Haleakala National Park, Kula: Address, Phone Number, Haleakala National Park Reviews: 5/5
Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park
5
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5.0
2,506 reviews
Excellent
2,079
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344
Average
66
Poor
8
Terrible
9
travelgal1994
Franklin, TN803 contributions
Jan 2022 • Friends
The drive up is amazing and a bit unexpected! Curves and clouds and Nenes! The sun the clouds the terrain is awesome!! It’s far better than RTH.. which we did some of… so glad we had this experience ! We went in the afternoon!
Written 20 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SkipperBill2
Belvidere, IL727 contributions
Oct 2021
We drove to the top, stopping a few times along the way. There were some great views, both below and above the clouds. We stayed for the sunset, and we were not disappointed. Definitely, a must-see.
Written 9 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Taxman1951
5 contributions
Dec 2021
Went for the sunrise view - well worth the early get up and the winding drive up the mountain and the cold temps at the summit. View was fantastic, as we were above the clouds. A unique way to see the beautiful sunrise.
Written 30 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Aashish K
Columbus, OH74 contributions
Dec 2021
Haleakala at sunrise is a must-do. The reservation was made first thing 60 days in advance but worth it. The drive up in the dark was an adventure in itself. I would recommend arriving 15-30 min prior to sunrise to get a good spot. With windchill it feels much colder than the 30-40 degrees we were told to expect and I recommend to dress appropriately with layers! Pack a large breakfast with plans to get something on the way back or breakfast and lunch to make things easier.
Though the sky initially looked like it wouldn't cooperate, the clouds cleared up and dazzled us. There was a daily sunrise ceremony(?) led by the rangers that added to the experience. The views were amazing, enhanced by the small amount of snow and ice. There are a number of good trails ranging from moderate to difficult, short and long. We tried to keep our eyes open for the endangered nene and while we didn't see one, it was fun nevertheless.
Though the sky initially looked like it wouldn't cooperate, the clouds cleared up and dazzled us. There was a daily sunrise ceremony(?) led by the rangers that added to the experience. The views were amazing, enhanced by the small amount of snow and ice. There are a number of good trails ranging from moderate to difficult, short and long. We tried to keep our eyes open for the endangered nene and while we didn't see one, it was fun nevertheless.
Written 24 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
AZVAL
Scottsdale, Arizona204 contributions
Dec 2021
Things to keep in mind while planning: you need a reservation for the park, dress warm and check the weather - it is chilly. Make sure you map out the drive and plan your time to arrive in time - it does take an hour to drive to the summit from the base.
We had to leave our condo in Kihei at 3:30 AM to catch the sunrise and it was TOTALLY WORTH IT!!! Make sure to plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the START of the sunrise to ensure a good spot on the viewing platform.
We visited in December 2021 and wished we would have planned better for the weather - it was REALLY cold and a bit windy. It takes about an hour for the sunrise - just be sure to dress appropriately - the summit is 10,200 feet in altitude.
The road is very windy but the speed limits are set low to protect the wildlife as well as you - heed your speed and the drive will be fine.
We saw the sunrise while we were above the clouds, this was an amazing sight to see and I highly recommend this while in Maui!
We had to leave our condo in Kihei at 3:30 AM to catch the sunrise and it was TOTALLY WORTH IT!!! Make sure to plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the START of the sunrise to ensure a good spot on the viewing platform.
We visited in December 2021 and wished we would have planned better for the weather - it was REALLY cold and a bit windy. It takes about an hour for the sunrise - just be sure to dress appropriately - the summit is 10,200 feet in altitude.
The road is very windy but the speed limits are set low to protect the wildlife as well as you - heed your speed and the drive will be fine.
We saw the sunrise while we were above the clouds, this was an amazing sight to see and I highly recommend this while in Maui!
Written 19 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
groverpi
Leesburg, VA27 contributions
Nov 2021
We drove up Haleakala to see the sunset. The drive itself is an adventure! The twisting road and full exposure keeps drivers alert, white knuckling at times!
