Totally go for the sunset or sunrise! It was amazing! Not sure how we haven't heard about it before. Pictures don't do it justice. Make sure you go early or you want get a spot on the summit, pack some food and be prepared to wait. It's also cold! We had light jackets which weren't really enough with the wind. read more

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In the Summit District, the 11.7 mile point-to-point Sliding Sands to Halemau'u Thru Hike is incredible--plan ahead to have someone pick you up on the other side. For the first 2/3, it's all downhill and makes for a great trail run. The way up is strenuous, but manageably short and most definitely worth it. Incredible views and you literally get to be above the clouds. Would highly recommend this hike when visiting this area of the park. read more

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Highly recommended! Pictures don't do it justice. It costs $30 if you don't have a park pass. The drive to the observatory is beautiful and so is the sunset. If you are going to watch the sunset, dress warm. It's cold up there!!! You will be 10,000 feet high. There are bathrooms and you can bring food and chairs while you wait for the sunset. There are a lot of people that go so make sure to come earlier for parking. read more

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The reservation process was very simple to follow. When we got to the viewing area, there were plenty of places to park. We have heard that people had been able to go to the summit to view the sunrise. We believe they allow so many cars to the top and when it gets full you have to stay at the Visitor Center. If you want to go to the summit, get there early. We got there around 545a, and the summit was full. The Visitor Center area still has an amazing view. There are many really good viewing spots. Be aware, everyone has their phones/cameras/tripods everywhere. It may be difficult for some to have pictures/videos without other people/gear in them, especially for us shorties. read more

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We came to see the sunset, but as the drive up, it got cloudier. When we reached the visitor center, the attendant collected our fee. We asked what the visibility was, she didn't know. So, we took a chance. We got up there and it was so cold and windy and there was so much fog. Could not see a thing. As we drove down there was a great view. Beautiful! I guess it kind of worked out. read more

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Haleakala is a must when visiting Maui. We had much better luck watching the sunrise than in previous years. When planning a trip up to the mountain make sure that you get there before 5 am to get the best spot. If you have time go to the summit for a better view. Parking gets crowded at the summit. Wear layers of clothing and bring a blanket as it gets very cold. Also, make reservations early. read more

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One of the most amazing experiences I've had in Maui & I've had A LOT!! Haleakala is a must see if visiting Maui!! First dress warm!! It's cold up there unlike the rest of Maui!! Second be prepared for a windy road up the mountain side but it's absolutely beautiful all the way up. If you go past the visitors center you'll come to a parking lot where you get amazing views but the best views in my opinion are a short hike up from the parking lot to the right. Be careful it's rocky but once you reach the peak it's absolutely blissful and u like anything I've ever seen in life. We stayed until nightfall and were completely surrounded by stars. AMAZINGNESS!! If you do this bring a flashlight or use your camera phone and be very careful on the way back down. read more

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So it is what it is. A national park so don't expect the best What you will find are knowledgeable rangers that are happy to answer questions And just an amazing view of the sunrise and some pretty cool hiking trails. It was cold at the top in the low 40s Get up early make the drive have a great time read more

Haleakalā Visitor Center - Visitor Centers Near Me - Kula, Hawaii

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One of the most beautiful and quiet national parks you can visit. The visitor center is perfectly located at the summit to view everywhere around the park almost 360 degrees. What's more is if you're able to take advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime experience of getting a reservation for witnessing the sunrise at the summit. You have to be early well in advance or very quick to snatch your reservation but the views and experience are transcendental and worth waking up early and driving out to the summit for! read more

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Stopped by both visitor centers this morning and enjoyed learning about the national park, and picked up a nice magnet too. Junior ranger booklets available along with clean restrooms. The top visitor center at 9,000+ feet has the better view of the crater and it's above the clouds. The lower visitor center is bigger and likely has a wider selection of gift items. Both have restrooms. read more

Haleakala is a must if you're visiting the island of Maui. The drive up here is quite long. If you get car sick or high altitude affects you, you may want to prepare yourself for that. Entrance fee is $30 as this is a National Park. You just have to come up and see the beautiful view for yourself. read more

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I had the most incredible experience visiting Haleakalā. It was about an hour and half drive up mountain and worth every single hairpin turn. We caught the sunset, which was absolutely breathtaking. At 10,000 feet above sea level, being that high above the clouds was certainly a first for me. About an hour after the sun went down, the constellations and planets became the stars of the show. Seeing Jupiter, Saturn and Mars all at once was such a beautiful, mind boggling moment. I'm grateful that I was able to cross this off my bucket list! read more

