adzematexas
We visited this park in March and it looked like their would be no view because of the clouds. But our app "Gypsy tour" (which is a must) told us to drive up their and it would be different. So we did. If you our afraid of heights beware it is a scary drive. But once up the clouds go away and you have a great view. The crater looks like you went to Mars. It was worth the drive.
sarahsandlefeet
I love going up this Mountain, the crater is breathtaking. We decided to hike the crater this week. We parked our car, and then hitch hiked to the top. If you drive by, please pick up the hitch hikers!!! We just want to hike down to our car. We hiked the 12 miles down 3200 ft and up 1400 feet. It was unreal. But it is definately a highly difficult and long hike for expert level fitness. It took us 5hrs and 20 min but we ran for about 3 miles and ate and drank on the move. If you hike normal pace with a couple small breaks count on at least 6 hrs. Be sure to safe energy for the last 2 miles, you are ascending 1400 feet with steep cliffs. So worth it. Be prepared to be sore two days after. Bring at least 1.5 ltres water per person, and you will have to pee along the way! We hikes 3 hrs without seeing a single soul. No washrooms on this journey. Be sure to take the small detours along the trail one is around a cinder and you get to see a 65 ft pit, the other is a silver sword loop. These where hilights and worth the extra .5 mile. In my opinion, if you are a hiker, this is the best on the island!
A9724MImarkb
Definitely a 'must do' if you visit Maui. We drove up in the afternoon in time for sunset. The weather was rainy but we still decided to drive up as it was our last day on the island. Most of the drive was wet but once we got to 8,500ft the sky was clear with breathtaking views across the top of the clouds to a beautiful red sunset. It was freezing so I highly recommend taking as much warm clothing as you have with you!
IngaKr
Thsi I would guess is one of TOP attractions in Maui. Elevation 3050m. If You are not heading to Big island and drive up to Mauna Kea, this is a must. We did both, and both are stunning! Be ready to be on top about 1.5h before sunrise, if You consider to watch sunrise! We drove from Kihei and it took about 1.5h to park entrance and another 1/2h to drive up. Entrance is 10usd. When driving up, You will see large parking lot in fron of You - check if this is summit! First parking lot is not a summit, before parking lot on Your right the roud continues to summit. On top there is limited parking lot, that is why You need to be early. On the summit, there is like a tent with glass walls, wehere You can watch the sunrise nad hide form high winds. The temperature is about freezing, and be aware to have some wark clothes - the must have is windproof jacket. Or do as other do - take blanket from hotel :) bakway is stunning, sun is rising, You can see ocean and surroundings, as driving up is total darkness.
640davea
The drive up is little long but the views of the ocean and Maui are fantastic. At the top there are areas where you can see the crater and signs explaining the history of the volcano. Check out the observation tower at the top for best views. If possible, plan on being up there for a sunset or sunrise...it's the best! Take clothes to keep you warm because it can be windy and chilly since your above 10,000 ft.
c-legs
We came straight from the airport and spent the afternoon on the crater with no crowds. It was a beautiful sunny day, and we appreciated having the road and the sights to ourselves. We were staying nearby and could have returned for sunrise, but didn't want to deal with tour buses, full parking lots and bikes in the dark. This is a vote to consider doing the crater anytime you feel like it. It's beautiful. As one woman said in the parking lot after getting up at 4:30am and returning from the morning sunrise on the crater, "The sun kept getting in my eyes! I need a nap." We agreed.
157AndreaS
We had a full rainy day and said "what the heck" we're going anyway. Glad we did. It was not crowded and what is likely spectacular views were more "in the clouds" for us, we still enjoyed it. Amazing how the terrain and vegetation change at different heights. So does the temperature. It was 75 degrees at the bottom and 37 at the summit. Bring a jacket.The park ranger took plenty of time explaining the geology of the islands and this particular volcano. I found it fascinating.
luciearl
This was my second time to Haleakala, but first time hiking. The beauty if breathtaking and the view of something you might not see anywhere else on earth. If you're up to it, take the Sliding Sands Trail to get another view of the crater. Note: although we only hiked a little over 2 miles, the return trip is a lot more difficult. Easy going down, challenging going back up
Lizzabs
The park is great, clear signs, paved roads and a visitors center make it easy to get around and enjoyable. We had first driven up Haleakala for the sunrise (arrived around 4:45 AM and parking lot was already filling! But was able to secure spot at top) unfortunately the cloud coverage was too much and we could see the sunrise. We returned a few days later for some hiking and found the paths were easy to find and there were plenty of great photo opportunities to be had! One of the best parts is simply the drive down and enjoying the amazing views.
