Beautiful Maui Pictures at Haleakala Volcano Crater Haleakala Photographs

Maui’s mythical mystique...born of Madame Pele before our time...attended to by the demigod Maui as benevolence for our enjoyment.

Today, the mountain HALEAKALA also referred to as Haleakala Crater or as Haleakala Volcano, is the essence of Haleakala National Park and continues to attract kamaainas and visitors alike with its spirit and its legends. During the process of creation, numerous volcanic eruptions have formed many colorful and distinctive cinder cones which dot the landscape within the crater enhancing its image and character. Though it has not erupted since about 1790, it is still considered to be an active shield volcano which may erupt again someday in the future.

Encapsulated into the national park system and now designated as an International Biosphere Reserve, its domain stretches from the sub tropical seashore at Kipahulu to the uppermost reaches of a barren landscape at the 10,023 foot high summit. From this height, the peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island of Hawaii are clearly visible, sometimes with a coating of fresh fallen snow for visual contrast.

While the rain forest on the windward slopes of Haleakala can receive as much as 400 inches of rain annually, the barren alpine/aeolian landscape at the higher elevations creates a challenging environment for our beloved Nene birds. Only a few living plants have been able to survive the weather conditions at these altitudes, such as the Haleakala Silversword, or ‘ahinahina, and the na’ena’e, or kupaoa.

Because of the unpredictable weather and viewing conditions when the mountain is enshrouded in clouds it is unfortunate that far too many visitors leave our island without having had the opportunity to enjoy nature’s gift to Maui. Even though awe and wonderment are emotions to behold on clear days...an enlightening experience bordering on a religious/spiritual response are yours to enjoy if you can spend a day hiking inside the crater...getting in touch with the ‘aina. It is said that the spirit and experience of solitude and tranquility can best be described as having a communion with your soul.

Haleakala National Park of Maui, Hawaii