Haleakala National Park
[Table of Contents | Previous Category]

 

Haleakala, (house of the Sun) is considered the worlds largest dormant volcano on Earth. Rising from the Sea floor some 20,000 feet, and then from sea level another 10,100feet.
In the past the Hawaiian Kahuna brought initiates to the summit to perform the rights of initiation. This was also the quarry site of the best tool making stones.

Haleakala park's boundaries include 27,284 acres of protected wilderness. From subtropical beaches to Rainforest and the Moon-like Haleakala Crater. It is said that you could place all of Manhattan Island inside of the crater with room to spare. The crater is 3,000 feet deep, 7½ miles long, and 2½ miles wide, with a circumference of 21 miles. a line of craters inside range from 600 feet in elevation to 1,000 feet for Puu `O Maui.

The entire park is a nature preserve dedicated to the preservation of Hawaii's threatened indigenous plants and animals, including the Nene (wild Hawaiian Goose), and the Silversword (indigenous to Hawaii)and many other precious and rare species.Haleakala is recognized as an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations.

Follow Route 37 through Pukalani and branch left on the clearly marked Route 377 as the road starts to wind you will be on the Haleakala Crater Road.

See Things to See / National Parks for information on camping, permits and a few photos.