Haleakala National Park – Maui; Hawai’i

Haleakalā National Park is located in the island of Maui and, as presented in its official website, is a superb example of the Hawai’ian Islands’ native ecosystems. The Park preserves the outstanding volcanic landscape of the upper slopes of Haleakalā and protects the unique and fragile ecosystems of Kipahulu Valley, the scenic pools along Oheo Gulch, and many rare and endangered species.

During our vacations in Hawai’i we learned that, isolated in the mid Pacific, the Hawai’ian Islands are the most remote major island group on earth. Lying 2,400 miles from the nearest continent, they have never had connection to any other land mass. Natural crossings across this great expanse of ocean by animals and plants were extremely rare. Haleakalā, in particular and originally part of Hawai’i National Park, was redesignated as a separate entity in July 1961. Haleakalā National Park was designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980. Of its 30,183 acres, 24,719 acres are designated wilderness.

We woke up 3:30am to visit this Park and enjoy sunrise from the summit, since it was one of the top recommended activities to do. It was indeed an outstanding experience. Some of the photos we took are presented below.