haleakala volcano tour

The 12 Best Haleakala Volcano Tours in Maui

Updated Dec 20, 2023 • Activities , Haleakala , Maui

Are you looking for the best Haleakala volcano tours for your trip to Maui? Our favorite is Polynesian Adventure’s sunrise breakfast tour . However, there are many things to do in Haleakala National Park that are worth considering.

The types of tours you can take fall into six different categories and include the following.

• Sunrise Tours – For people that can wake up at 2 am.
• Sunset Tours – Also enjoy stargazing on certain tours.
• Bike Tours – Ride down the Maui volcano.
• Zipline Tours – Experience the treetops of Haleakala.
• Hiking Tours – Guided hikes including down into the crater.
• Helicopter Tours – See all of Maui including the volcano.

In this post, we’ll help you decide which Haleakala tour is for you by covering the best options available and what each has to offer. Let’s jump in!

Our Pick: Sunrise or Sunset

Seeing the sunrise is the most popular thing to do at Haleakala National Park. However, if you don’t like waking up super early, watching the sunset is the next best thing.

• Best For Sunrise – Polynesian Adventure’s Sunrise Breakfast Tour
• Best For Sunset – Maui All-Stars Sunset and Stargazing

Haleakala Sunrise Tours

Haleakala sunset tours, haleakala bike tours, haleakala zipline tours, haleakala hiking tours, haleakala helicopter tours, should you book a haleakala tour, be sure to bring extra layers, take your time on walking trails, camping in haleakala national park, is haleakala still an active volcano, what is the meaning behind the name haleakala.

If you’re an early riser and don’t mind waking up at 2 a.m., then a Haleakala Sunrise Tour might be for you. Imagine standing at the summit of Haleakala, surrounded by a sea of clouds, as the first rays of sunlight paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. It’s a breathtaking experience.

You’ll start your day with a hotel pickup by your guide and an early morning drive to the summit. Having a guide makes viewing the sunrise much easier as the road has a lot of turns, and it’s still dark out at that time in the morning. These tours often include breakfast and coffee to warm you up in the chilly pre-dawn air. Be sure to dress in layers, as it can get quite cold up there.

Polynesian Adventure’s Sunrise Tour

Polynesian Adventure is an experienced tour company that has been serving the Hawaiian islands for more than 40 years. They offer a range of activities, including multiple Haleakala tours, so you know you’ll be in good hands. This tour includes pickup from your hotel and transportation to the top of Haleakala. Once there, you’ll be treated to breakfast and unmatched sunrise views.

Valley Isle Excursions’ Sunrise Tour

Embark on an unforgettable Haleakala Sunrise tour in Maui with Valley Isle Excursions. They handle all the logistics, from hotel pickup to a summit visit for the mesmerizing sunrise. Enjoy a continental breakfast, explore the national park, and savor a hearty buffet meal. Your guide will showcase the park’s highlights. Plus, they offer flexible pickup options, so you’re all set.

Skyline Hawaii’s Sunrise Tour

Skyline Hawaii is another experienced tour company that has been operating since 2002. They offer more than just sunrise tours and were actually the first zipline company in the United States. This tour also includes pickup from your hotel and transportation to the top of Haleakala. However, breakfast is had at Kula Lodge after you’ve watched the sunrise and driven back down.

Bike Maui’s Sunrise Bike Tour

Experience the magic of a Haleakala sunrise on a bike tour with Bike Maui. Start your day with a jaw-dropping sunrise at the summit of Haleakala National Park. Afterward, hop on your bike and coast down the volcano’s slopes with all the gear provided. Along the way, capture Instagram-worthy photos and admire the island’s beauty.

If you’re not into waking up early to see the sunrise, no problem! Viewing the sunset from the top of Haleakala is an equally outstanding experience that makes for some incredible photos. Just be sure to dress warm, as it can get really cold at the summit as the sun goes down.

Some of these tours also offer the opportunity for stargazing. With Maui’s clear skies and limited light pollution, you’ll have ample time to marvel at the stars above after the sun finishes its descent. Haleakala is considered one of the best places in the world for stargazing.

