Continuing our February 2014 trip to Hawaii, we planned to watch the sunset from the summit of Haleakalā. We arrived early enough to hike the first mile of the Keonehe'ehe'e or Sliding Sands trail before staking out a place to watch the sun set. Our plans were thwarted by fog and clouds that rolled in just before sunset. However, we did have great weather for a stroll down into the crater. The trail starts at the end of the summit visitor center parking lot. With a starting elevation of about 9750 feet above sea level rising to just over 9800 feet before descending at a continuous 8.8% grade, the trail is rated as moderate. Take plenty of water and allow extra time for hiking back out. The park service advises that the hike back up will take about twice as long as the stroll down. The trail is well maintained and wide enough to walk double file. The surface is cinders that are packed down with very few exposed rocks. This is definitely a trail where you can focus on the scenery and not your feet. However, please heed the warnings to stay on the trail as the surrounding landscape includes a very fragile ecosystem that can be carelessly destroyed by wandering off the trail.
 |
| The first mile of the Keonehe'ehe'e Trail |
 |
| A silversword ('ahinahina) on the side of Pā Ka’oao (White Hill) |
 |
| First view of the interior after rounding Pā Ka’oao |
 |
| Most vegetation seems to grow on flatter areas like this |
 |
| The trail switches back at the rock outcrop |
 |
| Afternoon clouds roll in through Ko'olau Gap |
 |
| Additional clouds blanket the Kipahulu District |
 |
| The trail is wide with only the occasional rock to stumble on |
 |
| Looking back at Pā Ka’oao (White Hill) |
 |
| Clouds roll in below Leleiwi Pali |
 |
| One mile down the trail reveals a stark and seemingly desolate landscape |
 |
| Trails crisscross the interior of Haleakalā |
 |
| Clouds and fog begin to fill the interior of Haleakalā |
 |
| Erosion has created a converging palette of color |
 |
| Ranks of clouds form overhead |
 |
| An other worldly landscape |
 |
| The sliding sands (cinders) expose numerous small rocks |
 |
| The rim creates sunset shadows on the interior |
 |
| Looking back down the trail |
 |
| Muted sunset over the West Maui Mountains |
An entrance fee of $10 provides a three-day pass to visit the park. Other entrance options include an America the Beautiful Annual Pass for $80 for twelve months or a Senior Pass for a one-time fee of $10 for those age 62 or over.
The park website is http://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm.
No comments:
Post a Comment