Haleakala is a massive shield volcano, which covers about 75% of Maui island. Haleakala, means the house of the Sun, with its peak stands at 10023 feet, is the legendary place to see Sunrise. We did not get the chance to watch Sunrise there due to inability to obtain the permit to enter summit area in the early morning. We went to Haleakala summit area after sunrise to enjoy the day time vista it provides, and hiked down to the crater to experience the power of nature!
The day started beautifully. The mountain looked gorgeous.
View from roadside of switchbacks to the summit
We picked sliding sand trail (Keonehe‘ehe‘e) to explore the crater area. We hiked about half way of the point to point trail, and returned from kapalaoa cabin via bottomless pit (Kawilinau). It was a ~ 7 hours, 21 km, ~ 1600 m elevation change, hike. Except the initial/final 3 - 4 kilometers, the trail is mostly gradual and easy.
The crater area viewed near the summit
The landscape was ever changing as we descended into the crater, and clouds moving in and out of vision added the mythical feel of this mostly barren place. But there are small plants here and there, and most common plant is the silversword. The national park warned visitors of not disturbing Nene (the Hawaiian goose), but they were nowhere to be seen. We did spot a Chukar (a type of pheasants).
clouds moved in
The clouds cleared up a bit
Hanakauchi Peak - the most prominent and beautiful mountain seen on the trail
view of Haleakala peak on the return trip
the brownish mass in the center of the photo is a volcano cone
Chukar
Silversword
On the return trip, when we were near the steep slope, 3 - 4 km from trailhead, it started to turn cold real fast, sunlight become hazy, the temperature was near freezing. We got back to Haleakala summit in time for Sunset, the eastern sky cleared briefly but the clouds blocked the western sky and the view of sunset. The colorful clouds made up for the disappointment.
hazy sun in late afternoon ( ~ 5pm)
brief clear up in the western sky
the color of the sky near sunset
Note
For high elevation, long distance hiking, layered clothing for the changing weather and having enough water are the two critical components. On our return hike, about 4km from trail head, we saw a woman trail running in short pants and short sleeve shirt, with no water, into the bottom of the crater! As we were about 2km from trail head, she caught up with us, saying she was thirsty, and asked for water from us … fortunately we did have some extra to spare, then she was shivering due to fast temperature drop... she could barely move by now. Lily gave the runner a protein bar, and lent her a light jacket. She walked slowly, a totally different person than who she was 1 hour ago. The runner could be seriously injured from dehydration and hypothermia if not dead from her reckless behavior. She realized that and was grateful for Lily's help.
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