Haleakala Crater at Dawn

One of the most popular things to do on the island of Maui is watching the sunrise from the rim of Haleakala crater. Almost everyone goes right to the summit viewpoint. Much less crowded and just as spectacular is the view from Kalahaku Overlook.

This view, looking north instead of east to the sunrise, shows the prominent cinder cones in the crater (technically speaking, it’s a caldera, not a crater). On the upper right, Sliding Sands Trail is visible, leading to the cone of Pu’u O Maui. Visible in the distance are the summits of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea on the Big Island.

This photo was taken just before the sun rose above the rim of the crater. A layer of thin, high clouds were beautifully lit by the rising sun and the rich color bounced back to the landscape.

Have you been to the Kalahaku Overlook at Haleakala National Park? How about Lelewi Overlook?

 

by