Maui: Haleakala Sunrise Spectacular with Local Breakfast
Recommended by 91% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Maui, USA
- 10 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Experience an incredible daybreak view from the top of Maui’s highest peak during this full-day Mt. Haleakala sunrise tour. Journey with a guide on this massive volcano to witness the orange and red-colored dawn of a new day set amidst the clouds, enjoying the sublime beauty of a sight that once inspired literary great Mark Twain. This Maui sunrise excursion also includes round-trip hotel transportation, breakfast, and entrance fees.
- See the sun rise over Haleakala crater
- Scenic drive through Kula District
- Includes breakfast and entrance fees
- Pick-up and drop-off at select Maui hotels
What's Included
- Breakfast
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Haleakala National Park admission fee
- Tour narration by a professional driver/guide
- Pick-up and drop-off at specific Maui hotels
- Gratuities
- Port pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
IMPORTANT: Access is restricted to Lahaina on the west side of Maui. The tour times provided reflect the start and end of the tour, but not your exact pickup and drop off time. Whether or not you've provided your hotel/lodging at the time of booking, you are required to contact the tour provider no less than (2) days prior to your tour date to receive your exact pickup time and location. The tour provider will advise you of the specific area at the hotel/lodging you should wait; for example "at the front entrance." Please be there at least 5 minutes before your pickup time. Please allow a 10-15 minute grace period, as the driver will be picking up other guests in your area. If your hotel/lodging is not included on our pickup schedule, you'll be advised to meet at nearby location. Please note that we are prohibited by certain properties to pickup non-hotel guests and we do not pick-up at private properties such as AirBnB's and residential areas.
Itinerary
Start your day in Maui with a breathtaking sunrise view of the island from atop its highest peak on this daybreak excursion to Mount Haleakala. This exceptional sunrise experience is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Maui.
Start your trip in the dark of the very early morning with a pickup at your Maui hotel. You’ll then continue by air-conditioned minibus on a scenic drive passing the Kula District. and Maui’s rare silversword plants.
Arriving at the Haleakala National Park, steadily climb by minibus up Haleakala to 9,740 feet (2,969 meter) elevation to the Visitor Center. You’ll see Maui’s rare and endemic silversword plants that poignantly bloom once, then perish. You’ll also witness the sunrise from the Visitor Center area. The views from Haleakala are nothing short of spectacular. Writer Mark Twain, upon visiting the peak in 1866, wrote that the volcano was “the most sublime spectacle I ever witnessed and the memory of it will remain with me always.”
Observe the first rays of the new day slowly creep across the distant horizon. Soon the sky fills with the majestic glow of the new day, and the warm beams of light creep across the island of Maui, illuminating the land below. It’s a sight you’re sure to remember for many years to come.
At the end of your morning sunrise experience you’ll head to breakfast at a local restaurant and then receive a drop-off back at your Maui hotel, tired but thrilled by your amazing morning trip.
Start your trip in the dark of the very early morning with a pickup at your Maui hotel. You’ll then continue by air-conditioned minibus on a scenic drive passing the Kula District. and Maui’s rare silversword plants.
Arriving at the Haleakala National Park, steadily climb by minibus up Haleakala to 9,740 feet (2,969 meter) elevation to the Visitor Center. You’ll see Maui’s rare and endemic silversword plants that poignantly bloom once, then perish. You’ll also witness the sunrise from the Visitor Center area. The views from Haleakala are nothing short of spectacular. Writer Mark Twain, upon visiting the peak in 1866, wrote that the volcano was “the most sublime spectacle I ever witnessed and the memory of it will remain with me always.”
Observe the first rays of the new day slowly creep across the distant horizon. Soon the sky fills with the majestic glow of the new day, and the warm beams of light creep across the island of Maui, illuminating the land below. It’s a sight you’re sure to remember for many years to come.
At the end of your morning sunrise experience you’ll head to breakfast at a local restaurant and then receive a drop-off back at your Maui hotel, tired but thrilled by your amazing morning trip.
1
Haleakala Crater
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
2
Headquarters Visitor Center
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Makawao (Pass By)
Kula (Pass By)
3
Waikapu
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Infants must sit on laps
- Please contact the tour provider at minimum of 7 days prior to the tour date for ADA and all special requests.
