easy
5–7 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels; primarily a seated bus tour with short walks at the summit.
Watch the sun rise over Maui’s volcanic summit on a private bus tour that includes breakfast at a local café. Discover stunning landscapes, native plants, and Hawaiian culture on this unforgettable Haleakala adventure.
Experience the breathtaking Haleakala Sunrise Tour, where you'll witness the stunning sunrise from the 9,740-foot summit of Haleakala. Enjoy a scenic 38-mile drive through unique landscapes, see rare flora, and savor a delicious breakfast at Cafe O'Lei. This unforgettable journey combines natural beauty with rich Hawaiian culture.
Viewing the Maui sunrise atop Haleakala is among the most sought-after experiences in the islands. The other worldly landscape, altitude, unique flora, and pervasive influence of ancient Hawaiian culture combine to create an event simply beyond imagination. Translated from Hawaiian, Haleakala means “House of the Sun”, and as the most experienced of Haleakala tour providers and operators of the finest vehicles for the trip, Polynesian Adventure Tours is ideally qualified to share the rising of the sun with you.
Your expert driver guide will greet you at your hotel and welcome you aboard a state-of-art minibus that features wide side windows to allow views along the way. Above the clouds, take in the stunning views of the rising sun. Upon descending from the dormant Maui volcano tour, you will join newfound friends for a delicious local style breakfast at Mill House with its fine hospitality and idyllic country setting before returning to your hotel.
Tour Highlights:
Hotel pickup in specially outfitted deluxe minibus with USB ports, video monitors, climate control, and the best windows for viewing the Haleakala landscape.
Dormant Volcano Haleakala was formed approximately 1 million years ago through the building up of layers of flowing lava. It has been a sacred location for Polynesian people who settled on the island 400-650 A.D.
Haleakala National Park is home to over 1,000 different species of plant life. During the 38-mile ascent you will view the magnificent silver sword plant, found nowhere else on earth, and pass ancient sacred locations, and breathtaking views from the safety and comfort of your vehicle
Ranger Station of the Park is at 7,000ft where a convenient rest top is taken, and visitor information is available.
Viewing of Maui Sunrise as it rises above the clouds is the climax of the morning. The unforgettable show of light and color bursting into view is a spiritual experience for many. Majestic views from the 9,740ft elevation are unparalleled anywhere. They are so expansive that under especially clear sky conditions other islands may be seen several miles away.
Haleakala Visitor Center, constructed in 1936, is a small stone structure on the edge of a cliff. Information, souvenirs, and more. You’ll want to spend some time with the welcoming staff that is pleased to share their insights.
Descend through the Clouds as you gently glide through the changes in topography, weather, and scenery accompanied by elevation changes.
Views of Kula come into focus when approaching the open country slopes of the agricultural land in this rustic region, home to early Portuguese and Chinese immigrant plantation workers.
Scenic Upcountry Maui where misty mountain views, rich volcanic soil, and verdant farmland blends with a combination of early settlements and affluent new estates. The sunrise in Maui is truly one of a kind.
Breakfast included at Mill House, a local favorite, where you and your newly found friends will enjoy a delicious meal together.
Souvenir pamphlet containing facts, Hawaiian cultural information, and more.
Hotel return after your memorable morning on fabled Haleakala.
Details:
ATTENTION! Haleakala National Park Sunrise Precautions
Dress warmly for your Haleakala tour as temperatures fluctuate. This tour is not recommended for people with heart or respiratory conditions that may be exacerbated due to high altitude. People who have gone scuba diving should wait 72 hours before going on this tour. No refunds if sunrise not visible due to inclement weather conditions. This tour is operated on very rough, winding roads. It is not recommended for pregnant women or those with back or motion problems.
Departure & Return Location
Hotel pick up is provided from major Maui hotels. Enter the name of your hotel at time of reservation. Phone our Reservations Department at 808-877-4242, 24 hours prior to tour to re-confirm your pick up time and place. We are not permitted to pick up in residential areas or at B&B’s.
Times
Note: Your exact pickup time will vary depending on your pickup location.
Price Includes
Tour Restriction(s): This tour is not recommended for guests with heart or respiratory conditions that may be exacerbated due to high altitude. People who have gone scuba diving should wait 72 hours before going on this tour. This tour is operated on rough, winding roads. It is not recommended for pregnant women or those with back or motion problems.
Cancellation Policy: A full refund is provided if the tour is canceled more than 72 hours prior to tour departure time. If canceled within 72 hours of tour departure time or if guest no-shows no refund is provided. Refund requests are to be received within 30 days of the date of the tour. Refunds or partial refunds for tours, activities, flights, or venues that are cancelled due to reasons outside of our control (weather, force majeure, etc.) as well as refunds for extenuating circumstances will not be honored.
Haleakala Authorized Concessioner
The National Park Service and the Department of the Interior authorize Polynesian Adventure Activities to serve the public in Haleakala National Park.
This service is operated by Polynesian Adventure Activities, a Concessioner under contract with the U.S. Government and administered by the National Park Service. The Concessioner is responsible for conducting these operations in a satisfactory manner. Prices are approved by the National Park Service. Please address comments to:
Superintendent Haleakala National Park PO Box 369 Makawao, HI 96768
Temperatures at the summit can be chilly before sunrise, so bring warm layers to stay comfortable.
The tour includes some walking on uneven volcanic terrain, so sturdy shoes with good grip are recommended.
Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the breathtaking sunrise and colorful skies.
This popular tour fills up quickly, so book your spot well in advance to secure your seat.
Haleakala is considered sacred in Hawaiian culture, with legends describing it as the home of demigods and a place where the sun was imprisoned to regulate its path.
Strict park regulations protect Haleakala's fragile ecosystems; visitors are encouraged to stay on designated paths and avoid disturbing native plants and wildlife.
Keeps you warm during the cold pre-dawn hours at the summit.
winter specific
Captures stunning sunrise views and vibrant landscapes.
Provides good support and traction for exploring volcanic terrain.
Stay hydrated throughout the tour, especially in dry weather.