The crater is HUGE! Parking was sparse due to the large number of folks wanting to see the sunset. We were able to park in the lot nearest the observatory and walk to the peak. A Park Ranger informed us that the sun would be setting behind the observatory, so we should descend to the visitor center if we wanted to see the actual sun set. After some time hiking around the summit, we did go to the visitor center parking. The lot was full, so we parked along the road. The sun setting into the clouds was absolutely beautiful! That alone was worth the trip to the Park.
In addition to the sunset, we did get some hiking in and were able to see the Silversword plant, which exists nowhere else. It was a wonderful time!
The crater is HUGE! Parking was sparse due to the large number of folks wanting to see the sunset. We were able to park in the lot nearest the observatory and walk to the peak. A Park Ranger informed us that the sun would be setting behind the observatory, so we should descend to the visitor center if we wanted to see the actual sun set. After some time hiking around the summit, we did go to the visitor center parking. The lot was full, so we parked along the road. The sun setting into the clouds was absolutely beautiful! That alone was worth the trip to the Park.
In addition to the sunset, we did get some hiking in and were able to see the Silversword plant, which exists nowhere else. It was a wonderful time!
Written 28 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kurt T
25 contributions
Nov 2021
The road was curvy and a little intimidating at times but worth the trip up. Great views if clear, but even when there is a cloud, you go above that. Did not know there was a $30 entry fee to go to the top but you can see plenty up to the entry area.
Written 13 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
chumsockeyesalmon
A small town in Northwest Washington369 contributions
Nov 2021 • Friends
3-7 AM require a reservation. Long windy road with cliffs along the side. Lots of bikes. Top is just over 10,000 feet with sweeping views of the island, neighboring islands, and the crater. Saw a Nene- endangered bird and rare plants. Costs to get into park- but free if a retired veteran.
Written 12 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kaye N
Provo, UT1,755 contributions
Oct 2021
This is the coolest place! It was at the top of our list for Maui so we could see Silverswords. They are other worldly plants that shimmer in sunlight. They are only found there!
People say it gets really cold at the top but we're from Utah and it wasn't so cold. It was windy and I'm sure it could get colder so take a jacket, at least.
The Visitor's Center wasn't open but it has bathrooms and some info signs. There are also examples of Silverswords in the little landscaped area out front.
The drive up is nice - it is dry landscape but look out and watch for the plants. They shine in the light. There are a few walks to do up at the top and the observatories are nifty. I wish they'd do a tour or a night show at one.
We stopped at all the pull-outs that had info signs and took pictures of the landscape. There were rangers at one who answered all our questions.
We also hiked at Hosmer campground. The road into it is near the entrance at the bottom. It was a beautiful hike in a cool forest - that's where we needed jackets. We got to see several endemic birds and an owl - the highlight of the trip for the birders in our group! Plan on spending at least half a day exploring!
People say it gets really cold at the top but we're from Utah and it wasn't so cold. It was windy and I'm sure it could get colder so take a jacket, at least.
The Visitor's Center wasn't open but it has bathrooms and some info signs. There are also examples of Silverswords in the little landscaped area out front.
The drive up is nice - it is dry landscape but look out and watch for the plants. They shine in the light. There are a few walks to do up at the top and the observatories are nifty. I wish they'd do a tour or a night show at one.
We stopped at all the pull-outs that had info signs and took pictures of the landscape. There were rangers at one who answered all our questions.
We also hiked at Hosmer campground. The road into it is near the entrance at the bottom. It was a beautiful hike in a cool forest - that's where we needed jackets. We got to see several endemic birds and an owl - the highlight of the trip for the birders in our group! Plan on spending at least half a day exploring!
Written 11 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
nanaof1boy3girls
Layton, UT265 contributions
Oct 2021
We took a ride up here to see the crater, didn't get a good view because it was overcast. Still pretty. Bring jackets as it does get cold up here sometimes.
