Day 1: Haleakala

Day 1 found us rising early to catch the sunrise from the top of Haleakala. After winding up the 10,000 foot mountain, we settled in on a rocky overlook to watch the sun break over the clouds below the summit. The whipping wind made the 50 degree air feel much colder and I was wrapped up in layers of jackets plus a blanket. The sight was stunning and worth the effort of getting up - although still being on eastern time made that no big deal.

We then ate a picnic breakfast in the car at a scenic overlook so that I could thaw out some. We hiked many of the small overlook type trails to various views of the crater and the ocean and island below. The horseback ride down to the bottom of the crater that we had scheduled was canceled - they could not get their vehicle up the mountain (we heard there was an inspection problem), so instead we hiked down the Sliding Sands trail maybe a mile and a half of the four it takes to get to the bottom. We were cautious because we had no food and limited water, and at 10,000 feet elevation, we knew the climb OUT of the carter would be difficult.

The crater was a bit reminiscent of the Grand Canyon because is was very colorful and very dusty and dry. The colors were more swept in various cinders and cones and slopes as opposed to being stacked in layers though. Still, very beautiful! We made the hike back out the crater with just enough water to get us there and then wound our way back down the mountain.

We then took stock back at our bed and breakfast (this one was about half way up Haleakala in Kula) and went down to Kuhului to get lunch and stop in at Walmart for some things we needed. Then we continued on to Kama'ole Beach I for a little swim, beach walk, and relaxation before eating a small dinner and heading back up to reorganize our packing and go to bed early.