By: Luke Baum
Above: Moloka'i Island as seen from a balcony in Maui, Hawaii. 2016 by Luke Baum
"The bright shining sun, endlessly rolling waves, and trees swaying in the wind: these visions are imagined by many when considering paradise. For me, there is no place I've been that embodies the ideals of the perfect destination more than Maui and the surrounding life of the Hawaiian Islands."
I wrote this intro before the fires swept through the island. Since the tragedy that happened August 8 - August 11, 2023, I've considered permanently keeping this article in the drafts. However, it is important to document and support the natural beauty of the land -- what is, what was, and what will regrow. In the spirit of honoring Maui, the land, and the people, here is a guide for the trek to the top of Haleakalā on Maui, Hawaii, which I took way back in 2016.
Contents:
Formation
Found in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the Hawaiian Islands are located above a sacred hot-spot in the Earth's crust: the cause of the Islands' existence. As the Earth's crust rotates around this singular hot spot found under the depths of the ocean, the magma cools and mountains upon itself, forming underwater mountains that peak over the ocean's surface.
Approximately 145,000 years ago, Haleakalā, the largest volcanic mountain on Maui, completed its eruptive formation. In comparison to its astounding size, where Mount Everest stands at a total of 29,032 ft from base to summit, Haleakalā is 675 ft taller! At a total height of 29,703 ft from the base (19,680 feet below sea level) to summit (10,023 feet above sea level), though most of the dormant volcano is below the ocean, there is no downplaying the enormity of Haleakalā and her sisters along the island chain.
Whichever/however you choose to make your pilgrimage up this entire volcano, the view of the sun rising above the clouds on the summit is certainly a sight to behold and one you'll need crossed off your bucket-list!
Trek to the Top of Haleakalā
Above: On the summit of Haleakalā, Haleakalā Nat'l Park. 2016 by Luke Baum
We rose at 4am, the morning after our arrival to Maui. Because of the time-change, my internal clock was telling me: 10am. It was a fun trip up this volcanic mountain, but not for the faint of heart. Driving along the narrow mountain road up Haleakala was a bit nerve-wracking, I'll admit, but nothing that a family sing-along to 2016's hottest pop hits couldn't cure!
Above: Sunrise above the clouds on the summit of Haleakalā, Haleakalā Nat'l Park. 2016 by Luke Baum
It was the first time I had ever been above the clouds while still on solid ground! It felt like I was spectating a small piece of heaven. We all stood on an observation platform off the side of the mountain, gazing on, breaths held, waiting for the sun to peak beyond the horizon. Once the world was flooded with the warm glow of the sun, so too were we flooded with joy, peace, and love. It was clear, Hawaii is magical. This was beyond worth the at-times "sketchy" drive to the top to set the tone to our Maui vacation.
Above: Dawn on Maui from Haleakalā, Maui, Hawaii. 2016 by Luke Baum
The drive down was energetic! We were all ready to tour Lahaina and hungry enough to eat at the first place we found! I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to travel Maui before the fires that recently spread the island. Rest assured, I've heard the Hawaiians have rebuilt much of Maui! As long-term members of the United States, Hawaii's global economy consists of tourism. Appreciating this beautiful land and honoring growth is important in supporting our fellow brothers and sisters on Maui.
Hopefully, this guide will inspire someone to trek to the top of Haleakalā with their family!
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