Summit Area - Haleakalā National Park

Our February 2014 visit to Haleakalā National Park continued to the Summit Area.  Crater Road was built between 1933 and 1935.  Our first stop was at the small historic visitor center.  This building was constructed on the rim of the crater in 1936.  The sign over the door lists the elevation at 9740 feet.  Large windows provide beautiful views of the volcano.  An information desk, three dimensional map, interpretive signage on the walls and a small bookstore and gift shop are housed in the visitor center.  While often crowded, having a front and back door open to visitors helps immensely with traffic flow inside the building.  Just down one of the sidewalks leading toward the parking area are another pair of buildings housing modern restroom facilities that are open around the clock.

Haleakalā Observatories from the visitor center parking area

The endangered 'āhinahina or silversword plant is found only on the slopes near the summit of  Haleakalā

1936 Visitor Center - House of the Sun

Leleiwi Pali

A vibrant palette of cinders coats the valley below Hanakauhi

Eroding lava and red cinders

Pu'u o Maui cinder cone with Hanakauhi in the background

Mauna Kea on the Big Island seems to float above the crater rim

Our second stop was to hike the 0.4 mile round trip Pā Ka'oao or White Hill Trail.  With a climb of 100 feet, this is a steep but easy stroll even at the high altitude.  The trail winds around the west side of the hill while climbing to its 9880 foot summit.  The additional height provides a slightly different perspective of the valley without the crowds of people.

Pā Ka'oao trail head and destination

A portion of the Keonehe'ehe'e or Sliding Sands Trail as well as the Summit Road are visible from the trail

Another view of the cinder cones in the valley

The visitor center parking area from the top of White Hill

The historic 1936 visitor center from the top of White Hill

Summit Road and the 1963 observation building atop Red Hill with the astronomical observatories on the right

Another view of the Keonehe'ehe'e or Sliding Sands Trail

Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa from the top of White Hill

Our third stop in the summit area was at the 10,023 foot summit of Haleakalā on Red Hill.  A paved trail and a set of stairs have been provided to gain access from the summit parking area to the "Observatory" built in 1963.  The building provides shelter from the often strong winds while providing visitors an almost panoramic view.  A side road leads to the operational observatories that are closed to the public.

Road to the summit

1963 "Observatory" at 10,023 feet

The bright red soil provides the hill with its name

Astronomical observatories and Air Force space tracking station

Stairs from the parking area to the observation building

Visitor center, restrooms and parking area from Red Hill

Paths are provided to gain close access to the silverswords that have been planted at the summit

The 13,795' summit of Mauna Kea is over 79 miles from Haleakalā

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.