6 tips as you plan to see the sun rise from Haleakala

Are you considering an early morning drive to see sunrise over the crater valley on Haleakala? It will be breathtaking!

Here are 6 tips to make your morning go more smoothly.

1. Allow plenty of time to get there. During the day you can count on a good 2 hours to drive up the volcano from Kihei (yes, you really do have to drive all the way back to Kahului to drive up country, there is no public road 'up the mountain' from Kihei directly to Kula).

2. Allow extra time driving in the dark, especially as the drive is unfamiliar to you.

3. Allow extra time for dealing with all those 'tourists!!' who don't know where they're going either.


4. And also, get there early! There is a large parking lot, but it sure fills up fast at sunrise, and you are not allowed to park on the side of the road up there. It would sure be a shame to miss taking those sunrise pictures over the crater.

5. Remember, there are no gas stations and there is no food/drink available in the national park (there is an entrance fee - $10/car). Bring your own supplies.

6. Dress for the cool weather (you will be at 10,000 ft above sea level and it will be cold)! Here is a handy website on expected sunrise and sunset times at Haleakala National Park.

If you prefer not to drive, ask about bus tours at one of the many activity centers around the island (beware of timeshare related 'deals').

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