Staying in west Maui and thinking of doing an afternoon trip. Doubt we could get up for the sunrise, but thought sunset would also be superb.

Just how cold will it be? Are we talking coats and blankets?

Thinking of doing the half-mile nature trail at Hosmer Grove and parking at the Halemau'u Trailhead and hiking down to the rim (two-mile round trip?)

Any ideas for dinner on the way back?

How much time should I plan to get there from Ka'anapali Beach?

I was there in July and it was plenty cold (40's) in the morning. It may be much warmer by afternoon but still cool.

Suggest dinner in Makawao or at the Kula Lodge.

Travel time from Ka'anapali in the afternoon and all the way to the top could be...hour and a half? Two hours? Hard to say for sure.

I always tell people to go up in the late afternoon! The park is almost deserted, the colors of the crater are amazing, and the sunset, whether cloudy or not, is always spectacular. (I almost prefer the clouds; the light playing off them is awesome.) Go up, enjoy the crater (overlooks and visitor's center), THEN park at one of the western facing overlooks (and wait for the stars; that's pretty spectacular, too). It's much easier to drive the turny road up in the daylight if you haven't been before, and then go back down with almost no other traffic (unlike hoards of bikes for the sunrise). A wonderful way to spend an afternoon and evening after a morning at the beach!! You don't need coats--maybe a sweater if you are going to walking about. (If you do the trail, you'll need to adjust your times and clothing: more and more.)

Bring a picnic.

When we did the early AM viewing, the temp was in the 30's and the wind was about the same! COLD! We took jackets, blankets and I took those disposable hand warmers and a back warmer....still my eyes were stung so by the cold wind I cried most of my make-up off!

We had lunch at the Paia Fishmarket, which is casual picnic type tables but good food..._GonetoMaui had recommended it.

Thanks for the info.

Had a wonderful visit - views were amazing. Hiked down into the crater and
found out the high altitude does make one huff and puff a bit on the return climb.

Yes, it was a very long, winding road, but worth the extra effort. Had to use low gears going down and heard stories of rental cars having thier brakes being burned out. It was 56 with a stiff breeze at two in the afternoon so the mornings must be frigid.