Maui All-Stars Sunset & Stargazing Tour

Stargazing is another amazing activity you can do while at the top of Haleakala. For all the hype that sunrise and sunset get, stargazing doesn’t get enough! Without competition from city lights or pollution, you can see an incredible number of stars from the top of Haleakala. In fact, it’s so good that Haleakala is one of the most sought-after places in the world for ground-based telescopes.

Polynesian Adventure’s Sunset Tour

In addition to its sunrise tour, Polynesian Adventure also offers a sunset tour. This tour includes hotel pickup for your drive to the top, along with a knowledgeable guide who will share with you facts about Maui’s legends, history, and culture. After viewing the sunset, you’ll briefly stop at the Kula Marketplace for a selection of light drinks and snacks.

One of our favorite experiences at Haleakala National Park has been downhill bike tours . These tours shuttle you close to the top and allow you to coast down slopes and switchbacks while taking in the scenery. It’s a thrilling way to experience Haleakala.

You don’t need to be an avid cyclist to enjoy these tours, as they cater to experienced and novice riders alike. You’ll be provided with all the necessary gear, a safety briefing, and followed closely by the tour van should you need some help.

Easy Riders Downhill Bike Tour

On this bike tour, you’ll start your day by being shuttled to the top by your guide. Once there, you’ll take in the sights at the summit before heading back down to 6,500 ft to start your descent on two wheels. Along the way, you’ll pass by the towns of Upcountry Maui, including a stop at the Kula Marketplace, before making your final stop in Paia for lunch.

Bike Maui’s Self-Guided Bike Tour

A self-guided bike tour is another option for biking down Haleakala Highway. You’ll still be shuttled to the top by an expert guide with time to take in the sights. However, when it’s time to descend, you’ll do that at your own pace! You can stop anywhere you’d like on the way down as you make your way to your final destination and bike drop-off in the town of Haiku.

Maui Sunriders’ Self-Guided Bike Tour

Discover the beauty of Maui’s Haleakala Volcano with Maui Sunriders. This self-guided bike tour begins at 6,500 feet on the upper switchbacks, offering breathtaking vistas as you coast down the volcano’s slopes. Explore Kula, a charming community, and Makawao, steeped in paniolo heritage. You’ll end your adventure in the funky town of Paia, known for its relaxed vibe and fantastic eateries.

Another thrilling way to experience the slopes of Haleakala is by participating in a zipline tour . There’s only one zipline company that operates here, and it’s a good one. Imagine yourself gliding through the lush treetops of Haleakala National Park with the wind in your hair.

Guides provide expert instruction and ensure your safety, so even if you’re new to zip lining, you’ll feel at ease. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply looking to try something different, Haleakala Zipline Tours are an unforgettable adventure in paradise.

Skyline Hawaii’s Zipline Tour

Get ready to soar as you reach speeds up to 45 mph on five different ziplines and cross a swinging suspension bridge through the treetops along the slopes of Haleakala. This is a family-friendly tour that is great for anyone with children eight years or older.

For those who prefer to explore Haleakala on foot, Haleakala Hiking Tours are the perfect choice. These guided hikes take you deep into the heart of the volcanic crater, revealing a landscape that looks like it belongs on a different planet.

Picture yourself descending into the lunar-like terrain, surrounded by colorful cinder cones and unique flora found nowhere else on Earth. Knowledgeable guides not only ensure your safety but also share facts about the geological history and cultural significance of Haleakala.

Humble Tours Crater & Summit Hike

Humble Tours is a locally-owned small business that donates 1% of its sales to preserving and improving Hawaii’s land and ocean. On this tour, you will follow two different trails through Haleakala National Park. See the Sliding Sands and Halemauu trails with the help of an expert guide in a small group on this 7-hour tour.

