With the clearing of some of the cloud cover around Haleakala, we were happy that our last full day on Maui was going to give us an opportunity to climb the volcano and see the spectacular sights from the summit.

The drive up and down the 38 mile drive from Kahului to the summit takes a good 2 hours plus each way, so don’t be rushed for time if you decide to take this trip on your visit to Maui!  The experience on the drive up of driving into the clouds at about 4,500 feet and then clearing the top of the clouds around the 8,000 foot point was just unbelievable.

The feeling of being on the top of the world while walking around the 10,023 high peak of Haleakala is something hard to describe. Being there in the early afternoon and seeing the view, I now understand why people start the drive up at 4am to witness the sunrise, as it must be a spectacular experience.  Something to consider for a future trip to Maui!
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For a few short minutes, we had this view down to Kahului, but quickly, the clouds began to close back in…

For a few short minutes, we had this view down to Kahului, but quickly, the clouds began to close back in…

For a few short minutes, we had this view down to Kahului, but quickly, the clouds began to close back in…

Take a drive to the summit and ride a bike down the volcano!

Take a drive to the summit and ride a bike down the volcano!

And, also a collection of panoramas from the visitor center and summit of Haleakala:
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Panoramic View from the Visitor Center

Panoramic View from the Visitor Center

Panoramic View from the Visitor Center

Panoramic View from the Visitor Center

1/3+ of the 360 degree view from the 10,023 summit

1/3+ of the 360 degree view from the 10,023 summit

1/3+ of the 360 degree view from the 10,023 summit

For more information on Haleakala, see here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haleakal%C4%81