Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
reds and browns. A
silversword garden
has been planted at the overlook, making this
the best place to see these luminous silver-leafed plants in various stages of growth.
Magnetic Peak
MOUNTAIN
MAP
The iron-rich cinders in this flat-top hill, which lies immediately southeast of the summit
building, in the direction of the Big Island, pack enough magnetism to play havoc with
your compass. Modest looking as it is, it's also 10,008ft and the second-highest point on
Maui.
Science City
LANDMARK
MAP
On the Big Island's Mauna Kea, scientists study the night sky. Here at Haleakalā, appro-
priately enough, they study the sun. The 18-acre Science City, just beyond the summit, is
off-limits to visitors. It's under the jurisdiction of the University of Hawaiʻi, which owns
some of the domes and leases other land for a variety of private and government research
projects.
US Department of Defense-related projects here include laser technology associated
with the ʻStar Wars' project, satellite tracking and identification, and a deep-space sur-
veillance system. The Air Force's Maui Space Surveillance System (MSSS), an electro-
optical state-of-the-art facility used for satellite tracking, contains the largest telescope
anywhere in use by the Department of Defense. The system is capable of identifying a
basketball-size object in space 22,000 miles away.
In 2012 the Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources approved a use permit for
the construction of a 143ft solar telescope on a half-acre site here. Although it will be the
world's largest optical solar telescope and a powerful tool for research, the large-scale
project has met resistance from native Hawaiian groups concerned about desecrating a
sacred site. According to Hawaiiain lore, the ancient demigod Maui roped the sun from
Haleakalā in order to slow its movement. There are also concerns about the project's en-
vironmental impact.
Activities
Hiking trails ribbon across an amazing variety of landscapes in Haleakalā. To ride a
horse across the floor of the crater, consider a tour with Pony Express (
Click here
)
.
Ranger Programs