Hike Maui’s Advanced Crater Hike

While hiking anywhere at the top of Haleakala can be a challenge given the thin air, this tour is geared towards advanced hikers seeking more. On this hike, you will embark on a 4-mile, 4-hour trek at the summit and along the 8,000 ft lava trail that will take you to areas not normally seen by visitors. This tour is led by a knowledgeable guide and includes lunch to keep you fueled while you hike!

See a different view of Maui by embarking on a helicopter tour that takes you above Haleakala National Park and other notable landmarks from a bird’s eye view. Knowledgeable pilots provide informative commentary, ensuring you don’t miss any of the island’s hidden gems.

What sets these tours apart is the ability to explore the entire island in a relatively short amount of time. You can witness the dramatic contrast between Haleakala’s barren crater and the lush surroundings of the Hana rainforest all in one mesmerizing journey.

Air Maui’s Complete Island Helicopter Tour

In this complete island tour, you’ll catch glimpses of sights like the Hana Rainforest, the West Maui Mountains, and Iao Valley State Park. You’ll fly along Maui’s picturesque shoreline, passing by towns such as Lahaina, Kapalua, Ka'anapali, Wailea, and Hana, all narrated in-flight by your expert guide.

Air Maui’s Hana and Haleakala Volcano Tour

Explore the raw beauty of East Maui’s Haleakala Crater and the lush Hana Rainforest with this helicopter tour from Air Maui. From the comfort of a forward-facing, air-conditioned helicopter, you’ll experience breathtaking 180-degree views of untouched valleys, cascading waterfalls, and the awe-inspiring dormant volcano, guided by an expert narrator.

More About Haleakala National Park

Rising above the island of Maui at 10,023 feet above sea level and making up 75% of its land mass is the East Maui Volcano, also known as Haleakala (“house of the sun” in Hawaiian). This massive volcano is the third-largest in Hawaii and boasts a crater that is 7 miles across, 2 miles wide, and 2,600 feet deep. The 30,000-acre Haleakala National Park near Upcountry Maui, all the way to the southeastern coast, offers numerous hikes and activities with rocky desert landscapes near the frontside Summit District and lush rainforests and waterfalls near the backside Kīpahulu District. There are even places to camp for more adventurous travelers!

Haleakala Summit is the best place on the island to watch an absolutely unforgettable sunrise in the morning or sunset in the evening with an amazing array of colors. During the day, Haleakala Summit offers outstanding views of both the land and ocean in all directions, with incredible views of the universe while stargazing at night. Without any competition from city lights, the number of stars you can see is nothing short of impressive.

Both the frontside summit and backside near the coast can be visited on your own. However, a  reservation and permit are required  to visit the summit at sunrise if you are driving yourself. Sunrise is between 5:30 and 6:30 AM, meaning you’ll have to depart around 3 or 4 AM as the drive via Haleakala Highway is typically 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on where you’re coming from.

One of the best ways to experience Haleakala is through a tour with a knowledgeable guide. Tour options range from sunset/sunrise viewing, hikes, and our favorite, being shuttled to the top and biking back down to the bottom! Whatever you decide to do, keep the elevation in mind, as it can be much colder with strong winds at the top, so be sure to bring extra layers. Additionally, walking trails can be challenging given how thin the air is at that elevation, so take your time and, above all else, have fun!

Driving to the top of Haleakala Summit on your own is possible via the 10-mile Haleakala Highway if you have a car and want to drive. However, it’s a road with a lot of twists and turns that make for a slow drive and typically takes between 1.5 – 2.5 hours. Additionally,  an entranc e fee is required for all visitors to the park. A tour is a great option if you’d prefer to sit back and relax on the way up. Not only do you not have to drive, but most tours are led by a knowledgeable guide that will share with you facts about Hawaiian history, culture, and folklore.

As mentioned, the air can be much cooler at the top, as much as 50 °F (-1 °C) cooler than the base with strong winds (it has snowed at the top before). We recommend bundling up or bringing extra layers even when the sky is clear. Additionally, don’t forget to apply sunscreen. Even though it’s cooler at the top, the sun’s rays are still strong enough to give you a burn!

