Photography Guide

Golden Hour at Haleakalā

Maui, Hawaii, United States — Volcanic summit above the clouds — legendary sunrise and Milky Way.

Golden hour at Haleakalā varies from 33 minutes in the morning to 33 minutes in the evening during peak months (December, January, June). Sunrise ranges from 07:03 in January to 06:53 in December. Volcanic summit above the clouds — legendary sunrise and Milky Way. This guide shows computed sunrise, sunset, and golden hour times for every month of the year, with compass bearings to help you plan your composition. All times are calculated with a precision astronomical engine. Use Heliora to see terrain-adjusted times from any exact vantage point.

Monthly Sun Times & Golden Hour

MonthSunriseSunsetGold AMGold PMSunrise °Sunset °
Jan07:0318:0432m32m112° ESE248° WSW
Feb06:5418:2230m30m103° ESE257° WSW
Mar06:3218:3329m29m92° E268° W
Apr06:0518:4330m30m79° E281° W
May05:4718:5431m31m69° ENE291° WNW
Jun05:4319:0632m32m65° ENE295° WNW
Jul05:5219:0832m32m67° ENE293° WNW
Aug06:0318:5430m30m75° ENE285° WNW
Sep06:1118:2829m29m87° E274° W
Oct06:2018:0130m30m99° E261° W
Nov06:3417:4331m31m110° ESE251° WSW
Dec06:5317:4633m33m115° ESE245° WSW

Best months for golden hour: December, January, June. Times shown for the 15th of each month.

Explore Haleakalā in Heliora →

See the sun's path with real terrain horizon for any date

Frequently Asked Questions

When is golden hour at Haleakalā?
Golden hour at Haleakalā varies by season. The longest golden hour sessions are in December, January, June. Morning golden hour lasts 33m and evening 33m during the peak month.
What time is sunrise at Haleakalā?
Sunrise ranges from 07:03 in January to 06:53 in December.
What direction does the sun rise and set at Haleakalā?
Sunrise bearing shifts from 115° ESE in winter to 65° ENE in summer. Sunset shifts from 245° WSW to 295° WNW.
What is the best time of year to photograph Haleakalā?
For golden hour photography, the best months are December, January, June when golden hour is longest.
What time should I arrive to photograph sunrise at Haleakalā?
Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunrise to catch blue hour and set up. In January, that means arriving by 06:23. Use Heliora to check terrain-adjusted sunrise, as mountains may delay the actual moment the sun appears.
Does the terrain affect sunrise or sunset times at Haleakalā?
Yes. Mountains, ridges, and buildings can delay sunrise or bring sunset earlier than flat-earth calculations show. Use Heliora to see the real terrain horizon from any exact viewpoint and get terrain-adjusted sun times.
Is Haleakalā good for astrophotography?
Milky Way core visibility is limited from Haleakalā due to latitude or light conditions. However, star trails and constellation photography are possible year-round during astronomical darkness. Use Heliora to check dark sky hours for your planned date.

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