Pa Ka'oao (White Hill) on Haleakala
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About this place
Catch the sunrise from one of the highest points on the Haleakala summit crater, Pa Ka'oao (White Hill). Mark Twain called it "the sublimest spectacle of his life." Most mornings there will be clouds below you over the Pacific ocean
Haleakala means "House of the rising sun" and is a wonderful description of the mountain. Haleakala is a large dormant volcano that makes up ~75% of the island of Maui. On the slopes of Halekala are rain forests, pastures, endemic birds, the endangered but beautiful silversword, and a summit that has one of the best sunrises in the world.
This spot will have fewer people (although you will not be alone) than the visitor center or summit house. However, the views are just as good if not better than the more popular spots. To get here begin hiking from the visitor center to the right up the trail. You will circle around the cinder cone as you climb the couple hundred feet to the top. After just a couple minute you will be at the to and enjoying one of the most unique vistas in the world.
Leave No Trace
