If you have ever thought about going to Maui you’ve probably read something like this; ‘Haleakala Sunrise, add to your bucket list NOW!’. There are countless places to read about how to watch the sunrise, and most say exactly the same thing, but I’m here to tell you something just a wee bit different that will change your experience completely. First, I’ll tell you the standard way to see the sunrise because, if you’ve got more than one day, you should try to witness it both ways.

The Standard Route 

1. Get your ticket in advance: Click here to make your reservation and be sure to do it as soon as you can (up to 60 days in advance). These reservations book up so quickly, try to book as soon as you have an idea of what your time on Maui will look like! If you happen to plan trips last-minute like we do, they release a small batch of tickets 2 days in advance at 4pm. So, if you’re trying to see the sunrise on Wednesday, go to the website on Monday at 4pm (Hawaii time). We got tickets for 2 days by using the last minute reservation system. The reservation costs a whopping $1.50 per vehicle!

2. Dress warmly and bring a light source: Like, really warmly. Winter coat, hat, gloves, pants, closed toes shoes, the works. You’re on an island in the middle of the ocean so I’m sure you brought your bikini, but don’t forget you’ll be 10,000 feet above sea level before the sun rises, where it’s 35 degrees and extremely windy. We saw countless people in shorts and flip flops wrapped in BEACH TOWELS to stay warm, please don’t be those people. A headlamp or flashlight also comes in handy since you’ll be arriving when it’s dark. I would NOT suggest using your phone as a light source, it’s so cold up there that our phones shut off from being too cold.

3. Arrive early: The gates to the park open at 3am. It takes 30 minutes from the entrance to the summit. We camped in the park and got to the summit around 4:45 and people were already filing up to the top. There are hundreds of people coming to one place at the same exact time, so get there before the masses so you don’t have to be in the 4th row of people standing on your tippy toes trying to watch the sun peak from below the clouds.

4. Grab a seat and wait: Try to get a spot on the lower level of the observation deck, on the outside, right up against the wall. Don’t be tempted to go inside and stay warm, if you watch from there you’ll be stuck watching from behind people. If you sit against the wall the wind is much less harsh!

The Weddle Way 

Follow Steps 1 & 2 and then continue below.

3. Leave 30 minutes ahead: The spot I’m going to tell you about is NEAR the summit, but not at it, still leave about 30 minutes to get to the top. We got to our location and parked then took a 20 minute snooze while everyone was bumper to bumper on the way to the summit. I suggest getting there earlier than you think just to avoid the traffic, but don’t worry, you won’t be fighting for a parking spot!

4. Drive to the LeLeiwi Overlook Parking: You heard me, stop the car before the summit. The overlook sits at 8,800 feet above sea level. Park in the small lot on the right, it holds about 10 cars, no other cars parked in the lot the entire time we were there. In order to get to the lookout you’ll need to cross the street, then walk about 5 minutes on an uneven but well worn path. There’s a sign for the lookout, you can’t miss it. This is where a light source is necessary, it’s way too rocky to try to feel your way around in the dark, as long as you can see your feet you’ll be totally fine!

5. Enjoy the beauty and stillness! Once you reach the overlook there is a small 3 walled shelter that will help block some of the wind. The views below you are of Haleakala crater, stretching 7.5 miles long, 2.5 miles wide, and 3,000 feet deep. It’s a beautiful sight to see the sun greeting the bottom of the crater.

 

 

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