January 29-31, 2002
Perhaps one could say that a hike through Haleakala Crater
should not be missed. When one spends several days in the ether of the mountain it verges on heaven. Our hike takes us down from near the summit across the volcano to Holua campsite at 7000' ASL. We stay over night here with the opportunity for several day hikes near the camping area. The second day takes us from a dry side to a very wet region known as Paliku, or steep cliffs. We set camp here at 6500' ASL. Several small days hikes are available from our base camp at Paliku, weather permitting. Our last full day carries us out of the Crater proper down the infamous Kaupo Gap. We'll set camp somewhere near the boundary between the ranch and the National Park. Views over-looking the Alenuihaha channel and onto the Big Island present themselves at sunset for a close to our third day. Our final day is spent meandering down the Kaupo Gap to sea-level. Total hike distance: 23 miles.
