Haleakala ("House of the Sun") National Park is Maui's main natural attraction. More than 1.3 million people a year go up the 10,023' high mountain to peer down into the crater of the world's largest dormant volcano. We got up at 3 a.m. to drive up to the summit in predawn darkness to watch the SUNRISE OVER HALEAKALA. This is one of the few places on the planet where you can climb from sea level to 10,000 feet in just 37 miles (a 2-hour drive).
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Dawn is breaking. The drive up takes 1 1/2 to 2 hours from Kahului. So, you really must get an early start in order to see the sunrise. It can be cold at this altitude, so dress accordingly. We had long sleeves, sweaters, and the blanket from the hotel.
Almost. Entrance fee in $10 per car. There are two scenic overlooks on the way to the summit - don't stop at these, continue to the top. There you will find the Puu Ulaula Overlook (also known as Red Hill). A glass-enclosed building serves as a windbreak and is the best viewing spot.
SUNRISE! We had about an hour wait (froze our tootsies:-). But, it's worth it - if you're with a special someone to share it.
This is the representative dress code.
The observation building in background is a great place to huddle while waiting. Kind of weird - standing around in the dark with a bunch of strangers waiting for sunrise.
As the sun rose, the observation area below became visible. Remember, don't stop there - continue to the top. Warning: parking is limited, so get there early or the rangers will make you go down to lower overlooks.
Silversword - found only on Haleakala. They take from 4 to 50 years to bloom, send up a 1- to 6-foot stalk with a purple bouquet of sunflower-like blooms. Very rare. Do not disturb.
Descinding. View of the 5,788' high Puu Kukui. Puu Kukui and Haleakala spilled enough lava between them to create what is now known as Maui, the Valley Isle.
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Return to Hawaii, 2000.
