In a word: AMAZING. No review will do this justice - it's something you MUST go and experience for yourself. The facilities are clean, stocked, and readily available. The very top is a wonder to behold - either go for the sunrise, or stay for the sunset - either way it's MAGICAL.

Driving up is not for the faint of heart. The road is 1 lane each direction and very windy. Half way up there is no more guard rail and just mountain down the side. It was all worth it. We headed up for sunset. When we got to the top we parked and had to walk up a bit to get to a section to watch sunset. There is another section you can walk further up the road to but the air is thin so we didn't go up there. It feels like this is what being on the moon would be like with the black rocks and dirt. Anyway, you can't see the full sunset because you are up at 10,000 feet and the clouds are there but watching the sun set under the clouds was still amazing. It was my teenage daughters favorite part of the trip. It is high up and definitely cold so bring warm clothes to put on once you get up there. Also, once the sun goes down I recommend moving fast so you can start driving before the tour busses head down and before it gets really dark. If we ever go back we will check out sunrise.

Every day before our trip, we had the conversation...so, do you want to do the Haleakala crater? Weighing the pros/cons, we realized we needed to secure a ticket online before deciding. So, I created an account and did a trial run to to through the process for getting a reservation the day before I actually made our reservation. Make sure you set up your account ahead of time since securing tickets are a quick process. I was online at 7:00am, and all tickets were gone by 7:02am. Our reservation was for the second day we were there, which was great because we were already a bit jet lagged and getting up at 3:30am wasn't as big a deal as if we were already more relaxed. We almost didn't go because the weather report was for high winds, but we decided to give it a try. We brought hats, polartec jackets, sweats and the hotel gave us extra blankets. Gloves would have been a good addition. We arrived at 6am from Kapalua in our rental car. So glad we arrived early because you can really appreciate going from darkness to light. It was cold and windy, but really not an issue overall. So, if you are on the fence, just do it! It is a beautiful experience. Nature at it's finest. Stop for breakfast on your way down and then kick back and enjoy the Aloha of Hawaii, the people and the beauty of the island.

Twice we drove over 2 hours each way to see the crater and saw nothing because of clouds. The crater when you see it is interesting and beautiful to see. There used to be a webcam so you could see the view at the top but it is inactive. A visitor center at the top was closed. It is a half mile from the visitor center to the summit which has an observatory. Haleakala Crater is beautiful but the road is winding, well paved and has drop offs in places

You have to visit this if you are on Maui! If you get car sick, be prepared for the winding roads on your way to the top. Personally, these roads made me feel more sick than the road to Hana, BUT ITS SO WORTH IT! Once you’re at the top, you feel like you’re on another planet. It wasn’t as cold as folks said, we went mid-day though and it was like 60’. Still gets very windy so maybe bring a light jacket.

One of Maui’s most memorable experiences is seeing the Haleakalā sunrise from 10,000 feet above sea level. Pictures can never do justice to the breathtaking beauty and awe of standing on a mountain above the clouds watching in pure darkness as the sun comes over the horizon. Leave early depending on where you are traveling from and be prepared for the long drive and winding roads on the side of steep cliffs but it was so incredibly worth experiencing it. We have done this many times so please bring all the gear for the cold and windy weather - dress in layers with warm coats, hats and gloves. Please make sure that you book your reservations for the sunrise in advance. You can’t get up there without one like in previous years.

Spencer from Valley Isle was a remarkable tour guide. We met at 3:30am to drive a winding road up the volcano to see an amazing sunrise. The highlight of the trip was the beautiful chanting of the native Hawaiian men in their native language, honoring and greeting the sun. It was freezing cold and very windy. Dresses like you are going to Alaska. But worth every second.

We watched the sun set rather than get up at 3:00 AM and drive to the summit to watch the sun rise. So glad we did. Definitely want to bring a jacket, warm clothes and a blanket, as you’re up over 10,000 feet and it is quite cold. Gorgeous sunset! Very memorable experience. Highly recommend.

One of the many amazing experiences on the island. 10,000 ft high and you’re able to drive the whole thing. Save your ticket and can visit the seven pools in Hanah for free . Because both are state parks so revisit is good to both places within 3 days

The view was breathtaking! We went for the sunset as tickets for the sunrise are scarce. For the sunset you do not need tickets except $30 entance fee you pay when entering the park. My sugestion to you is to drive up the Volcano early around 4:30PM, calculated driving time from Kahului (1,5hr). The parking space at the summit is limited and they close it when its full. You can then see the sunset from the lower parking space, but is not the experience as from the summit.