Red Hill Haleakala, Maui (Complete Traveler’s Guide)
Introduction to Red Hill Haleakala
On the road to Red Hill, Haleakala
The Puʻuʻulaʻula, or Red Hill Overlook on Haleakala, is Maui island’s highest point. Get ready to find yourself standing above the clouds in a hybrid landscape reminiscent of Mars and the Moon. The surrounding area is littered with volcanic cones and volcanic dust, making you feel like you’ve just been transported to another planet.
It’s not just the summit either; the 37-mile drive up will see you rise 10,000 feet of elevation in the short span of an hour or so, providing plenty of opportunities for amazing photographs and videos. The enormous 2,600-foot crater at the top of Haleakala is multi-colored with a mix of gray, green, brown, and red that is sure to leave you awestruck.
On a good weather day, the summit observation deck grants you 360-degree views of the vast pacific ocean, mountains, rainforests, and the surrounding islands and volcanoes. You’ll also most likely be able to see the giant Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanoes towering above the clouds from the Red Hill overlook.
“It was the sublimest spectacle I ever witnessed, and I think the memory of it will remain with me always.”
View from the Haleakala Summit Crater at sunset - near the Red Hill Overlook
Quick tip:
The Haleakala Silversword Plant | © Werner Bayer
Don’t miss the ʻahinahina garden at the Red Hill overlook, as it’s a surefire way to witness the luminous silver plants that only grow at the highest of elevations on the Hawaiian islands. You’ll definitely want to take photos and see the critically endangered but federally protected plant that is also called the Maunakea silversword.
This plant has been unfortunately studied to probably not survive climate change and should be enjoyed thoroughly before it goes extinct. Please maintain your distance from the silversword plants, as stepping too near them might damage the fragile root systems that run underneath the nearby soil.
Key Information about Haleakala
Volcanic Martian-like landscape of the Haleakala Volcano
One does not simply experience the full glory and beauty of the Hawaiian island of Maui without visiting the Haleakala at least once. Haleakala is a dormant volcano that rises over 10,000 feet or 3000 meters over sea level on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
Haleakala, or “House of the Sun” as the Hawaiians say, is also known as the East Maui Volcano – a gargantuan shield volcano occupying three-quarters of Maui’s island. The crater at the top of the Volcano is known to have been the home of the Hawaiian folklore demigod Maui; Maui lengthened the day by slowing the sun’s journey with the help of his grandmother.
Elevation: 10,023 Feet or 3,055 Meters
Coordinates: 20°42′35″N 156°15′12″W
Location: Maui, Hawaii, United States
Type: Shield Volcano
Last Known Eruption: 1480-1600 AD
Haleakala National Park
The Haleakala volcano is located within the wider Haleakala National Park (the only National Park on Maui). The park occupies some 30,183 acres on the Hawaiian island of Maui. It is the perfect place to discover ancient volcanoes, massive mountains, lush rainforests and isolated beaches.
Weather at Red Hill, Haleakala
The weather is quite unpredictable and can vary quickly; clouds can easily swoop in or clear out on a minute-by-minute basis. The summit is typically 30°F (or 17°C) colder than sea-level temperatures - remember to bring a windbreaker and warmer clothing to be comfortable. Temperatures range from 30°F (-1°C) to 80°F (27°C) at the summit of Haleakala.
Our Field Notes Recommendations
Visiting Red Hill Haleakala at Sunrise Timings
(3am to 7am)
The incredible view from Red Hill, Haleakala at Sunrise
The first thing you should do is book a reservation to access the summit at sunrise timings. You can make your reservation up to 60 days in advance. Slots are usually booked out pretty much instantly as only 50 vehicles are allowed up at Sunrise times, so be sure to be prepared 60 days before your trip.
You can make the reservation here.
It only costs $1 per vehicle to make the reservation and should get you a parking spot at the summit. All visitors are only allowed to buy one pass in a 3-day period, so make sure you’re there on the reserved day.
The $1 reservation fee excludes the recreational pass that you'll need to enter the Haleakalā National Park. You’ll have to make credit card payment at the entrance stations and the fees are as follows:
$30 per private vehicle – valid for 3 days.
$25 per motorcycle – valid for 3 days.
$15 per pedestrian (if you’re hiking) or bicycle – valid for 3 days.
Be sure to go earlier as there is usually a queue at the national park gate filled with people having issues with payment and verification. The last thing you’d want would be to wake up early and miss the sunrise due to being stuck in a queue.
Have your reservation and matching Photo ID ready at the gate so you can pass through seamlessly without issues. If you leave early, you can get the best parking spot and nap in the car or have an early breakfast, giving you a stress-free experience on the summit.
Plan your journey in advance on Google Maps as it takes about an hour to go up to the summit from the base. Add that hour to your overall travel time from your residence on the island to be on time for sunrise.
The visitor center doesn’t usually open until 9.30am, so don’t bother stopping for souvenirs until after you see the sunrise and are on the way back down. Feel free to check the National Parks Service’s website for alerts and condition updates at the Haleakala National park.
There is also a link to the live webcam of the summit here: Red Hill Haleakala Summit Webcam.
