Arrived around 4;30 and was able to secure a spot at the very top. Since it was so cold we took turns getting out of the wind. The entire day hiking and sight seeing here was terrific
Wanted to post more for any car/motion sickness sufferers. Before we went I didn’t know what to expect. I’d read posts about car sickness with all the switchbacks, and also the possibility of difficulty breathing at the top due to the altitude. I was a bit nervous when we set off because of these posts but I needn’t have been. The whole experience was amazing - didn’t suffer one little bit of car sickness (sitting front seat passenger) and although it was cooler and windy at the top, the altitude was no issue at all. We went up for sunset and it was a beautiful sight, well worth the drive. Yes it did get colder sitting in one place watching the sunset for an hour, but certainly in September it was nothing a pair of long trousers, hoodie and blanket from the apartment couldn’t cope with. If you’re nervous, don’t be .. do it!
Haleakala National Park is the place to go to see almost all the ecosystems on Maui. The lower section includes beaches, rain forest, rivers, and waterfalls. The upper crater has amazing views above the clouds and many near pristine cinder cones. The two sections are joined by the famous Road to Hana that continues around Haleakala to encircle it and passes through dry land with spectacular canyon views. And this can be all seen in one day!
We drove to the summit in our rented Nissan and had no issues on the drive. Lots of switchbacks and climbing but the road is 2 lanes with plenty of places to turn off for those going faster to get by. And the view from the top! It was clear at the summit but cloudy below which seems pretty typical. The crater is beautiful and other worldly. The park service does a great job of providing info at both visitor centers about the science and history of the volcano. It is cold and windy at the top which is to be expected at an elevation of 10,000 feet! This is a must see if you visit Mau’i. To see the sunrise you must have tickets, we didn’t feel the need.
This was beautiful, totally worth the trip! A nice drive and hike to do for part of your day! Drive is gorgeous and hike was a workout!