- Haleakala is known for rapidly changing weather conditions and dense clouds and rain are common. As a result, clear viewing of the sunrise is not guaranteed, and the tour operates rain or shine. Refunds will be granted only when the tour is cancelled for safety reasons.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- The high altitude at the summit area may complicate health conditions and breathing difficulties. Elderly visitors, pregnant women, young children, and those with respiratory or heart conditions should consult their doctor prior to touring. Walk slowly and drink water to avoid dehydration. If you have gone scuba diving, you should wait at least 72 hours before going on this tour.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 72 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.7
based on 2,186 reviews
Jay_C, Mar 2026
Guide was incredibly knowledgeable and humorous. Great experience from pickup to dropoff. We thoroughly enjoyed our time on the mountain.
Twyla_B, Feb 2026
Dress warm, when you think you have enough on, add a layer. Bring gloves, hat, where warm socks and shoes. It is brutally cold at the top. It was beautiful to see, like standing on another planet. Tour bus was the way to go as this drive in the dark would be very challenging.
ChristinnaL_K, Feb 2026
The bus ride is very long and makes frequent stops on the way up and mostly on the way back. The driver was awesome. He knew so much about the islands history and many other things. It is much cooler at 9700 feet when they tell you to dress in layers and take extra, you should really do it.
James_R, Jan 2026
The tour was wonderful. The views were stunning as we had a perfect sunrise. It’s definitely cold so prepare to dress warm. Our tour guide Preston was very knowledgeable.
We do suggest there be an age requirement. There was a one year old and three year old that did nothing but scream and cry the whole time. From the time we boarded the bus at 2:30 am, while outside watching the stars then the sunrise and the whole ride home. A total of 9 hours of screaming crying kids!! The parents didn’t even try to quiet them down. They ruined many of our once in a lifetime experience! We could not hear most of what Preston was telling us about. He did apologize and asked us at different spots if we had questions because he could tell we couldn’t hear him. Please please leave small children behind and think of others. We all spent a lot of money and should not have had to deal with that. At one point we thought about getting an uber back to our hotel
The tour was breathtaking and we recommend Preston!!! We would request him if we ever have a chance to do it again.
Genevieve_L, Jan 2026
The best sunrise I have ever experienced! Preston with Polynesian Adventures was outstanding! I know it’s a bit unusual to pack winter clothes for a vacation in Maui, but it’s so worth it! Make sure to bring plenty of layers - I thought we were being overdramatic by bringing hats, gloves, scarves and down jackets, but we wore all of it! On this tour, you’ll end up being outside in 30 degree weather on a good day for 2 hrs. It’s worth it to bring the extra layers. We were picked up at our hotel at 3 am to make the 1 1/2 hr drive up to Haleakala Crater at 10,000 ft. Preston made sure to get us there early so that we could first enjoy the Maui night sky without any light pollution - spectacular! Then, we watched in awe as the sky slowly (over 1 1/2 hrs) began to lighten and change to pink, orange and yellow with white clouds below us and the sun emerging in bright gold on the horizon - it felt like we were on the edge of the world. A truly singular experience! The hot chocolate Preston provided when we got back on the bus was perfect. Once it was time to head back down the mountain and head to our delicious breakfast at Cafe O’Lei (macadamia nut pancakes - yum!), Preston gave us all kinds of fun facts and interesting information about Maui. The view of Maui on the way down the mountain was one of the best parts of the tour! Thank you Preston for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Sandra_L, Jan 2026
Preston with Polynesian Tours was AMAZING as our tour guide!
Wear warm clothes and gloves. I was warm with my layers and warm jacket, beanie, and jeans but my hands were freezing while I was taking photos. Listen to the experienced guide and wait a bit after the sunrise time to get the full effect. Our breakfast location, Maui Tropical Plantation was great! Thank you everyone from registration, pickup to return! Loved our experience!
Colleen_K, Jan 2026
Preston was amazing. You can tell that he was very passionate about what he does and I learned a lot about Maui. Great experience with my family.
Anne_j, Dec 2025
Preston was great. Very personal and informative. Gave me his hand warmers to borrow when he saw my hands were cold
Chong_L, Dec 2025
The sunrise itself was absolutely breathtaking. That said, with such a large group (20+ people), the vehicle felt a bit crowded and less comfortable. I also noticed that the tour price is somewhat higher than what other agencies offer.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for sharing this. We’re glad the sunrise was a highlight, we appreciate you taking the time to note it. Mahalo!