In addition to the cool air, the air is also much thinner, 10,023 feet up at the top of Haleakala. This elevation can make walking trails a challenge for those with breathing problems. So take your time, walk slowly, and stop for breaks often. If you end up with a headache, that could be a sign of altitude sickness that should clear up when you’re back at sea level.

Did you know that you can also camp in Haleakala National Park? Camping is only allowed in designated areas, including the Hosmer Grove Campground in the frontside district and the Kīpahulu Campground in the backside district. For serious adventures, three historic cabins within the crater are only accessible by trail, meaning you have to hike all of your gear in and out. Visit the  National Park Service  website for more information on camping in Haleakala National Park.

Technically, Haleakala is still considered active! However, it is a dormant volcano, and radiocarbon dating puts its last eruption close to 500 years ago. By comparison, Mauna Loa on the Big Island has erupted more than a dozen times in the last century. The USGS currently has the Volcano Alert Level for Haleakala at “normal,” meaning it’s in a non-eruptive phase.

The name Haleakala comes from early Hawaiians and means “house of the sun.” They believed that the crater at the summit was home to the grandmother of the demigod Maui. According to Hawaiian folklore, Maui lassoed the sun to slow its journey across the sky to make the day longer.

Meet the Authors

Aloha! We’re Justin and Katie, the owners of Maui Hideaway. We’ve been visiting Hawaii together with our family for 20 years and would love to share the experience of the islands with you. Whether you’re looking for a place to stay or just some vacation advice, we’re here to help!

Links on this page may be affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Book Your Stay

• Availability Calendar

Maui Guidebook

• Where to Stay
• Snorkel Tours
• Sunset Dinner Cruises
• Haleakala Tours
• Road to Hana Tours
• Helicopter Tours
• Zipline Tours

Classic Haleakala Sunrise Tour

On Skyline’s Haleakala Sunrise Tour, experience edge-of-the-world views open up in all directions while the early sunlight casts hues of natural light onto Haleakala crater floor. Be there when Haleakala National Park awakens with the rising sun near the summit of Haleakalā.  The heavenly beauty of the crater at sunrise is why ancient Hawaiians believed this area of the mountaintop was the 'realm of the gods', or 'wao akua'. Haleakala National Park is the #1 visitor attraction on Maui, and Skyline’s Haleakala Sunrise tour is the #1 tour on Maui.

Book Now →

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Send to a friend, view the tour.

View the Sunrise from the Top of the World What better place to see the sunrise over Maui than from Haleakalā, Maui’s highest peak and a top visitor attraction. 

SCHEDULE (times vary depending on sunrise times throughout the year)

2:00 AM - 3:00 AM: Pickup at your hotel or accommodation. 

6:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Experience the classic sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā National Park, followed by a full breakfast at the Maui Tropical Plantation at Café O'Lei, included with your tour.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Return to your hotel or accommodation.

REQUIREMENTS (times vary depending on sunrise times throughout the year)

The tour is ADA accessible and the walk to the summit from the parking lot is short. However, if you’re interested in viewing the sunrise from an even higher point, there is a small hike up some stairs and over rocks. 

GUIDES (times vary depending on sunrise times throughout the year)

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO (times vary depending on sunrise times throughout the year)

CLOTHING: Cozy jackets will be provided when you arrive at Skyline. We recommend you dress in warm layers and wear pants, a jacket or sweatshirt, socks, and closed-toe shoes so you are warm enough while viewing the sunrise. Temperatures at the summit of Haleakalā are routinely in the 30s and 40s.  CAMERA/CELLPHONE CAMERA: You will definitely want to capture the beauty of the sunrise on the top of Haleakalā, so bring your camera! WHAT ELSE TO BRING: A reusable water bottle and sunglasses. INTERPRETIVE APP: Download Skyline Hawaii's Haleakalā National Park Interpretive App from the App Store or Google Play Store. It’s available in nine languages (Hawaiian, Japanese, Mandarin, Korean, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and English) and has great info to augment what you’ll hear from your tour guide!

