The Best Places to Catch the Sunrise—and Get Breakfast—on Maui

They say that sunsets in Hawaiʻi are unmatched. And while it’s true, there’s something just as magnificent about rising before dawn to catch the first rays of sunlight as they illuminate the Islands.  

Stirring before the sun might not be at the top of your list of things to do during your Valley Isle vacation but witnessing the sunrise just once could end up being one of your favorite memories from Maui. As an additional reward, you get first dibs at breakfast. The island is home to a smattering of local eateries where you can fuel up on macadamia nut pancakes, fresh Kona coffee and more. Here are five of the best places to watch the sunrise on Maui, along with some ideas for breakfast. 

READ MORE: Great Under-the-Radar Breakfasts on Maui 

Tips for watching the sunrise: 

• Bring a flashlight if you plan to walk on the beach before the sun rises. Light pollution is, well, pretty light at most of these beaches, which makes them great spots to await the sun.  

• Be respectful and mindful of the neighborhoods and homes near some of these spots. Don’t block driveways or park illegally. 

1. Haleakalā

Witnessing the sunrise from the highest point on Maui, just over 10,000 feet up, is an unforgettable experience. In all the Islands, the summit of Haleakalā is one of the best places to watch the sunrise, and you’ll have a front-row seat as the sun’s first rays break through wispy white clouds and light up the otherworldly landscape of the volcano’s crater. 

Tip: Reservations are required to enter Haleakalā National Park between 3 and 7 a.m. Seeing the sunrise from the summit is one of the most popular visitor activities on Maui and the reservations system is intended to reduce harmful impacts to the environment by mitigating crowds and traffic.  

Be sure to bring warm clothing: The temperature at the summit can range between 30°F and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.    

READ MORE: Haleakalā Now Requires Reservations to See the Sunrise 

Get Breakfast: Stepping into Grandma’s Coffee House in Kula, high on the slopes of Haleakalā, is like dropping into a cozy home. Grandma’s menu is filled with the kind of large, comforting breakfast dishes you might eat at your own grandparents’ house. From the chili cheese omelet and meatloaf loco moco to the coconut-crusted French toast made with sweet bread from Punaluʻu Bake Shop, diners will find local breakfast plates to keep them satisfied for hours. Kula Bistro on Lower Kula Road is another cozy spot for sunrise watchers. There, you can choose from six different styles of eggs Benedict and a variety of pancake and French toast options. 

2. Koki Beach Park 

You can spot ʻĀlau, the small island off the coast, from Koki Beach in Hāna, Maui.
Photo: megasquib/Getty Images

Some of the best spots to see the sunrise on Maui are in Hāna, the quiet town on the island’s eastern coast. It’s probably not a good idea to make the infamously winding 64-mile drive in the dark, but if you’re already staying on that side of the island, Koki Beach Park is an idyllic spot to see the sunrise. Marvel as the sun rises over ʻĀlau, the small island off the coast. 

Get Breakfast: Hāna Fresh Farmstand is just a 15-minute drive from Koki Beach Park. There you’ll find homemade pastries and fresh banana bread made with locally grown apple bananas.  

3. Kamaʻole Beach Park

While the sun doesn’t rise directly above Kīhei beaches, it’s still a peaceful and beautiful area to begin the day.
Photo: JMB/Getty Images

Stretching across three beaches, Kamaʻole Beach Park in Kīhei is popular among families for its calm waters and ideal snorkeling conditions. It’s also a serene spot at dawn, when it’s less crowded and the glassy ocean appears almost still. While the sun doesn’t rise directly above the beach, it’s still a peaceful and beautiful place to begin the day. Plus, you’ll catch views of Kahoʻolawe, Lānaʻi and Molokini.  

Get Breakfast: Kīhei Caffe opens at 5 a.m., so you can stop by even before catching the sunrise. This popular breakfast spot is known for its Surfer Dude sammie, with three eggs, two pieces of bacon, tomato, avocado and cheddar cheese on a brioche bun. Diners will also find buttermilk pancakes, crabcake eggs Bennies and a kālua pork loco moco.  

4. Mākena State Park

The water at Mākena State Park is often calm and glassy as day breaks.
Photo: P_L_photography/Getty Images

Mākena State Park is known as one of the best places to watch the sunset, but it’s also a great place to see the sunrise. In the morning, the clear waters off this white-sand beach are usually calm and glassy. 

Get Breakfast: ‘Akamai Coffee recently opened its third location, about a 10-minute drive from Mākena State Park. The menu at the Wailea café includes breakfast favorites like Belgian waffles and huevos rancheros. Of course, you can get your fill on coffees and lattes, too.  

5. Ukumehame Beach Park

You can catch glimpses of the sun rising over Haleakalā at Ukumehama Beach Park.
Photo: John H/Getty Images

Ukumehame Beach Park is a calm, sandy stretch on the drive toward Maui’s west side from Maʻalaea. At Ukumehame you can catch glimpses of the sun rising over Haleakalā.

Get Breakfast: Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop doesn’t open until 10 a.m. but the wait is worth it. The sandwiches there are made with two thick slices of homemade bread. And while pie for breakfast might be unconventional, it’s just as delicious in the morning as it is later in the day. At this eatery, the fresh banana cream and chocolate macadamia nut pies are must-tries.