Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: sunset (22) summit (20) beautiful (20) sunrise (18) park (17) drive (14) great (11) views (11) view (10) clouds (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Madhumitha R. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a good drive, steep curves and blind curves as well. The elevation is pretty high and it gets pretty cold soon. From the ticketing center to the summit, it is a good 30 min drive. I went here for sunset and the view is breathtaking, as you will be above the clouds. Make sure to take a jacket or something to cover. There are restrooms on the way to the summit. The roads are curvy, it takes a toll on people who have motion sickness. Definitely go for the sunrise or sunset. Not much of a hike, you can drive up to the lookout.
    16 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 James C. 6 months ago on Google • 407 reviews
    This is a great place to visit and certainly a beautiful part of Hawaii--definitely worth a visit! The unique flora and fauna of the area are interesting to learn about, and the drive up to the summit is beautiful. If you're not a morning person, or if you're with a family of kids you don't want to drag out at 4am, the sunset is almost as beautiful as the sunrise. More amazing than the sunset itself, though, is the golden sky in the hour after sunset. Real, the mountain is beautiful at any hour. Obviously the summit is cold, and do not underestimate the wind. You may scoff at 60 degrees, but the wind will cut you through if you don't have something to block it. The only rather large downside to the summit/crater area is that there are very few amenities (although cell reception isn't bad). No food (no hot food, no snacks, no candy--nothing), no gas, and only water/restrooms at the visitor centers. For that reason, I'll give it 4 stars. But still worth a trip if you're in Maui!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ravi T. 3 months ago on Google • 96 reviews New
    If you can’t secure a reservation for sunrise, don’t worry and definitely consider visiting at sunset instead as it was quite spectacular. We tried for the sunrise reservations for three days and were ultimately glad to visit during sunset. The view were quite stunning. During sunset you don’t need a reservation and can enjoy not only the sunset but also the moon and stargazing, which are stunning. The temperature drops significantly at night, so be sure to bring warm gloves and jackets.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rajeev S. 4 months ago on Google • 327 reviews
    Amazing. Did the sunrise and bike tour, totally worth it. Dress warm since it's cold and the windchill is at another level. If you don't do the tour get there about 90 mins early because the star gazing is out of this world. We all saw some amazing shooting stars.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian C. 2 years ago on Google
    This was my first time at this national park and it was absolutely breathtaking. Loved the hiking and multiple trails. Honestly it wasn’t that crowded on Thursday in April from my experience with other national parks. I would suggest not going on weekends because I think it would be more crowded. Loved the restrooms and parking spots available to visitors. They actually had working toilets and open parking spaces. It’s the little things at national parks. Yeah, I would just look at the photos to see how beautiful this national park is and you be the judge. I would recommend experiencing the rainbow 🌈 bridge and hiking the sliding sands trail. Sling sands is like this mars environment experience. I would highly recommend this national park if you are in Maui!
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David K. 6 months ago on Google • 49 reviews
    One of the most stunning and beautiful experiences of my entire life. The park has a majesty that can only be witnessed with your eyes, the photos and videos don’t do it justice. The views from the summit as well as the various lookouts were all spectacular and vivid. The colors punching their way through the darkness slowly to create a tapestry before my eyes is something I will never forget. I highly recommend setting an alarm to make the reservation for the second they go live. Keep trying and keep refreshing as they go fast. You will need to leave early and you will need to have layers to keep warm early in the morning, but it’s absolutely worth it. As you ascend the mountain, the roads will begin to wind and become a bit more narrow, but never felt dangerous. It’s best to bring some snacks since there won’t be any options once you start the climb. It can’t be overstated that there is great historical and cultural significance. It’s important to respect the land and the people if you’re visiting and be a good guest. An audio tour is a great accompaniment to the ascent part of the journey to help gain further insight and appreciation to this sacred and important site.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elizabeth Rosabal H. 4 months ago on Google • 258 reviews
    Beautiful drive up there for the sunrise. We made park reservations to see the sunrise. It was pretty cold, so definitely jackets and hoodies and gloves are suggested. Loved the cloud formations and the crisp cold air. The colors were beautiful.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael V. 1 year ago on Google
