One of the most legendary things to do in Maui is watching the sunrise from the top of Mount Haleakala’s Summit in Haleakala National Park where the sun bursts over the clouds like an actual water painting. And while some people preferred watching the sunrise, we much preferred the sunset. If you want to watch the sunrise, not only do you have to wake up at an unforgiving hour of 3 am, you also need a reservation. Makes me tired just thinking of it.
I can tell you that watching the sun dip below the horizon from the summit of Haleakala is an experience you won’t soon forget. Keep on reading to get the best guide on how to plan your own unforgettable Haleakala sunset adventure.
Where is Haleakala National Park
Haleakala is located in the southeastern region of Maui. If you are staying on the west side of the island, it can take up to 2 hours to get to Haleakala. We stayed in Kihei, which is in central Maui and it took us about 1.5 hours. The road to Haleakala is well maintained, but very very curvy and windy. If you are prone to car sickness, you may want to consider packing these motion sickness patches.
- Paia to Haleakala Summit (Central Maui): 1 hr 17 min | 34 miles | Google Maps
- Lahaina to Haleakala Summit (West Maui ): 1 hr 47 min | 60 miles | Google Maps
- Kihei to Haleakala Summit (Central Maui ): 1 hr 29 min | 47 miles | Google Maps
- Kapalua to Haleakala Summit (Central Maui): 2 hr 5 min | 66 miles | Google Maps
- Hana to Haleakala Summit (East Maui) : 2 hr 47 min | 69 miles | Google Maps
Pro-Tip: The Haleakala Highway is winding and steep, so drive carefully. The last portion of the drive, the ascent from Kula to the summit, takes a long time due to the winding nature of the road.
Do You Need Reservations for Sunset at Haleakala?
Unlike the sunrise at Haleakala, which requires reservations, you do not need a reservation to enter the park for sunset. However, you will need to pay the $30 per car park entrance fee, unless you have the America the Beautiful Pass.
What to Expect at Sunset at Haleakala
- No Reservations Required (for Sunset): Unlike the sunrise, which requires reservations, you do not need a reservation to enter the park for sunset. However, you will need to pay the park entrance fee
- Crowds: Sunset at Haleakala is a popular event, so expect crowds, especially during peak season (December to April). Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
- Weather: The summit of Haleakala is at a high elevation, and the weather can be unpredictable. Temperatures can drop significantly, especially after sunset, so be prepared for cold and windy conditions.
Everything You Need to Know About Sunset at Haleakala
Sunset at Haleakala is so much less fuss, less planning and probably a lot less arguments with whoever is accompanying you.
We ended up deciding on visiting Haleakala for sunset in April 2024 and let me tell you, it was one of our many highlights in Maui.
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When to Go to See the Sunset at Haleakala
Sunset times vary throughout the year. Generally, the sun sets latest in the summer months (around 7:15 pm in early July) and earliest in the winter (around 5:45 pm in early December). You can find the exact sunset time for your desired date by searching online or checking the National Park Service website.
Sunset times vary, with approximate times being 5:55 pm on January 1st, 6:40 pm on April 1st, 7:10 pm on July 1st, and 6:12 pm on October 1st. All of these times can be found on the NPS website.
Haleakala sunsets are popular, so arrive early! To truly savor the experience, arrive early. Aim for at least an hour before sunset, but two hours is even better.
We left Kihe around 11AM and on the way to Haleakala, we grabbed lunch at Kula Bistro. The restaurant has beautiful views and it fueled us for our hike in the crater. On the way up we were able to see the beautiful upcountry drive and views. There are tons of overlooks to stop and pullovers to take pictures. There are many fruit stands as well, so be sure to have some small bills.
At around 1PM, after many stops, windy curves and a whole Bob Marley album, we arrived at Haleakala. We walked around the observation center and then did about 1.5 miles of the Sliding Sands Trail. It is absolutely breathtaking hiking into the crater. You could spend hours and hours down there if you wanted to. I’d say allot at least two hours in the crater alone if you are planning on doing some hiking.
Make sure you are wearing proper shoes, dress for the cold, and bring water. It’s going to be cold and the air is thin. The hike down the crater is easy but the hike up is steep. I had to take breaks and I’m in my 20s.
By the time we were done with the hike, it was time to set up our spot and set up our snacks to watch the sunset over the clouds. We set up at summit visitor center lot 1 (more details later) and the sunset was incredible.
Stay well past sundown to see beautiful colors. Also most people leave soon after the sun disappears, so there’s usually a slight traffic backup... might as well sit tight and enjoy the views longer.
If you stay longer you can experience some incredible stargazing and avoid the traffic congestion. If you’re doing stargazing, try to time it for a new moon or at least make sure there will be some time between the sunset and the moon rising
Pro-Tip: If you stay well past sunrise, or arrive well before sunset to hike around, cover up well, wear good sunglasses, and put on lots of good sunscreen for any exposed skin. The UV Rays are STRONG at the literal “ House of the Sun”. You do not want to fool around and find out!
Where to watch the Sunset
Haleakala offers a spectrum of sunset experiences. The sunset on top of the mountain eats up the entire sky so you can’t go wrong with any spot on the summit. The summit visitor center is the most accessible option and where you will see the crowds. There are plenty of other quieter, less crowded places just before the summit and about 1 mile down the road from the summit.
Pro-Tip: Find a spot behind a rock or a cliff – this will shield you from the insane winds and colds. Trust me on this!
Bring Food
Pack your own refreshments because there are no vendors within the park. Since there are no vendors within the park, snacks and water will keep you comfortable throughout the spectacle. And if you’re staying for stargazing, a thermos of something warm is highly recommended – it gets chilly quickly! Alcohol is not allowed in the park. My favorite snacks here
How is the drive back down after sunset
The road is smooth and paved. There are lots of curves. In our experience it was nice to have others in front of you so you can see where they’re driving, and then show us where the curve is. We didn’t rush and my husband did fine even though he’s not experienced on curves. I can’t remember anyone heading up when we were going down, so that was good.
There are places here and there to pull over if someone wants to go faster than you. We were in a small jeep compass and had no problems with brakes etc doing downhill.
What to Wear
Bring Warm Clothes! It will be cold at the summit. I recommend you bring a down jacket and fleece, blankets, gloves and a hat. It was around 45° but felt colder, some cold winds. Lots of people weren’t dressed appropriately and hung out in their cars. A lot of people brought chairs or towels to sit on and had a picnic.
Parking
Don’t underestimate the sunset parking rush at Haleakala! To avoid a long walk and secure a good spot near the summit, arrive early. We found that 1 hour before sunset in April was just enough time. Once the summit lot fills, you’ll be directed to roadside parking, potentially as far down as the Summit Visitors Center, which is a significant uphill walk to the summit.
Wear comfortable shoes and plan accordingly. If you’re truly late or seeking solitude, designated pull-offs on the drive up offer sunset views from your car. Feel free to park your at the summit lot and then walk around.
