Haleakalā sunrise reservations: dates & how to apply

Before you apply

• One reservation covers one vehicle and one morning. The reservation is only valid for the day reserved, and the purchase limit is shown above (NPS: Sunrise).
• Book online only. "Please note that calling the park directly, or visiting in-person, will not result in a reservation." Reservations are only available through Recreation.gov (NPS: Sunrise; NPS: Sunrise FAQ).
• Know what it covers. A sunrise reservation is only for access to the summit district during sunrise hours (3:00 AM to 7:00 AM). There is currently no reservation system for sunset viewing (NPS: Sunrise FAQ).

Common mistakes

• Driving up without one. Visitors without a sunrise reservation won't be allowed into the summit district until after 7:00 AM and will be turned around at the entrance (NPS: Sunrise FAQ).
• Leaving the reservation holder or paperwork behind. The person named on the reservation must present a paper copy and photo ID at the entrance station, and cars must display the printout on the dashboard (NPS: Sunrise FAQ).
• Forgetting the entrance fee. The reservation is in addition to the entrance fee, and "The entrance fee must be purchased with a credit card" (or use a park pass) (NPS: Sunrise FAQ).
• Counting on a weather refund. "Reservations will not be refunded or exchanged due to weather" (NPS: Sunrise).

What changed this year

TBA. As of Oct 15, 2026, the official pages don't announce rule changes. Check NPS: Sunrise.

Tips

• Dress for freezing weather. NPS says weather right before dawn is "regularly wet, windy, and below freezing" (NPS: Sunrise).
• Fuel and food before you go. "There is no food, clothing, or gas for sale in the park." The drive from the entrance gate to the summit takes about 30 minutes on a road with no streetlights or guard rails (NPS: Sunrise).
• Any of four viewpoints works. NPS lists the Pu`u Ula ula (Red Hill) summit, Haleakalā Visitor Center, Kalahaku Overlook and Leleiwi Overlook. Leleiwi is a 10 minute hike from its lot, and parking lots close when full (NPS: Sunrise FAQ).
• For a quieter sunrise, NPS suggests Leleiwi or Kalahaku overlooks (NPS: Sunrise).
• Be respectful. "Haleakalā is sacred to Native Hawaiians." If you see people practicing cultural traditions, NPS asks that you not disturb them (NPS: Sunrise).
• Sleeping in the car isn't allowed. Overnight stays are only allowed in a designated camping area, such as Hosmer Grove Campground or Kīpahulu Campground (NPS: Sunrise).