I can think of nothing more epically romantic than eloping on a Hawaiian volcanic summit at Sunrise. Haleakala National Park is home to not only one of the most breathtaking Sunrise spots in the world but also jaw-dropping diverse landscapes, endless outdoor activities, and unique natural wonders. Couples from all over the world gather at this “House of the Sun” to celebrate their love of adventure and of one another. If you’re planning an elopement in Haleakala National Park and need help navigating all the permits, fees, and reservations that come with visiting this beautiful Maui elopement location, look no further! I’ve written a detailed Haleakala National Park reservation and elopement permit guide that’ll make planning and securing your ceremony spot here a breeze!

A Quick Overview of Haleakala National Park

Haleakala National Park is located on Maui and is separated into two districts and a wilderness area. 

Summit District

The first district is the Summit, located in the middle of the island. This district can be accessed using the Summit entrance. You and your partner can drive up to the Crater of Haleakala, watch the Sunrise, and spend the day exploring terrain carved by volcanic lava.

Kipahulu District

The second district is the Kipahulu, located on Maui’s northeastern coast. It can be accessed using the Kipahulu entrance. You and your partner can explore the lush green landscape of Kipahulu, featuring bamboo forests, waterfalls, and beautiful rainbows!

Wilderness Area

The wilderness area is great for camping, hiking, and stargazing! Reservations are required for campsites, which you can reserve on recreation.gov!

Travel time between two districts can take several hours, so if you and your partner want to enjoy everything the park has to offer, take advantage of the three consecutive days that come with your entry pass. 

Haleakala National Park Entry Fee

Haleakala National Park requires an entry fee of $30.00 per vehicle. This fee covers unlimited entry for one vehicle and up to 13 passengers for three consecutive days. This pass may be purchased in one of the four ways:

Online

You can purchase an entry pass at recreation.gov via credit or debit card. This entry pass is valid beginning on the start date you select.

In-Person

There are two entrance stations at Haleakala National Park: the Summit entrance and the Kipahulu entrance. Choose the entrance closest to your elopement location and then pay the $30.00 entrance fee via credit or debit card at the drive-thru station. 

Annual Pass

Haleakala National Park also accepts annual passes such as the ‘America The Beautiful’ National Park pass. If you don’t yet have an America The Beautiful pass and plan on visiting other National Parks after your elopement, it may be worth purchasing! It only costs $80 for the entire year and can be purchased online here.

After-Hours Kiosk

If you do not have an annual pass and wish to enter Haleakala National Park after the park’s entrance stations are closed, there is a self-pay kiosk at the front of each park entrance. This kiosk only takes major debit and credit cards. Note that only entrance tickets may be purchased here. 

Haleakala National Park Reservation Fees

Along with an entrance fee, visitors can make additional reservations and permits for various activities within the park. One of these activities is viewing the Sunrise on Haleakala Summit. 

Haleakala National Park Summit Sunrise Reservation

Reservations for sunrise viewing cost only $1.00 per vehicle. They can be made on recreation.gov up to 60 days in advance, beginning in April of each year. If you plan on eloping at this location, bring a jacket! The summit is over 10,000ft high, which means it can be up to 35 degrees cooler than at sea level. Reservations go FAST, and this location will most likely be crowded. Be sure to set a reminder for 60 days before your desired date. I also recommend securing the earliest entry time possible for this location to ensure you get a great parking spot and have extra time to explore.  

Haleakala National Park Elopement & Photography Permits

Haleakala National Park requires a Special Use Permit for intimate weddings and elopement ceremonies. The permit application fee is non-refundable and costs $150. You will be able to pay this fee after the National Parks Service approves your application. If you plan to elope at Haleakala Crater for Sunrise, you must also provide proof of that reservation with your application. Your photographer will also have to acquire a photography permit for any photography that takes place in the park. This permit costs $50. Photographers must also provide the NPS with proof of insurance. When you submit your special use permit application, you must provide proof of your photographer’s insurance. If you hire me as your photographer, I will help you with this process!

Besides Haleakala National Park Summit, the National Park Service has other designated locations in this park available for elopements and intimate weddings of no more than 25 people (including vendors). You can learn more about these locations and read additional permit guidelines here. To obtain the permit application, email the commercial manager here.

Haleakala National Park Awaits

A little bit of preparedness can go a long way to ensure your elopement day goes off without a hitch at Haleakala National Park! As your elopement photographer, I can help make your elopement day as stress-free as possible! I assist couples with things like location scouting, elopement permits, and ceremony day timelines! You can tell me about your dreams for your special day and how I can help by filling out my contact form. I can’t wait to explore the beauty of Haleakala National Park with you and your partner and capture all the big, small, and in-between moments that make eloping so special! In the meantime, you can learn more about eloping in Maui by reading my Maui Elopement Guide.