Haleakala is a dormant volcano on Maui which comprises the entire east side of Maui and 75% of the land mass of the island. We live upcountry which means we live on the slopes of this 10,000 foot volcano. One of the popular things to do on Maui is visit Haleakala for the sunrise. You will have to rise very, very early in order to catch the sunrise because the drive to the top takes an hour+ from Kahului and more than 2 hours from Lahaina (reservations are required for sunrise). You will drive slowly because the road is full of switchbacks. The drive itself is spectacular because you will feel like you are on the edge of the universe with spectacular views across the island. Haleakala is also a great place for sunset. However, the climate changes quickly and you may drive up to the very top only to find it is covered in clouds.
Haleakala means House of the Sun and is linked to the legend of Maui:
Haleakala, or House of the Sun in Hawaiian, received its name from a famous Polynesian legend. In it, the mischievous demigod Maui and his hardworking mother, Hina, lived on Hawai’i (Big Island). Their days were governed by La, the sun god, as he decided when there was light or darkness.
When there was light, Maui spent his time fishing and Hina on household work. One day Hina was working on making a special cloth made of tree bark called kapa, which needed to be dried completely in the sun. La frequently slept in, thus shortening their days, and Hina was unable to dry her cloth. She complained to her son, and he decided to do something about it.
Maui made a long, strong rope out of woven coconut fiber and climbed in darkness to the top of Haleakala. When La finally appeared (late as usual) in a dazzling display of glorious light, Maui lassoed the god and tied him to a nearby tree. La, trapped and helpless, begged to be released. Maui demanded more light every day in trade for his freedom. Finally the two reached a deal, and the Hawaiian Islands received their additional sunlight.
To this day, Haleakala is wao akua — a sacred place of the gods. Be sure to plan ahead to reach the summit in time, and dress warmly as temperatures can reach freezing.
