MAUI VACATION DAY 5 :: HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK, HI :: Haleakala is the world's largest dormant volcano, with a summit 10,023 feet above sea level, and an additional 30,000 feet extending beneath to the ocean floor. Although it dominates East Maui Island, the visible part of the mountain represents only 3% of it's total volume. Maui is the youngest of the Hawaiian islands, and Haleakala could erupt at anytime again to add to it's size. Lava last flowed to the sea from Haleakala in 1790.

It only took us about 90 minutes to drive from Kihului Airport at sea level to the summit. We passed through seven micro climates as we ascended along the many curves. The road felt much safer than the Road to Hana - it was recently paved and there were only a few one-lane bridges to cross. At around 7000 feet, we entered the clouds. I was hoping we would be on top of them by the time we reached the top...

We just barely made it through the clouds at the summit, where the sky was mostly clear. From the lookout, there was an amazing view into Haleakala's massive crater, formed by a combination of erosion and volcanic activity. The steep walls drop nearly 3000 feet to the crater floor, covering an area equal to the entire island of Manhattan - approximately 25 square miles. Within the bowl, clouds were churning in swirls and circles. Beyond, we could see glimpses of the surrounding island and ocean between the breaks in the cloud deck.

We had driven up here to see the sunset, but we arrived early and I realized I might have enough time for a quick hike. The crater floor contains massive cinder cones, and I really wanted to walk along the rim of one. The closest cone, named Ka Lu'u o ka O'o, was only 2.5 miles away via the Sliding Sands Trail. I had just under three hours until sunset, so with a bottle of water and some extra clothes, off I went. It felt chilly, probably about 50 degrees, and the wind was whipping around pretty fierce. Kristie, with her aching, sunburned legs, unfortunately couldn't walk very far. She stayed warm in the visitor center and in the car, where she enjoyed a quick nap.

I hiked through alternating periods of sunshine and thick cloud cover. I saw several rare Silverswords along the way, and some strange birds, but there was little else to see in the desolate landscape - it was an otherworldly and awesome experience. However, at one point it began to rain and my hopes of seeing the crater floor were dashed, but just as I arrived at the rim of the cinder cone, the clouds started to part and glorious sunshine lit up the entire crater. I think I might have wept a few tears... It was really quite a sight.

I snapped a couple hundred photos and then hurried back up 1400 feet (slipping through the pumice and sand), just in time for the sunset show to begin (photos coming soon!).