Amazing view of volcano in Hawaii . It's a bright sunny day no clouds. The drive was amazing seeing the ocean from high elevation. read more

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Having a pass helped get through the self pay park entrance process/machine. The view from the summit is always breath taking. It's about as close to heaven you're going get and not be in an aircraft. My must stop whenever I'm in Maui. read more

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As close to heaven as one can possibly be. Surreal morning sunrise in the clouds. Extremely hard to get the ticket for sunrise so wake up at 6:45 am two days in advance and get logged in ready to go by 6:59 to book the ticket. Freezing up there so take blankets jackets and gloves. I froze my hands for the Timelapse I got but so worth it. Road up there is windy - I'm not as worried as I have driven up many mountains in California but for new timers who aren't had experienced just budget in a solid 1.5-2 hrs to climb up the 10,000 feet. We woke up at 3 am and got there around 4:15. I drove in the dead of night so just sped up and around the curves but don't look to your right if you're afraid of heights. It looks like there is no cliff and yeah there isn't one lol. Coming down was smooth , just put the car in neutral and brake and go as you wish. read more

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First restrooms and the only clean ones. If you use the bathroom shacks at the trail locations, you're gonna regret it. Definitely should stop in for a map and direction. They also sell some snacks, drinks and souvenirs. Close kinda early so make sure to check their hours first. The restrooms are open 24/7 though...thank goodness. read more

Haleakalā Visitor Center - Between the clouds - Visitor Centers Near Me - Kula, Hawaii

**Note : Bring a light jacket even during the day it's still chilly up top due to the altitude. What an exceptional view, and the fact you get to be so close to an active volcano is WILD. While it was one of the most beautiful drives I've been on, It was also the scariest. I rented the car and decided that I would take a nice drive up to the park. I have heard a lot about Haleakala. If you are not going on an excursion and you are driving yourself there, please keep in mind that there are a lot of swift turns around the mountain tops with no form of railing. Just straight down the summit of the mountain. I was on eggshells when I was close to the very top. It was surreal seeing actual clouds and knowing you are as high as clouds! If I had to do it again, I would, but it is extremely nerve-wracking doing this ride alone. Although, now I can brag and say that I drove up 10,000 ft to Haleakala myself. So neat! read more

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Beautiful sunrise everytime. This is my second time coming to haleakala for sunrise and it's worth waking up at 4am to get here for sunrise. Make sure you reserve your ticket for summit parking 2 days in advance or months in advance since there's limited tickets. You also need to pay park admission which is $30 or bring your national park pass! read more

Haleakalā Visitor Center - Sunrise - Visitor Centers Near Me - Kula, Hawaii

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We decided to visit during the day since we couldn't wake up early enough for the sunrise and did not want to drive down at night after sunset. We arrived about 12:30pm and it was nice with it not being crowded at all. The views were still breathtaking and it was amazing driving up and through the thick clouds to see a beautiful clear day. read more

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A must do if visiting Maui; Haleakala National park! I was long overdue and so grateful to be back! First and foremost; dress warm! Yes it's hawaii but elevation is 10k feet! So here's the rest of the scoop/tips; reservations are required and it's per car/vehicle. Entrance opens at 3am. We arrived close to 4:30am and that was a bit early but I recommend arriving that early or close to maybe 5am but no later, to get good parking at the summit. I have a National park pass so we did not pay for entrance but I believe they do charge for entry, unless you have a NP pass. There are many places to view the sunrise but I recommend the summit and descending after sun is fully risen. It's absolutely breathtaking and worth the early wake up call. I've also seen people bike ride throughout Haleakala and there's tours available! No matter what time of year or weather it's absolutely breathtaking and so peaceful & serene! A magical experience at "House of the Sun" Enjoy! Highly highly recommend! read more

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Just a great drive with amazing views, stopped at visitor center to take a bathroom break and check out some info! Please don't EVER take soil/sand or ANY ROCKS! And you can see more info on that in a picture attached to this review. read more