WEATHER & REFUNDS: Weather at the summit can vary widely, and inclement weather can impact or limit sunrise views. Every sunrise atop Haleakalā is a unique, one of a kind experience. Some mornings are clear, while some are clouded in. Unfortunately, we cannot provide refunds based on inclement, cloudy, or rainy conditions at the summit as they are outside of Skyline Hawaii’s control. But, we hope any visit to Haleakalā National Park and the summit of this legendary volcano are experiences guests will remember and revere as generations have before - even under adverse weather conditions. CAR SEAT REGULATIONS: Hawaii’s Child Passenger Restraint Law requires children under 4 years of age to ride in a child safety seat. Please note that guests will be required to provide child seats that meet State requirements. Click here to view Hawaii’s car seat laws.

FAQs (times vary depending on sunrise times throughout the year)

WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?  Tours operate rain or shine. If we do cancel, we'll make every effort to contact you in advance to reschedule or refund the tour.   WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY? Our Hassle-Free Cancellation Policy guarantees that you receive a 100% refund for any tour cancelled at least 48 hours in advance of your tour time. For cancellations or changes made within 48 hours of your tour, refunds will only be provided if we are able to resell the spots on your tour.  IS THERE CELL SERVICE AT THE SUMMIT?   There is some cell phone reception throughout the park and at the summit, but it can be spotty.    Hours 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM (every day) 

CONSERVATION EFFORTS (times vary depending on sunrise times throughout the year)

Zip for a better Hawaii.

More adventures.

• Call Now! (808) 755-3345

Haleakala EcoTours

$189 + taxes & fees

$175 + taxes & fees

Private Tour

$150 + taxes & fees

$39 + taxes & fees

Choose your tour below!

We offer a range of unique experiences which are dependent on the time of day. Choose below to learn more about our many Maui tours.

Haleakalā Sunrise Tours – $189 + Taxes & Fees

Join us for one of the most breathtaking sunrises on the planet- daybreak at Haleakalā’s towering summit. Experience the magic of the crater at dawn, followed by an exciting guided vehicle tour of Haleakalā National Park and Upcountry. Our NAI Certified Interpretive Guides illuminate the park’s interesting geology and ecology. Before concluding the tour, guests will visit the historic paniolo town of Makawao and the vibrant north shore outpost of Paʻia. See Tour Details

*Tours are selling out quickly, make your reservation today!

Haleakala Sunrise Tour

Haleakalā Summit Tours – $189 + Taxes & Fees

Peer into Haleakalā’s dramatic volcanic amphitheater and learn about Hawaiian culture, history, and ecology from NAI Certified guides. This excursion kicks off with a guided vehicle tour of Upcountry Maui before visiting Haleakala National Park . This enlightening and informative experience highlights Haleakalā’s unique flora and fauna, intriguing geology, and significance in Hawaiian culture. See Tour Details

This tour frequently sells out, reserve your spot early.

Haleakala Summit Tour

Haleakalā Sunset Tours – $189 + Taxes & Fees

Towering at 10,023 feet, Haleakalā produces one of the world’s most sensational sunset views. This exciting and educational experience leads with a guided vehicle tour of Upcountry and Haleakalā National Park . Along the way, our NAI Certified interpretive guides discuss the area’s unique geological and ecological features. Post sunset, guests will find themselves in one of the best stargazing locations in the world. Not only will guests be treated to an unforgettable evening, but they will also come away with an invaluable, insightful understanding of Hawaiian culture and history. See Tour Details

This tour is very popular, book early to secure your spot!

Sunset Tour

Private Road to Hāna Tours

The paradisiacal Road to Hāna is a journey like no other. Join us for an in-depth exploration of the best of East Maui, from the windswept north shore to the rocky Keʻanae Coast and beyond. On this enlightening excursion, guests are treated to dazzling visuals and informative commentary by our NAI Certified guides. Our knowledgeable guides offer valuable insight into the flora, fauna, history, and culture of East Maui. By using spacious transit vans with large glass windows, guests can sit back, relax, and soak in the arresting beauty of the Road to Hāna. See Tour Details

Limited availability, make your reservation today!

