Haleakalā Crater

The basics

Haleakala sunrise tours with round-trip transportation included are the most popular way to see the crater. They spare you from the hassle of navigating to the volcano’s summit district in the dark. Many tours also include sunrise-viewing passes for Pu’u’ula’ula Summit, the highest point on Mt. Haleakala, while sunrise bike tours transport you to the peak from where you can enjoy the view and ride back down.

Alternatively, dodge the pre-dawn crowds with daytime trips, guided hikes across the crater floor, or full-day excursions to the crater and other destinations within Haleakala National Park or places such as Iao Valley and the Road to Hana.

Things to know before you go

• Sunrise Haleakala Crater tours typically require very early start times, with most hotel pickups starting around 2am or 3am.

• It can be chilly on Mt. Haleakala, especially before sunrise and after sunset—bring layers and comfortable shoes, and be prepared for rain.

• There are no gas stations or outlets to purchase food within Haleakala National Park.

• Some facilities at the summit are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, including the Park Headquarters Visitor Center, Haleakala Visitor Center, and Hosmer Grove picnic area.

How to get there

Haleakala Crater is located within Haleakala National Park on Maui. The only way to get there is by road, and it takes roughly 2.5 hours to reach the summit from the town of Kahului. From Kahului, take Route 37 to Highway 377, then transfer to Highway 378. Haleakala Crater access is at the end of the road within Haleakala National Park. Alternatively, opt for a tour with round-trip transportation.

When to get there

Haleakala National Park is open all day, year-round. While temperatures in Maui remain fairly constant, winter (December through March) brings the coldest and wettest weather, with average lows of 42°F (5°C) and upwards of seven inches (18 centimeters) of rain per month. Sunrise and sunset are the most popular times to visit the crater; opt for a daytime visit to avoid crowds.

Exploring upcountry Maui

Upcountry Maui, the region around Mt. Haleakala, offers plenty to do after a sunrise crater tour. Head to the town of Kula to walk through lavender fields at Alii Kula Lavender Farm, stop by a Maui winery, or visit Hawaii Sea Spirits Organic Farm and Distillery, the makers of OCEAN Vodka. You can also stop by the western-themed town of Makawao to enjoy some of the region’s best boutique shopping.

Ways to explore

Sunrise tours are the most popular way to see the Haleakalā Crater, and many include round-trip transportation to spare you from hiking in the dark. Bike tours, meanwhile, take you to the summit by car and allow you to zip down the slopes after sunrise. Note that if you want to see the sunrise on your own, you’ll need to make a reservation online.

Alternatively, dodge the morning crowds with a daytime helicopter tour over the coast and crater, a guided hike across the crater floor, or a full-day excursion to Haleakalā National Park and the Road to Hana.

Accessibility

Haleakalā Crater driving tours are often wheelchair accessible—just contact the provider in advance to make arrangements.

Age limits

Driving tours are generally open to all ages, while bike tours and guided hikes tend to have minimum age requirements.

What to pack

Water, camera, rain gear, sun protection

What to wear

Wear sturdy walking shoes and plenty of layers—temperatures drop dramatically with elevation gain on Haleakalā, and rainstorms can happen suddenly.

Not allowed

Pets (except in parking lots and on paved roads), feeding wildlife, veering off marked trails

Amenities

Visitor centers, restrooms, drinking fountains, guided national park events

Address

Most travelers hike, drive, or join guided excursions to the Haleakalā Crater, located in the Summit District of Haleakalā National Park in East Maui. The park is within a 3-hour drive of popular destinations such as Kahului and Wailea.

Driving

From Kahului, drive 27.5 miles (44 kilometers) southeast along Hawaii Routes 37, 377, and 378. Be prepared for limited parking at the summit, and arrive with a full tank since there are no gas stations in the park.

Public transportation

There is no public transportation to Haleakalā National Park; in order to get there, you will need to plan to rent a car or join a guided tour with round-trip transfers included.

Best times to visit

The Haleakalā Crater is its prettiest—and busiest—at sunrise and sunset. For fewer crowds and easier parking, go at midday.

Best days to visit

The Haleakalā Crater is always busy, so there’s no “best” day to visit. Just check the National Park Service’s daily updates on weather and park conditions before you go.

Best months to visit

For the lowest chance of rain, visit during Maui’s dry season (April–October). Whenever you travel, be prepared for dramatic temperature differences between sea level and the Haleakalā summit.