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NOTE: It's w i n d y and FREEZING. Don't underestimate the altitude-- this is not the same as beachside Hawaii. Here, you NEED a windbreaker and sneakers if you want to enjoy the hikes and view. We saw a bunch of tourists trying to trek in flip flops and T shirts, only to retreat to their cars moments later and drive away in defeat. Still worth the visit outside of sunrise/sunset hours! Haleakala is probably more magnificent at the crack of dawn, but if you're like me and are a total sleep fiend, you don't need to wake up at 3am to enjoy the view. Just make sure to go on a clear day, any clouds will make for a foggy af, low-visibility experience. We drove up and got to the peak at 5 pm, still had an amazing time. Ascending through the clouds during the drive up is an experience itself. Once you hit the red soil, it does feel otherworldly-- from the sparse vegetation to cloud-side view, it's hard to believe that this is still Maui. The actual visitor center itself was closed for renovations when we visited (March 2023), but there's plenty of educational signs throughout the area. read more

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There are 3 visitor centers at Haleakalā National Park - two in the Summit District (one at the main entrance and one at the top of the summit) and one in the Kīpahulu District at the entrance. We stopped at all 3 stations, and while each one is small, they each have a small bookstore, good information about the park, and wonderfully knowledgeable rangers to help you on your trip. I was extremely impressed with the visitor center in the Kīpahulu District. Since it's at the end of the Road to Hana and considered the more remote portion of the park, I wasn't expecting too much. But, while small, the visitor center had a great little bookstore, multiple rangers working, an area to fill out a small certificate that you made it through the Road to Hana, clean bathrooms, and a water bottle refill station. Usually when going to national parks, there is one big visitor center and all the others are smaller. However, we found that all 3 of the visitor centers here were great. You can stop at any of them and still get the same information or souvenirs. read more

One of the best highlights of our recent trip to Maui (besides food) is seeing the sunrise. We didn't have issues purchasing a parking ticket on the website but it's best to plan ahead as they only have limited spots unless you book a tour. I recommend getting here early because once you reach the entrance, there can be a bit of traffic driving up there. Bring some snacks, pack hot water or hot chocolate in a thermos for the ride. Make sure to wear layers because it's freezing up there and it can be pretty windy. To give you an idea: I wore a warm sweater (with a windbreaker jacket) with scarf and 2 pant layers and I was able to manage. There were some silly people wearing only t shirts and shorts but you won't be able to stay out there too long to enjoy the sunrise; so be smart and pack/wear accordingly. Once you get to the summit, I highly advise you not to wait near the railings (which is where EVERYONE will be waiting). Instead, my hubby and I took a short walking detour, not too far from the main spot, and hiked up for about 5 min where you have an even spectacular view of the sunrise AND crater. With the huge crowd below, my hubby and I were able to enjoy a mostly private view of the sunrise ; later on some people figured out this place and climbed up and they even agree that the view is better up there instead of near the railings. This is a must-see experience if you're in Maui. It's totally worth waking up at 3am in the morning :) read more

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Absolutely worth the trip!! It's about an hour and 20 minute drive up the volcano. You do have a marketplace in a restaurant on the way up the mountain. When you check into the national park, you were required a fee of $30 if you do not have a park pass. Their bathrooms at the first gate entrance stop. Another bathroom all the way up to the top of the summit. It was absolutely beautiful! If you're planning to go all the way to the top of the summit for sunrise or sundown to try and get there early parking was filled, but they do have that are nice. read more

Haleakalā Visitor Center - Visitor Centers Near Me - Kula, Hawaii

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Father's Day 2022 This was a beautiful but slightly painful experience. I'm not the best outdoorsy guy so I was a little unprepared for how cold it would get. Like I knew we were going but the thought like I had to pack like it was Yosemite didn't cross my city-boy mind. I was good on top with three layers (smart enough to bring a thermal at least) and ironically my legs were fine in shorts. However my hands and ears hurt like hell. Next time gloves and a beanie lol. The drive up is scenic and while there are several switchbacks it's nothing compared to the Road to Hana. About 1.5 to 2 hours to the summit. It is a National Park and we had our annual $80 NP pass. There are two lots. The ranger at the park entrance said the summit lot was already blocked off so we would have to park at the overflow which is only a 0.5 mile walk away from the summit. The park restrooms are at the overflow lot. We went for sunset (You don't need reservations for sunset but you do need one for sunrise). You're at 10K feet above sea level looking down on clouds. A truly Divine moment. read more

Haleakalā Visitor Center - Sunset Father's Day 2022 - Visitor Centers Near Me - Kula, Hawaii

