Haleakala crater on Maui, Hawaii is home to one of the most unique landscapes on the planet, complete with towering cindercones, red and black sand, and wide open views. At sunrise, unpredictable things happen. Clouds shaped like a head of a woman are backlit by the rising sun. Gentle golden color illuminates the harsh rock. A bright orb rises above the clouds to start a new day. This is why thousands of people get up hours before sunrise for a long drive up the slopes of Haleakala to witness the event. After watching the sunset, hike in the volcanic crater.
What to Expect
The weather at the summit is unpredictable and changes quickly. Lucky few select the perfect day to view the sunrise and get a clear view of the crater and the rest of Maui below. Others will see the sunrise just above the clouds that surround the slopes. Or you may get there and find yourself in the thick of a rainy cloud. It's impossible to tell before you reach the summit.
How to Prepare for the Trip
Mornings at 10,000 feet are chilly and windy, so dress warmly. Arrive early so that you can find a parking space since this is the busiest time of the day. Also, there is no food, clothing or gas available in the park. If you don't want to drive all the way from the coast, spend the night closer to the entrance to the park.
When to Go
The sun rises earlier in the summer than in the winter. On January 1, the sun rises at 6:56am; on July 1 more than an hour earlier, at 5:41am. National Park Service has the exact times posted on their web site for all days of the year (www.nps.gov/hale).
Best Place to View the Sunrise
Most people head to the Visitor Center or the summit. There is a small structure at the summit with panoramic windows. The Visitor Center doesn't open until 7:30am.
