Haleakala Highway - Crater Road
Haleakala Highway - Crater Road
4.5
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Top ways to experience Haleakala Highway - Crater Road and nearby attractions
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9 within 3 miles
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34 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
290 reviews
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201
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75
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11
Poor
0
Terrible
3
Chris
Delta, PA5 contributions
Mar 2020
Driving up to the 10,000 ft elevation of this dormant volcano was great. Was especially interesting driving up into the clouds, started raining, and then seeing the sun come out after we passed the clouds.. All this took place in about 15 minutes of the total 1 hour of driving. So cool...
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roseofsilvr
Mount Juliet, TN129 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Gorgeous sunrise, "a ribbon at a time"! It was completely worth getting up at 3 am to drive here. The roads are switchback and windy, which made my husband car sick, so be cautious of that if you have people in the group prone to motion sickness.
Dress warm and/or bring a blanket. It was right around freezing Temps and extremely windy up top.
Get there early because the crowds start early, even with reservations (you need to make a reservation prior to going to the park). If you want an unobstructed view from the observation tower or the cliff on the opposite side, you will need to be early.
Totally worth it! The view and sunrise are unimaginably gorgeous and pics don't do it justice! You can also see a billion stars on the drive up the mountain before the sun starts to rise!
Dress warm and/or bring a blanket. It was right around freezing Temps and extremely windy up top.
Get there early because the crowds start early, even with reservations (you need to make a reservation prior to going to the park). If you want an unobstructed view from the observation tower or the cliff on the opposite side, you will need to be early.
Totally worth it! The view and sunrise are unimaginably gorgeous and pics don't do it justice! You can also see a billion stars on the drive up the mountain before the sun starts to rise!
Written June 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brandierr
Liberty Lake, WA6 contributions
Jun 2021
Our family got up and out at 2:30 am to make the trek from Ka'anapali to the summit of Haleakala for sunrise. We would do it again. It was an amazing experience.
Tip: Do this on your first day of travel to take advantage of the change in time zones from your home. 2:30 am was early, but didn't feel any worse than 5:30 am would have felt at home.
Tip: Do this on your first day of travel to take advantage of the change in time zones from your home. 2:30 am was early, but didn't feel any worse than 5:30 am would have felt at home.
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ddsmith456
Bloomington, IN24 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
I drove to the summit before sunrise and it was spectacular viewing. Arriving in the dark I did not notice the lookout building (with bathroom access). about 100 yards east of the main parking lot. I hiked the road to a higher lookout building at the peak. About a 1/2 mile walk. There is a much smaller parking lot there that fills up very early, and they then block that access road. I was SO GLAD I had decided not to do the bike ride tour. That looked like a dangerous and scary ride, for the experienced and adventurous!
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zs812
4 contributions
Dec 2022
This drive is much better than Hana Highway... Very safe and easy drive on your way up. On your way down, use lower gear and go easy on brakes. If needed, take a break for few mins so your car/ brakes cool down, but this is just out of caution. Amazing drive, you won't regret this one!
Written December 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Previa1994
Chicago, IL6,648 contributions
Jan 2020
Haleakala Crater Highway is a long drive (at least 2 hrs) from almost sea level to 10,000 ft elevation, very enjoyable drive except for people who maybe prone to motion sickness. We did this drive two times, first time in the afternoon to watch the Sunset and then the next night to watch the Sunrise. I did not meet up with any rain or clouds on the road, though we drove past the cloud level to reach the summit. There are several interesting scenic stops along the way; one to not miss is the Kalahaku Overlook. If you are lucky, you might even come across the Nene Goose.
My suggestion would be to drive this highway the first time during daytime before you drive at night to become somewhat familiar. Gas up tankful before you start. If going for the Sunset, look up National Park website for permit information.
My suggestion would be to drive this highway the first time during daytime before you drive at night to become somewhat familiar. Gas up tankful before you start. If going for the Sunset, look up National Park website for permit information.
Written May 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marriott946
London, UK817 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
Well when in Maui it would seem a shame to miss the million year old volcano crater.
Quite a switchback journey through the clouds to the top. Our driver was Maui with a fabulous name meaning the Prince, we called him Henri.
Brilliant explanations and history as we drove, stopped in places for photo opportunities and at top no cloud cover meaning perfect views of the crater. Apparently sunrise views are spectacular.
This was a great experience thank you Henri.
Quite a switchback journey through the clouds to the top. Our driver was Maui with a fabulous name meaning the Prince, we called him Henri.
