Sunrise viewing at the summit of Haleakala is a top visitor attraction on Maui. PHOTO BY THE NPS.

MAKAWAO – Haleakala National Park is developing an Environmental Assessment to address overcrowding and resource concerns during sunrise visitation to the summit of Haleakala.

Public comments regarding the issues are encouraged and requested by July 21. Additional information is available at parkplanning.nps.gov/sunrise.

Sunrise viewing at the summit of Haleakala is a top visitor attraction on Maui. Pre-dawn through sunrise is the busiest time of day, and there has been an ongoing, steady and significant increase in sunrise visitation.

In response to concerns about safety and resource damage from overcrowding at the summit during sunrise hours, emergency restrictions were enacted to address the problem.

A pilot reservation system for sunrise summit visitation was introduced in February of 2017 and has dramatically reduced crowding at the summit during sunrise hours.

The reservation system currently in place will be evaluated in this Environmental Assessment (EA), along with other potential solutions to the problems associated with overcrowding at the summit during sunrise hours.

The purpose of the EA is to analyze the impact of potential park actions to manage sunrise summit visitation at Haleakala National Park in a manner that provides for the safety of employees and park visitors, protects sensitive natural and cultural resources, and improves visitor experience.

The National Park Service seeks input from the public on relevant issues, potential alternatives or concerns that should be addressed during the planning effort and environmental analysis.