Haleakala National Park

If the bike tour is not your thing then you may want to join the pilgramage to the summit for sunrise. You do have to get up a bit early but...it is one of those magical experiences you will never forget. There are 2 options here, one is that you drive to the top or there are a couple of tour companies that will pick you up at your hotel and haul you to the summit (I prefer the latter). It makes the trip easy and you get to take in the views on the way back to Wailea.

OK, so now a little about Haleakala National park.

Haleakala National park preserves the outstanding volcanic landscape of the upper slopes of Haleakala volcano (extinct) on the island of Maui and protects the unique and fragile ecosystems of Kipahulu Valley, the scenic pools along Oheo Gulch, and many rare and endangered species. Haleakala, originally part of Hawaii National Park, was redesignated as a separate entity in July 1961. Haleakala National Park was designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980. Of its 30,183 acres, 19,270 are wilderness.

There are some great viewpoints at the visitors center and for those a bit more burly, you can backpack into the crater! Additionally, a couple of wilderness huts are available for those looking to have a roof over tier heads while camping, or for those not hauling a tent around. The landscape is a barren, moonlike volcanic crater so sturdy boots and plenty of water are a must. What you will find here are the silversword plants (the only grow here) and solitude that is not found anywhere else on the island.