Brilliant explanations and history as we drove, stopped in places for photo opportunities and at top no cloud cover meaning perfect views of the crater. Apparently sunrise views are spectacular.
This was a great experience thank you Henri.
Written May 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jim
Seattle, WA22 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
It was well worth it to wake up early and drive up before sunrise. Only a few parking spots so get there early. Breathtaking as the sun rises. Truly at the top of the island. Make sure you use you phone to locate the west so you will be positioned right for the sunrise.
Written December 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joaniemaria
Eldridge, IA5,263 contributions
Sep 2021 • Family
We got up at 1:30 am to drive up to the summit to see the sunrise. I suggest doing this early in your trip. With the time change from the mainland, it will be easier to get up early in your trip. It is cold and windy. Dress warmly. We brought water and snacks. Bring hot coffee or hot chocolate if going for sunrise. We got there at 3 am and we’re one of the first vehicles. We parked at the parking lot at the top summit. There are restrooms at the first parking lot near the visitor center. The visitor center was closed but the restrooms were open. We got out and walked to the glassed in observation tower. It was closed but there is a walkway and stone wall on the east side for the best viewing. The sunrise is magnificent. Anytime is a good time to drive this road. Watch for deer and cows. They may be right next to or on the road! We stopped at Lewelei lookout on the way down. It was foggy. I was looking for my rainbow shadow (Brocken spectre) Did not see it, as it was too cloudy. It was fun to look for it anyway. This is a must do on Maui!
Written September 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew
2 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Terrifying drive. No guard rails. I ride roller coasters for fun and the idea of tumbling to my death freaked me out. Amazing this place is still open. We also had fog/rain on the way down and luckily didn’t slip. If you want to see this book a tour.
Written May 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this a middle of the day drive as well? And if so do we need reservations? Is there a fee?
Written January 2, 2022
A mid-day drive depends upon where you are starting. It is a two hour drive from Wailea. The park entrance fee is $30 rain or shine. No reservations are needed unless you are attempting to make the sunrise. Drive comfortable, watch for cows.
Written January 3, 2022
Reservation Needed?
Do you need a reservation to get into the visitors center and walk the short trail to the crater overview? Thanks
Written March 28, 2021
I'm visiting in mid-February and I'm planning to drive a vehicle up to Haleakala for the sunrise. All the vehicle reservation tickets on Recreation.gov on the dates I'm in Maui have been taken. Am I likely to be able to get into the park for sunrise without a reservation? Any advice to ensure I'll be able to get in? Thanks!
Written February 5, 2020
My mother is 65 and not in good shape, should we be concerned about running out of breath or physical exertion ?
Written February 3, 2020
There are lots of hikes that would be difficult if a person is not in good physical shape, but there are also stops that have great views right by the roadside - we found that it was no hardship for us to stay behind and just enjoy the area when our younger family members wanted to explore further than we could manage. Take some snacks and lots of water and just enjoy what you can!
Written February 20, 2020
My husband is afraid of heights. He’s willing to try to drive to the top but we might need to turn around if he’s uncomfortable. Is there an option to turn around once you’ve started the ascent?
Written April 10, 2018
There are some dizzying views IF clear but these are distant views. The slope is gentle along roadside and the guardrails are generous. There are no sheer drops anywhere on the drive so it is surprisingly calm for a "mountain drive". As it goes from 0 to 3500 to 7000 to 10000 feet there are different areas in which you could turn around. It is not a straight 0 to 10000 feet climb as I thought it would be.
Written July 22, 2018
Is the road paved all the way? Is it suitable for a Harley?
Written January 10, 2018
Yes, the road is paved all the way to the top. A Harley will probably do fine. You still need to make a reservation if you are trying to see sunrise.
Written January 13, 2018
In my case google map shows 50 mins to the summit. I will be driving from Kahului airport (hotel is very near to it). How much time one side do you think I should take in hand to reach the summit for sunrise?
Written November 17, 2017
Probably takes 15-20 minutes to get to road that leads up country depending on traffic; there are no short cuts
Written December 12, 2017
sherri m
Lahaina, Hawaii
What roads do you take to reach the zip line. We are driving from Lahaina to Dairy Road. Do we turn at the church? We can't see the highway signs. Thanks
Written March 14, 2015
how long of a drive is it to the Haleakala viewing point from Lahaina?
Written January 5, 2015
We took about two hours to do the drive to the top where the viewing point is. Actually, it is a good highway with plenty of railings for safety. We stopped on the way down for lunch.
Written May 9, 2015
how long of a drive is it to the Haleakala viewing point from Lahaina?
Written January 5, 2015
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