Why NOT to see sunrise on Haleakala
I have been thinking about writing this post for a long time way before I even decided to have a blog, then I forgot about it. Today at work after the morning status meeting we had a shot discussion about beautiful sunrises in Hawaii and my old post ideas came back to me. I’m on my lunch break now writing about Haleakala sunrise before I forget about it again
A couple of things I want you to know about me before you read this post. First, I love sunrises. And second, I have never seen a sunrise on Haleakala and I do no plan to do it. However, I know half dozen people who did it and did not have good experience. I’ve been to Maui, Oahu, Big Island and Kauai. Kauai is by far my favorite island and Kauai sunrises are most beautiful sunrises I have ever seen.
5 reasons NOT to see sunrise on Haleakala.
The crowds.
Haleakala summit is probably one of the best place on Maui to see the sunrise. This means that you will have the best view from the top of the mountain and the best pictures of the sunrise. At the same time, it means that a lot other people want those best pictures of the Hawaiian sunrise too. So, if you visualize yourself watching a perfect peaceful sunrise over beautiful Hawaii island, your visualization is wrong (sorry to disappoint). Realistically you are looking for a parking lot packed with cars and several hundreds of tourists with their cameras lined up and ready for action. Also, unless you get there way before the sunrise, expect to have several lines of people in front of you.
The cold.
Yes, you are in Hawaii, but it can be freezing cold on the top. The temperature on the Haleakala summit can be 30-35 degrees lower compared to sea level, it can drop below freezing also. The summit is an open space, so, in addition to cold temperatures, it can be very windy there. When we started our Haleakala hike around 9 am in November couple of years ago, I regretted that I did not bring gloves because my hands were freezing.
The lines to the restroom.
You need to plan your restroom visit accordingly. There is only one small restroom on the summit parking lot and there will be huge lines especially before the sunrise. Imagine all those people who just got out of their cars after 2-3 hours of driving and drinking their morning coffee(or “night” coffee) in the car. They are all excited to see this sunrise that they dreamed about back at home, but they are even more excited to use the restroom. The lines don’t get shorter after the sunrise either. Oh, one more thing, the diaper changing table line. There is one changing table there and the line is separate from the restroom line, so you best bet here is to change diapers in the car.
The kids.
Crying little kids, a lot of them, strollers and baby carriers all around you. Don’t get me wrong, I love kids. I have two of my own, but there is no way I would wake up my little one at 2 am when I’m on vacation (or not on vacation) only for the sake of seeing the sunrise. So, again, if you are still planning to see this sunrise, get right expectations.
The day after the sunrise.
Your day after the sunrise most likely will be ruined as you will be tired after long early morning drive. You will need to wake up between 2 am and 3 am depending on your location on the island, drive an hour to couple of hours to the mountain and another 30 minutes or so up the mountain road in the dark, which is dangerous on its own if you live in flat area and not used to drive switchback mountain roads. Then you will stay in traffic driving down the mountain and by the time you get to the beach or other destination you will be exhausted and ready for a nap.
How to plan Haleakala Sunrise trip
So, if you absolutely must see this sunrise?
here are some tips for you before you go:
- Get to the park early, 4.30 am or even 4 am. This will give you enough time to park, use the restroom, get all your camera equipment set up and ready. This will also guarantee you a better viewing spot and picture opportunity.
- Dress in layer and bring a blanket just in case you need it. It is COLD there.
- Bring drinks and food as there is not store on the summit or on the way to the summit.
- Have enough gas. There is no gas station on the mountain, it sounds obvious, but just saying.
- And, most important, have the right expectations.
Ok, you convinced me, but what if I still want to see the sun on horizon from the top of the Haleakala? How about Haleakala sunset? This is much better option in my opinion, you will also have tons of photo opportunities. You will still see crowds waiting for the sunset, but it will be much warmer, you will have enough daylight to drive down the mountain after sunset before dark and you won’t have to get up in the middle of the night.
