If I were to convince someone that they need to go on this adventure, I would say something like, “When else will you get to watch the sun rise from 10,000 feet on an old volcano?!” For me, I needed a little more convincing because the first time, we actually ended up biking down back to sea level. [The company we used is by far the best – best bikes, best drop off location, and the most freedom – and we like freedom]. But regardless of how to get up or get down, this is an experience you cannot miss! Here are 5 things you need to know as you plan your trip!
1. Before You Go.
Once you decide you’d like to do this thing, reserve your spot. In the past, you could just show up, pay your $20 fee, and park. Now you have to plan ahead a little bit more. Arrive about 40 minutes or more before sunrise. There will be a short car line to pay the park entrance fee, you’ll want to get a parking spot, and you want to scope out a good place to stand. As you can see from my photos, I was behind people. I didn’t mind, but you might want to be in the first row for people! Check the weather so you know how many layers you’ll need! My final “plan ahead” thought is to do this early in your trip when a 3am alarm will feel more normal. The later you wait in your trip, the more annoying that alarm will be!
2. Dress Warmly
It feels weird – wrong maybe – to pack for winter weather when you go to Hawaii. And it’s the reason my suitcase barely makes the 50lb mark. You’ll be up there for at least an hour, if not more, and unless you plan on sitting in your car before the big event like Chad, prepare to be a little chilly. Besides your typical hat, gloves, leggings, etc, I would suggest hand warmers because they are so small and don’t add to much weight, and the hotel blanket. If you do the descent by bike, the company you rent from may offer you wind gear – TAKE IT! It’s hard to tell what the weather is like until you get up there. Our first time was just above freezing and windy, while our second time was around 45 degrees [not too bad!]. But if you get super cold, the office pictured above is heated and is all glass on the inside!
3. Shhh…
This can be a deeply moving experience for some people. Most people. Out of respect for others, try to keep your talking to a minimum and put your cell photos on silent. Once the sun comes up, there is a Hawaiian song offered by a Ranger and to hear their voice ring out among the landscape is part of what makes this experience so deeply moving and personal. For me, it is a great time to meditate on the verse, “Be still and know that I am God,” as He gives you another day.
4. Take Your Time
Unless you’re with a group that is biking down, take your time. If you jump in your car as the sun peaks out, you’ll miss the best part! Again, wait for the song! You can stay for longer in the park, too. It’s like taking a walk on the moon, I’ve heard! Once you do start your decent, take your time getting down as well! Most people don’t realize that Upcountry is a gem.
BIKE DOWN HALEAKALA WITH MAUI SUNRIDERS
SEE OUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN UPCOUNTRY MAUI [COMING SOON!]
5. Eat
So, you’ve been up since 3am. You’re hungry. Kula Lodge has great pancakes and a great view. It’s a pretty nice place as far as breakfast goes and is right on the road you’ll be taking to head up/down. You may have to wait a little for a table, so if you’d like to keep moving, there are other places! I would recommend even more the off the beaten path Grandma’s Maui Coffee. Order the acai bowl, and anything else on the menu. But definitely the acai bowl. Pop out on the porch for a look at the view! And for an even more decadent breakfast, try Komoda Store and Bakery in Makawao and get a creme puff!
I hope you have a great time exploring all that Haleakala has to offer. If you have any other suggestions for me, comment below! I’d love to hear from you!
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