Maui; Haleakala: The Crater

The crater on Haleakala is one of the strangest and most wonderful places I have ever been. The eleven mile walk from siding sands, down into the crater and out the other side descends thousands of feet, and ends with a strong climb back up the rim.

The colours of the ash, the dry, unvegetated ground, the wild mountainous landscape, all work together to create a unique, and magical atmosphere. It is no wonder the locals regard Haleakala as a sacred space, and once worshipped their god Pele here, regarding the mountain as his bones. 

 Telescopes and military stuff on the summit of the mountain.

Walking is hard in the harsh heat, even at 10,000 feet. High enough to just feel the atmosphere being slightly thinner than comfortable when climbing.

The exit path ascends this ridge, we left a car at the exit point on the way up, saving miles of walking at the end of a long, hot day.

Pele's Paintpots are said to be one of the few places on earth where you can 'hear', (or rather experience), absolute silence. The ash soaks up all the different sound waves, while the absence of vegetation prevents a food-chain emerging, while the crater protects the place from wind. The pulse throbs audibly in the ears. I lined my family up here, to soak up the silence......... which was shattered by my young daughters sudden braking wind. Moment ruined, memory made.