Tour stop
Sunrise at Haleakala National Park Tour
About The Tour
Haleakala Sunrise & Summit Self-Guided Tour. Haleakala National Park is one of the most iconic places in Hawaii to experience sunrise, where visitors gather before dawn to watch the sun rise above the clouds from the summit of Haleakala, meaning “house of the sun.” With Shaka Guide, you’ll be guided all the way to the summit with stories, legends, and history of this sacred landscape—so you’ll understand what makes the Haleakala sunrise experience so unforgettable as you wait for the first light.
Planning to visit for sunrise or later in the day? This tour is designed to enhance your experience any time you explore the summit area, with guided stops, hikes, and viewpoints along the way.
Here are just a few of the highlights on the tour:
• Watch the unforgettable sunrise from the summit of Haleakala Summit
• Hike the otherworldly Sliding Sands Trail or explore Hosmer Grove
• Visit local farms like a lavender farm or dairy farm in Upcountry Maui
• Walk through historic Makawao, a charming paniolo cowboy town
Whether you are searching for the best Haleakala sunrise experience or planning a daytime visit to explore the summit and Upcountry Maui, this tour helps you make the most of your trip with guided stories and stops along the way.
Planning an evening experience of Haleakala? Check out our Haleakala Sunset & Stargazing Tour instead.
Planning to visit for sunrise or later in the day? This tour is designed to enhance your experience any time you explore the summit area, with guided stops, hikes, and viewpoints along the way.
Here are just a few of the highlights on the tour:
• Watch the unforgettable sunrise from the summit of Haleakala Summit
• Hike the otherworldly Sliding Sands Trail or explore Hosmer Grove
• Visit local farms like a lavender farm or dairy farm in Upcountry Maui
• Walk through historic Makawao, a charming paniolo cowboy town
Whether you are searching for the best Haleakala sunrise experience or planning a daytime visit to explore the summit and Upcountry Maui, this tour helps you make the most of your trip with guided stories and stops along the way.
Planning an evening experience of Haleakala? Check out our Haleakala Sunset & Stargazing Tour instead.
About the tour
Haleakala Sunrise & Summit Self-Guided Tour. Haleakala National Park is one of the most iconic places in Hawaii to experience sunrise, where visitors gather before dawn to watch the sun rise above the clouds from the summit of Haleakala, meaning “house of the sun.” With Shaka Guide, you’ll be guided all the way to the summit with stories, legends, and history of this sacred landscape—so you’ll understand what makes the Haleakala sunrise experience so unforgettable as you wait for the first light.
Planning to visit for sunrise or later in the day? This tour is designed to enhance your experience any time you explore the summit area, with guided stops, hikes, and viewpoints along the way.
Here are just a few of the highlights on the tour:
• Watch the unforgettable sunrise from the summit of Haleakala Summit
• Hike the otherworldly Sliding Sands Trail or explore Hosmer Grove
• Visit local farms like a lavender farm or dairy farm in Upcountry Maui
• Walk through historic Makawao, a charming paniolo cowboy town
Whether you are searching for the best Haleakala sunrise experience or planning a daytime visit to explore the summit and Upcountry Maui, this tour helps you make the most of your trip with guided stories and stops along the way.
Planning an evening experience of Haleakala? Check out our Haleakala Sunset & Stargazing Tour instead.
Planning to visit for sunrise or later in the day? This tour is designed to enhance your experience any time you explore the summit area, with guided stops, hikes, and viewpoints along the way.
Here are just a few of the highlights on the tour:
• Watch the unforgettable sunrise from the summit of Haleakala Summit
• Hike the otherworldly Sliding Sands Trail or explore Hosmer Grove
• Visit local farms like a lavender farm or dairy farm in Upcountry Maui
• Walk through historic Makawao, a charming paniolo cowboy town
Whether you are searching for the best Haleakala sunrise experience or planning a daytime visit to explore the summit and Upcountry Maui, this tour helps you make the most of your trip with guided stories and stops along the way.
Planning an evening experience of Haleakala? Check out our Haleakala Sunset & Stargazing Tour instead.
STARTING POINTS
-KahuluiKNOW BEFORE YOU GO
-You must book advance reservations for sunrise visits to Haleakala. Visit the official National Park Service website for more details.
