Majestic Haleakala Sunrise Tour: Sunrise at Haleakala Summit with Pickup & Breakfast
Watch the sun climb above a volcanic rim on an early-morning drive to Haleakala’s 10,023-foot summit. This guided tour includes hotel pickup, a guided summit viewing, narrated stops through Haleakala National Park, and a plated breakfast at Maui Tropical Plantation.
The Experience
Before You Go
Layer up for summit temperatures
Summit temps can be near freezing before and just after sunrise—bring a warm jacket, hat, and gloves even if your hotel feels tropical.
Charge and protect camera batteries
Cold drains batteries quickly—store spares inside your jacket and use exposure bracketing to handle high-contrast sunrise scenes.
Tell the operator about breathing issues
Because the tour reaches ~10,000 ft, notify the operator of respiratory or cardiac conditions; an onboard oxygen generator is available.
Confirm pickup time and meeting point
Pickup windows vary by hotel location—call ahead to confirm exact pickup or plan to use the provided meeting locations with free parking.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Puʻu ʻUlaʻula (Red Hill) rim viewpoints for dramatic crater angles
- •Upcountry Kula roadside stands—try fresh island-grown produce after the tour
Wildlife
- •Nēnē (Hawaiian goose)
- •ʻIo (Hawaiian hawk)
Conservation Note
The summit’s alpine ecosystem is fragile—stay on paved paths, avoid introducing seeds on boots, and respect park rules to limit erosion and protect native plants.
Haleakala is culturally significant to Native Hawaiians and features in legends about the demigod Maui; later the area supported ranching and plantation activity that shaped Upcountry Maui.
Photographer's Notes
- • Main summit viewing area on the crater rim
- • Puʻu ʻUlaʻula (Red Hill) lookout
- • Sliding Sands Trail overlook for crater depth shots
What to Bring
Insulating outer layer (fleece or down)Essential
Keeps you warm at the cold summit and during pre-dawn waits.
Warm hat and glovesEssential
Small items that make a big difference in near-freezing early-morning conditions.
Sturdy closed-toe shoesEssential
Trails and viewing areas are uneven and can be icy or dusty depending on conditions.
Camera with spare batteries
Cold reduces battery life—bring spares and a small tripod for low-light sunrise shots.
Common Questions
How early is pickup?
Pickup times vary by hotel—most West and South side hotels have very early pickups (often around 2:00–3:30 AM) to reach the summit before sunrise; confirm exact time with the operator.
Is the tour suitable for children and older adults?
Yes; the tour is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible and designed for all fitness levels, though infants must sit on laps and older adults should consider altitude effects.
What should I wear?
Dress in layers with an insulating jacket, hat, and gloves—footwear should be closed-toe and slip-resistant.
Are park admission and breakfast included?
Yes, the tour includes Haleakala National Park admission and a sit-down plated breakfast with three menu options.
What if the weather is bad?
The operator may run the tour in a variety of weather conditions unless the park is closed; check local updates and the 24-hour cancellation policy for refunds.
Can I take professional photos for a fee?
Casual photography is fine; commercial or professional shoots usually require prior permits from the National Park Service—contact the operator and the park for details.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
8 hours
Location
Kula, Hawaii
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most travelers who can sit through an early-morning vehicle ride and tolerate brief walks at altitude; not strenuous.
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