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Follow the winding road up to the Haleakalā Visitor Center. Located above the clouds, the small stone building has been welcoming hikers since 1936. Perched at an elevation of 9,740 feet, the sweeping panoramic views are the stunning reward for the hour drive. So beautiful to just soak in the moment, enjoying the awe-inspiring gift of nature. The Haleakalā Crater towers over the island of Maui. The dormant volcano is visible from almost any point on the island and offers a variety of landscapes and sky views on the way to the summit. Haleakalā means "House of the Sun" in Hawaiian. In the legend, the demigod Maui stood on the volcano's summit and lassoed the sun during its journey across the sky to try to slow down the sun's descent to lengthen the day. Want to see the sunrise? Try to hit the lotto for an early morning entry ticket on the National Park App. Tickets are very limited. Bring a jacket, water and good hiking shoes. It is a special place in the clouds. read more

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DATE VISITED: 3/2/2024 for the sunrise. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: - make reservations ahead of time (both for the sunrise and parking) $1 per vehicle for the sunrise, $30 vehicle pass - allow enough travel time. Read reviews to help prepare prior to our trip, which was helpful. The website indicates to allow 3hrs of travel time if you are coming from the West side of the Island. I read a review that recommended to allow 2hrs, which we did (took about 1.5-2hrs). If driving in the dark on narrow roads feels sketch for you, then allow yourself 3hrs+ travel time lol. - NOTE, arriving early is suggested to secure parking close to the stairs where you will walk up and watch the sunrise. The next lot is 0.5mi down (if you're ok walking, no need to arrive by 3am). We arrived at 3:20a and slept in the car until 6a to secure a good spot to watch the sunrise. PREPARE: - We were blessed with great weather (no rain, no fog)! But it was super cold! My fingers and toes were pretty frozen. - Remember, weather can be unpredictable at high altitudes. So come prepared for possible rain. - Highly recommend to layer your clothing! Dress warm! I brought a down jacket, which folded and compressed well in my carry-on! We also brought extra blankets from our rental. - If you get cold easily, think about bringing hand/feet warmers! - Reviews said to bring snacks, which I didn't think was necessary. But bring water! - TRAVEL JANE/JOHN!! These will come in handy! Just remember, to bring any trash back out with you and respect the land! ARRIVAL: - NO BATHROOMS at the peak, only at the next lot (0.5mi down). Highly recommend to bring a Travel Jane/John with you for emergences! VIEWING: - There is an enclosed room with windows at the peak if you do not want to stand outside. The view is still spectacular from here! But if you want a good view, you will need to go early to secure the front row window viewing. - You are not allowed to climb over the wall and sit on the dirt. You are allowed to sit on the wall to view. If you bring a tripod, I recommend securing a spot at the wall outside. - Reviews mentioned that the guide does a chant, which we did not hear. I believe he did this during his walk down the peak to the entrance. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BREATHTAKING EXPERIENCE! read more

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Our first time visiting, and we decided to do a day trip from Oahu. Honestly the amount they're charging per car ($30 for 3 day pass), and the amount of cars that were visiting the park. I was expecting a little more maintenance done around the park. There was a scenic point we stopped at , and the walkway was damaged and looked like it had been for a while. One of the restrooms ran out of toilet paper. Overall an amazing experience. I would love to go back to see Haleakala at sunrise. read more

