Going to the summit of Haleakalā is supposed to be an amazing experience, and being at the summit to watch the sunrise is the #1 thing to do on the island of Maui. So we left our B&B at 1:30 AM to drive 3+ hours to get a good spot. Sunrise was expected at 6:20 AM.This is the route we drove to get to the top of Haleakalā. The payoff was worth it!This is the view from the summit of Haleakalā at 5:40 AM.6:02 AM.6:14 AM.Clouds look like water rushing over the hilltops.6:19 AM – sunrise! This is Psalm 19:1 – The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Perfect!6:21 AM.Observatories at the Haleakalā summit.Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope.In the distance, Mauna Kea (left) and Mauna Loa on the island of Hawai’i.The moon sets in the west as the sun rises over Haleakalā. You can see Haleakalā’s shadow in this picture.One of the views as we descend Haleakalā.Silverswords are extremely rare, and they are found only on the summit areas of Haleakalā, Mauna Kae and Mauna Loa. They live between 3 and 90 years or more. They flower once, sending up a spectacular flowering stalk, and then die soon afterward, scattering drying seeds to the wind. They are quite striking with their silvery leaves.Mauna Kea from the Kahului airport.
