Want to see something unexpected on Maui? Try visiting Haleakala for the sunrise and the quaint Upcountry of Maui.
Hi guys,
I've been to Maui three times but never made it up the mountain to watch the infamous Haleakala Sunrise. I've got to be honest... the thought of going somewhere cold on my WARM Hawaii vacation didn't interest me a lot. It took a good amount of convincing from my husband to get up and go.
Luckily I'm not too stubborn because I'm so glad I went. Seeing the sunrise at Haleakala has to be one of the most memorable things I've done on my trips to Maui. It literally took my breath away.
We took our rental car up the mountain ourselves BUT it would have been so relaxing to go on a tour. In fact, THIS Haleakala Sunrise Tour has nearly everything I did on my trip without having to take yourself up the mountain in the pitch black on a super curvy road. Plus I love tours like this because you come away with so much more knowledge and history than if you were to go alone.
Book your adventure and then read about mine!
Catching up on Hawaii?---> My Favorite Hawaii Run, Dinner at KPC
Haleakala Volcano Sunrise
Our first morning in Maui, the hubs and I woke up at 2 AM to drive several hours to Maui's dormant volcano Haleakala. We did it our first morning, so we would still be accustomed to east coast time and the wake-up call would be easier. It felt like old times waking up in the dark!
We got all of these tips from the BEST MAUI TOURBOOK... Maui Revealed.
The drive up the mountain was dark and curvy. We live in the mountains, so we are a little more used to roads like this, but it was still a challenge. Ok, to be entirely honest it was not a challenge to sit sleep in the passenger seat, but the Hubs said the drive was tough! 😉
The volcano peak is at 10,023 feet, so it's a long way to go from the beach.
We arrived at the top of the mountain and it was so dark you couldn't even see to walk. We used our phones as flashlights to reach the viewing area. It was really spooky!
After waiting in the freezing cold (literally in the 30s!,) the colors started changing. Even before the sun officially rose, we saw the colors bounce off the sky.
As the sun came up, we were blown away at our surroundings. In the pitch black, it was hard to get our bearings and understand where we were!
Such a stark difference from the lush green Maui beach resort. It kind of seemed like we were on the moon!
As the actual sun started peaking above the clouds, the colors became even bolder.
I can honestly say I've never seen anything quite as spectacular!
I tried to take pictures but also wanted to just watch the sky changing.
I never imagined the first day of my Hawaii vacation wrapped up in my winter coat, but it was worth it.
After enjoying the show, we explored the viewing area.
We could see all the way down to the tropical beaches.
We considered sticking around to do some hiking, but we were both exhausted and hungry, so we went back down the mountain.
Upcountry Maui
We decided to stop to eat about half-way back down the mountain at Kula Lodge.
We shared a really yummy omelet and...
banana macadamia nut pancakes for the win!
It was still cool and brisk, but the views were so pretty from Kula Lodge. Totally worth the trip!
Before we went down to the beach, we stopped at a Lavender farm called Ali'i Kula Lavender. We figured out where to go with our tour book, Maui Revealed.
They had gardens, trails and a cute shop to explore.
I loved these tropical flowers.
You could smell the lavender everywhere!
It was a really beautiful and relaxing place!
We bought some lavender tea and scones and enjoyed a peaceful morning.
The next stop was the Surfing Goat Dairy!
Yup-- surfing goats!
These folks make THE BEST goat cheese you'll ever try.
And as an added bonus they just had baby goats! These cuties were only a day old.
I wanted to take the tour, but both the Hubs and I were so exhausted from traveling and the sunrise adventure that we decided to just take some goat cheese back to Wailea with us.
We spent the rest of the day relaxing at the Wailea Beach Marriott!
Before we knew it, it was time for the sunset!
I can't ever remember taking the time to watch both the sunrise and sunset in a single day before. It's kind of magical!
If you want to go on a similar adventure without driving, check out THIS TOUR from my friends on Maui. So much fun. And don't forget to get my favorite Maui guidebook HERE!
Also, check out these fun tours of Maui where all the legwork is done for you!
Want more Hawaii?
- Budget Friendly Things to do in Wailea Maui
- Top Experiences at Hilton Waikoloa Village
- Tips to Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Running in Maui
- Fashion Friday featuring dinner at KPC
- My Maui Wedding
- Top 12 Adventures on Kauai
- Things to do at the Grand Hyatt Kauai
- Top Kauai Eats
- Na Pali Coast Hike
Pin for later!
Your turn!
Have you ever watched the sunrise and sunset in one day?
