If visiting Maui, making a trip to
Haleakala, is a must, say all who have been there to witness the
magic of an otherworldly experience of tremendous natural
beauty, awesome view and tranquility amid a sleeping volcano
like none other anywhere! Especially at daybreak!!
Yes, that's what Haleakala is actually referred to: Maui's
sleeping volcano, out of action at 10,023 feet, providing a
picturesque perch like no other volcanic summit anywhere else in
this tropical paradise does, though Hawaii is filled with so
many - the experience of dawn breaking over Haleakala is truly a
wonderful and unforgettable one.
This is one trip you are recommended to make, not just for the
feel-good feel it is sure to leave you with, but also for the
immense beauty of a bird's eye view of Hawaii's natural
treasures that one can get a better perspective of when standing
aloft such an amazing spectacle of mountainous splendor.
There are many professional tours arranged by different tourist
guide organizations at Maui for viewing the famed Haleakala
crater but the sunrise is the highly recommended, even if one
does have to wake up at 3:00 AM to start out for the site.
Depending on one's fitness levels and inclination towards
sporting activities, one can take a bus tour or one of many
bicycle tours (prices for adults start at $60 and go up to $120,
many tour companies give seniors/ group discounts, too) to
experience this unforgettable view of Haleakala at dawn. The
approximation of tour prices mentioned here usually include the
admission charge for entry as well as tariff for light
refreshments or breakfast at one of the cafes located on the
dunes close to Haleakala.
It is advisable to do a bit of online research about established
tour operators and pick one that offers Haleakala bike tours
under the guidance of professional, experienced cruise leaders
who are Hawaii Certified Guides in order to pack in some
history, culture and geology lessons along with a fair bit of
mythology associated with Haleakala and neighboring attractions,
such as Kahului nearby.
For example, a local guide may tell you of fascinating tidbits
not available in the typical travel brochure for Haleakala, like
how it was the abode for priests, known as Kahuna who accessed
this sacred mountain with their select students, known as
Haumana, who were in turn, taught best practices for living in
harmony with nature and taught initiation rites here in ancient
times.
That Haleakala was a revered spot for viewing planets and stars,
besides the perfect meditation spot for gaining spiritual wisdom
is clearly established by the regard locals still have for this
sacred place even today. Therefore, visitors are advised to also
extend the same respect to the spot when visiting Haleakala.
This includes respecting and protecting the mountain's fragile
eco-system, in danger from people not fully aware of this spot's
sacred nature besides various commercial activities that have
threatened to wipe out the sanctity of the place. Only walk
through designated walking areas.
Visitors to Haleakala should be aware that the National Park,
which oversees to the maintenance of the mountain crater, has
reasonably curtailed tourist activity to certain boundaries, for
reasons of preservation of such places of national pride.
Mid-day and sunset visits to Haleakala are equally great times
to take photographs, but unlike at sunrise, you can use a flash
here on your cameras and the pictures will still turn out
fabulous, recommend professionals.
If visiting Haleakala during the early part of the day, dress in
layers that you can shed off when descending the mountain as on
top, it can be a bone-chilling experience, but coming down can
get warmer. Also keep in mind, that for some visitors to
Haleakala, silence during witnessing the sunrise and the many
colors flitting across the sky may be a time for contemplation,
so do remember to maintain a similar quietude and stay silent
during the chanting of the mele oli.
