reservations for a sunrise | Haleakala Crater

Haleakalā Crater - Credit: NPS Photo

You have to get up really early to catch this view from atop Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui. In my experience, the most dramatic moments of a sunrise occur well before the crack of dawn. The gradual lightening of the eastern skies is an inspiring experience, one I've enjoyed many times. As it will take more than 90 minutes to drive to the National Park from Wailea, and more than 2 hours from the Napili area of Maui, this will give you an idea of when to set your alarm.

But you'll have to make reservations for the sunrise starting February 1, 2017. To quote from the National Park Service website:

Planning to see sunrise at Haleakala National Park?

Reserve before you go! 

Starting on February 1, 2017, sunrise viewing reservations are required and are only available at www.recreation.gov. The cost is $1.50 per car. You can make reservations up to 60 days before your sunrise visit. 

To enter the Summit District between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m., the reservation holder must be present and show both the one-day sunrise reservation receipt and a photo ID. The park entrance fee is separate and payable by credit card on the day of your visit. The entrance fee is good for three days — please keep your receipt.

Our favorite resorts in the Wailea area of Maui are the Four Seasons, Andaz Maui, Fairmont Kea Lani, and Hotel Wailea. Email for complete information about the Preferred Partner and Virtuoso amenities we can provide, including free breakfasts and hotel credits.

Oh, and be sure to bring warm clothes! Haleakala Crater is 10,000 feet above sea level, and it's cold up there ... even in Hawaii.

copyright (c) 2017 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.