Top Ways to See Haleakala

Grace Towle

Living on Oahu, Grace Towle knows all the best places where locals go.

At over 10,000 feet above sea level, Haleakala is Maui’s most popular attraction. Haleakala means “House of the Sun” in Hawaiian and is a dormant volcano that formed more than 75% of the island. The best way to experience Haleakala is by seeing it at sunrise or sunset. Here we have listed our top sunrise, sunset and biking tours for Maui’s highest peak.

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Feature Photo: Courtesy of Satty Singh

Spectacular Haleakala Summit Sunrise Tour

Pick-up: Select Maui hotels

Begin the day with a summit sunrise tour of Haleakala. During the early morning drive to Puu Ulaula Overlook your expert guide will teach you about the history and cultural significance of Haleakala Crater. Then at 9,740 feet up, witness the beauty of the Maui sunrise. After the sunrise, enjoy a scenic ride to Kula Lodge for breakfast.

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Haleakala Sunset Tour

Pick-up: Maui hotels

Before ascending to the top of Haleakala for sunset, you’ll stop at Kula Lodge Marketplace to browse through locally made food, clothing and art. Next the tour stops at the Visitor Center where you can learn about the history of this dormant volcano. Then you will make your way to Puu Ulaula Overlook To watch the sun drop and the sky change colors.

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Maui All Stars Tour - Haleakala Summit Sunset & Stargazing Experience

Pick-up: Kula Lodge

Head to summit of Haleakala for one of the best tours on Maui with a Haleakala sunset and stargazing tour. Skip the busy Haleakala sunrise tours, and enjoy the best views in Hawaii as the sun dips below the clouds, and the skies sparkles with stars.

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Cruiser Phil's Haleakala Guided Downhill Bike Tour

Check-in: Select Maui hotels

This sunrise biking tour is for the more adventurous traveler. Starting at 3 a.m., the tour takes you to the top of Haleakala to view the beautiful sunrise, then continues with a 26-mile downhill bike ride to Kula Marketplace. The tour ends at Paia Town for lunch. Note: This tour is for experienced bike riders. Minimum age 12 years old.

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Advanced Haleakala Hiking - Trek Across the Crater

Check-in: Select Maui hotels

For the avid hikers looking for a strenuous but rewarding experience, this hiking tour is a good option. The route follows Sliding Sands Trail, through the crater and back up Halemau’u trail. Along the way, you can learn more about Haleakala’s biology, history and more.

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Haleakala Summit & Stroll

Check-in: Kahului Port

Five hours long in total, this tour will have it all. Start off at sea level to some of Maui’s offerings here including sugar cane fields, countryside and a cloud forest, before hitching a ride to the Haleakala Crater and more to experience stunning views and more.

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