RECOMMENDED START TIME
-Before 4:00 a.m. (check sunrise times in advance)
OUR SHAKA PROMISE
• Reliable customer support
• Tours crafted by real people
• Satisfaction guaranteed
• Tours never expire
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Now Playing
1. Welcome to Haleakala Driving Tour Preview!
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2. Upcountry Maui Intro
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00:53
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3. Up We Go!
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02:20
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4. Road Construction
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02:23
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5. Makawao Town
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04:02
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6. Haleakala's Science City
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04:18
Now Playing
7. Pu'u'ula'ula (Red Hill) Summit
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01:15
Sunrise at Haleakala National Park Tour Map
Explore Tour Map
Sunrise at Haleakala National Park Tour Stops
Things to do on the Tour Include:
Tour stop
Final Viewpoint
Tour stop
Haleakala National Park Entrance Sign
Tour stop
Pukalani Town
Tour stop
Halemau'u Crater Hike
Tour stop
Kalahaku Overlook
Tour stop
Makawao Town
Tour stop
Pa Ka'oao Trail
Meet the Creators
Gray Gleason
Narrator
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Creators behind the Sunrise at Haleakala National Park Tour
Gray Gleason
Narrator
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Andrew Fowers
Writer/Editor
“I started this business because I believe that when you connect a story to a place, it transforms your journey. It allows you to step beyond being just a tourist and become an informed traveler, fully present in the moment. Our hope is that you come for the guide, but stay for the stories that bring these destination to life.” - Andrew Fowers
Rita Fowers
Writer/Editor
Favorite Quote:
"What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for some goal worthy of him." - Viktor Frankl
Robin Montgomery
Writer
Favorite Quote:
“The mountains are calling, and I must go.” - John Muir.
Andrew Shults
Producer & Data Team Manager
Favorite Quote:
“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.” - Douglas Adams
Purchase Options
1.
Sunrise at Haleakala National Park Tour
$ 19.99
Gift A Tour!
Gift the joy of travel! During checkout, select "Gift this Purchase" to schedule your delivery and write your personalized message.
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Sunrise at Haleakala National Park Tour FAQS
Information
- National Park Service
- Maui Road Closures
- MauiCounty.Gov
- Haleakala Facebook Page
- Haleakala Reservation Page
Conditions can change fast. Please check these links for closures, alerts and local conditions before your trip. Stay informed so you can ensure a smooth ride for your trip.
Important Update!
Important Notice for Visitors – Haleakalā National Park
Aloha Shaka Guiders!
A reservation is required for each vehicle entering the Summit District from 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Reservations are released up to 60 days in advance at 7:00 a.m. HST, with an additional batch released 2 days before your visit. Reservations cost $1 per vehicle and must be booked through Recreation.gov.
Haleakalā National Park is currently open, but weather, road, trail, and facility conditions can change. For the latest updates on closures and park conditions, please check the official Haleakalā National Park alerts and conditions page.
You may notice some changes along your tour—things like temporary road closures, limited access to certain stops, or areas undergoing repairs. Our routes are designed to guide you safely, but conditions can shift, so a little flexibility goes a long way.
As you explore, we ask that you travel with care and respect—for the land, the communities, and the people who call these places home. If an area looks closed or impacted, please honor posted signs and avoid entering. These moments are part of the story of Hawai‘i too, and your kuleana (responsibility) as a visitor helps keep these places protected for everyone.
Mahalo for your understanding, and for exploring with aloha 💛
Amy
Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- More than a map and directions — your tour, fully guided
- Audio storytelling that plays as you drive
- Music and immersive sound to upgrade your drive
- Human-created, professionally narrated tours
- Pre-planned route with turn-by-turn directions
- Itinerary mapped out with must-see stops
- Expert travel tips
- Offline access – works without data or wifi
- Flexible, self-paced experience
- One purchase per vehicle (not per person)
- Lifetime access (tours never expire)
- Reliable customer support
Exclusions:
- Private transportation (use your own or rental vehicle)
- Meals
- Attraction admission or park entrance fees
- Parking fees
- Live tour guide or in-person services
- Trip planning or booking services
- Fully customizable navigation like Google or Apple Maps
- On-demand route planning or custom directions
- Open-ended navigation tools
Tour FAQs
1. Where does the Sunrise at Haleakala Driving Tour go?
This tour begins in Kahului and guides you through the park until you reach the summit. From there you’ll watch the sunrise before continuing the tour with hikes and viewpoints on your way down the mountain. Here are some of the popular spots you can explore on the tour!
