Aloha! We're traveling to Maui in March and sunrise at Haleakala is on our list. Is it better to go on one of the tours (Roberts Hawaii, Temptation Tours,etc...) or drive ourselves? We'll have a 6 yr old and 9 yr odl with us. Thanks in advance for your assistance!

I can't imagine driving the road up to the Haleakala crater in the dark. The road is very steep and the switch-backs are incredibly tight. It was frightening and difficult in the daylight. And have good breaks going back down!

I have done the drive to the peak during daylight,I did not think it was that challenging.
I'm just not sure that dragging the kids out of bed at 3am and taking a long, dark car ride is the best use of you precious vacation time.

I would definitely not be comfortable making that drive myself in the dark!

No one in my family wanted to get up in the middle of the night to make it for sunrise, so we went in the early morning daylight with my capable brother-in-law at the wheel of our van... Even that was a bit unnerving and car sickness provoking.

I don't think the drive is that bad, but not sure the kids are going to appreciate it. I would do it myself if I were you though - it gives you the option to leave when you want to, and to stop for breakfast on the way back out. There was a great place for pancakes on the way back down the road - just can't think of the name. Also, it is very cold up at the top of the mountain before sunrise, so be sure to bring coats, blankets or sweaters.

I've made the drive up several times and it's not a big deal - there are many cars in a line going up so you're in good company. My kids have had no trouble sleeping all the way up. We usually bring cookies and hot cocoa for those of us who stay awake (like me the driver!) It's all part of the fun.

Take the bus! And dress warm...we froze our butts off.

Bob Gardner