Driving self to Haleakala from Wailea-need advise

I decided to drive myself to Haleakala instead of doing the bike tour. What time do you recommend I leave Wailea (staying at the Grand Wailea) to see the sunrise? I%26#39;ve read that parking gets crowded so I want to be sure that I arrive in time to get a parking spot. How long does it actually take to drive up to Haleakala? I%26#39;ve read reviews about leaving at 2 am but no one has really mentioned how long the drive is. Also, what time does the sunrise?

Driving self to Haleakala from Wailea-need advise

You will need two to three hours to get up there in time for sunrise. You%26#39;re missing something, though, if you miss the bike down.

By the way, Hook%26#39;em Horns!

Driving self to Haleakala from Wailea-need advise

What about the sunset? Supposedly less crowded and definitely more civilized hour!

Well, I keep reading posts about how great seeing the sunrise is so that is why we decided that instead of sunset. I am thinking about the bike ride down. Just trying to gather info to help me decide. Thanks for the responses.....

I know, huh! How about those Longhorns!!

Driving up to Haleakala is a fantastic/almost spiritual experience any time of day. I love the views going up AND down - driving through Kula, smelling the eucalyptus. I personally think the sunrise experience is overrated - can%26#39;t be sure the clouds, etc. will cooperate and it%26#39;s COLD. The bike ride down is not for everyone. My very physically fit adult nephew took a nasty spill. He spent more time clutching his brakes and watching the road than enjoying the scenery. If you drive up in the dark and concentrate/brake like mad on the way down, when are you supposed to enjoy the scenery? I usually head up about mid-morning and spend a leisurely amount of time enjoying the Upcountry on the way up and down. Please yourself and don%26#39;t fall for that ';must do'; stuff.