Pukalani Town
Haleakalā Visitor Center (Upper Visitor’s Center)
Sliding Sands Trails
Kalahaku Overlook
Leleiwi Overlook
Halemau’u Trail
Headquarters Visitor Center (Lower Visitor’s Center)
Historic Makawao Town
For help planning your day check out our Sunrise at Haleakala National Park suggested itinerary and here's everything you need to know before you go.
Pukalani Town
Haleakalā Visitor Center (Upper Visitor’s Center)
Sliding Sands Trails
Kalahaku Overlook
Leleiwi Overlook
Halemau’u Trail
Headquarters Visitor Center (Lower Visitor’s Center)
Historic Makawao Town
For help planning your day check out our Sunrise at Haleakala National Park suggested itinerary and here's everything you need to know before you go.
2. Can I join the Sunrise at Haleakala National Park Tour along the route?
Yes! Feel free to join the tour along the route. Just make sure that you follow the numbers in chronological order from where you are starting from. If you don’t begin at one of the tour starting points you’ll miss a few stories, but you’ll still have a great experience.
3. What should I pack for the Sunrise at Haleakala National Park tour?
Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day.
Layers, jacket, and blanket: Temperatures can reach below freezing at the summit, especially before sunrise.
Sneakers
Hiking clothes
Water bottle
Towel
Bathing suit
Sandals
Sunscreen
Sunglasses and/or hat
Snacks
Cash
Car charger — very important
Phone mount
Note: Haleakalā National Park is cashless, so bring a credit or debit card for the park entrance fee. You may still want some cash for food, shopping, or other stops in Upcountry Maui.
Layers, jacket, and blanket: Temperatures can reach below freezing at the summit, especially before sunrise.
Sneakers
Hiking clothes
Water bottle
Towel
Bathing suit
Sandals
Sunscreen
Sunglasses and/or hat
Snacks
Cash
Car charger — very important
Phone mount
Note: Haleakalā National Park is cashless, so bring a credit or debit card for the park entrance fee. You may still want some cash for food, shopping, or other stops in Upcountry Maui.
4. What should I budget for the Sunrise at Haleakala National Park tour?
Aside from the sunrise reservation, which costs $1 per vehicle, there’s one main entrance fee on this tour: $30 per private vehicle for Haleakalā National Park. The park does not accept cash, so bring a credit/debit card or purchase your pass ahead of time. There are also optional stops in Upcountry Maui and Makawao where you may want to budget extra for food, shopping, or paid attractions.
5. Where can I book a sunrise reservation for Haleakala National Park?
You can book a Haleakalā sunrise reservation through Recreation.gov. Reservations are released up to 60 days in advance at 7:00 a.m. HST, with an additional batch released 2 days before your visit. A reservation is required for vehicles entering the Summit District between 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. You do not need a sunrise reservation if you enter after 7:00 a.m. or visit for sunset.
6. What time is the sunrise?
It depends on the time of year, but sunrise in the winter (October-March) is between 6:15 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. and in the summer (April-September) it’s between 5:45 a.m. and 6:15 a.m. We recommend you double check the night before your visit.
Please note, if you’re staying in West Maui at one of the resorts in Lahaina, Kaanapali or Kapalua it takes about 45 minutes to reach the start of the tour in Kahului and then about an hour to reach the summit — plan for two hours of travel time.
Please note, if you’re staying in West Maui at one of the resorts in Lahaina, Kaanapali or Kapalua it takes about 45 minutes to reach the start of the tour in Kahului and then about an hour to reach the summit — plan for two hours of travel time.
7. Can I take the Sunrise at Haleakala National Park Driving Tour in the opposite direction?
No, this tour can only be done in one direction.
8. How is Shaka Guide Different from Other Navigation Apps?
Shaka Guide isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s like having a local tour guide in your pocket.
As you walk, the app shares stories, history, local insights, and directions based on where you are. We’ve planned the route for you, but you can still explore at your own pace, pause the tour, skip stops, or spend more time wherever you like.
It’s not just about getting there—it’s about discovering the stories behind the places you’re visiting.
As you walk, the app shares stories, history, local insights, and directions based on where you are. We’ve planned the route for you, but you can still explore at your own pace, pause the tour, skip stops, or spend more time wherever you like.
It’s not just about getting there—it’s about discovering the stories behind the places you’re visiting.
9. Other Questions? Contact Us!
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.
What is an Audio Tour Guide?
Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here’s how it works:
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.