Sightseeing - Haleakala Sunset

Maui's 10,000 foot tall dormant shield volcano Haleakala dominates the island. It is an extremely popular and easily accessible visitor destination. Watching the sunrise from Haleakala's summit has taken on mythic proportions and is indeed spectacular and popular. The National Park Service estimates that of the parks 1.4 million annual visitors, two thirds visit during the sunrise period.And sunrise from Haleakala is indeed stunning, but no less sensational and much less crowded is the sunset. At sunrise the crater can be in shadow, but at sunset the suns dwindling rays light it's walls causing it to glow eerily taking on an otherworldly appearance. If your timing is right and it's full moon, you'll also be able to watch the moon rise as the sun sets. Turning away from the crater and towards the suns setting you may see clouds above and below you painted with evenings colors.

Haleakala Sunset Advantages:

• Sunset is not as crowded. You're not standing shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of other visitors, not to mention the difficulty in finding a parking spot.
• You won't have to roll out of bed in the middle of the night to make the trek to the top before sunrise.
• The weather is usually warmer at the summit in the evening than it is in the morning. It's surprising how many people don't realize how cold it can be at the top of a 10,000 mountain at 5:00 AM, even if it is in the tropics.

Do's and Don'ts:

• Do call the National Weather Service (877-5111) for Maui's weather forecast before starting for the top.
• Don't forget a jacket, typical temperature ranges from 32 to 65 degrees F.
• Do bring your own food, none is available in the park.
• Don't forget to check your gas gage, there's no fuel available in the park.
• Do arrive early so that you can enjoy other sights and sounds of the park before sunset.
• Don't forget to bring a camera so you can carry the memories home with you.
• Do check the daily Haleakala sunrise and sunset times.

Other activities available in the park include biking, hiking, horseback riding and nature tours.

Photo credit: Carlos Pessoa