Haleakala Sunrise Tour with Polynesian Adventure Tours.
No trip to Maui would be complete without a visit to the House of the Sun, Haleakala. The dormant shield volcano, which encompasses 75% of Maui’s total landmass, climbs to its summit at a full 10,023 feet above sea level. Far above the clouds and world below, this is a world famous location to experience the dawn of a brand new day. Your Haleakala sunrise tour begins its incredible 38-mile, winding journey with pick up from your resort in a comfortable, air-conditioned mini-coach.
Be sure to schedule a wake up call, as general pick up time is around 2am! Many visitors like to incorporate this tour in the beginning portion of their Maui vacation, while the time change can work to your advantage. Also, make sure to dress in layers as summit sunrise temperatures are often below freezing!
The first stop for the morning is at the Haleakala Rangers Station- Park Headquarters. This short stop allows time for a restroom break, to stretch your legs and check out some more detailed information about the park and gift shop. On beyond the Ranger’s Station, your Haleakala sunrise tour continues its epic climb through the cloud-line, which often lies at about 8,500 feet. At this point you’ll certainly be glad you left the driving to an expert, as they safely negotiate each of the switchbacks winding to the top. The next stop is the Haleakala Visitors Center and parking for your coach at 9,740 feet. Just a short walk from your parking area brings you to the overlook point where you wait in anticipation for sun to come up across the 7-mile crater. Many choose to huddle inside the Visitors Center, which provides a nice break from the low temperatures and wind. Other brave souls watch the miracle of the sun peeking its way above the clouds from the front row along the craters edge.
Between the cool temperatures, high elevation, quiet space and breathtaking view, many often describe the Haleakala sunrise tour as Zen like, an otherworldly experience. The crater itself is a red cinder cone and reveals its rich red, brown, orange and purple tones in the early morning light likening itself to Mars or the moon. After the sun has risen, take a moment to explore the summit area and admire the Silversword, a plant that grows nowhere else in the world. After plenty of picture taking, begin your trek back down the mountain. Your knowledgeable guide narrates for you and shares in the history, culture and geography of the Upcountry area. Breakfast awaits your group at the Maui Dunes Golf Course in the Central Valley area. After breakfast, your coach returns to your resort where you have the day ahead of you to relax and nap.
If you choose to book this tour online now, you will be contacted by one of our reservation specialists to confirm your hotel pick up location and time. You will be asked for your phone number and email address upon check-out. You may also call 808-856-4274 or chat online with one of our specialists. Chat is available on tablets or desktop computers.
Time: Early Morning 6.5 hour Adventure
Location: Hotel pick-up. One of our reservation specialists will contact you to confirm hotel pick-up. You will be asked for your phone number and email address upon check-out.
For help call Maui Activities at 808-661-3333