What Makes the Haleakala Sunrise So Special?

What Makes the Haleakala Sunrise So Special?

The Haleakalā sunrise over a rippling ocean of clouds.Sunrise at the summit of Maui’s majestic dormant Haleakalā volcano is one of the most beautiful sights you will ever see, and together with family and friends, you’ll be making some amazing memories you won’t ever forget. Just what is it that draws so many people to this magical spot every morning? We believe this experience is made not just because of where you are, but also who you are with! Here are a few theories on just what makes the Haleakalā sunrise so special.

ps.. keep in mind sunset is equally special and many locals will share it’s even better! Especially if you are choosing between the Haleakala sunrise bike tour, and the sunset tour.

An Amazing New Spectacle Every Day

Up above 10,000 feet in elevation on an island, the weather can be widely varied and unpredictable. This means that you should come prepared with warm layered clothing, but it also means that conditions for sunrise change to create a new natural spectacle every day! Before dawn, you will typically find the sky blanketed in soft clouds stretching out towards the horizon. Up at the summit of Haleakalā, you will actually be above this cloud cover with little more that a few neighboring peaks visible. In these magical predawn moments, the view of these peaks is not unlike a miniature glimpse of the greater Hawaiian island chain below, poking up from the rolling sea of clouds. Rich warm colors will quickly spread throughout the sky before the sun begins its climb, bursting forth in a flood of warmth and color. Stick around to experience the full sunrise before you leave. Once the sun gets high enough, the thick cloud cover will often melt away, revealing the full expanse of our beautiful island below you.

Moments before dawn at the volcano summit.

A Magical Experience Rooted in Legend

The island of Maui is named after the traditional Hawaiian demigod Maui, and the Haleakalā volcano is the site of one of his famous escapades. Maui is a heroic figure, but also a bit of a trickster as well. When his mother wished for more hours of sunlight during the day for her beautiful textile crafts, Maui had to get creative. During the night, he climbed up to wait at the summit of Haleakalā, which actually means “house of the sun.” As soon as the sun rose from its bed in the crater of the volcano, Maui lassoed it and convinced it to travel through the sky more slowly for half the year during the summer.

A Once in a Lifetime Adventure

Catching the incredible colors of the Haleakalā sunrise means waking up well before dawn to get to the summit in time. Even if you’re not usually a morning person, there’s something special about the anticipation that has everyone up and focused on a common goal. Whether your traveling with friends, as a couple, or with the whole family, you’ll be making the kinds of memories you won’t soon forget.

Stick around after dawn to watch the clouds melt away and reveal the island below.

Once you get to the summit, the predawn temperatures can be below freezing, so don’t forget to pack warm clothes or even a blanket to wrap up in. It won’t be long before the light show begins, but the time spent huddled together with your family is well worth the wait!

(Haleakalā sunrise photo by The Good Reverend Flash via Flickr)

(Predawn photo by paul bica via Flickr)

(Haleakalā crater photo by Navin Rajagopalan via Flickr)