Haleakala Sunrise at Haleakala Summit has one of the world’s best view of the sunrise. 10,000 feet above sea level and clouds, the view is simply breathtaking. However the temperatures at Haleakala are terribly cold (32°F to 65°F) and the wind chill will simply destroy you if you’re not prepared. I’ve seen people show up in beach clothes and they are suffering. So how do you stay warm without overpacking arctic winter gear to a tropical destination and take up precious luggage space? So here are some tips on what to wear to keep warm at Haleakala Sunrise:
- Layer up – Wear at least long pants, long sleeve shirt/sweater or light jacket, socks and closed toe shoes. You’ll most likely be wearing some of these items while flying to Maui.
- Keep your head warm – hat or beanie or the hoodie from a sweater or light jacket
- Blanket – Bring a blanket from your hotel/condo. This is the critical item that will keep you warm, so you don’t have to pack a heavy winter jacket.
- Towel – Bring a beach or bath towel from your hotel/condo to sit on the ledge. The ledge is cold, wet and hard. If you have plenty, bring them as your blanket.
- Snuggle – Our human body emits a lot of heat, so don’t let it go to waste. Buddy up and snuggle with a loved one. It is a surefire way to keep each other warm.
- Gloves – They’re small and easy to pack. They also won’t let your fingers become icicles.
After the sun has risen, take time to take more pictures and explore the area a bit. People start to scatter like roaches after 5 minutes of the sunrise. This is the best time to take photos because no one will be in the background. The views of Maui are spectacular and terrain in the area is interesting to explore. And when you’re hungry head over to Kula Lodge for some pancakes, or Kula Bistro for some pastries or fried rice or Grandma’s coffee House for the best cinnamon rolls and coffee on island. Then after breakfast check out the Tedeschi Winery and the Lavender farm.
If sitting in the cold waiting for the sunrise isn’t for you, Haleakala is also great for sunset and the temperature is much warmer.
As of Feb 1, 2017, the Haleakala Sunrise requires a reservation. Read more about the Haleakala Sunrise Reservation System before heading there.