Enjoy the Sunrise

There are four excellent overlooks from which to watch sunrise (see the location dropdown below). Each one presents unique opportunities for experiencing the best of Haleakalā. On a busy morning, some parking lots may fill up sooner than others. Plan to be flexible, and know that all four options are excellent for sunrise viewing.

Sunrise watchers at any one of the locations listed below may hear an oli, a traditional Hawaiian chant, to welcome the sun. Mahalo (thank you) for your respect during these oli.

Details

Duration

2-4 Hours

To get the most out of the experience, and to be able to park and your preferred location, itʻs ideal to arrive at the park gate no later than 90 minutes prior to sunrise. The distance between the park entrance gate to the highest elevation of Puʻuʻulaʻula is about 10 miles, but takes 30 minutes to drive to the winding nature of the road.

Advance sunrise reservations are required to enter the park between 3 am and 7 am each morning. 

Activity

Cultural Demonstrations

Visitors can choose to remain in the parking lot or walk along trails to catch the sunrise. As always, be prepared for the elements. While the climate in Hawaiʻi is hot and humid down by the coast, at such high elevations the summit can be cold, dry, and windy. Storms can roll in at any time of year and cause white-out conditions. 

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

All pets must be leashed. Pets are only permitted on paved surfaces. Pets are not permitted on any park trails.

Activity Fee

Yes

All visitors to park must pay the park entrance fee at the entrance gate or present a valid park pass. Find our more about Fees and Passes. 

In addition to the entrance fee at the gate, advance sunrise reservations are required to enter the park between 3 am and 7 am. Reservations can be made on Recreation.gov. The reservation fee is $1. 

Location

Haleakalā National Park

 

• Leleiwi Overlook (8840 ft / 2694 m) is a short, .3 hike from the Leleiwi parking lot. Visitors are treated to clear views of the Koʻolau gap and the meadows on the crater floor below. Because of the rocky nature of the trail, visitors are advised to bring headlamps or flashlights if choosing this for their sunrise spot. 
• Kalahaku Overlook (9324 ft / 2842 m), offers a sweeping vista of the valleyʻs volcanic landscape. As the sun rises, visitors might be able to make out the miles of trail that crisscross the crater floor. 
• Haleakalā Visitor Center (9740 ft / 2969 m) sits on the edge of the crater. A popular spot for visitors and locals alike, sunrise watchers here might hear an oli, a traditional Hawaiian chant, to welcome the sun. 
• Puʻuʻulaʻula Observation Deck (10,023 ft / 3055 m) marks the highest point on the island. From here, visitors can enjoy 360 degree views of Maui and the neighboring islands as dawn spreads over the eastern sky. Sunrise watchers at this location may hear an oli, a traditional Hawaiian chant, to welcome the sun.

Reservations

Yes

Advance reservations are required for sunrise viewing at Haleakalā. Reservations can be made online at Recreation.gov. The reservation system was established in 2017 to better protect both visitors and the endangered species within the park. Read more about Sunrise Reservations. 

Season

Year Round

Sunrise reservations are available year round. No matter the season, plan for cold, windy weather at the summit. Temperatures can often approach or even dip below freezing. Weather is unpredictable, and storms can quickly blow in and obscure views of the crater and the sunrise. 

Time of Day

Dawn

Accessibility Information

The most easily accessed spot to view sunrise is from the Haleakalā Visitor Center. Accessibility here includes accessible park spots, a ramp up a slight incline, and accessible restrooms. Puʻuʻulaʻula, also know as the Summit, also has a ramp to the viewing area but it is much steeper. Kalahaku also has a steep ramp to the viewing area. Leleiwi Overlook is only accessed via a rocky trail with steep, uneven steps.