We are thinking about driving up for the sunrise on the volocano the first full day we are in Maui...what time should we depart? We are staying in the Kapalua area...

Thanks!

To get a good viewing spot, plan on arriving about an hour before the official sunrise time. Will probably take upwards of 2 hours to get there from Kapalua.

Thanks Doug!

Dress in layers...it can really be cold at the peak. Thirty degrees colder than at the base.

As you descend, you just start peeling off layers.

When we went we satopped at the Sunrise Protea Farm on the way day. After admiring the flowers we sent some to ourselves so as to arrive the day after we returned.

It was a real boost to have "our" flowers arrive when we returned home.
http://www.sunriseprotea.com/

Yes, I knew about the layers...thanks for the reminder.

That's an excellent idea about the flowers...and I had planned on ordering some for my inlaws who are watching our dog while we are away. perfect!

Hi! I'd suggest allowing at least 2-1/2 hours from Kapalua to get to the summit of Haleakala. The sun rises at about 6 am right now so that would mean leaving at 3:30 am (EEK!). The best thing about driving at that hour is that there's hardly any traffic. Best to look up the times if you're going to be visiting a while from now, of course.

Here's hoping for good weather on your sunrise day!