---
title: "Haleakalā sunrise reservations: dates & how to apply"
url: https://parksahead.com/permits/haleakala-sunrise/
verified_on: 2026-10-15
sources:
  - https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/sunrise.htm
  - https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/haleakala-sunrise-reservations-faq.htm
  - https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/253731
attribution: "Data Source: Recreation.gov"
---
# Haleakalā sunrise reservations: dates & how to apply

## Short answer

Up to 60 days ahead, released at 7 a.m. HST. A portion released 2 days (48 h) ahead. One reservation per three-day period.

Next window:
- 60-day release: 7:00 a.m., 60 days before (HST). Time zone stated: HST. Source: https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/sunrise.htm
- 2-day (48-hour) release: 2 days before. Source: https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/sunrise.htm

Booking: https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/253731

Verified: 2026-10-15

## Last verified

Last verified October 15, 2026 against the official pages below.

## Cite this page

Parks Ahead, “Haleakalā sunrise reservations: dates & how to apply”, https://parksahead.com/permits/haleakala-sunrise/, last verified October 15, 2026.

CONFIRMED. Confirmed rule.

## Key dates

### 60-day release

7:00 a.m., 60 days before (HST) (NPS: sunrise reservations https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/sunrise.htm)

### 2-day (48-hour) release

2 days before (NPS: sunrise reservations https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/sunrise.htm)

## Where to apply

Haleakala National Park Summit Sunrise Reservations: Check current availability on Recreation.gov. https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/253731

No availability data. Recreation.gov's public RIDB data has none, and we don't scrape it. Pages link each facility's booking page for current availability.

## How it works

Recreation.gov. $1.00 per vehicle, in addition to the park entrance fee. Bring valid ID and confirmation.

## Fees

### Haleakala National Park Summit Sunrise Reservations

Fees (as of October 15, 2026)
> The reservation cost is $1.00 per vehicle.

NPS: sunrise reservations FAQ https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/haleakala-sunrise-reservations-faq.htm
> The reservation cost is in addition to the entrance fee.

NPS: sunrise reservations FAQ https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/haleakala-sunrise-reservations-faq.htm

Weather: NWS forecast: Haleakalā summit sunrise area https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=20.7097222&lon=-156.1644444

Alerts: NPS: current alerts and conditions https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

## 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](https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/sunrise.htm)).
- **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](https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/sunrise.htm); [NPS: Sunrise FAQ](https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/haleakala-sunrise-reservations-faq.htm)).
- **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](https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/haleakala-sunrise-reservations-faq.htm)).

## 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](https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/haleakala-sunrise-reservations-faq.htm)).
- **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](https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/haleakala-sunrise-reservations-faq.htm)).
- **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](https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/haleakala-sunrise-reservations-faq.htm)).
- **Counting on a weather refund.** "Reservations will not be refunded or exchanged due to weather" ([NPS: Sunrise](https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/sunrise.htm)).

## What changed this year
TBA. As of Oct 15, 2026, the official pages don't announce rule changes. Check [NPS: Sunrise](https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/sunrise.htm).

## Tips
- **Dress for freezing weather.** NPS says weather right before dawn is "regularly wet, windy, and below freezing" ([NPS: Sunrise](https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/sunrise.htm)).
- **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](https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/sunrise.htm)).
- **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](https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/haleakala-sunrise-reservations-faq.htm)).
- **For a quieter sunrise,** NPS suggests Leleiwi or Kalahaku overlooks ([NPS: Sunrise](https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/sunrise.htm)).
- **Be respectful.** "Haleakalā is sacred to Native Hawaiians." If you see people practicing cultural traditions, NPS asks that you not disturb them ([NPS: Sunrise](https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/sunrise.htm)).
- **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](https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/sunrise.htm)).

Parks Ahead is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Park Service or Recreation.gov.

Data Source: Recreation.gov

