Thoughts of Maui tend to conjure up visions of crescent shaped beaches flanked by lava rocks, palm trees and gorgeous sunshine. A visit to the summit of Maui’s Haleakala provides a sharp contrast to those visions.
At an astounding elevation of over 10,000 feet (over 3,000 meters), Mount Haleakala’s environment is much colder and semi-barren compared to the resort towns of Lahaina, Wailea, and Hana. The harsh, windswept climate generally ranges from lower 40 degrees Fahrenheit to a maximum temperature of around 65F. Freezing temperatures are not uncommon and occasionally, the summit experiences a blanket of snow.
Even though Haleakala’s summit is not the iconic tropical paradise that may have attracted you to Maui, it’s an amazing place to visit. In fact, I’ve traveled to Maui several times and visit to Haleakala’s summit to watch sunrise is almost always on my travel agenda. I even recommend going to Haleakala on my list of the top 5 things to see and do on your Maui vacation.
Hawaii’s diverse terrain and microclimates make these islands a fascinating place to explore. A visit to the summit of Haleakala provides that opportunity to see sharp contrasts that will surely amaze.
Have you visited the summit of Haleakala? What was your impression?
Sheila Beal
5 comments
Hi Sheila, thank you for your website it is like a treasure box!!!! So much useful information!!!! I’m planning to go to Haleakala Summit, somewhere in your web site a read about must stop breakfast cafe for Macadamia nut pancakes….i can’t find it now. Could you please let me know the name of the cafe?
thank you so much!
It’s Kula Lodge. We mention it here (and it’s also linked in the above article) https://govisithawaii.com/2007/07/17/see-an-unforgettable-sunrise-at-the-peak-of-a-volcano/
thank so much! I went to Kula Lodge site and their menu don’t have Macadamia nut pancakes , so i thought i got something wrong. Again thank you so much for all the hard work you’ve put into creating this website!!!!
Ah, it’s been a while since we’ve been there. So, it’s likely that their breakfast menu items have changed. Surprising that they would remove such a popular dish as mac nut pancakes, though.
Hi Sheila! So sorry! they do have pancakes with toasted macadamia nuts! It is just they are not listed under breakfast menu but under “From The Griddle” menu.
So yes, i am so going there for breakfast!!!!!!! Thanks again!!!!!