what to bring to hawaii maui haleakala

Hike, Explore, and Enjoy Stunning Views at Haleakala Summit

There are few places in the world where you can go from putting your toes in the warm sand to feeling cold and needing a down jacket in the course of 75 minutes. Maui is in this exclusive club.

Visitors who drive up to the Haleakala summit quickly realize how fast you gain elevation, winding your way up the 25-ish switchbacks to reach the summit, in what feels like record time. But once at the top of the Haleakala Summit, the most amazing and expansive views of the island, volcano, and ocean begin.

While sunrises are limited by the National Park Service to around 100 people per day, watching the sunset at the Haleakala Summit is open to everyone. All you need to do is show your National Park pass.

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Mini-Guide to Exploring the Haleakala Summit in Maui

Getting to the top

If you’re staying at the “top” of the island near Kahului, this is not too far of a drive. Depending on traffic, it should be between 75 minutes and 90 minutes. But if you’re coming from elsewhere on the island, expect it to be much further. From Kihei, it’s about 90 minutes to reach the top and nearly two hours from Kaanapali.

If you don’t do well with motion sickness, consider bringing some anti-nausea drugs, as this is a crazy winding road up to the top and then back down.

A view looking into haleakala crater on maui
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Parking

In 2021, I don’t remember having any trouble finding parking, but we were also there mid-week. I can only assume that on weekends, the place is far more crowded. There are two places to park: one at the Visitor Center and the other at the true Haleakala summit.

This is also where the Observatory is, though it’s not open to the public and is strictly a research facility operated by the University of Hawaii and others.

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What to do once you reach the top of Haleakala

I recommend making this a full-day event because it’s between a 2.5-and 4-hour round trip drive. You might as well make the most of the trip and enjoy the time hiking around the volcano. That’s the one thing I regret about how I did it. We drove up on the same day we landed from California and ended up only getting there for sunset.

Take Photos

Don’t forget your camera! We had a stunning sunset on the summit and also enjoyed the views looking into the crater. The clouds were somewhat low, creating some truly remarkable scenes as the light changed color. You may want a tripod, as the light will drop faster down below, and bracketing will help you get a more fully exposed photo.

I also suggest bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the entire view looking out over the island and the massive size of the volcano’s interior with its smaller cinder cones.

See what is in my bag

Come Prepared

Make sure to come prepared for life at the Haleakala summit. Standing 10,000 feet above the white sand beaches of Maui, the weather could be 30 degrees cooler. It’ll feel weird to pack pants for Maui, but I recommend having them there just in case it gets chilly during sunset.

I also recommend having a fleece jacket, puffy jacket, and beanie as you enjoy the sun drop below the horizon.

Go hike

When you reach the top, you can hike into and around the crater and truly experience life on a volcano. There are a few easy walks, but if you want to get inside, they are going to be more challenging, as the trails are sandy and steep.

Redhill Overlook

This is a very short trail, less than a half-mile round trip, that takes you above the parking lot and offers expansive views across the island. It’s a small uphill, but it should be good for most people.

sunset views overlooking maui from the haleakala summit
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Sliding Sands Trail

This is one of the preeminent trails in the area. Sliding Sands takes you down into the volcano and is considered quite challenging. It’s 11 miles and 2,300 feet of gain (coming out). The 11 miles are a one-way route that connects you back onto the road, where you could stash a car and drive back up.

Otherwise, hikers can also make this a choose-your-adventure hike, go as far as they want, and turn around.

Skyline Trail

This is another choose-your-hike-length from the Haleakala summit and brings you south (away from the inside crater) onto the volcano slopes. There are various reports about how far you can hike on this trail. But remember that the effort will be on the return, so plan accordingly and bring water.

Haleakala Crater Loop

If you’re looking for a full-day hike, you can do the entire Haleakala Crater Loop, 18 miles long and over 4,000 feet of gain. This route, though, includes walking on the road. Ideally, you’d find a car to take you up to the top and save you seven miles.  

I should note that this road is incredibly winding and narrow. Walking on the road at any point is not recommended (and most likely prohibited), as cars may not be able to see you.

When is sunset in Maui?

While the sunset changes every day, thanks to Maui’s proximity to the equator, its schedule is far less variable than that of my hometown of Seattle.

Winter (Dec-Feb)5:45 PM – 6:15 PM
Spring (Mar-May)6:20 PM – 6:45 PM
Summer (Jun-Aug)7:00 PM – 7:15 PM
Fall (Sep-Nov)6:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Getting a permit for sunrise at the Haleakala Summit

As I mentioned above, you need to reserve a place to watch the sunrise at the top. This can be done at Recreation.gov, which is a very popular event. Don’t wait until the last minute. Reservations go on sale for $1 seven days before your sunrise viewing.

When I tried to get one a couple of days before, they were all booked out.

what to bring to hawaii maui haleakala
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Tours around Haleakala National Park and Maui

Are you not interested in driving yourself or want to get above the volcano for a more unique perspective? Many Maui tours will take you to the Haleakalā summit or on a helicopter ride.

a whale breaches in maui
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Stargazing at the top

If you’re a night owl and one to enjoy the dark sky, this is a magical place to do so. If there are any clouds around the island, there’s a good chance you’ll be above them and have clear skies to soak in the starry skies.

Remember, it’ll be even colder than at sunset, so bring plenty of layers. And just know that you will have to leave before sunrise. (Though I’m not exactly sure how they check that.)

Sunset at Haleakala National Park Maui
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Final Thoughts on the Haleakala Summit

Everyone should aim to stand at the summit and look out across the island and ocean. It’s incredibly beautiful; some may even say it is a spiritual experience. And considering you don’t have to do much more than sit in a car until you reach the top, it’s accessible to everyone!

So, as you plan your trip to Maui, make sure to add a stop at the Haleakala Summit to your travel itinerary. You won’t be disappointed!

Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.

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Author: Alec Sills-Trausch

Title: Founder of Explore with Alec

Expertise: Hiking, Backpacking, Photography, and Road Trips

Alec Sills-Trausch is a hiker, backpacker, landscape photographer, and syndicated travel writer. He enjoys showing off the beauty of the world through his photos, videos, and written work on ExploreWithAlec.com. Alec is also a 2x cancer survivor and bone marrow transplant recipient, showing the world that there is a future from this terrible disease.

He lives in Washington, where he gets to enjoy the stunning PNW mountains in addition to all the other places he attempts to visit each year! You can see more work on IG at @AlecOutside