How To Watch The Sunset From The Haleakala Summit (2025)
Are you planning to watch the sunset from the Haleakala summit? You’ve come to the right article.
Haleakala is a dormant shield volcano located in east Maui that makes up over 75% of the island. With its summit being at 10,023 feet in elevation, it’s an incredible place to watch the sunrise or sunset above the clouds!
This article will cover exactly how to watch the sunset from the Haleakala summit, where to park, and more important tips.
Here’s everything you should know to watch an epic sunset from the Haleakala Summit.
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How To Get To The Haleakala Summit
Haleakala National Park is home to three visitor centers, with two being located off of Haleakala highway on the drive up to the summit.
The first visitor center (Headquarters Visitor Center) is at an elevation of over 7,000 feet, whereas the second visitor center (Haleakala Visitor Center) is located above the clouds at over 9,000 feet!
The last visitor center (Kīpahulu Visitor Center) is not on the mountain, but located off of the road to Hana.
As you begin the drive up to the summit, you’ll pass an entrance station where you can pay the $30/vehicle fee. This pass is valid for 3 days, and covers access to both entrances.
To watch the sunrise or sunset at the summit, you’ll drive all the way to the Haleakala Visitor Center. This visitor center (9,740 feet) has a small parking lot with restrooms, and is open daily from 8:30am-4:30pm.
Here you’ll have an amazing view of the sunset above the clouds, but for the best view, head to the summit.
The summit (10,023 feet) is only a 0.5 mile hike from the visitor center, and it has a small dedicated parking lot. Here you’ll have a panoramic view of the sunset over the crater, and will be able to see the astronomical observatory.
There’s another small parking lot at the summit, and street parking available just down the street. I watched the sunset from the summit, and it was the pinkest, most beautiful sunset I’ve seen in my life!
Driving To The Summit
The drive up to the summit winds around the mountain, and the speed limit is capped at 20mph, so it took me around 45 minutes to get there from the entrance station.
It’s a relatively easy drive, and you’ll begin to drive through the clouds as you get closer to the summit.
Just remember to respect the speed limits, as the park’s home to a variety of endangered bird species. On the way up, there’s restrooms at both visitor centers (Haleakala Visitor Center and Headquarters Visitor Center).
Tips For Visiting The Haleakala Summit
The temperature at the Haleakala summit is around 50-60° F, and it gets increasingly chilly as the sun goes down. So, don’t forget to bring a jacket, and a hat and gloves if visiting in the winter.
After stopping at the Visitor Center (9,740 feet), I highly recommend driving up to the summit for the best view. It’s only a 0.5 mile hike, or a short drive from the visitor center, and the view is unbeatable.
- Wear warm clothes
- Arrive 30 minutes to an hour early to secure parking
- Go all the way to the summit for the best view
- Drive the speed limit (20mph) on the way up to avoid hitting endangered birds
- Join a group tour if you’re not comfortable driving to the summit
- Hold onto your receipt so you can access the hiking trails off of the road to Hana entrance (Seven Sacred Pools) within the next 3 days
Haleakala Sunset Viewpoint Map
Haleakala Sunset FAQs
When’s the best time to visit the Haleakala summit?
The best time to visit the Haleakala Summit is around 30 minutes to an hour before sunset. This will allow you to secure parking, and hike up to the summit to watch the sunset above the clouds!
I arrived early, and was able to see the colors change from light orange to bright pink, and it’s definitely something you won’t want to miss.
Is the drive to the summit easy?
Yes, the drive to the summit is relatively easy, and the speed limit is kept at 20mph. It winds up the mountain on a well paved highway, and you’ll be above the clouds for a good portion of the drive (above 7,000 feet).
Do you need a 4×4 vehicle to visit the summit?
No, you don’t need a 4×4 vehicle to visit the summit, as the highway’s well maintained. I drove to the summit in a small sedan and had no problems.
Are there tours available to the summit?
If you’re not comfortable driving to the summit, you can join a sunrise or sunset tour. Skyline Hawaii offers the top-rated sunrise tour, and includes a free breakfast, and full transportation from hotels in Maui.
What elevation is the Haleakala Visitor Center at?
The Headquarters Visitor Center is at an elevation of over 7,000 feet, and the Haleakala Visitor Center is at an elevation of 9,740 feet above the clouds.
If you want to watch the sunrise/sunset, you’ll drive to the Haleakala Visitor Center, which is only a 0.5 mile hike to the summit.
Are there restrooms at the summit?
Yes, there are restrooms at the Haleakala Headquarters Visitor Center, which is 0.5 miles from the summit. It has a small parking lot, and the restrooms are open all day.
What else is there to do at Haleakala National Park?
Beyond watching the sunrise/sunset, Haleakala National Park has several great hiking trails. With your entrance pass, you have access to the park for 3 days.
The pass also includes access to the road to Hana entrance (Kīpahulu Visitor Center), where you can hike to the Seven Sacred Pools.
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