We spent our last day on Maui hiking around the dormant volcano that is actually taller than Mount Everest. Tried getting sunrise permits, which were all out. That meant a couple hours of extra sleep for us.
Haleakala Highway
Sharing the road with bicyclists as we took the winding road up to the top.
Silversword
We entered the sprawling park for free, thanks to Matt and his military service and saw a small scattering of the ahinahina in its natural habitat, the adaptive plants reputedly once covered the slopes like snow back in the day.
Pu’u ‘ula’ula
Panoramic view from 10,023′ of the crater with her different colored landscape and cinder cones populating the floor. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.
Observatories
Closed to visitation. No stargazing for us today.
Chukar partridge
Just looking for that pear tree now.
Sliding Sands Trail
Matt attempting to introduce waterfalls to the volcanic landscape.
Keonehe’ehe’e Trail
We would not be sliding down this trail today, as Matt had asked the park rangers earlier what the weather forecast held in store. Not good was the answer. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.
Sliding Sands Trail
Group photo left to right: Matt, myself, Ferlino, Analyn and Cisco.
Haleakala National Park
Ferlino walking the line. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.
Kalahaku Overlook
We stopped further down the road to gather another perspective of the crater. Ferlino getting some air time in the parking lot. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.
Kalahaku Overlook
Watching the contrail clouds roll into the crater. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.
Kalahaku Overlook
Matt looking out towards the twin volcanoes of the Big Island.
Kalahaku Overlook
When the very thing you are looking for is right in your face. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.
Kalahaku Overlook
One last parting shot. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.
Halemau’u Trail
Driving down the road, we somehow missed the Leleiwi Overlook and ended up in the parking lot for the Halemau’u Trail. Time to hike.
Halemau’u Trail
Making our way through the native shrubland, populated with nene, to the rim of the valley.
Halemau’u Trail
The group following the fence line until they regained the trail.
Halemau’u Trail
Standing on rainbow bridge, supposedly named more for the colorful plants that contrast with the volcanic rock than refracted light in the mist. Photo by Matt Vidaurri
Halemau’u Trail
Making our way down to the very clear and cloud free crater. I guess the park rangers must be related to Guy Hagi.
Halemau’u Trail
The trail zig zagged over 18 times down the 1,000’+ cliff.
Halemau’u Trail
The trail started with long and winding switchbacks which afforded us spectacular views of the crater and the surrounding walls. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.
Halemau’u Trail
Perched atop a protruding lava rock. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.
Halemau’u Trail
The switch backs became shorter as we approached the gated grassy field at the bottom.
Halemau’u Trail
Setting foot on the crater floor, with only a mile of hiking left to the cabin.
Halemau’u Trail
Approaching the cabin with no reservations, just good intentions.
Holua Cabin
Group photo left to right: Ferlino, Analyn, myself, Matt, Nene, Cisco and Nene.
Nene
No feeding of the photo bombers.
Halemau’u Trail
After a short lunch break, we headed off to explore the nearby lava tube.
Lava Tube
Not this one? Photo by Ferlino Carinio.
Lava Tube
This one. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.
Lava Tube
Climbing down with out the assistance of a ladder. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.
Lava Tube
Illuminating our way as we headed deep into the lava tube.
Lava Tube
Group photo inside the cave.
Lava Tube
Climbing back up through the cavernous conduit that used to carry molten lava. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.
Lava Tube
Matt standing underneath the natural skylight.
Lava Tube
Exiting the lava tube after traveling almost 900′ underground. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.
Halemau’u Trail
Analyn basking in the lava field views. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.
Halemau’u Trail
Time to pay the piper in terms of gaining all that elevation back that we had lost earlier.
Halemau’u Trail
One last photoshoot above the clouds. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.
All pau
Making our way back to the car.
GPS Tracks
Our 12.3 mile hike above the clouds had us walking through native shrubland, switch backing down a steep cliff, and exploring the crater of a dormant volcano. Not a bad day. Post hike meal at Paradise Supermarket, home to the best Filipino food on the island. Thanks to Matt and the group for another fun filled weekend.
Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
With much thanks and appreciation to you and Matt for this great hike and adventure. Always a great and beautiful day hiking with you and the wonderful company. Thank you again.
Aloha Ferlino,
Thanks as well for your great company and fun times as always.
Mahalo