Five Tips For A Haleakalā Sunrise
Sunrise on Haleakala is one of those things where youʻll have it ingrained in your memories till the day you die. From the whole adventure of leaving your hotel/accommodations at 2am to drive up and witness the stars 10,000 feet above the ocean. Sitting around in darkness, with many strangers, in 30 degree fahrenheit and wind gust going 20 mph. That view though, it was all worth it for the view of the sun rising.
This, is something you need to plan for, so here are our tips for you to plan a sunrise at Haleakala:
Get the Reservations
As of 2017, You NEED to have a reservation to go and see the sunrise up on Haleakalā. This method was implemented to help control the parking, safety, and wildlife of the summit due to overcrowding the prior years before. If youʻre not able to get one, donʻt try to just show up at the gate, you will be asked to pull on the side and wait till the sun rises to head up.
Needless to say, if you’re able to get the reservation, it’s a view worth all the confusion, early morning drive, and running out of hot coffee before you get to park. Youʻll also have some Native Hawaiians (Kanaka Maoli) or the park rangers doing some ʻoli (chants) that welcomes the sun, but itʻs an experience youʻll never forget.
Full Tank Of Gas
This may seem like a “duh” thing to suggest, but its a real thing people take for granted. You really donʻt want to be stuck 9,000 feet up on Haleakalā and run out of gas. Now it doesnʻt take a full take to make the trip, but you donʻt want to be stranded up 9000 because you saw it at a quarter tank and thought “yeah, I think we got this.”
Thereʻs a Safeway gas station, Costco, and a few local gas stations on your way to the park. You’ll also want to pack up some snacks and water at these locations as they also donʻt have stores, vending machines, or food/drink trucks up there too.
Bring Jackets/Blankets
You will be heading up to a high elevation, so be prepared and pack layers. Yes, it’s Hawaiʻi, but you’ll be 10,000 feet above sea level, with a high wind shear that can drop the temperature to a personal low of 31°F (0ºC). Hats, gloves, blankets, jeans, sweatpants, long sleeve shirts, jackets, all of that! Trust me, youʻll be grateful you bought all that with you.
Plan Your Drive Time
If you’re not staying in the Kula, Makawao, Pukalani, or Haiku area, youʻll need to plan out your drive time. Make sure youʻre going to give yourself plenty of time to get there to stretch out and relax, and not miss the sunrise.
Depending on the time of year and where youʻll start driving from, youʻll need to plan for a 2-2.5 hour drive time to reach the summit. To give you a better idea of what to plan for:
Kahului: 2 hours drive time
Wailea/Kihei: 2 hours drive time
Lahaina: 2:15 hours drive time
Kapalua: 2:30 hours drive time
Hana: 3/3:30 hours drive time
Remember that these are just suggested guidelines of travel time. Weather, road conditions, your driving skills, bathroom breaks, etc… are all x-factors in calculating your drive time.
To save you some time and hassle, you could always book one of the tours we have available. One of the tours we would recommend would be the Sunrise Haleakalā Experience. You will experience the sun’s energy, as it rises while you stand 10,023 feet above sea level. You’ll be picked up at your hotel or condo and experience a fully narrated tour by your knowledgeable guide, who will, among other very interesting facts, relate the story of the Demigod Maui. This is by far a “can’t miss” attraction, especially now, with this awesome special offered by MauiActivities.Com.
Valentineʻs Day in Maui
Ok, It’s the last week of January, and we’re still winding down from New Years. GUYS! Did you know Valentine’s Day is about a few weeks away at this point!? Have you figured out what you’re doing? Coming to Maui was a lot already, but seriously, if you haven’t planned anything for the 14th then get clicking! I/We have some ideas for you if you haven’t gotten anything yet.
Dinner Cruise:
We have three (3) different dinner cruises for you to choose from. Another positive about booking a dinner cruise is that it is still whale season. You may get a cruise that will also have a whale show! Right now we will highlight one of them.
The first we have is the Calypso Sunset Dinner Cruise that launches from Maalaea. Book Maui’s newest, most comfortable and smooth power catamaran, for an unforgettable sunset cruise over the pristine Maui waters, while spoiling your taste buds on a delicious dinner which includes options such as fresh fish, Prime Rib, Baby Back ribs and more! Also included are live music, unlimited beverages and two alcoholic drinks per adult.
Luau:
Ok, So you’re wanting to get dinner, show, and experience an authentic Hawaiian Luau. Sunset, luau buffett, ocean view, your loved one next to you while saving money.
An authentic Polynesian revue at Wailea Marriott’s Te Au Moana Luau and enjoy Ohana seating status, where the sooner you book, the better seating you’ll have. The Te Au Moana luau is guaranteed to deliver you and your guests a fun and memorable evening of authentic Hawaiian and Polynesian entertainment, delicious food, unlimited beverages, Hawaiian games, the Imu ceremony and much, much more! Due to its popularity, this luau will sell out in advance, so book early.
Bike Ride:
Imagine you and your significant other experiencing the thrill of riding downhill starting from 6,500 feet through awesome views of Maui. Riding down Haleakala where you will have the opportunity to encounter beautiful landscapes and explore Makawao town, all at your own pace! This tour does not go to the summit of Haleakala, you will start your riding journey from the entrance to the National Park.
You will meet the crew of Maui Mountain Cruisers at their bike shop in Paia where you’ll enjoy a light snack before heading up the mountain for your bike adventure. Your tour includes all gear, custom built bikes and narration on your way to the starting place, so you will get all the information to make the most of your experience together.
ATV Riding:
Are you a pair of adventurous people. Would riding an ATV in the West Maui Mountains seem like the best way to spend your Valentine’s Day?
Get ready for an awesome thrill ride that will take you up and down the West Maui Mountains. You will start 2,500 feet high, and travel down to sea level. You’ll enjoy the incredible views of waterfalls, the Pacific Ocean on your side, views of rugged sea cliffs and more! Participants who are under 16 and/or without a valid driver’s license or permit may take advantage of riding with Maui Mountain Activities’ professional guide on their UTV and enjoy the same unforgettable adventure as those driving the ATV’s. Your adventure includes free refreshments (ice water, sodas and juice).
These are just some of the few activities you can book through us here at MauiActivities.com. Give us a call at 808-214-1013 or email us at activities@mauiactivities.com with any questions or concerns you may have.