Haleakalā also known as the East Maui Volcano is an active and gigantic volcano of the Hawaiian Islands and covers about 75% of the area of Maui Island of Hawaii. The Haleakala volcano is considered as the highest peak of Maui and rises to an altitude of about 10,023 feet above the sea level. The volcano last erupted in 1790 but after even 200 years, the land that surrounds the lava flow is deserted. The summit of this volcano is popularly known as the Haleakala Crater and is 3,000 feet deep. The total circumference of the cater is 22 miles while its length is 7.5 miles and breadth is 2.5 miles.
The scenic beauty from the Haleakala summit is really magnificent and is considered to be the most beautiful view of the world. Pu’u o Maui is the tallest cinder cone situated in the crater and measures about 500 feet from the floor of the crater.
Visitors on a trip to Haleakala Crater can move around the area on foot or bicycle or car. There are facilities for horse ride as well. It is worth visiting the crater at sunrise and at sunset because you will experience a brilliant view of nature at this point of time.
Visitors can drive to the Haleakala summit which is only two and half hours journey. But the temperature at the summit is very low and it is highly recommended to carry warm jacket or sweater at dawn. You will be thrilled to see a bank of clouds when you reach halfway to the summit. The view of the summit as it rises above these clouds is really amazing and you will clearly see the crater floor from this point.