Written 10 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SKCYCLES
Massapequa Park, NY220 contributions
I would like to go up there but I have mild COPD. I thought that if I go I would bring my portable CPAP machine that I can use in the car. Thoughts?
jessica p
Westlake, OH110 contributions
Would check with your doctor but ? Cpap is usually for obstructive sleep apnea not COPD. If you are on oxygen for COPD might want to be careful. Kaleakana is 10K feet above sea level, keeping in mind that Denver is 5 k feet above sea level. In terms of exertion there are places you can drive and dont have to climb much.
mwsd
San Diego, CA45 contributions
HI Everyone,
Does anyone know which entrance to the park we would use to get to the summit? We'd like to go up to the top near the observatory to see the sunset and do some stargazing. Has anyone done that recently? How late can we stay up there before we exit the park?
Thanks,
Mary in San Diego :)
Jerri L
Johnston, IA1,764 contributions
The inland entrance to the park to see the crater and experience the summit is past Pukalani on route 37 - then take 377 to 378.
adlanger314
2 contributions
Hi there-
Planning to do the sunrise viewing at the end of the summer and already got my $1.00 sunrise ticket reserved in advance. But I see on their website you also need a park entrance ticket that's like $30 for 3 days. Can that also be purchased online in advance like the sunrise ticket was? It's a bit unclear on the website about when/where to get that 3 day pass, but ideally I'd like to buy it ahead of time so I'm not worrying about getting it at 4am that morning somewhere at the park in the dark...
If anyone could provide more info on that, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thanks! -Alyssa
Its easy to get that when entering the park at the booth when you come in or at the machine. i dont know and dont think its available online
Can I enter Kipahulu before it opens?
Jerri L
Johnston, IA1,764 contributions
I would call and ask - with their covid restrictions still quite active, it may not be typical protocol they are following currently.
Vivian B
Recklinghausen, Germany10 contributions
Hallo,
kann man nachts, wenn man zum Sonnenaufgang fährt den tri-park Pass (55$ )kaufen? Ist dort ein Automat?
Die Reservierung für den Sonnenaufgang habe ich bereits online durchgeführt.
Bob S
Batavia, IL830 contributions
Ja, der Tri-Park-Pass bietet bei Sonnenaufgang Zugang zum Park. Dies gilt nur für nicht gewerbliche Fahrzeuge. Die Reservierung, die Sie haben, sichert Ihnen einen Parkplatz.
(Ich habe Google Übersetzer verwendet, mein Deutsch ist schlecht)
Patricia H
Mableton, GA19 contributions
Do have to have reservations for sunset @Haleakala summit?
Samantha Henry
15 contributions
The park entrance fee is $25 and lasts for three days.
Michael P
2 contributions
I am trying to book a reservation 2 month in advance. right now I can see 7:00 sun-rise. is this the same as 3:00am? I figure it is not but I don't see other options for the dates I have been looking.
Kieran S
Danville, CA54 contributions
Get the federal park pass it works here and is a great value.
How can you get to Haleakala National park without a car rental?
thetravelorganizer
Tega Cay, SC498 contributions
Just Google "Haleakala excursions" -- you should find plenty of tour/excursion operators who can get you to the summit. The questions is, "What do you want to do once you're there?" Do you want to hike in the crater? Stargaze? Watch the sun rise/set? Bike down? You also may have to get yourself to a pickup point for the tour/excursion operator's shuttle, so take that into consideration.
Do you need reservations to get into Haleakala National Park?
Does my senior pass for National Parks qualify for admission to the park
SGG14
Bellevue, WA36 contributions
Your senior citizens pass will work just fuine and reservations are only for the sunrise. Have fun!
archana s
11 contributions
Can you explain a little more how the shutdown has affected the reservation system? Will be going in about 10 days and have missed the initial reservation time period, now the tickets available at 4pm 2 days before are available.
Chip144
Gilroy, California398 contributions
A hotel employee, working the recreation areas, told me that you need to go on the reservation system 48 hours before the you want to go up. I have also heard that you need to get them weeks in advance. I was also told that because of the shutdown that there was no enforcement of the reservations and that people without reservations were going up anyway. We decided to go up for the sunset and the stars at night. We arrived a little more than an hour before sunset and it was still very beautiful. The night sky is amazing. Bring a flashlight.
