Catch a Sunrise from Pa Ka'oao (White Hill) on Haleakala

Kula, Hawaii

4.5/5

based on 2 reviews

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Distance

0.4 miles

Elevation Gain

200 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Eric Schuette

Catch the sunrise from one of the highest points on the Haleakala summit crater. Mark Twain called it "the sublimest spectacle of his life." Most mornings there will be clouds below you over the Pacific ocean

Haleakala means "House of the rising sun" and is a wonderful description of the mountain. Haleakala is a large dormant volcano that makes up ~75% of the island of Maui. On the slopes of Halekala are rain forests, pastures, endemic birds, the endangered but beautiful silversword, and a summit that has one of the best sunrises in the world.

This spot will have fewer people (although you will not be alone) than the visitor center or summit house. However, the views are just as good if not better than the more popular spots. To get here begin hiking from the visitor center to the right up the trail. You will circle around the cinder cone as you climb the couple hundred feet to the top. After just a couple minute you will be at the to and enjoying one of the most unique vistas in the world.

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Thomas Burton

Explorer

Catch a Sunrise from Pa Ka'oao (White Hill) on Haleakala

11/04/16

We really debated doing this because it was a long drive and you have to get up super early. I am so glad we did. It was one of the coolest things we saw on Maui. The sunrise is spectacular. I would recommend showing up at least an hour before sunrise. There are limited parking spots at the top and if you are late they shut it down and you will have to watch from lower lots. In addition I thought the colors for sunrise were best about an hour before sunrise. There are a ton of people so showing up early also helps to get the best spots.

5.0

Natalie Hulme

Catch a Sunrise from Pa Ka'oao (White Hill) on Haleakala

06/04/16

Not a morning person so I went for the sunset rather than sunrise and I think it was beautiful. It is quite touristy and busy at sunrise and sunset but a beautiful place for pictures.

4.0

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Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Catch a Sunrise from Pa Ka'oao (White Hill) on Haleakala

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Nearby

Explore Haleakala's Summit

Hike the Sliding Sands Trail

Backpack the Haleakala Wilderness: Halemau'u to Sliding Sands Trail

Camp at Hosmer Grove

Hike the Lau'ulu Trail to the Kalapawili Ridge

Hike & Swim Twin Falls, Maui

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