At the base of Pu'u 'Ula'ula is the parking lot for Haleakala Crater, which is located in Haleakala National Park on the Hawaiian island of Maui. "Haleakala's Red Hill" is the translation of the ancient Hawaiian name for the mountain. The true summit of Haleakala is Red Hill, which rises 10,023 feet above sea level. On Hawaii Island, Mauna Kea is the only mountain that rises higher.
Every morning, people congregate on Pu'u 'Ula'ula's eastern flank to view the sunrise. Reservations are required for early morning entry into Haleakala National Park (and are simple to make online). Every morning before dawn, rental cars and tour buses swarm into the summit's parking lot. The two-lane road that leads there is a protracted, meandering maze of sharp hairpin curves and sheer drops. Before starting the drive, we at the HAT Blog advise drinking a cup of fine coffee that has been grown and roasted in Maui.
Views from Haleakala's Red Hill are breathtaking.
Every morning, in the actual shadow of Haleakala's Red Hill, Pu'u 'Ula'ula, the summit parking lot opens. You may circumnavigate it with a short, easy climb and enter the "House of the Sun," Halekala's literal translation, as the sun rises. In addition, the vast crater at the summit has numerous cottages and a number of other hiking trails.
It is simple to see why Pu'u 'Ula'ula is known as Haleakala's Red Hill when the sun rises higher in the sky. The summit's terrain is dominated by rock cinders left behind from ancient eruptions; it is a rich red sea with breathtaking, dramatic vistas in every direction. On a clear day, you can see Haleakala and Pu'u 'Ula'ula's massive shadow stretching into the distance to the west at sunrise. It is a once-in-a-lifetime, unique, and humbling event. On most days, Hawaii Island's Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa peaks can be seen towards the southeast.
According to an old Hawaiian tale, the sun was lassoed from Haleakala's top by the god Maui. In order to give his mother, the goddess Hina, extra time to dry her special kapa linen in the sun, he persuaded the sun to slow its course across the sky. A good boy, indeed!
Advice for guests
There are a few crucial details to be aware of before visiting Red Hill on Haleakala's peak. First of all, the winter months can be extremely chilly. Snow dustings are not unusual on occasion. The UV light index might potentially increase to harmful levels at the same time. Children should especially be prepared to bundle up in the morning and be prepared to keep covered as the sun beams down the entire day. At 10,023 feet, you're a lot closer to it! Make sure you pack a lot of water because the air up there is dry and thin.
Numerous rare and endangered native plant and animal species can be found on Haleakala. Keep your distance and keep an eye out for them.
Additionally, Haleakala is a holy site. Numerous locations there host ancient rites and places of worship for Native Hawaiian practitioners. Respect the dignity of the locals, for whom Haleakala is more than just a beautiful view, and the sanctity of the area. Rangers from the National Park Service are not afraid to point out offensive or risky behaviour. The natives are not either.