    An absolute must! My wife and I bought the three day pass for about $30 dollars and saw so much in that time! We hiked up a beautiful path to a magnificent waterfall. We also drove up 10,000 ft to the volcano top for the sunset. It was magical. Make sure you have plenty of gas to get to the top and to make it down. Wear many layers because it's cold up there! It's a 30 degree difference from sea level! Also, bring some chairs because there isn't much to sit on. It's very windy up there so also bring a wind breaker. Gorgeous views.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hafiz H. 1 year ago on Google
    Still a great view even if you can't book the sunrise. The drive up is very curvy, so be prepared! We thought it was cool to move through multiple micro-climates along the way as well... From 88°F below, driving through fog and clouds and landing in sunny dry chilly 60°F. Sitting above the clouds is pretty fantastic.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Audrey P. 1 year ago on Google
    A tourists “must see” This is such a cool and beautiful site. I recommend getting there very early so that you can watch the clouds and miss the traffic. Going all the way up is really cool, but parking is hard to find. Make sure to watch the sunset and checkout the crater before it gets dark!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Luciana L. S. 10 months ago on Google
    Amazing park!!! Such a spectacular and unique landscape. The drive to the crater and summit is quite long and full of turns but the road is in very good condition. Be prepared for a chill wind and wear good hiking shoes if you plan to hike down to the crater. Sunscreen, hat and long sleeve shirt are advised. Going down it's quite easy but be prepared to come up because it can be challenging due to the altitude (about 3000 meters). We hiked down and up the crater (12.5miles) and it took us about 6/7 hours. Of course remember to pack enough water and food according to the hike you are planning to do. Entrance and parking was 30$ per vehicle. The only complaint we have regards the sunrise reservation. We tried 3 days in a row to get tickets unsuccessfully. It's a shame that whatever system they have is either not working or is just a scam.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kevin G. 1 year ago on Google
    It's a long drive up, so be prepared for winding roads. It's $30 for a regular car and they only take credit/debit, no cash. The view is absolutely stunning when you get the summit or various view points. It was a nice day when we went, but I would check the weather report before venturing to the summit. The views is breathtaking and stunning. We went in the afternoon, but it would have been great to go during sunrise (requires a reservation) or sunset.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 PK K. 1 year ago on Google
    No wonder this is one of the most visited places in Hawaii. This place is not to be defined just by the sunrise views. It is absolutely stellar during other times of the day too. Don't skip this just because you didn't get a sunrise reservation. Go visit this place at any point and you won't be disappointed. Clouds beneath you, crazy curvy roads, hairpin bends, 10,000 ft elevation in an hour, changing terrains, the crater on top - everything is majestic and beautiful. There are 3 visitor centers on the way with restrooms. It's super windy on top. We made the rookie mistake of not carrying a jacket to the top since the temperature was in the 90s in the town below. NOPE. Carry a jacket/pullover. It's in the 50s up there!! Brrrrr!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aman K. 1 year ago on Google
    I have no words to describe the sunset experience at the top of summit above the clouds. This is such a unique experience of my life that I am short of words to describe it. The setting with red craters around and cool temperature above clouds with surreal sunset with my wife. Etched in memory
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gal N. 1 year ago on Google
    I did the "sliding sands trail". Hard trail of 18 km. This is a popular trail and most of the people plan their time here and doing this trail by coming back in the same direction they came. I did half an hour each direction, one hour total. The view is amazing, I felt like I'm in another planet. The route going down and then you need to go up to return the visitor center. The uphill is hard but not terribly (no stairs). If you did before the "pipiwai trail" keep the receipt because it valid for 3 days and you don't need to pay again for entrance (30$ for vehicle). Don't forget to bring hat and sunscreen, the radiation levels at the summit are high. Bring clothes for hot and cold weather. The weather is changing quickly. Its recommended to visit here early in the morning because of the fog. I started the trail at 11am and around 11:30 the fog showed. There are washrooms in the visitor center.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Josh W. 1 year ago on Google
    One of my favorite National Parks to do to this date. So many different hiking trails to check out and so many great views. If you’re going to watch the sunset make sure you get there super early because parking/spots to sit fill up fast. This is a must stop when you’re in Maui.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anita J. 6 months ago on Google
    Do not miss the beauty of this park...you can look down through the clouds and see the summit. It's so windy because you are so high up. Make sure to dress warmly and wear a mid weight jacket. Shoes are best ...you will not regret this stop.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dan G. 2 months ago on Google • 86 reviews New
    Truly awesome. Definitely worth taking a half day to drive up and walk in the crater, or at the very least stop at the visitor centre. Amazing views. Bring warm clothes and sunscreen.

