Haleakala’s Purple Hill is the head of the Maui mountain

The parking zone on the summit of Haleakala Crater in Haleakala National Park on Maui sits on the backside of Pu’u ‘Ula’ula. It is named “Haleakala’s Purple Hill”, the interpretation of the identify it was given by Hawaii’s ancients many a whole lot of years in the past. Haleakala’s Purple Hill is the precise pinnacle of the mountain, with its highest level of 10,023 ft. Solely Mauna Kea on Hawaii Island climbs larger into the sky.

The japanese flank of Pu’u ‘Ula’ula is the place individuals collect each morning to witness the dawn. Entry to Haleakala Nationwide Park earlier than 7:00 a.m. requires a reservation (simply made online). The parking zone on the summit fills with rental automobiles and tour buses every morning earlier than daybreak. The 2-lane highway to get there’s a lengthy, winding sequence of hairpin turns and precipitous vertical drop-offs. We right here on the HAT Weblog suggest a cup of fine Maui-grown and roasted espresso earlier than making the drive.

Spectacular views at Haleakala’s Purple Hill

The summit parking zone begins each morning within the precise shadow of Haleakala’s Purple Hill, Pu’u ‘Ula’ula. A brief, average hike takes you round its base and into the rays of the rising solar within the “Home of the Solar”, the literal translation of Halekala. There are additionally many different mountaineering trails and several other cabins all through the nationwide park and within the huge crater on the summit.

Because the solar climbs within the sky, it’s straightforward to grasp why Pu’u ‘Ula’ula is named Haleakala’s Purple Hill. Rock cinders from eruptions way back dominate the panorama on the summit, a wealthy crimson sea of spectacular, dramatic views in each course. At dawn on a transparent day, you may see the enormous shadow of Haleakala and Pu’u ‘Ula’ula stretching into the space to the west. It’s a singular and humbling expertise of a lifetime. On most days, the peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on Hawaii Island are seen to the southeast.

Historical native Hawaiian legend holds that the demigod Maui lasso-ed the solar from the summit of Haleakala. He satisfied the solar to sluggish its journey throughout the sky to permit extra time for his mom, the goddess Hina, extra time to dry her particular kapa material within the solar. What son!

Suggestions for guests

There are a few necessary issues to learn about a trip to Haleakala’s Red Hill on the mountain’s summit. First, it could possibly get dangerously chilly in winter. Occasional dustings of snow aren’t unusual. On the similar time, the ultraviolet mild index may also get dangerously excessive. Bundle up (youngsters particularly) within the morning and be ready to remain lined because the solar beats down all through the day. You’re lots nearer to it at 10,023 ft! The air up there’s skinny and dry up there, too, so be sure you convey alongside loads of water.

Haleakala is house to quite a lot of uncommon native plant and animal species, a lot of that are endangered. Be looking out for them and maintain your distance.

Additionally, Haleakala is a sacred floor. Native Hawaiian practitioners worship and conduct historical ceremonies at a number of websites there. Demonstrate respect for the sanctity of the place and the dignity of the individuals there for whom Haleakala is greater than only a fairly view. Nationwide Park Service rangers aren’t shy about calling out obnoxious or harmful habits. Neither are the locals.