Haleakala National Park stretches across the east of the island of Maui and is home to the commanding 10,000 foot Haleakala Crater, the world's biggest inactive volcano and Maui's highest peak, the soaring slopes of which can be seen from any point on Maui. The term 'Haleakala' means 'house of the sun': a beautiful name which appropriately describes how the sun can be seen rising to the east of the mountain.
One of the best times to see the Haleakala Crater is at sunrise, which is beyond doubt a memorable experience. Heading up there for sunset is also riveting as the day closes to reveal a blanket of star-studded skies. At 9,740 feet the Haleakala Visitor Centre is a excellent place to stop to take in these experiences. The look out point at the Haleakala Crater will leave visitors breathless as they look down on the vast 25-square-mile crater floor, the landscape of which seems so alien and could be on another planet. Indeed, NASA used the volcanic lunar landscape of the crater to train the Apollo astronauts in the 1960's.
A hike across the vast Haleakala National Park will take visitors through coloured landscapes, desolate deserts and great wilderness. Closer to the sea there are flourishing tropical areas to visit, which are filled with waterfalls and streams. Many people chose to drive through the area to take in the view or an additional way to explore is by bicycle or on horseback, but the roads to the summit of the Haleakala Crater site are well maintained.
Maui, on which the Haleakala Crater is to be found, is the 2nd largest of the Hawaiian Islands and has the most number of swim-able beaches. One of the most intimate beaches is Makena Beach, known locally as "Big Beach" for its mile long white sand beach whilst nearby "Little Beach" offers great snorkelling. The Hana Highway on the eastern side of the island is one of the world's great drives as it meanders through the rainforest, taking in surroundings that is packed with abundant vegetation, waterfalls and striking cliffs overlooking the blue ocean.
The ocean off Maui is the place to get a glimpse of the wonderful humpback whales which migrate to these shores every winter to breed. Spotting a dolphin is also an unforgettable occurrence - Dolphin Cove is the place to go to see the resident spinner dolphins. Boats can take guests out to snorkel around the colourful coral swarming with colourful fish and it is also quite common to see green sea turtles.
Culture vultures are in the right place in Maui as it is home to the biggest intact temple, the Piilanihale Heiau, which provides fascinating tours by native guides. The very old traditions of Maui can be revealed on journeying through the remarkable island in the form of the hula, oli (chants) and the co-existence between man and nature. You cannot fail to be impressed by the power of nature when you are brought face to face with evidence of the volcanoes that formed these Hawaiian Islands on a visit to the Haleakala Crater.
The Halekala Crater and the island of Maui is a remarkable place to visit. Thomas Cook offers a 14 night stay with flights staying at the Sheraton Maui from £2,499 per person, from 1st- 30th June 2010. Visit http://www.tcsignature.com for more information.
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