Haleakalā Sunrise Reservations FAQ

 

Why do I need a reservation for sunrise?

To ensure visitor and employee safety, protect natural and cultural resources, and provide a quality visitor experience at the summit during sunrise hours (3:00 AM to 7:00 AM), the park instituted a reservation system starting in February of 2017.

How are in advance can I make my reservation?

Reservations are available online 60 days in advance, released at 7:00 am HST. The online inventory renews at 7:00 am every day, but often sells out within fifteen minutes. A portion of the reservations are also released online 2 days in advance at 7:00 am HST. Reservations are only available through Recreation.gov.

Tickets are not available the day before, over the phone with the park, or in person.

What does a reservation cost?

The reservation cost is $1.00 per vehicle. The person whose name is on the sunrise reservation will need to present a paper copy of the reservation and their photo ID at the entrance station, on the day specified on the reservation. The reservation cost is in addition to the entrance fee.

How do I enter the park for sunrise?

Make an online reservation via www.recreation.gov. The person whose name is on sunrise reservation will need to present it, with a photo ID, at the entrance station on the day specified on the reservation. Cars with sunrise reservations will need to display their reservation printouts on their dashboards. Also, be prepared to pay the entrance fee (or use a park pass) on the day of your visit. The entrance fee must be purchased with a credit card. Cars without a sunrise reservation will not be able to enter the park until 7:00 am.

Do I need a sunrise reservation for any other time of day?

No, you only need a sunrise reservation to access the summit during sunrise hours (3:00 AM to 7:00 AM). The sunrise reservation can only be used on the day specified on the reservation itself. There is currently no reservation system for sunset viewing.

What is the difference between the sunrise reservation and the park entrance fee?

The sunrise reservation allows access to the summit district between 3:00 AM and 7:00 AM on one specific day. The entrance fee provides entry into both districts of the park for three days—keep your receipt.

Can my reservation be used on a day other than the one specified?

No. You can only enter the park between 3:00 AM and 7:00 AM on the date specified on your sunrise reservation.

Where can I view sunrise in the park?

There are four viewing locations in the park. In order from highest to lowest elevation, the four viewpoints are: the Pu`u Ula ula or Red Hill summit (10,023 ft.); Haleakalā Visitor Center (9,740 ft.); Kalahaku Overlook (9,324 ft.); and Leleiwi Overlook (8,840ft). Leleiwi Overlook is accessed via a 10 minute hike from its parking lot. You are not guaranteed access to any specific parking lot; each parking lot will be closed when it is full.

Where is the best place to view sunrise?

All four overlooks have great views of sunrise over the crater, weather permitting.

What if it is too cloudy to see sunrise? Can I get a refund or exchange for a different day?

No, your sunrise reservation is good for one day only. Weather is constantly changing at the summit of Haleakalā and we can’t predict whether a sunrise is going to be clear or cloudy.

Why 3:00 AM to 7:00 AM?

This is when many of our visitors enter the summit district to view sunrise and is our busiest time of day.

What if I drive up to the park for sunrise without a sunrise reservation?

Visitors who come up to the park without a sunrise reservation will not be allowed to enter the summit district until after 7:00 AM They will be directed to turn around at the entrance.

What about Native Hawaiians who want to conduct cultural traditions at sunrise?

Haleakalā National Park welcomes, and waives the entrance fee, for Native Hawaiians who wish to conduct their traditional cultural practices at sunrise or any other time of day under AIRFA, the American Indian Religious Freedom Act. There will be no change to the National Park Service’s current policy regarding Kanaka Maoli who wish to conduct traditional cultural practices in the park.

How many vehicles are allowed in for sunrise?

150 vehicles will be able to access the four sunrise viewing areas. Limiting the number of vehicles will reduce crowding at overlooks.

What about vehicles with handicap/disabled placards?

All non-commercial visitors who comes up for sunrise will need to make an advanced reservation via recreation.gov. We will accommodate visitors with special needs to the best of our ability with our accessible parking spaces. If all the disabled spaces are full, park staff will work with disabled visitors to accommodate their needs.

Can I walk or bike up without a reservation?

Yes, however we do not recommend that people walk up the summit road since it is dark and crowded at that time of day, and the road between the entrance station and the summit is 10 miles long up several thousand feet of elevation.

Under what authority are you allowed to restrict visitor access to a national park?

36 CFR Section 1.5 restricts sunrise visitation as an emergency action to protect visitor and staff safety and park resources.