Maui

On a recent trip to Maui, my wife and I visited Haleakalā the dormant volcano that covers more than 75% of the island of Maui. 

Since its peak reaches 10,023 feet above sea level, one of the many fascinating aspects of our visit was the change in climate and temperature.  When we departed our beachside hotel, the temperature was 87°s.  Two hours later we found ourselves shivering in 63° temps!

While currently classified by the U. S. Geological Survey as a dormant volcano that last erupted between 1480 and 1600 A.D., it is heavily visited for its dramatic summit landscape and national park.

The name Haleakalā means “House of the Sun” in the Hawaiian language, and as such, the volcano is one of the top spots in the world to watch the sunrise.

As overwhelming as the volcano is at the summit, the journey to the entrance of the national park at the summit is breathtaking and exhilarating.  The drive to the summit on the Haleakalā Highway which transitions to Crater Road holds the world record for climbing the highest elevation (from sea level to 10,023 feet) in the shortest distance – roughly 37 miles of pure climbing and takes just under 2 hours.  While the road is well paved it is winding and features 22 sweeping switchbacks and numerous blind curves as it snakes up the ridge.

If you have the opportunity to visit Maui, put a trip to Haleakalā on your bucket list!