| The ancient Haleakala Crater can be found on the island of Maui at the Haleakala National Park. The crater hasn’t erupted since way back in 1790, but it’s still considered to be an
active volcano. The hot lava that was released from it two centuries ago has made much of the surrounding land quite barren. The peak of the crater is the highest on the island as it
reaches 10,023 feet above sea level. The crater itself is 7.5 miles in length, 2.5 miles in width, and has a depth of 3,000 feet. The circumference of the volcano is an amazing 22 miles in
total. The summit of Haleakala provides visitors with breathtaking views of Maui below, but the trip up there, to the island’s southeastern coast
is almost as good. You can explore the crater by car, motorbike, bicycle, horseback, or on foot. You’ll also find the National Park Service offers several guided tours as do numerous local
companies.
The park actually reaches across the east and west coasts of Maui and no matter where you’re located on the island you should be able to see the majestic volcano. The Hawaiian word
Haleakala translates to the ‘house of the sun’ in English. Local legend states that a demigod named Maui stood on the top of the volcano and was able to lasso the hot sun from the sky.
This was done to slow it down, making the day last longer.
The park itself is more than 30,000 acres in size and there are three different entrances to it. It’s also an ideal location for horseback riding and hiking as it’s filled with some
beautiful tropical areas, streams, and waterfalls. Some people even make the trip to the crater before the sun gets up and they watch it rise from the park’s visitor center. This
spectacular sight is unforgettable and the sunrise is unique day after day. Of course, the sunsets at Haleakala crater are just as amazing as are the dark, starry skies at night.
It takes a bit of time to reach the volcano’s summit because of the steepness of the road and its numerous curves. However, there are some excellent trails and vistas on the way that
offer some more great scenery. You may come across some very interesting wildlife since the park is home to numerous endangered species such as the Hawaiian goose. Bird watchers will love
the short Hosmer Grove nature trail as it’s a popular area with many of the state’s assorted species. It’s also a fantastic location for camping and you’ll find cabins to rent as well as
two campgrounds.
It can get pretty cool at the crater, especially before the sun comes up, so dress appropriately. Also, remember you’re going to an altitude of about 10,000 feet, so be careful if you
have any respiratory or heart conditions, especially if hiking.
The Haleakala Crater is a superb location to view an active volcano, camp out, hike, and see some rare wildlife and birds. The views of the island are second to none and it’s a trip
that every visitor to Maui should seriously consider. |
