Haleakala National Park Summit Sunrise Reservations
HaleakalĀ National Park
Haleakala National Park is home to Maui's highest peak. Rising 10,023 (3,005 m) feet above sea level, Haleakala means "house of the sun" and is where demigod Maui lassoed the sun, slowing its passage so people had more time to dry kapa (cloth) and grow food. The dormant volcano's "crater" is actually a valley carved by erosion. Sunrise at the summit of Haleakala has been a visitor attraction since the late 1800s when Samuel Clemens wrote: "It was the sublimest spectacle I ever witnessed, and I think the memory of it will remain with me always."
The park's Summit District begins at 7,000 feet (2,134 m) of elevation and reaches 10,023 feet (3,055 m). The summit's high elevation, the lack of light, and environmental pollution, and dynamic weather patterns make it an ideal and popular place to view the sky. Due to the popularity of sunrise viewing at the summit and limited parking, Haleakala National Park now requires reservations for each vehicle entering the park before sunrise (3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.).
Reservations. A reservation is required for each vehicle entering the park from 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Beginning April 7, 2021 you may book a reservation up to 60 days in advance and 2 days in advance of the start date.
Reservation Tip! Login to your account or create a new account before Haleakala National Park Summit Sunrise tickets go on sale. You can only add a ticket to your cart and proceed with your reservation if you are logged into your account.
Please Note: Tickets are per vehicle, not per person. Tickets are limited to one per customer every three days.
Please click here to access Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Haleakala Summit Sunrise reservation process.
Haleakala National Park is home to Maui's highest peak. Rising 10,023 (3,005 m) feet above sea level, Haleakala means "house of the sun" and is where demigod Maui lassoed the sun, slowing its passage so people had more time to dry kapa (cloth) and grow food. The dormant volcano's "crater" is actually a valley carved by erosion. Sunrise at the summit of Haleakala has been a visitor attraction since the late 1800s when Samuel Clemens wrote: "It was the sublimest spectacle I ever witnessed, and I think the memory of it will remain with me always."
The park's Summit District begins at 7,000 feet (2,134 m) of elevation and reaches 10,023 feet (3,055 m). The summit's high elevation, the lack of light, and environmental pollution, and dynamic weather patterns make it an ideal and popular place to view the sky. Due to the popularity of sunrise viewing at the summit and limited parking, Haleakala National Park now requires reservations for each vehicle entering the park before sunrise (3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.).
Reservations. A reservation is required for each vehicle entering the park from 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Beginning April 7, 2021 you may book a reservation up to 60 days in advance and 2 days in advance of the start date.
Reservation Tip! Login to your account or create a new account before Haleakala National Park Summit Sunrise tickets go on sale. You can only add a ticket to your cart and proceed with your reservation if you are logged into your account.
Please Note: Tickets are per vehicle, not per person. Tickets are limited to one per customer every three days.
Please click here to access Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Haleakala Summit Sunrise reservation process.
Need to Know
- Sunrise Reservation Confirmation and Photo ID
Be prepared to show your reservation confirmation email on your device when you enter the park in your vehicle and a photo ID matching the name of the reservation-holder. If your confirmation is accessible on your device, you do not need to print out a copy.
- Parking
Reservations do not ensure a parking space at any particular parking lot. Reservation holders may be directed by park staff to available spaces. Each driver of a non-commercial vehicle in any of the four highest elevation parking lots (Summit, Haleakala Visitor Center, Kalahaku and Leleiwi) must have in their possession a sunrise reservation during sunrise hours (3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.). There are no sunrise reservation refunds due to inclement weather.
- Entrance Fee Payment and Check-in
Save time in line by paying the vehicle entry fee on rec.gov after making your reservation! Visit Haleakala Site Pass for more information. The vehicle entry fee is separate and also payable via credit card on the day of your visit. The park does not accept cash or check. The park honors the Annual, Senior, Access and other Interagency Passes as well as the Annual Hawai'i Tri-Park Pass with appropriate photo identification. There is no pass discount for sunrise reservations.
- Remote Location & No Services
The Summit is remote and is high altitude. Emergency medical assistance is at least one hour away. Fill up your gas tank and bring food. Neither is available in the park. Visitor centers may not open until after sunrise. Visit the park Operating Hours and Seasons page, https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/hours.htm, for details.
- Speed Limits
Always respect speed limits. The park road passes through endangered species habitat.
- Dress
Be prepared for all kinds of weather. Temperatures at the Summit are at least 20 degrees colder than at sea level and often drop below freezing. Dress warmly or in layers. Bring water, sunscreen, and wear sturdy shoes.
- Summit is Sacred
Please respect natural resources and cultural artifacts, rocks, and structures. Stay on trails, and leave everything where you find it.
- Stop the Spread of Invasive Species
Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear,
pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated
roads and trails, and follow local guidelines for firewood. For more informatio n visit the National Invasive Species Information Center.
Booking Windows
- Sunrise Reservations are available for booking 60 days and 2 days in advance at 7:00 am HST.
- A reservation is required for each vehicle entering the park from 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Individuals may book one vehicle reservation every three days. The reservation holder must be present and provide identification matching the name on the reservation (ticket) confirmation. Tickets for Haleakala Summit Sunrise viewing are NOT available first-come, first-served at the park or at the entrance station.
- Reservations Required for each Vehicle. Haleakala Summit Sunrise Reservations are required and available year-round for a $1.00 reservation fee per vehicle. Visitors without a reservation may enter the park after 7:00 a.m. All non-commercial vehicles parking in any of the four highest elevation parking lots (Summit, Haleakala Visitor Center, Kalahaku and Leleiwi) during sunrise hours (3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.) must have a valid reservation, which must be produced. The proof of identification must match the name on the reservation (ticket) confirmation.
Changes and Cancellations
Sunrise reservations are non-refundable.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
PO Box 369 Makawao HI 96768
Available Tours and Tickets
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