Seeing the sunrise over Haleakala is a must on any visit to the park. To do so, you’ll need to make reservations in advance if you plan to arrive between 3am and 7am. You’ll also want to dress for cold weather. The highest observation is at about 10,000 feet, so you’re likely to experience temperatures at or near freezing in the early morning. In the winter, the sun rises just before 7 and in the summer just after 5:30. Check the conditions before you go. Go to recreation.gov to reserve your tickets. There is a $1 reservation charge.

Climbing to the summit of Haleakala, the road rises to an impressive 10,023 above sea level. Along the way, you’ll find two visitor centers and numerous overlooks where you can see different parts of the caldera. Make sure to stop at Leleiwi Overlook for some of the most impressive views. The road is 37 miles, so allow yourself plenty of time for the drive and stops. You’ll also want to be aware of the weather change with the altitude. The temperatures can reach the low 40’s Fahrenheit even in the summer. Also, keep a lookout for the rare silversword plan, native only to Hawaii. The unique plants can live up to 90 years, blooming only near the end of their lives. Taking or touching the plants is prohibited.

While much of the park centers around the volcano and its crater, there is a whole other side where the ecosystem is completely different. Tropical rainforests and waterfalls dominate the lower elevations and nowhere is as scenic Pool of ‘Ohe’o. The trail is great for hiking and birdwatching and should afford some good photo opportunities. The loop trail is only about .6 miles long and is easily accessible. With an additional short walk, you can also get a great ocean view. Please note that swimming in the pools is prohibited. The entire experience can be done in an hour.