Maui in a day and 1/2
 

We are sailing on the Pride of America. We will have a car from around 10:30 AM on the first day and return it around 3:30 on the second day. We decided not to go back to the ship but to stay at a B&b near Haleaka.

Questions:

Sunrise or sunset at Haleaka?

What time is best for sunrise?

Do you need advance tickets?

Any suggestions for things to do on way to Haleaka on the first day and back to the airport on the second day?

We enjoyed Haleakala mid-morning (no one in my family wanted to get up 'in the middle of the night' or make the drive in the dark for sunrise).

It's very beautiful and not quite so freezing cold as the day goes on. Don't miss the various trails on the way up, in addition to the spectacular view at the top of course.

There aren't "tickets". You pay a day pass/ entrance fee to the park per vehicle.
https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/fees.htm

Not much in the way of responses for the way to Haleakala and back.... but what are you interested in?
Several Upcountry activities are available - winery tour, visit Makawao, lavender farm, Surfing Goat Dairy farm, visit Paia, and watching the great windsurfing at Hookipa Beach are some of the options, that could chew up your available time quite easily.

We got up to Haleakala by 9 am and it was wonderful. I would not want to be driving those roads in the dark.

Good recs above for up country Maui.

Sunset at Haleakala was one of the most memorable experiences of my lifetime. It was magnificent and unearthly. The clouds (below us!) turned every shade of crimson. FYI, it was FREEZING. You've got to bring enough layers to dress as if it were winter.

It rained on the way back down (in the dark). That made me a little nervous, but when the rain stopped and the clouds passed, the stars were incredible, and the drive was not an issue. There were lots of other drivers heading down and we basically just followed the headlights in front of us.

If you are a nervous driver don't do it in the dark. If you're someone who doesn't mind driving slowly on dark, windy roads (with a line of headlights in front of you) then don't miss it at sunset.

When I think of Maui I picture beautiful beaches, crystal clear water and colorful tropical fish.
I would spend my time swimming and snorkeling, not riding in a car.

logandog, Have you been up Haleakala before?

We own a condo in Kihei so we are over there quite often.
I've been to the summit several times but always in the middle of the day. My son proposed to his wife on the trail in the crater.
I'm a nervous driver on mountain roads, such as Durango to Ouray. The drive up the volcano doesn't scare me at all, no big drop-offs.
So, based on my own experience, I would spend those thirty hours enjoying what the island has to offer at sea level.

Thanks for the answer. I was just surprised because I thought Haleakala was one of the most spectacular things I have ever seen. Right up there with the Grand Canyon.