This Haleakala Visitor Center is located in the Summit District of the park, and it is the primary VC...(rather than the Kipahulu Section or Coastal Area). Here (for all you national park enthusiasts and tourists as well, lol), you can pick up everything you need. - Information. - Fun souvenirs. - Get your parks passport stamped. - Best of all...it is situated right in the center of all the action of Haleakala! To arrive here at the VC and the summit...it is a 38-mile drive from the popular town of Kahului. Roughly it takes about 1 hour and along the way to the top you'll be winding your way up the volcanic mountain. Before heading inside the Visitor Center, I'd recommend checking out the views. I also really appreciated the posted sign, which states... "Haleakala Visitor Center" "House of the Sun" "Elevation 9740 Feet, 2969 Meters" One tiny drawback is how small the VC is. Once inside, it's a little crammed. I had my backpack with me and had to remove it just to avoid knocking items hanging on display to the floor. But still, the VC offers plenty of cool merchandise to purchase as mementos from your time at the park. Then once exiting...make sure to catch the backdrop of the scenic crater floor below. It's really stunning how beautiful it is. And...from time to time when clouds move through the area, they really blend in well with feeling like you're standing on top of the world! Plus...overall and in general, the setting and surroundings for this entire Summit Section around the VC is emblematic for what makes Haleakala special. It's the vintage type of scenery you look at over the internet when planning a trip here. Just, I guess, make sure to grab lots of photos, whether beside the VC or just exploring the grounds. And...that leads me to my next point, which I promise will be quick, lol... Here are 2 terrific hikes located right beside the VC (I'd like to mention them) One hike is more of a walk and the second hike can last you all day. The trailheads are very close to the VC... 1. Pa Ka'oao Trail - a simple 1/4 mile walk each way for even higher perspectives for the volcanic lay of the land here. Truly awesome! 2. Keonehe'ehe'e Trail or better known as The Sliding Sands Trail - this hike goes for almost 11 miles each way and can be an all day and overnight affair (when camping, of course). It'll guide you among the ever-changing surroundings of Haleakala Crater. You'll get a real feel understanding for how primitive the crater is. Once you get started, btw, it's straight downhill for the first few miles (which, you know what that means on the return trip back up! lol). So yeah, it's probably almost 3000 feet in elevation change. It's a difficult trek to say the least. I actually hiked 4 miles each way and it was ultra-challenging. I was exhausted afterwards, but in the end, the experience was well worth the struggle. Finally, this Haleakala Visitor Center is pretty much as good as it gets in terms of National Park VC's. It offers plenty of cool gifts to buy and it's set among a fantastic backdrop within the heart of the colorful Haleakala Crater landscape. read more

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This visitor center is close to the summit and observatories, which are the best place for sunrise, sunset and stargaze in the island. Especially at night, visitors can enjoy pristine dark skies from the summit due to its high elevation, the atmosphere is clearer and light pollution is minimal, allowing for ideal viewing conditions. Last time I've experienced this stunning stargaze was back to the big island, though the high elevation could often cause discomfort, definitely breathtaking experience and worth coming. read more

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Definitely, worth the trip with tremendous views. The drive was fine until you get past the paid entrance. Some curves and turns are very narrow and a bit scary for some. You'll be fine as long as you drive slow and ignore the traffic behind you. We went during the sunset to avoid the sunrise crowds. read more

The sunrise summit on Haleakala is a MUST on your visit to Maui. You'll have to go recreation.gov two days prior to your visit to make a reservation. The pass is good for three days (Do Ohe'o Gulch as well as the 400-ft Waimoku falls at the end of the road to Hana). You'll need park reservations to enter from 3am-7am (we made reservations for this timeframe but drive in at 2:50a and no one was at the gate). There is about 15 parking spaces at the summit parking lot and then more at the Visitor Center lot. It really is AMAZING to get there so early, we were able to see the Milky Way with the naked eye. Even my 9 and 11 year olds were in awe. It is COLD up there, bring a beanie, sweats, hat, blankets, anything to nip that cold air. There is a small viewing room with glass that blocks the wind. Mostly people stayed outside and on the road to view the sunrise. It truly is majestic watching the sky change every color of the rainbow as you are high above the clouds. The pictures really do not do justice. The visitor center at the summit is open early and you can get your national park stamp there as well as cool souvenirs. Definitely a memorable stop! read more

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The most beautiful thing I have EVER seen! The sunrise is so beautiful!! There is literally no way to describe it. If you are visiting Maui this is a must! Creation is so amazing. Wow. A few things to keep in mind: we got there super early (it will take at least an hour to get to the top of the mountain from the bottom of the mountain). Often times weather conditions are not perfect (windy, rainy, foggy) so you will be driving slow and it will take even longer. Plan for that. We arrived about an hour before sunrise and the upper lookout parking lot was already almost full. There is an additional lookout just not located at the top of the mountain. Highly recommend!!! read more

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Very scenic but windey drive up. Good facilities at the visitors center. But unfortunately it was too cloudy to see the crater.

Amazing scenery. Drive was a bit windey. I normally to not get car sick. But this experience was one of the worst. There were so many turns. It was $30 for the visitors pass. You have to pay with a card. The pass is good for 3 days. A very nice family friendly place. But make sure do have the kiddos wear jackets. DO NOT LET ADULTS WEAR JACKET!!! Watch out for the local nene. I felt like a god looking down to so many beautiful clouds. Overall I rate it a 8/10. Definitely come visit if you can! read more

Haleakalā Visitor Center - Exotic plant found only on the Haleakala Summit. - Visitor Centers Near Me - Kula, Hawaii

