Verifying departure time Haleakala crater sunset excursion

[angelbearmom]

I am booked on a HAL circle hawaii trip in April. I am interested in the haleakala crater sunset. On the listing it says it leaves at 8:30 am. It's only a 6 hour trip. Is this correct? Thanks

[BermudaBound2014]

Is this a sunset or sunrise tour?

 

Regardless; 8:30 a.m, doesn't work for either.

 

To be at the top of Haleakala from Kahalui port I would think you would want to leave around 3:30 a.m. Mapquest says it's 2.5 hour drive but it seems like it should be a little less (however I drive from Lahaina so I'm not positive). The sunrises around 7:00 a.m. in Maui in January. You will want to be at the summit about an hour before official sunrise to see the sky light up (plus get a spot in the crowd). 

[angelbearmom]

sunset

 

 

[BermudaBound2014]

Sunset in January is right around 6:30 pm in April. I prefer the sunset to the sunrise just because I hate messing with the tickets (and getting up that early). I try to get up to the top no later than 5:00 (1-2 hours early for parking and a good viewing spot without people camped in front of me). It's a very surreal experience. 

 

Can't answer your specific question because 8:30 a.m. seems super early and does not work for the sunset at all if it's only 6 hours.  

 

Bring every piece of clothing you have with you 😉