Haleakala Crater question

[Astro Flyer]

My husband and I will arrive at Laihaina cruise port 1/25/13. Wonder about the length of time it takes to visit the Park to the summit by car. We'll probably have about 8 hrs with enough time to board back on ship. Is it better to take a tour? Please advice!

Checking my very useful 'Maui Revealed' guidebook it takes about 2 hours from Lahaina without any traffic delays. Generally by midday clouds cover the crater so your view could be obscured. The temperature at the summit will be about 20° cooler than at sea level so it will be cool. There's also a fee to enter the national park & there could be ice & even snow at the summit so you may want to call to check conditions before making a final decision on going there.

 

Using a rental car is probably the best option & Upcountry in the Kula area is nice. Also there's the Tedeschi Maui Winery in Ulapalakua for wine tasting & occasional winery tours.

[CleoV]

Be prepared for cool and cloudy, but frankly when we went it was warm and bright, and stayed that way until about 3pm.

 

I would factor another 2 hours into your drive, just getting up the mountain. We stopped several times for pictures as we went up, and it took nearly 2 hours. A bit quicker on the way down though.

 

This is one place I wouldn't suggest doing a tour, unless you're happy with a brief overview of the location rather than spending any real time up there. 20 minutes is not enough time at the crater, IMO.

[cowacali]

Thanks for the response. We will be renting a car in JHM airport Alamo rental company. I suppose the destination will be Haleakala National Park. Maybe the rental company will provide us with driving directions/ confirmations. Any further input will be welcome!

[Astro Flyer]

Thanks for the response. We will be renting a car in JHM airport Alamo rental company. I suppose the destination will be Haleakala National Park. Maybe the rental company will provide us with driving directions/ confirmations. Any further input will be welcome!

Maui rental agencies have a brochure with maps & it's very easy to drive around Maui. If I counted correctly after you leave in your rental car it's a left turn to go south on Honoapi'ilani Hwy (30) then 3 right turns onto Kuihelani Hwy (380) which becomes Dairy Road, Hana Hwy (36) & Haleakala Hwy (37). In Pukalani turn left on 377 then left on 378 to the summit & you'll also see signs directing you from Pukalani.

 

It's really easy & enjoy the turnouts as you switchback up to the top. There are a couple of short roads to get nice views along the way.

 

You might want to consider getting the great guidebook "Maui Revealed" (about $13 from Amazon) which is full of great ideas. Time will be a consideration but even if you're only going to Haleakala it may be worthwhile to have with you.

 

I've been fortunate to spend a lot of time on Maui & if you have questions on the Valley Isle myself or others who enjoy Maui may be able to help you. Maui & cruising are my favorite ways to travel. :D

[cowacali]

Thanks for the info. We sure hope it is worth the experience up the crater !