The Summit of Haleakala
Driving up to the top of Haleakala is one of the most beautiful drives you will experience in Hawaii. Pu'u 'Ula'ula, the top peak of Haleakala, is 10,023 feet above sea level.
The mountain, comprising 75% of the island of Maui, is gigantic. Located in Haleakala National Park, it would be counted as one of the world’s largest mountains, if you considered its height from where it arises on the ocean floor to its summit. It is an active, but dormant volcano, with its most recent eruption probably in the seventeenth century or even earlier.
The Road to the Summit
When you leave Kahului, take road 37 to 377 and continue until you reach 378, the good paved road that will take you to the summit. It will take you approximately an hour and a half to reach the park headquarters.
The road is two lanes and has sharp turns and drop offs. You may encounter cattle in the roadway. No matter what time you make the trip, the views will be truly spectacular. Many people prefer to go in the early morning to watch the sunrise from Pu’u ‘Ula ‘ula. Others prefer to watch the sun set from the heights of the mountain. Much can be said for going at night to see the starry skies in all their splendor.
Endangered Species on Haleakala
Look for the parrotbill, a type of finch, on the west slopes of Haleakala at the altitude of 3,900 to 7,050 feet. It is estimated that there are only about 500 of them, and so they are regarded as critically endangered. The bird’s feathers are a combination of yellow and olive green.
There are over 270 plants on Maui that are endangered. One of the most lovely is the silversword that grows only on the slopes of Haleakala.
Camping on Haleakala
Hosmer Grove is a drive-in campground located at an altitude of 6,000 feet on Haleakala. There are also two wilderness campgrounds that are quite primitive and require a minimum of a four-mile hike to reach one of them; the other is farther.
There are also three wilderness cabins that are assigned by lottery. If you are interested in staying in one of them, write the national park three months ahead of time. No fires are allowed in the wilderness areas, and no pets are permitted. Campers must stay on the marked trails, Sliding Sands Trail and Halemau’u Trail, because the ecology is quite delicate.
Astrophysical Research on Haleakala
Science City, center for astrophysical research, is located on the summit of Haleakala where experts and telescopes search the heavens, because of the clarity and dryness of the air. It is operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, the University of Hawaii, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Federal Aviation Agency, among others.
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