Haleakala

No trip to Maui is complete without a visit to the top of Haleakala to see the volcanic crater and the curious landscape there. I picked a clear morning and was able to see all around the crater to the edge of the clouds that are apparently always present on the southern side of the island.

I gave a brief moment to the idea of hiking into the crater. But I sat down until the thought passed. First, it is much farther than it looks, both vertically and horizontally. The trail to the bottom the crater descends some 2000 ft which means, of course, you got that same climb back up to get out. Secondly, it is pretty cold up here... around 55F... especially for an old man still dressed for the seaside. Yes, I forgot to bring my sweater. Even a slight breeze is, shall we say, fresh.

But the views are amazing. The ocher in the cinder cones give this place a painted appearance as it transitions subtly from the surround bluish lava and yellowish sand.

Even on the outer sides of the crater nearest where I am standing, the transitions of the colors in the ground are mesmerizing.