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Maui - Haleakalā National Park
Introduction:
Where?
: Haleakala National Park is located at the large summit area of Mtn. Haleakala,
at the center of east Maui island.



What? :
A sleeping volcano mountain towering 10,000 feet above sea level and above the
clouds. Mtn. Haleakala is Maui's highest point, all the summit and crater are
of the mountain is declared as a National Park that offer hiking, viewing
points and unforgettable sunset/sunrise opportunities.
Due
note 1: For sunrise planning you needs to have park entrance reservation at the
previous day (https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/253731), you will not
be able to enter the park without prior reservation!
Due
note 2: bring warm clothes, this is 10,000f high mountain and it can be cold up
there (especially before sunset or at night).


Due
note 3: The road to top of the mountain is well maintained but climbing up
steeply and with a lot of twist and turns. If you want to see sunrise or come
only for sunset plan for at list 1.5 hr drive up the mountain.
Due
note 4: Before you start your drive up, ensure you have at least a quarter tank
full, there are gas stations only at towns at the bottom of the mountain.
Due
note 5: safety: the road up the mountain is going through open grassland, you
can find cows on the road. Drive carefully, especially at night.

My
thoughts: Highly recommended trip when visiting Maui, do not miss the hike at
the volcano crater before the sunset or after your sunrise visit. Plan at list
2 hr for the hike, although it can be as short as you want. Overall, this can
be half day trip.
The
visit:
Haleakala
National Park covers the large summit area of the volcanic mountain that make
up most of Maui island. The National Park’s boundary at the mountain summit has
“fingers” that extend down all the way to the ocean, at the south east section
of the island. Those lower sections of the park include the Kipahulu area, this
is where you can find the Seven Pools and Pipiwai Trail (the visit is covered
by another blog).


The
road to the top of mount Haleakala (National Park) is well maintained but
winding and steeply climbing the 10,000f mountain, from every turn you see a
different view.
At some
point we got into the clouds and it may become foggy and rainy and after
another ascent you will probably go above the clouds layer into a clear sunny day.
After
entering the park gate, the road keeps climbing and you can find few stopping
points along the way, Leleiwi and Kalahaku Overlooks, I recommend keep driving
all the way to Haleakalä Visitor Center.
From
here you will have the best crater view and start your hike into the crater.
The
crater opening is huge, more than 10km to the other side of the crater and 1 km
deep. Far in the landscape below you can see smaller colorful volcano cones.

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