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Watching the Sunrise at Maui's Haleakala Volcano Will Soon Require a Reservation

One of the most unforgettable—and most popular—sights in Maui is about to get a little more difficult to experience. 

Starting February 1, you'll need a reservation to hike to the top of the Hawaiian island's Haleakala volcano to watch the sunrise.

Citing large crowds and safety concerns, Haleakala National Park officials say that those who want to reach the top of the 10,000-foot peak between 3am and 7am will need a parking reservation that's only available in advance and online. 

The four parking lots at the top of Haleakala can only hold 150 vehicles. When more cars than that show up, visitors often park dangerously along the nearby winding road, which can damage the ecosystem and block access for emergency vehicles. Additionally, pedestrians face risks when navigating all that traffic in the dark pre-dawn hours.

Permits—which are not required for visits after 7am—cost $1.50 per car, in addition to the $20 you have to pay to get into the park. Book your reservation at Recreation.gov.

 

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