Haleakalā National Park

View sunrise at the summit of this dormant volcanic crater for an awe-inspiring moment in time. The barren, but colorful landscape and panoramas transport you to another world. Relish the absolute silence, especially if you venture down into the crater on one of the park’s hiking trails. The slopes leading up to the summit are home to rare, native Hawaiian species of birds and plants including the unique Silversword plant. At night the vast, velvet sky reveals stars, planets, and moons for an unsurpassed stargazing experience. For ancient Hawaiians, the summit was a site for religious rituals and ceremonies. Sacred places were established within the crater which are used for cultural rites and celebrations yet today.

Photo Credit: HTA/Tor Johnson