Continuing our February 2014 visit to the Summit District of Haleakalā National Park, we took a short walk to a fantastic view at Leleiwi Overlook. This easy trail is only about 800 feet long and has an elevation rise of about 50 feet. If you have a fear of heights, this walk is not for you. With a starting elevation of 8840 feet, it is important to walk at a leisurely pace to acclimate yourself to the limited oxygen in the thin air. Although this is a short walk, it is important to use sunscreen to mitigate the effects of the intense sunlight. The trail has a few stone steps and some uneven spots, so don't get so immersed in the amazing views that you forget to watch where you place your feet. Near the end of the trail, a steel handrail helps keep visitors on the trail and away from taking a potentially fatal fall. The trail ends at a small shelter that houses interpretive signage and provides some relief from the sun and wind. If you can physically make the short walk, he views at Leleiwi Overlook are not to be missed.
The Haleakalā crater is not a crater or caldera in the usual sense, but it is the result of erosion instead of explosion or collapse. The crater is over 2000 feet deep compared to most of the rim or about 2800 feet deep compared to the summit. It is over two miles north to south and about 7.5 miles east to west.
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| The trail starts by crossing the road and dropping down some stone steps |
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| Looking north beyond the park headquarters toward cloud covered Kahului |
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| A ranch wall from the late 1800s is visible to the left of the trail |
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| The trail climbs through scrub vegetation |
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| Looking back, the West Maui Mountains are visible from the trail |
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| Impressive first view across Ko'olau Gap to 8907 foot Hanakauhi |
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| Shelter at the end of the trail |
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| Looking south past the 8432 foot "crater" rim toward Mauna Kea on the horizon |
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| Clouds forming along Kaupo Gap |
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| Clouds collect in the gap below Leleiwi Pali |
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| Halemau'u Trail winds down Leleiwi Pali |
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| Changing light conditions on Hanakauhi |
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| Halemau'u Trail crosses the crater |
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| Clouds flowing in from Kaupo Gap provide moisture to this small section of green plants |
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| Haleakalā Crater with the Big Island on the horizon |
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| Puu o Maui cinder cone |
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| Final view of Ko'olau Gap as we leave the overlook |
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| Wind turbines on the West Maui Mountains were clearly visible on the return walk |
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 https://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm.
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