Re Haleaka, we are planning to go up on our own not using a tour. So, we have an option as to what time we go up - is sunrise really that much better then just showing up in the morning?

Re VNP, lava currently is not flowing into the ocean. Assuming that is still the case when we are there (2 weeks) does that mean there is nothing to see at night?

For Haleakala (you need a couple more letters in the spelling), our family went up mid-morning, driving ourselves in a van.

We were staying in Lahaina. No one wanted to get up in the middle of the night, or make the winding drive up in the dark to be there for sunrise.

It was a VERY enjoyable day, I'd do it again the same timing.

If you can handle getting up in the middle of the night, I'd do it... I LOVED watching the sunrise from the top!

Have fun

The views are actually better later in the morning, around 10 am. The lighting is at its best, provided you have clear weather. From around 11:30 or so the clouds start to move in.

Haleakala is definitely worth being there at sunrise (yes, you have to get up at 3:30 am ...) I've also been later and for sunset, and while lovely, it's not nearly as striking, IMHO.

Would never do it again (tried many times). Frigid, miserable dark drive up, rarely clear enough to see anything. Why not go up for sunset (after seeing the National Park in the afternoon; crater colors are amazing). Take a picnic, pull into a west-facing turnout, and after the sunset, the stars are incredible. It's also easier to avoid the throngs, and driving up the first time in the light is far better than in the dark...

sylvia, with all due respect, when we did sunrise, the ride was gorgeous, crystal clear with the most stars I've ever seen in a sky, and it wasn't really that dark because there was a whole long line of cars going up. You're not alone for the drive ... but, Susan, do take a hotel blanket because it is COLD at sunrise.

I've been to the summit twice. Once was midday. We drove up because we had time to kill before our flight left. It was nice but not earth shattering.

The second time we did the sunrise bike tour. Yes, it was cold but the sunrise was stunning. Standing out in the cold was interesting in and of itself; we felt like Druids waiting for the sun.

The next time we go in July we're planning on doing the StarGazers tour. We'll drive up before dark and stay for a look at the stars. I'm hoping for a clear night.

If you are interested in doing a sunrise viewing, remember that the time differece works in your favor if you're traveling from the mainland. We're from Ohio so we're 5-6 hours ahead of Maui. The first day we arrived we collapsed into bed at 9pm (2am Ohio time) and arose at 4:00am (9am Ohio time). So plan very early activities such as the Haleakala trip early in your trip while you're still on mainland time. 3:30am isn't as bad as it sounds when it's 8:30am mainland time.

If I wanted to see the sunrise, I'd join some kind of tour that drove you up there. I would not be comfortable driving that road myself in the dark (even in a line of traffic).

Sunrise is definitley worth it. It was amazing to see how the sun came up through the clouds. The colors were incredible. We were up there when it was still pitch black dark and saw more stars than we have ever seen in our lives. It was cool watching it gradually get lighter and seeing the stars disappear. Just be sure to bring warm clothes- it was cold even in August!

Haleakala is hit or miss. There's often a lot of cloud cover and you can miss out on the amazing sunrise. BUT, if you do get a chance to see an amazing clear sunrise, it'll be the best of your life. Bring the hotel blanket? Bring a whole lot more than just a blanket. I was wearing loads of layers last time, with sky gloves and all. I was still chilly.

And Yes, before someone else mentions it, my gloves were made out of the sky... they was my magic gloves.

Susan, we loved the sunrise at Haleakala - it was gorgeous, and we got amazing photos of it. For us, it was really special. Our guidebook said, "No matter how many layers you have on, it won't be enough." And it didn't lie - so cold and ice on the ground when we were there. I'd dress really warmly, bring a blanket, and hot coffee or hot chocolate if you can get it. Also, it's best to do it the day after your arrival, so you're not on Hawaii time yet - makes it easier to get up than once your body clock has adjusted - that's what our guidebook recommended. I think you should go for it!

We found it a good idea to do it on the first day on Maui.
Flying in from Alberta our bodies were still on mountain time zone so arising at 3.00 am felt like 7.00 am to us.

Hi SusanC,

I lived on Maui for many years, recently moving off-island to California.

Having been a local, I saw the sunrise from Hale'akala many times. I never got tired of it. It is VERY cold, but the most magical and beautiful thing to see. As close to heaven as I could imagine. Actually even more beautiful when there are clouds.

Obviously, I highly recommend it. Just bring warm clothes and/or blankets!!!!

Have fun!