you still need the separate recreation.gov reservation for the vehicle.
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