08/18/2014
Today we traveled up the road to the top of the Haleakala Volcano. The last known eruption took place in the 17th century. Haleakalā forms more than 75% of the Hawaiian Island of Maui. The tallest peak is 10023'. The temperature at sea level was 88 when we started the trek. When we arrived at the top the temp was 59. Very pleasant. The temperature near the summit tends to vary between about 40°F (5°C) and 60°F (16°C).
A caldera is a cauldron-like volcanic feature usually formed by the collapse of land following a volcanic eruption. "Haleakalā is far smaller than many volcanic craters (calderas); there is an excellent chance that it is not extinct, but only dormant" The Haleakalā caldera is approximately 7 miles wide, 2 miles across and 2500' deep. We got pictures.
A well traveled Haleakalā Highway, completed in 1935, is a road mainly composed of switchbacks that leads to the peak of Haleakala.[12] The road is open to the public (although parts of it are restricted) and is a well-maintained two-lane highway containing many blind turns and very steep dropoffs. Local animals, including cattle, are often encountered in the roadway. The park charges a vehicle entrance fee of US$10. Public transportation does not go through the park, but tour buses visit the summit regularly. The road is not nearly as stressful as the "Road to Hana" and the scenery is breathtaking.
So much for the history lesson, but it does help in understanding the significance of where you are, rather than just a ride through the mountains.
After we made our descent, we went to the small village of Pāʻia. Pāʻia is the last town on the Hāna highway when heading eastbound towards Hāna. Paia is located close to many internationally known windsurfing spots including Ho'okipa and Spreckelsville. It is therefore sometimes called "The World Capital of Windsurfing". We had lunch at a local fish house restaurant and then had a dessert. I had a coconut, banana, & pineapple smoothie. Linda and her Mom had pineapple coconut ice cream. Both were delicious. We then returned to Ma'alaea Harbor.
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| Silver Sword plant. Lives 50 years, blooms once, then dies. Grows only here. |
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| View along the drive |
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| Clouds moving in |
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| Above the clouds |
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| Volcano caldera |
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| Linda at the summit. 59 degrees |
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| caldera |
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| Below the cloud deck |
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| Moonscape |
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