Enjoy the Sunrise
Haleakalā National Park
Start your day at the top of Haleakalā. With an advance sunrise reservation, visitors can await the dawn from any of four lookouts leading to the summit.
There are four excellent overlooks from which to watch sunrise (see the location dropdown below). Each one presents unique opportunities for experiencing the best of Haleakalā. On a busy morning, some parking lots may fill up sooner than others. Plan to be flexible, and know that all four options are excellent for sunrise viewing. Sunrise watchers at any one of the locations listed below may hear an oli, a traditional Hawaiian chant, to welcome the sun. Mahalo (thank you) for your respect during these oli.
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2-4 Hours
To get the most out of the experience, and to be able to park and your preferred location, itʻs ideal to arrive at the park gate no later than 90 minutes prior to sunrise. The distance between the park entrance gate to the highest elevation of Puʻuʻulaʻula is about 10 miles, but takes 30 minutes to drive to the winding nature of the road. Advance sunrise reservations are required to enter the park between 3 am and 7 am each morning.
All visitors to park must pay the park entrance fee at the entrance gate or present a valid park pass. Find our more about Fees and Passes. In addition to the entrance fee at the gate, advance sunrise reservations are required to enter the park between 3 am and 7 am. Reservations can be made on Recreation.gov. The reservation fee is $1.
Yes
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Dawn
The most easily accessed spot to view sunrise is from the Haleakalā Visitor Center. Accessibility here includes accessible park spots, a ramp up a slight incline, and accessible restrooms. Puʻuʻulaʻula, also know as the Summit, also has a ramp to the viewing area but it is much steeper. Kalahaku also has a steep ramp to the viewing area. Leleiwi Overlook is only accessed via a rocky trail with steep, uneven steps.
Yes — All pets must be leashed. Pets are only permitted on paved surfaces. Pets are not permitted on any park trails.
Yes — Advance reservations are required for sunrise viewing at Haleakalā. Reservations can be made online at Recreation.gov. The reservation system was established in 2017 to better protect both visitors and the endangered species within the park. Read more about Sunrise Reservations.
Haleakalā National Park
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