Jorge_I, Dec 2025
Great overall tour. Our guide was Alfredo “Al Pacino” and he was awesome. Really interesting facts and a great vibe 11/10
AsmikRednaa_K, Dec 2025
DO NOT BOOK THIS SERVICE!!! Absolutely horrible experience. The pickup bus did not stop at the pickup location. No response from the tour operator in viator. We wasted 3 hrs of our sleep in the morning.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for sharing this. We’re sorry the pickup did not go as expected and that it disrupted your morning. We appreciate the feedback and will keep it in mind as we continue improving. Mahalo.
GlenMishal_J, Dec 2025
Horrible Horrible service. After booking the service, I contacted the tour operator Polynesian Adventures multiple times - no response. I was at the pick up point 30 mins early. At the pick up point, the driver casually crossed us and did not even stop even after noticing that we are waiting. If given an option to give zero stars, I would give.
Syeachia_D, Dec 2025
Awful, the driver never showed and no one ever called me to tell me he was sick and couldn’t find a replacement. They called the day before to tell us to be waiting at 3 AM. so we get up before dawn on a vacation for a trip that never happened. I’ve been to Maui a few times and extensively travel. Never have I booked a excursions and had this happen. Dumbfounded that I had to call later in the day to let them know to refund me my $$. No proactive outreach or apology. Don’t book this company.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for sharing this. We’re sorry the tour did not happen as you expected after such an early start. We’ll be using your comments about communication and the overall experience as we continue improving. Mahalo.
Jessy_S, Dec 2025
We never went on this trip because the driver did not show up. We were up at 2:00 a.m. and waited outside in the pickup area, but no one arrived. This caused us to miss one of the main excursions we planned our trip around, and we will never book here again.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for your review. We’re sorry this experience was disappointing, especially with the early wake-up and missed plans. We appreciate the feedback and will keep it in mind as we continue improving. Mahalo.
Ajit_B, Dec 2025
We had the most amazing experience of going on the Haleakala summit and view the sunrise. We had a transfer driver pick us up from the Hotel right on time and take us to another bus for the tour. Gavin was our tour guide and was absolutely amazing! He recognized we got split up as a family on the bus (with young kids) and helped us by requesting that someone accommodate so we could sit together. He has a pleasant personality, excellent communication skills and is very knowledgeable. He took us up the summit to ~10,000 ft, helped acclimatize by spending enough time in between (both while on the way up and down) at ~7000 ft. We were very lucky to catch the sunrise without any inclement weather. The views are breathtaking and you will get enough time to watch the Sun rise above the clouds.
We then had hot chocolate, cookies, coffee in the bus and headed back down. On the way down, Gavin talked about local flora
and fauna and also some history of the island. We had a couple stop overs and took some pictures per his recommendation.
He is a proud islander and a compassionate human being. He spoke about the Lahaina fires and helped raise awareness as well.
Our tour ended in Cafe O’Lei at the plantation where we had breakfast which was really good. From there, the transfer driver took us back to our Hotel.
5/5 stars to the tour company for a well organized system, good driver and a very knowledgeable tour guide and nice place picked for breakfast. All in all, a very memorable experience!
Michael_U, Dec 2025
Preston was wonderful, very informative and entertaining. Highly recommend this experience and appreciate Preston not rushing off the summit. Take more layers and winter clothing with you! Highly recommend gloves, especially if you want to hold your phone/camera. Very windy and much colder than by the beach - remember you are at 10k feet.
Breakfast was wonderful as well and much much warmer! First time being on the islands but it will not be the only time.
Hector_J, Dec 2025
The tour was incredible. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. He gave us plenty of information about the areas we were visiting.
The sunrise was the most beautiful we’ve seen, we got lucky to have such a clear sky.
This tour is a must do if you’re in Maui.
Annmarie_J, Dec 2025
The tour was amazing. Preston the tour guide was very experienced and knowledgable. The sunrise was magical.
Lauren_C, Nov 2025
We had an incredible experience on the Haleakala Volcano Sunrise Tour, thanks largely to our guide, Preston. He’s one of those rare guides who feels completely down-to-earth—no gimmicks, no forced jokes—just a naturally dry, funny personality that kept our whole group smiling even at 2:30 in the morning.
What really stood out was how much he cared. Preston made sure everyone was comfortable, prepared, and in the right spot for the best views. He encouraged us to take our time and soak in the whole experience and didn’t rush us one bit. He also shared stories, history, and insights you could only get from someone who genuinely knows and loves the mountain. It felt less like a tour and more like being shown around by a friend who wants you to appreciate Haleakala as much as he does. Added bonus he lent me one of his jackets after I told him I was cold and couldn’t stay outside for too long - please dress warm it’s at least 30 degrees cooler at the top.
