Reserve your sunset parking space before you go

If you plan to watch the sunrise at Haleakala, be sure to plan ahead! About a year ago, Haleakala National Park implemented a reservation program in response to steadily increasing traffic and overcrowding at the summit. The 150 parking spots available during the sunrise reservation period (from 3 to 7 a.m.) generally sell out in a matter of minutes. The park initially releases a large portion of the parking spots 60 days in advance, with the remainder held until two days before the day of the visit. Visitors without a reservation are not allowed up to the summit until after 7 a.m. and the park turns away about 10 cars per day. Reserve your spot at www.nps.gov/…/planyourvi…/haleakala-sunrise-reservations.htm.

If you plan to go, bring extremely warm clothes (it is shocking how cold it is up there) and leave early! I recommend going on your first morning in Maui when you haven’t adjusted to the time zone yet.

SECRET: If you forget to get reservations or waking up early isn’t your thing, consider going for a romantic sunset after an upcountry food tour. The views are just as spectacular and you can stay as long as you want to watch the stars come out. Buy some cheese from Surfing Goat Dairy, lavender treats from Kula Lavender Farm, meat from the takeout deli at Ulupalakua Ranch and a bottle of wine from Ulupalakua Winery (none for the driver, please!).

I usually enjoy Haleakala during the day with some upcountry exploring. While I’ve never done a sunrise Haleakala bike tour, Maui Sunriders Bike Tours comes highly recommended by many because it is self-paced (some of the groups really fly down!). If you do it, just promise me you will be careful!!!

Never-ending views no matter what time of day

The rare Haleakala Silversword plant