Maui - Hawaii - page 712

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The park is divided into two distinct sections that must be accessed separately.
The summit area surrounds the volcano's lofty crater. The Kipahulu area , also
known as ʻOheʻo Gulch, extends up the southeastern flank of the volcano from the
coast, not far from Hana. The entrance fee, valid for three days at both sections of
the park, is $10 per car or $5 per person on foot, bicycle or motorcycle.
HALEAKALĀ NATIONAL PARK
Haleakalā is not a park that you simply 'see.' With its serpentine entrance road, breezy
view points, quiet trails and dusty moonscapes, it's a place that you experience. Throw in
the vivid sunrises, and you've got a place like no other in the national park system. Its
appeal is magnetic: ancient Hawaiians came to the summit to worship, Mark Twain
praised its healing solitude and visitors of all walks still find it mystical. Trek to Haleak-
alā to look into the soul of Maui.
Lookouts on the crater's rim provide breathtaking views of Haleakalā's volcanic sur-
face. But there's more to Haleakalā than just peering down from on high. With a pair of
hiking boots you can walk down into the crater on crunchy trails that meander around
cinder cones. Or saddle up and mosey across the crater floor on horseback. For the ulti-
mate adventure, bring a sleeping bag and spend the night.
No food or drinks are sold anywhere in the park, though there are drinking fountains at
the visitor centers. Bring something to eat if you're going up for the sunrise; you don't
want hunger pangs to send you back down the mountain before you've explored the
sights.
THE SUNRISE EXPERIENCE
ʻHaleakalā' means ʻHouse of the Sun.' So it's no surprise that since the time of the
first Hawaiians, people have been making pilgrimages up Haleakalā to watch the
sun rise. It's an experience that borders on the mystical. Mark Twain called it the
ʻsublimest spectacle' he'd ever seen.
Plan to arrive at the summit an hour before the actual sunrise; that will guaran-
tee you a parking space and time to see the world shake off the night. Have cash
handy to feed into the automated fee machine in the wee hours, when the entry
booth may be unattended. For the loftiest sunrise views, drive past the Haleakalā
Visitor Center and climb a short distance to the Puʻuʻulaʻula (Red Hill) summit