Haleakala Sunrise in Maui: Is it Worth Driving at 3:30 AM to the Summit? (09/2022 in 6 minutes)

The highlight of my Maui vacation is visiting the summit of Heleakala to witness the most majestic sunrise I've ever seen in my whole life. Here are several mistakes I want to share with you so you do not make the same tourist mistake that we have made: 1. Thinking you can make it from your hotel room to the summit in 1.5 hours. there is a slight traffic jam at the gate for National Park pass check. Make sure you account for this time when you leave the hotel. I suggest leaving at 3:30 AM if you are in Kihei. 2. Sunrise Pass- even if you have a National Park permit, you still have to have a pass. Book 60-days in advanced, or be like us...we were doing a daily lottery that starts at 10 AM to compete for a slot meant for 50 vehicles only. 3. Bring breakfast, there is no restaurant on top. Bring food and water. 4. Dress appropriately, it is cold on top. Bring your hiking shoes, if you plant to hike the other side of the summit. 5. Enjoy and be thankful for every sun rise in your life. #haleakala #HaleakalaNationalPark #Maui #Sunrise #hawaii