Tropical Rainforest Tour – $175  + Taxes & Fees

The rainforest-covered, waterfall-strewn Road to Hāna is one of Maui’s most famed attractions. Our Tropical Rainforest Tour explores halfway to Hāna, allowing guests to experience some of East Maui’s most memorable sites without spending an entire day on the road. Watch as the landscape morphs from windswept coast to luxuriant rainforest. Our NAI Certified guides are veritable Road to Hāna experts and share detailed information regarding the area’s history, culture, and ecology. This excursion visits top sites like Paʻia Town, Hoʻokipa Beach Park, the Garden of Eden, and Keʻanae Peninsula. See Tour Details

Reservations are going fast, make sure to book early!

Discover Maui’s Best Towns – $150  + Taxes & Fees

With this fabulous Maui walking tour of the North Shore town of Paia and the Upcountry town of Makawao, you’ll not only discover the unique character of these towns but also gain insights into their history, cultural influences, and the artistic spirit that defines them. It’s a delightful day filled with local flavors, artistic treasures, and the warm hospitality of Maui’s best towns. See Tour Details

This tour is frequently sold out, book early to get your seat!

North Shore Scenic Shuttle – $39  + Taxes & Fees

Experience the beauty and charm of Maui’s North Shore with our Maui Scenic Shuttle Service, designed to showcase some of the island’s most captivating destinations. From the moment you step off your cruise ship at the Kahului Harbor Cruise Ship Port, you’ll embark on a memorable journey that combines the natural beauty of Maui’s North Shore with the cultural exploration of the historic town of Paia. See Tour Details

Limited seating, make your reservations early!

South Shore Scenic Shuttle – $39  + Taxes & Fees

Experience the best of Maui’s natural beauty and cultural treasures on a memorable journey that offers a perfect blend of botanical beauty and marine marvels. It’s a fantastic way to make the most of your time on Maui, allowing you to appreciate the diverse landscapes and cultural richness of the island. Explore two of Maui’s favorite locations, the beautiful Maui Tropical Plantation and the stunning Maui Ocean Center. See Tour Details

Space is limited, please make your reservations in advance.

Haleakala EcoTours is the easiest way to experience the breathtaking beauty of Maui’s Haleakalā Crater. We’re dedicated to providing spectacular, interesting tours rooted in environmental and cultural awareness and responsibility.

Learn more about haleakalā.

10,023 feet above sea level, known as “House of The Sun”

Haleakalā Crater

Spectacular, humbling, awe-inspiring, grand—myriad superlatives are often bandied about to describe Maui’s famed volcano, Haleakalā.

And is it any wonder?

Haleakala Crater looms 10,023 feet above the Pacific Ocean , taking up three-quarters of Maui’s 727 square miles. Haleakala sunrise inspire 1.5 million visitors annually. Its ascent takes trekkers through 6 of the world’s 14 climate zones , while its depression was deemed the quietest place on the planet by acoustic experts, who found that its ambient sound levels were “near the very threshold of human hearing.” The entirety of the park, which comprises 33,265 acres, holds more endangered species than any other U.S. National Park . Its summit is considered one of the leading destinations in the world for observing and monitoring astronomical wonders. Designated “the sublimest spectacle” Mark Twain had ever seen—and a place of “incomparable grandeur” by The Call of the Wild’s Jack London—Haleakalā might not be one of the world’s seven wonders but it ought to be: Maui’s giant, majestic shield volcano is nothing short of astonishing.

Whether you’re dreaming up your Valley Isle vacation or simply gathering facts about one of the world’s largest “dormant” volcanoes, here’s the lowdown on Maui’s biggest bulwark and why it receives endless awe and praise.

Haleakalā National Park

Haleakala Observatory

Learn about Science City

Upcountry Activities

Fun along the slopes of Haleakala

Haleakala Photography

From a featured photographer

What are you waiting for?