We spent the afternoon above the clouds in Haleakala--the east Maui volcano that forms more than 75% of the island.
We drove up Highway 377 towards Haleakala's peak. On the drive up, we passed farmlands and pasture stamped onto the sloping hills in Makawao. We even drove past a small polo field.
As we continued up Highway 377, we saw small, colorful homes wedged into the hills. My favorite was a narrow, straight up and down, 2 storied house with a wrap around porch. It looked like something from a New England neighborhood.
On our steep climb upwards we passed hordes of bicyclists zooming down the mountain. There are several tourist companies that will outfit visitors with a bicycle, helmet and windbreaker so tourists can zip down the many steep switchbacks along Haleakala's face.
Watching all the bikers made me grateful that I was in the car. It felt much safer.
After about an hour and half drive from Lahaina, we entered Haleakala National Park and began our ascent on Crater Road.
Following the Leader
The Nene, or Hawaiian Goose, is the official state bird. We didn't have to worry about any crossing the road. There were none to be seen!
We parked and got out of the car at the second visitor's center in the park. The temperature was frigid at 38 degrees but it felt colder because of the wind blasting us.
I have had friends go up and hike the crater in the afternoon, and their photos show a moonscape of dirt and rocks lit up by the hot sun. I was not prepared for such cold temperatures or wind.
Neither were Mom or Dad.
Dad in his makeshift toga. Another tourist asked him if he had anything on under the towel.
Mom smiling bravely for the folks at home
I brought a light sweater and an adventurer's attitude...but it didn't keep me warm for long!
I was having a bad hair day at Haleakala
After our freezing welcome at the visitor's center, we ran for the car and continued to drive up to the summit to see if the view would clear.
Driving up through the clouds
Dad trying to stay warm
I braved the blasting cold winds again to check out the sights. I headed towards the visitor's center to look out over the West Maui Mountains.
Visitor's Lookout
The fierce winds pushed the clouds across the sky quickly, and the view opened up to clear blue. It was still windy up there, and it was still cold, but it made the long car ride and frostbite worth it.
"Science City" at the Haleakala Observatory--closed to the public
Visitor's Center at the Summit
Dad after retrieving one of the towels that he was using as outerwear.
Dad looks a little less enthusiastic about all this
This was my first trip up to Haleakala. I look pretty pleased to have made it.
Haleakala Silversword
The Haleakala Silversword is a very rare plant only found on Maui, only on the steep slopes of Haleakala where it grows on volcanic cinder. The plant's strong succulent leaves covered in silver hairs can withstand the freezing temperatures and raucous wind.
The Silversword does flower--usually when the plant reaches a certain size--producing a tall stalk of maroon flowers from its center.
We got chilly again, so we ran for the car and hopped inside, valiantly warming our frozen fingers and toes. We only explored a very small part of the summit. I wish I had planned a little better for such adverse conditions so I could have explored the other part of the summit--the volcano's crater.
There is always next time!
On our way back down Crater Road
I love how this curve of road rounds the turn in front of a large fluffy cloud
Hana doing what she does best: goofing around.
Notice the book in her hand: she read the entire drive up and down. Stomach of Steel!!
On our way home we stopped at Leoda's: Kitchen and Pie Shop. This cute sandwich and pie place is on Highway 30 at Mile Marker 14 in Olowalu.
The interior is styled after a white washed barn. You line up at the counter, browse huge cutout menus and place your order. The food comes out quick!
Leoda's sports a self-serve water station
Mom and Dad's carafe of homemade Iced Tea
The Perfect Sandwich after a long drive:
Avocado and cucumber layered with swiss chese, tomatoes, greens, sprouts and carrots. Don't forget the basil pesto spread and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. The best part of the sandwich? Homemade multi-grain whole wheat bread with a crunchy crust.
Hope we didn't spoil our appetites for the Luau tonight! I'm posting this without looking over my words for typos because we're heading to the Old Lahaina Luau for mai tais, pulled pork and hula dancing.
0 comments:
Post a Comment