Haleakala National Park, Maui

Haleakala National Park is one of Maui’s most cherished tourist attractions. Located near the center of the island, the park is the home to Mt. Haleakala, the largest dormant volcano in the world, which last erupted in 1790. The crater itself measures 7 miles (11.25 km) across, 2 miles (3.2 km) in width and 2,600 feet (800 m) in depth. The large cinder cones inside crater create a surreal environment that some say appears to mimic the surface of the moon.

In Hawaiian, the word “Haleakala” means “house of the sun.” According to Polynesian mythology, the demi-god Maui lassoed the sun to slow it down, so that time henceforth moved more slowly in that part of the world. Visitors should be grateful for any extra time they might be able to spend exploring this majestic site, which offers ample outdoor activities.

 

Mt. Haleakala Summit

 

The summit of Mt. Haleakala is a stunning 10,023 feet (3,055 m) above sea level, and on a clear day visitors can see far enough to spot the Big Island of Hawaii on the horizon. Driving up to the summit is a lovely experience in and of itself, offering scenic views and a number of lookout points. The road which leads to the summit was built in such a way that it holds the world record for reaching the highest elevation in the shortest distance (about 38 miles). Traveling from the crater to the summit, travelers will pass through five distinct climate zones; at the top-most height, Mt. Haleakala is generally 30 degrees cooler than the temperature in the rest of Maui!

 

Getting to Haleakala and Things to Do

 

Visitors can make this drive themselves in a rented car, or can wake up early and join the scores of tourists who head to the summit in groups to witness the magnificent sunrise. Several tour companies make hotel stops for this lauded morning adventure. The sunsets at the park are also not to be missed; and those interested in astronomy will certainly want to take in the startlingly clear night skies of Mt. Haleakala. This is a popular destination for seasoned astronomers, but local merchants also rent out telescopes and binoculars for those with a more casual interest.

For the serious outdoor types, Haleakala National Park has two hiking trails—the Halemauu Trail and the Sliding Sands Trail—that lead from the summit down into the crater. While exploring these trails, hikers might be fortunate enough to come across the silversword plant, an endangered plant species that is endemic to this area. The silversword can live up to 50 years, but it blooms only once during its lifetime, just before it dies. Visitors to Haleakala can get a permit to pitch a tent and stay overnight in the crater. Alternately, three cabins for rent are also located in the crater, but these require advance reservations.

 

There are no gas stations or convenience stores in the area, so visitors to Haleakala National Park should be sure to fill up on gas and to bring along their own food and drinks. Due to the high elevation, this journey is not recommended for pregnant women or for people with respiratory problems, so it is recommended to check with a physician before planning a trip to Mt. Haleakala.