Haleakalā National Park is an American national park located on the island of Maui in the state of Hawaii. Named after Haleakalā, a dormant volcano within its boundaries, the park covers an area of 33,265 acres, of which 24,719 acres is raw wilderness area.The land was designated a national park in 1976 and its boundaries expanded in 2005.

Haleakalā National Park extends from the 10,023 foot summit of Haleakalā down the southeast flank of the mountain to the Kīpahulu coast near Hana. These two sections of the park are not directly connected by road, but both can be reached from Kahului. There are no gas stations within the park.

This park is a mountain in Hawaii, above the clouds, where it can snow. Seriously, snow. In Hawaii. I didn’t even know this place existed until I got here. When you think “national park” in Hawaii, your mind probably goes straight to Volcanoes National Park—lava rivers sliding into the ocean, steam rising where fire meets the Pacific. But Haleakalā? It deserves just as much love and recognition. It’s otherworldly. To be fair, it didn’t snow when we were up there (which I was both grateful for and a little disappointed by). And yes, I’m breaking my own rule here by posting someone else’s photo—but honestly, it’s just too dang cool not to share. Some moments are bigger than personal pride. This is one of ’em.

Watching the sunrise from Haleakalā’s summit is hands down the most popular activity up there—so popular it's turned into a bit of a pilgrimage. To keep it smooth and safe, the National Park Service now requires reservations for entry between 3:00 AM and 7:00 AM local time.

Reservations must be made online via Recreation.gov, and cost just $1.00 per vehicle, in addition to the regular park entrance fee—paid on site or by pass

You can book your sunrise Reservation up to 60 days in advance, and a portion of tickets are also released 48 hours prior at 7:00 AM HST daily (times often fill fast)

Since parking at the summit is in high demand, each vehicle requires one permit, and you’re limited to one reservation every three days per visitor

Here’s what you do:

Head to Recreation.gov and look for “Haleakalā Summit Sunrise Reservation.”
Book a ticket for a vehicle on your chosen date within the 3–7 AM window.
Bring your printed reservation confirmation, photo ID matching the reservation name, and your entrance pass or fee documentation on the morning of your visit