  • 5/5 Jenn & Steve G. 3 months ago on Google • 74 reviews New
    Breathtakingly beautiful. Warning, it is much colder above the clouds. Especially for sunset or sunrise. Jackets, hats, maybe gloves, def pants are recommended so you can just enjoy the view!

  • 5/5 Frank H. 3 months ago on Google • 16 reviews New
    One of the most memorable hikes of my life. Went twice, once sunny once pouring rain. Bothe exceptional! Definitely bring sensible shoes and a change of clothes.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Doris L. 10 months ago on Google
    Was a great experience. $1.00 reservation that is needed in advance. Also $30.00 National park fee paid by credit card at entrance. If you have a National park card, that is good. Very, very cold and windy. Long winding road, take your Dramamine!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew S. 1 year ago on Google
    Views of the crater are beautiful. The road up the mountain is not as bad as some reviews make it out to be: there is one (fairly wide) lane in each direction, smoothly paved with pretty good shoulders on both sides in most places and a double yellow line marking the center. But watch out for bicyclers on the drive -- there are loads of them.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian C. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful! It feels like you're in another world when you're up here! Everyone needs to visit here at least once in their life! If you decide to hike on one of the trails, be aware that the hike back is all uphill! It's a serious workout, but the views are amazing! The ride up to the volcano is a adventure in its self. Beautiful but be cautious. Many tight turns! We arrived around 10am on a perfect day. There are restrooms at the top, but no food or drinks. There's also a small store inside the info center at the top to purchase some souvenirs. Bring water, snacks and sunscreen if you decide to hike. Also a light jacket or sweatshirt because it's very windy at times and about 25° cooler than when you started at the bottom. $30 entrance fee, but worth every penny!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Isaac T. 3 months ago on Google • 43 reviews New
    Recommend wearing closed-toed shoes since the trails and paths are volcanic rock and dusty. You can drive to the summit and see great views. Mornings are best to avoid clouds but often there are still clouds. Full bathrooms and water fountain are at the visitor center just below the summit and there is plenty of parking.

  • 5/5 Tina B. 6 months ago on Google
    Must see. An observatory is up on the summit, but it's not open to the public. There are cows on the road before you enter the park, so beware. There are lots of curves leading up the park and to the summit. It is well worth the churns as it is gorgeous on the summit.

  • 5/5 Nicki M. 3 months ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    Beautiful views from multiple different stops in the park. The visitor center staff were helpful and kind. Restrooms were clean and easy to find. We will definitely return on another trip to the island!

  • 5/5 Nicholas P. 5 months ago on Google
    This is a must see for anyone coming to visit Maui. We weren’t able to get tickets to see the sunrise, tickets go by fast. So, we did the sunset and didn’t need any tickets. Please be careful when you’re driving, whether it’s up or down at night. I should rephrase that, whether it’s pitch black. During the day, you’ll find plenty of trails with lots of picture opportunities.

  • 5/5 Laura V. 5 months ago on Google
    Beautiful hike. We didn't go all the way to the valley floor, but we did climb about 1000 feet on our way back up. The path is well marked, and we loved the silver sword area up near the top. You can get great photos right from the sidewalk or car park.

  • 5/5 S M. 5 months ago on Google
    We entered from the Hana side the first time in. We saw the visitor center (very small) and hiked to the nearby waterfall. Unfortunately it was dry, but still a beautiful area. The next trip in was to view the sunrise near the summit. You need reservations for that. It was beautiful and I'm very glad we braved the winding road that early in the morning.

  • 5/5 Abhishek S. 1 year ago on Google
    The National Park is must to visit if you are visiting Maui. Do not skip it. It is really beautiful and feels like visiting a different planet at the top. The drive is really curvy and takes time to reach the summit. The sunrise and sunset are both awesome things to do at the top. To witness sunrise, a reservation is needed which feels up very quickly, so plan ahead. Sunset does not need reservations, but parking fills up quickly, so be early for sunset if you want to avoid walking.

  • 4/5 Chuck L. 5 months ago on Google
    We just did the Shifting Sands trail - about 1/2 mile - pretty easy walk which was good since we aren't as young as we once were and we really didn't give ourselves any time to adjust to the altitude. Nice views - we liked it and got to see some beautiful scenery.

  • 5/5 C C. 1 year ago on Google
    Favorite! Go early to be able to do a good hike. Hiking to the volcano cinder cone is beautiful. Staying for the sunset was great. The road back during the night is well marked. Loved it !

  • 4/5 Ralph B. 9 months ago on Google
    While visiting Maui, the family visited Haleakalā park. Of course, Mother Nature pulls the strings on visibility. For us, she pulled the curtain, part way at least :) There we’re working bathrooms and fairly clean. There are several locations at the top so make sure to use them all. When the weather is clear the view is fantastic! Highly recommended visiting the park.

  • 5/5 Larissa B. 10 months ago on Google
    My family and I came to the summit for the sunset, and oh my goodness it was worth the drive up the treacherous mountain road. Such an amazing experience, it feels like you are on a different planet. Absolutely incredible!

  • 5/5 Ricki Marie S. 11 months ago on Google
    Beautiful park with breathtaking views. Reservations required for visits 3am to 7am. National Park pass is valid here. Otherwise, vehicle entry is $30. Public restroom and plenty of parking. Definitely recommend checking out this beautiful park.

  • 5/5 BogartOf S. 2 years ago on Google
    A must visit if you go to Maui. A great place to learn how Hawaii was created by volcanoes. Be sure to pack some warm clothes just in case the weather gets cold which is almost always. Pack light and just the essentials if you happen to hike it for half a day. The climb up going back is harder than going down the crater, and the low oxygen level at almost 10k feet makes it more difficult.

  • 5/5 Ovidiu B. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the most beautiful national parks in Hawaii. It’s a long drive up but the scenery worth all the effort. The admission is $30. I would recommend to visit it during the sunset. For the sunrise you will need a reservation. The view from here is literally breathtaking. The pictures can’t even describe the beauty.


Call +1 808-572-4400 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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