We had the opportunity to come here for the sunrise this past time when we visited Maui. I must say that this is a MUST DO when you visit the island. We visited the island many times before but this was the first time visiting the volcano and it was spectacular. The sunrise is worth getting up for and making the drive up the volcano, it was surreal to say the least. We were lucky enough to get great weather and see the beautiful sunrise, but I would recommend checking the weather to try and get good visibility. To visit Haleakalā during the sunrise, you must reserve a parking space through Recreation.gov. Reservations open 2 days in advance and sell out immediately so make sure to have your form of payment saved and account created to have a chance to get a spot. If you do not have this reservation when entering from 3am to 7am, you will be denied access. Park rangers do ask for the reservation so make sure to have one. Entrance is $30 per vehicle and the pass is valid for 3 days and can be used at a couple other state parks on the island (mainly road to Hana beaches). Make sure to bring warm sweaters, jackets or blankets because it will be cold! From Kaanapali, it took us roughly 2 hours to get there, but make sure to check the map before you leave. The visitor centers are well kept and offer a great viewing spot for the sunrise. There are two different centers, one at the summit and one 0.5mi below, but offer great viewing spots but you must come early to get to the summit as the rangers will close the road once the parking lot is full. The visitor center that is 0.5mi below the summit, first one you reach, has bathrooms that are open 24/7. They seem to be maintained, but the urinals offer no privacy (no side panels). Once the sun rises, the visitor centers are open for stamps and souvenirs for purchase. Again, this was an amazing trip and a must do when you are on the island and have the opportunity! read more

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Super cold do not underestimate based on Maui. Beautiful place to be to see the sunrise and sunset and stargazing, lots of short and long hike, camp grounds For sunrise you do need reservations + park entrance fee. Located at 10000 feet elevation lots of picturesque spots to admire the beauty.. and feels like flying through the clouds. There are bike tours also available where you can bike down the mountain. No food and water available in the park. read more

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This is the most beautiful part of Maui, with elevations above 10,000 feet. It seems the clouds are always somewhat covering the valley floor, but the entire island would be visible otherwise. There is also a government telescope seen on the west, with the capability of looking into the furthest galaxy and probably one of the world's largest telescopes. Environmental education about the flora and fauna can be found both inside and around the visitor centers at both the base and also midway to the summit. The summit is the highlight of the trip, but there are also many trails, if you have the time to hike and take in the sites. Don't forget to get your National Park Service card, and if over 62 years of age, a lifetime card for $60.00. This is a deal, especially if you enjoy our national parks and will keep up with inflation... read more

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If you are the slightest prone to car sickness this thousand-turn, one-hour climb up to the volcano's peak will be a real challenge. Fortunately, unlike the road to Hana, the road up is (just) wide enough for two cars to pass by one another! We caught sunrise on this 10K foot peak on one morning and then sunset on another day. Sunrise is crowd controlled, meaning you must purchase/reserve a spot days (sometimes weeks) in advance or you will be turned back at the guard shack. Sunsets are not crowd limited or subject to a reservation requirement. Frankly, having seen both, the sunrise and sunset were equally spectacular (definitely do one!) but the sunrise was ass-biting cold. Not only is the temp around the upper 40s (low 50s if you're lucky) but the wind is tremendous... easily 50 mph. And it never ceased. Our host warned us and we came prepared with a winter parker and double layers for pants (jeans/sweats). And that BARELY was enough to brave the ferocious wind-chill. Everyone was shivering, including us, in part because you arrive at dawn (or at least you should) which is 30+ minutes before actual sunrise. You need to see the sky lighting up as the sun climbs over the volcanic rim. The eastern facing walkway (where everyone lines up) is full but not crowded (so the reservations requirement is a godsend). The parking lot is also full but accommodated everyone that had reservations made. The small souvenir shop opens at 7p and at 7:01 it was completely filled with children and everyone that didn't have parkas. The offerings are quite respectable, including hats, shirts, jackets and park-labeled blankets (Lol) as well as a good assortment of stickers for cars and Yeti bottles. It's all very pricey but also one of a kind. Pro tip: if you have a national/federal park pass (I think they're around $85/year) you can get into this place (and the Grand Canyon, etc.) for free. Otherwise about 5 miles up the 25 mile winding road there is a guard shack that everyone must stop for and you must pay $30/car(!) in order to continue. That parking pass, however, is good for the entire day, so if you were brave enough, you could drive up at 5:30am to catch sunrise and then drive up again around 6pm to catch sunset (times depend on the season of course). Remember, that's a 2-hour winding round-trip for each excursion. read more