Lexifritzi
If you are in Maui, you can not miss Haleakala. It is a must. As advised please take warm clothes and if you are waiting on a sunrise you better get there early. It is a magnificent event and the place fills up fast. After the sunrise take your time and just enjoy the park. We loved this place. It is so diverse
smkozlow
I don't know if we were there on a bad day or I had read too many great reviews building up the sunrise, but I expected more. It was pretty, but not the life affirming experience so many people talk about. One big negative for me was the drive up there in the dark. It's a long and windy road with people going way too fast. I hate driving in the dark with people right on my bumper and that's what it was like most of the way, even if I pulled over and let others pass. Once we got to the top, we were too late to go to the very top near the telescope (even though we left Maalaea at 4:30 AM for a 6:44 AM sunrise) so we had to park at the upper Visitor's Center. We did do the short hike to a slightly higher peak, which wasn't as crowded so that was nice. The sunrise itself was pretty. It was cool with the clouds below and above. Like others have said, it's pretty cold. Luckily, we didn't have any wind so it wasn't too bad, although my fingers were numb after about an hour. I'd recommend bringing some hand warmers with you. I think that would've really helped. The good news is as soon as the sun rises, it warms up quickly. We ended up staying up top for a bit so we wouldn't be in the rush to get back to the bottom. That helped us enjoy the trip down much more than going up. There are some nice views along the way, but you do need to be careful of the bikers. Some of them seem to think they own the road and will ride in the middle of the lane, causing you to have to slam on your breaks when you come around a curve. Unfortunately, those people seem to be the less experienced ones who look nervous and wobbly on their bikes. It's no wonder there have been so many bike accidents there. Overall, I'd recommend that everyone do this once. I don't think I'd ever do it again, though.
Jetspeed219
Amazing experience watching the sunrise from the top of the mountain. Give yourself an hour and a half to get there from Wailea. The drive is very curvy and if you get car sick easily be prepared. Dress for temperatures near freezing, and the wind is very strong. I recommend a heavy jacket, pants, and a beanie.
rcwalli
Got up early and made the trip to top of Mt Haleakala. Worth the trip, even if we had to get up at 0330 :) We had read up and checked the weather, made sure we had layers of clothing, flashlight and got there early. We arrived approx 0445 and the upper lot was already half full.Got to watch a beautiful sunrise and followed that with a morning hike. Trails are well marked. Make sure you take some water and the layers are key because you will start peeling them off if your doing some hiking as the sun starts warming things up.
iowaamy
We hit the southern end of the Haleakala National Park on the second day of our trip when we drove counter clockwise to Hana. We enjoyed seeing the Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) and did the big hike to the bamboo forest and waterfalls. This is a fantastic hike, do wear real shoes (not flip flops or barefoot) and take water along. It may be cool when you start at the bottom, but the heat and humidity will pick up as the day goes on. That babbling stream you cross is gorgeous but you can't drink the water. The bamboo forest is just amazing - the sounds, sights and smells are otherworldly and we had big stretches of the trail to ourselves making it very peaceful.As the park pass is good for three days - we timed our second visit to the Haleakala Crater for sunrise on the last day of the pass. Yes, you will need to get up EARLY! I recommend getting to the summit by 5 a.m. if possible. We were a bit late getting on the road and missed the summit parking lot by three cars, but it didn't negatively affect our sunrise viewing. We wore long johns, jeans, long sleeve shirts, sweatshirts and light winter coats and gloves. It was still cold (and we are from Iowa where it was -19 this week). You'll enjoy the experience more if you can be comfortable. Don't focus on taking snapshots unless you are a pro/experienced photog. Your pics won't do it justice and your memories will be of trying to take a picture that looks like something. There are a lot of people gathered for the sunrise so a simple request - keep your flashlight beam down to the ground or off when you're not walking. It was distracting to those that had arrived early. Also - it's a peaceful moment and place - save your funny stories and loud voices for the breakfast table after. Just soak up that moment where the sunrise is just for you and the other 100 strangers gathered around.After sunrise - don't go running off! If you didn't get to the summit - drive up and look around from there - the views are astonishing. Stop at the next pull-off down - it was the site of a rest house for visitors in the days BEFORE THE ROAD! The views of the crater from here are phenomenal. Stop at the visitors center before you leave the park. If you have time, take a hike. Enjoy the beautiful views on the way out of the park. And watch carefully for Nenes - you don't want to hit a beautiful Hawaiian goose with your vehicle.
MaggieK423
We visited this park along the ocean entrance. There is a small visitor's center and trails. Unfortunately because of the drought there is no water in the falls so we didn't take the trails. Maybe call and see if they have gotten enough rainfall to see the usually spectacular water features.