How was your weekend?
Joleen @ Joleen Cuisine says
Totally agree that the sunrise at Haleakala is one of the most spectacular and breathtaking views, ever. Lovely photos!
JulieWunder says
Thanks you Joleen! It was such a great time. I'm so glad you got to see it too.
Pragati // Simple Medicine says
Hawaii is such a beautiful state! Gorgeous photos, as always! Happy New Year, Julie!
JulieWunder says
It is! It is magical! I hope you had a great New Year!
Emily Smith says
We watcthed the sunset at Haleakala many years ago (24 and a half, but who's counting?) Wonderful memories. We didn't have the clothes for it as we were there in April so did not have any wintry clothes with us, but we took a blanket from the hotel and cuddled up in it. It was cold indeed but so gorgeous. Your photos brought it all back -- thanks for the memories!
JulieWunder says
So happy to hear that Emily! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Andrea says
Wow!!! That sunrise is amazing! Hopefully your husband thought it was well worth the drive because it is a pretty spectular sight. I hate mountain, windy roads too but I'd brave it to see this!
JulieWunder says
Totally worth it!
Rachel @ RachelMcMichael.com says
Wow- that view was spectacular! Simply stunning!!!
Mandi Korn says
What a awesome day, my daughter loves Volcanos, and we hope to take her to one, probably not in Hawaii…..but they are probably the best ones out there. It's really cool you got to see a sunrise and sunset in one day, not many people can say that. Look forward to more images:o)
JulieWunder says
Thanks Mandi! It was a great day!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
Wow. Just wow. I want to go and my husband won't talk about it...
JulieWunder says
🙁 Show him the pictures!!! It's amazing. Like no place else!!!
Farrah says
Oh em eff gee, SO GORGEOUS. I reallyreallyreally hope I can go to Hawai'i next year!!! :O My aunt just revealed that her graduation present to me is...a trip to Hawai'i! *-*!! I just need to have the free time to be able to go! :O :O :O Thanks for sharing such beautiful pictures in the meantime!! <3!
JulieWunder says
NO WAYYYYY!!!!!! So excited for you!!!! Good luck finding the time!
Runaway Bridal Planner says
Love the photos they are stunning! This is one of my favorite things to do in Maui, and when I tell people to take a coat they laugh at me, but hey at times it can even be snowing up there, thats the difference between sea level and 10,000 feet:)
But oh, isn't it so worth it! There is just no way to describe how it looks to see each of those clouds catch fire with the sun as it makes its way up.
You had a beautiful and perfect morning to do it too, nothing better than when the clouds are floating above the volcanos and clear skies over your head!
Makes me wish I could go back to Maui next week, and see it again.
It's funny you mentioned watching the sunrise and sunset. I remember doing the same thing in Maui when I visit, there is just something calming about starting the day and ending the day watching the sun go up and down on the horizon!
So jealous of your trip, and I know I said this above, but beautiful pictures!!!
JulieWunder says
Thank you!! It is such a memorable experience!!! I love Maui so much I could go again right away 🙂
Ivanna says
Looks like an amazing time and these are some AMAZING pictures. Thanks for sharing
JulieWunder says
Thanks Ivanna!
Blane Sherer says
What a beautiful sunrise !
What an awesome way for you and the
hubs to begin your vacation.
JulieWunder says
Thank you! It was great!
Heather @Fit n Cookies says
Wow! That is beautiful. I would love to start the day with a sunrise like that, and ending with a sunset isn't so bad. Definitely a fun first day in Hawaii! PS Love that Steeler hat 😉
JulieWunder says
Thought you might like that 😉
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
Yes I agree nothing like watching the sunrise from Haleakala and biking down. I did not get to try that goat cheese though-one of my favorites
JulieWunder says
You'd love it!! So creamy! And then we got a hard spicy one that was amazing.
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
So many beautiful pictures!! Very jealous. Also, those GOATS! I love goats, and those are just too cute!!!
JulieWunder says
The goats were so freakin' cute!! And the cheese--- wwwwooooww!!
Annmarie says
I went to Maui on my honeymoon and the Haleakala sunrise was definitely my favorite part!
JulieWunder says
Ohhhh how I love Maui! So glad you got to go too!
Diane says
So beautiful !! I love your pics and always anxious to see more !!
JulieWunder says
THank you!!!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
What an amazing day, start to finish. Simply perfection!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Susie! I totally agree!
Terri Waller says
Thanks for sharing, absolutely beautiful!!!!!!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Terri! Great to see you today!