Visiting Red Hill Haleakala at Sunset Timings
View of the Haleakalā Observatory at sunset
If you’re not the type of person to wake up very early, relish in the fact that Red Hill is as beautiful as it is at Sunrise as it is at Sunset. There’s no need to make a reservation in advance if you’d like to visit at Sunset but be sure to still get there earlier, at about 4pm, if you don’t want to struggle to find a parking lot. There are typically fewer crowds at Sunset and more space for you to get the perfect viewing spot.
Must-knows before visiting
1. Entrance Fees
If you intend to drive into the National Park, visitors must pay a fee of $30 per vehicle to enter. Your money goes towards the upkeep of the national park and its beautiful landscapes and wildlife.
2. Cell Service and Signal
Be prepared with offline maps or go with a guide if you intend to venture off the well-beaten paths, as cell signal can be unreliable in denser areas of the national park. If you absolutely must get a signal in the case of an emergency, try to calmly make your way to a clearing or elevated position where there is a higher likelihood of receiving a decent cell signal.
3. Food and Snacks
There aren’t many restaurants or cafes available in Haleakala National Park. Pack food and snacks in advance before venturing into the park. If you intend on leaving certain food items in your vehicle, be sure to cover them, as the sun can get hot during certain months of the year.
4. Insects
Mosquitos are the main concern for most tourists in the national park. Be sure to bring a solid insect repellant that is non-stick so that you can constantly apply it whenever you feel like it’s needed.
5. Sunscreen
Skin cancer and sunburns are not something to be trifled with, and Hawaii is no stranger to harsh sunlight. Although there can be plenty of shade throughout the National Park, remember to carry and apply copious amounts of sunscreen. This way, you’ll have a pleasant day and won’t be sunburnt the next day, leaving you free to explore the rest of the beautiful island of Maui.
Driving to Red Hill, Haleakala
The drive up to the summit of Haleakala is a 37-mile-long drive that should take you anywhere between 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on that day’s traffic conditions. Be sure to bring your own food and a full tank of gas, as there are no restaurants or gas stations once you enter the Haleakala National Park.
It is an incredibly scenic drive that sees you rise over 10,000 feet in a short amount of time. Keep a look out for the elevation signs along the drive while you slowly but surely find yourself driving above the cloud cover.
On the road up to Red Hill, Haleakala
There are many blind turns on the long winding road up to the crater summit at Haleakala that also are filled with hairpins and S-turns. With approximately over 30 switchbacks or zigzagged roads with drop-offs on the side, please ensure that you are well-rested and alert for the drive for the safety of yourself and others on the road.
Although the drive can be dangerous for the uninitiated, it isn’t as scary or dangerous as many people make it out to be. Stay calm and alert, and you’ll be able to enjoy one of the most scenic drives in Maui.
If you’re driving with friends or family, they will be able to take an incredible amount of beautiful pictures as your view continuously changes on the drive up to the summit. Be prepared to see island views, ocean views, volcanic views, and a once-in-a-lifetime view of driving through the clouds.
What if I’m not driving?
Winding roads up to Red Hill
The island of Maui is best explored by renting a car and going at your own pace, as public transportation isn’t the best. If you don’t have a rented car or don’t feel comfortable on the long winding roads up the volcano - the next best option would be a guided tour to Red Hill, Haleakala instead. Although the guided tours aren’t cheap, they come with everything you could possibly need for a great Haleakala summit experience.
Most guided Red Hill tours will pick you up directly from your hotel or residence, where you’ll be greeted by a tour guide. Sit back and relax while your tour guide shares the history of Haleakala National Park with you, both on the journey to the summit and when you get to the actual Haleakala summit.
Meals are also typically included with either breakfast, dinner, or snack, depending on if you’re going for the sunrise or sunset tours. Some guided tours will even provide warm jackets and gloves at the summit so that you have a comfortable experience.
We’ve done the research for you, and here are some of the most reputable sunrise and sunset tours to the summit of Haleakala. They are available for booking through both Viator and GetYourGuide.
Visitor Centers & Restroom Stops at Haleakala National Park
The Haleakala National Park has two visitor centers that have restrooms for you to stop and have a quick break on the way to Red Hill. The Heleakala National Park Headquarters Visitor Center is the first and is located at about 7,000 feet elevation. The second is the Haleakala Visitors Center, located at about 9,700 feet of elevation.
The centers are open from 8am to 4pm, but the Haleakala Visitors Center sometimes opens later, at 9 or 9.30am until 12pm. Both visitor centers have restrooms that you can use if you need toilet access on the way up or down from the summit.
Gear Tips and Checklist
Full tank of gas (no gas stations)
Wind + Waterproof Jackets
Flashlights or Headlamps (for before sunrise/after sunset)
Cap or Hat (no shade on the summit!)
Food & Snacks
Other things to do at Haleakala
There are other adventures that you can do at Haleakala, including a 5-Line Zipline Adventure. If you’re feeling particularly luxurious, you could go for a two-island scenic helicopter flight to Molokai as well.
Final Thoughts
Red Hill is a beautiful hidden gem destination on the island of Maui that you should definitely visit. It’s appropriate for people of all mobility levels and is truly a once-in-a-lifetime view to behold. Feel free to comment below if you’ve ever been to Red Hill or if you have something you’d like us to add to help others that are thinking of going!