The sunrise itself was spectacular, but having Preston as our guide made it unforgettable. If you can, request him—you won’t regret it!
patrick_b, Nov 2025
This is an amazing experience. Prepare for wet and cold, it is part of experience. Warm and waterproof are your friends. Dress in layers, if you can find goretex I would recommend it! Don’t forget to follow this advice for footwear too! The sun did not cooperate with the clouds, but we had a wonderful guide that made us not even worry about that and created an immersive experience. Preston was amazing. The breakfast is nice too.
Cheryl_W, Nov 2025
This was one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had. I highly recommend anyone going to Maui to do this. You will not regret it, with hopes the clouds permit. We got super lucky and had a very clear day to view the sunrise. Our tour guide Preston was so awesome. He made us take our time to explore the visitor center at the summit and taught us so much about the island. He even let us hold some hardened lava at a stop on our drive down from Haleakala. My husband and I will always remember this and will cherish the spectacular photos we took.
archana_r, Nov 2025
The guide picked us up sharp at 2.50 am. The ride was very comfortable and a lot of information was shared . The guide was very funny and had a lot of tidbits to share making the tour even more interesting. The sunrise spot was great and the sunrise itself was spectacular. The breakfast was amazing, we were given a choice of 4 items. On the whole, the tour is highly recommended.
Lance_C, Nov 2025
It's cold on the mountain. Dress warm and in layers.
Our tour guide was Preston at Polynesian Tours and he was very good. He went above and beyond explaining things. Most of the other tour drivers were eager to get guests back, but he gave us plenty of time to look around and explore. We were the last bus that left. I appreciate the time that he took with us.
Shaneil_M, Nov 2025
We had an amazing time on this tour! Preston is super knowledgeable and does a great job of keeping us all interested! The bus is a comfortable ride, and he is also a good driver for those worried on motion sickness. Definitely worth getting up early for (coming from people who really aren’t morning people). Also be prepared because it can get very cold (regretted not packing gloves and a beanie).
Michael_E, Nov 2025
First, our guide Preston was Great. He knew a few tricks to get us the best experience. There are other groups that went up with other tours, so he put us in the best position to view, and made sure we were warm (It gets pretty cold). He pointed out some other surprising events that occur along with the sunrise as well. As far as sunrises go, it was amazing. Highly recommended. Our experience was clear as we were far above all of the clouds. Be aware that this is not always the case, so check weather forecasts. This was a great experience!
Barbara_H, Oct 2025
The sunrise was beautiful, the driver helpful, the food at the restaurant was good. The drawbacks are it’s very early to get up, and long trip back when tired. I do like how the food at the restaurant was ordered ahead of time so that when we got there it was ready to go. It’s just that the restaurant was out of the way - making the tour longer.
Suseela_J, Oct 2025
It was an excellent experience. Preston was knowledgeable and informative. He gave us lots of great tips and told us lots of great stories and explained a lot of fascinating history on the way down. It’s important to note that if you are planning to make this trip, you need to bring lots of warm layers. It gets quite cold and windy up there. It also often is wet so you to make sure your outer layer is at least water resistant. We went on a dry and “warm” day but it was quite cold and windy despite wearing 3 layers (including a puffer coat) and two pairs of pants. Bring a beanie, gloves and thick socks because the cold air sneaks right into your shoes! It’s a wonderful experience, so don’t let the weather stop you from taking it all in and spending as much time out there as possible!
Alexandria_H, Oct 2025
This was a must do. Extremely beautiful experience. But even our tour guide told us if we don’t do anything please make sure you go and leave a review about how intense the cold it. This is not a light jacket experience. This is a glove, hat, balaclava, heavy duty jacket, blanket experience. The top of the mountain was about 35-40 degrees with high winds making it feel closer to 30 degrees. Our tour guide wore an atric jacket and glove warmers. It’s so important to have this context because it was hard to enjoy being so cold and my husbands from Philly and LOVES the cold - it’s cold! Be prepared
Tajh_G, Oct 2025
This was the highlight of my trip! The tour guide (Preston) was witty, funny, and informative. I don't think I could have driven up the windy road at 3/4AM on my own to catch the sunrise. Pick up was smooth and on time. SO glad I brought thermals and a parka because IT WAS FREEZING. The view and experience were worth the time, effort, and money!
Chris_C, Oct 2025
This was an awesome experience with a great guide and excellent weather/visibility! The tour ran smoothly without issue and the food at the end was good! This is a great experience! 10/10!
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