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The Haleakalā crater

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Haleakalā National Park

Haleakalā is the volcano that fills half of Maui, and its summit is the one place on the island where you need a reservation just to watch the sun come up. Here are the rules, fees and conditions as of October 2026.

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Haleakalā National Park at a glance

The park covers the summit of Haleakalā, a volcano that rises to 10,023 feet (3,055 m), and the Kīpahulu coast near Hāna. The two districts, Summit and Kīpahulu, are not connected by a road inside the park, so you visit them on separate trips. Both are open around the clock, subject to the sunrise rule below.

Entry costs $30 per private car as of October 2026. It is valid for 3 days, covers everyone in the car and works in both districts. You pay by credit card at the entrance. This guide is independent and is not the park's own website.

$30per car, valid 3 days
$1sunrise reservation per car
10,023 ftsummit elevation, 3,055 m
The Haleakalā crater

Sunrise reservations

The rule that catches most visitors out.

When you need one

Private vehicles entering the Summit District between 3 am and 7 am Hawaii time need a reservation. None are issued at the gate, and without one you are turned away. After 7 am you can drive up without a reservation.

How to book

Only on recreation.gov, not by phone, not in the park and not the day before. The fee is $1 per vehicle, on top of the entry fee. Tickets open up to 60 days ahead at 7 am Hawaii time, and a share is released 2 days before the date. They often sell out within about 15 minutes.

At the entrance

Bring the confirmation, a photo ID for the person who booked and either a park pass or a credit card for the entry fee. You get one reservation per vehicle, valid only for the date you booked.

Clouds are not a reason to cancel

The park does not refund or exchange reservations because of clouds or weather, and free-entry days do not waive the reservation. Hikers and cyclists can go up without one, but the park advises against it because of darkness and traffic.

Haleakalā tours and activities

Guided sunrise trips with hotel pickup and other activities on the slopes of Haleakalā, with live prices and availability.

Browse all tours on GetYourGuide →

Entrance fees in 2026

Prices as of October 2026, according to the National Park Service.

TypeFeeNotes
Private car$303 days, all passengers, both districts
Motorcycle$253 days
On foot or by bicycle$15Per person, children up to 15 free
Commercial vehicle$45For operators
Park annual pass$55US citizens and residents only
America the Beautiful annual pass$80 or $250$80 for residents, $250 for non-residents since 1 January 2026

The extra $100 per person charged to non-US visitors since 1 January 2026 applies at 11 other national parks, such as Yellowstone and Grand Canyon. Haleakalā is not one of them.

Cold at the summit

Summit temperatures range from below freezing up to highs of 50 to 65°F (10 to 18°C) all year. That is about 30°F (17°C) cooler than the coast, and frost is possible in any season. Wear layers and a hat, and bring water. The park has no shops or fuel, and the nearest services are at least 30 minutes away.

The NOAA rain gauge at the Haleakalā Ranger Station, at 2,122 m below the summit, records about 42 inches (1,073 mm) of rain a year, far more than the coast. See the Maui weather page for monthly figures.

Sunrise above the clouds at Haleakalā

The Kīpahulu district

A separate part of the park, far from the summit.

Getting there

Kīpahulu is on the coast beyond Hāna. The park service gives about 4 hours from Kahului via Routes 36, 360 and 31, and the GPS address is Mile Marker 41 Hana Highway. There is no fuel or charging at the park and no public transport. Read the Road to Hāna guide before you go.

The ʻOheʻo pools

Swimming in the pools is not allowed, and entry to them is closed for safety. You can look at them from the Kūloa Point Trail. Check the park's conditions page before you drive out.

Camping and cabins

Overnight stays are allowed only in designated campgrounds and cabins, not in your vehicle elsewhere in the park. Hosmer Grove and the wilderness cabins at Hōlua, Kapalaoa and Palikū are booked only through recreation.gov. The Kīpahulu Campground uses a rolling 30-day booking window on the same site.

If you would rather sleep in a bed, see where to stay on Maui. Upcountry is the closest area to the summit.

Haleakalā: frequently asked questions

Do I need a reservation for sunrise at Haleakalā?

Yes, for private cars entering the Summit District between 3 and 7 am. It costs $1 per vehicle on recreation.gov and is not sold at the gate. After 7 am you do not need one.

How much does Haleakalā National Park cost?

$30 per private car as of October 2026, valid for 3 days and both districts. Motorcycles pay $25, and people on foot or bicycle pay $15 each, with children up to 15 free.

Do international visitors pay extra?

Not at Haleakalā. The extra $100 per person for non-US visitors applies at 11 other national parks. The annual America the Beautiful pass costs $250 for non-residents.

How cold is it at the summit?

Highs of 50 to 65°F (10 to 18°C) and frost possible in any season. It is about 30°F (17°C) cooler than the coast, so bring warm layers.

Can I swim in the ʻOheʻo pools?

No. Swimming is not allowed, and entry to the pools is closed for safety. You can see them from the Kūloa Point Trail in the Kīpahulu district.

Book Haleakalā and Molokini early

Sunrise permits and the best snorkel boats sell out first. Compare tours with free cancellation.

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