Haleakala

Haleakala…House of the Sun!  If Haleakala is not on your Maui to-do list then you must add it!  Some folks compare the landscape of Haleakala to the moon! Haleakala is the world’s largest dormant volcano and last erupted back in the 1700’s. 

First things first, if you want to make the trek up to the summit at 10, 023 feet for sunrise then you’ll need a reservation if you plan on being there between 3a-7a!  Go to www.recreation.gov and look for Haleakala Sunrise and go from there to confirm.  The reservation is $1 per vehicle and you will need a reservation for each vehicle if you are traveling with others!  Also admission to Haleakala National Park is $30 per vehicle and $25 for motorcycles.  However, there are several options for passes that can be used year round.  

Haleakala is one out of the seven National Parks scattered around the islands.  One thing to always keep in mind is that the top of Haleakala can experience temperatures at or near freezing levels at certain times of the year! Usually at least one time of year…most times in February there is snow at the top of the mountain!  Very cool to see from down at sea level when you’re sitting at the beach!  Please remember to dress accordingly because it will be colder no matter what time of the day you visit!  

So…if you do make it to the top for sunrise you will be rewarded with the most beautiful site!  It will be worth the 2+ hour drive (depending on what part of the island you are driving from) to witness the splendor of Haleakala!  And if you don’t make it for sunrise, visiting Haleakala is amazing at any time of the day!  The warmer daytime temperatures of 50-60 degrees fahrenheit and the gorgeous landscape will make you happy you didn’t wake up in the middle of the night for sunrise.  Not to mention, there are so many trails that are a great way to get your exercise on!  Make sure to plan accordingly with water, snacks, sunscreen and dress in layers with comfortable footwear.  Don’t forget to give yourself enough time to explore because there are so many lookouts and picture opportunities around the corner that you don’t want to miss out on seeing!

One important note to mention is that the Hawaiian State Bird, the Nene, lives in this area.  So please drive with caution and if you do see any of these beautiful creatures, keep your distance and admire them from a safe distance. Something also cool about Haleakala is that a certain plant called the Silversword which is rare and only grows at the top of Haleakala on Maui and Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea on Hawaii Island!

So no matter what time of day you visit Haleakala, just make sure you get there!  The experience is well worth it and it just adds another adventure to your epic Hawaii vacation!  Get out there and Explore! ALOHA!