The road to Haleakala.......
Jun. 7th, 2008 06:31 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
osodecanelaThe Hawaiian Islands were formed by a series of shield volcanos starting (as I understand it) at the western end of the chain with Ni'ihue and Kaua'i, the oldest islands and moving eastward, to form Oahu, Molokai, Lana'i, Kahoolawi, Molokini, Maui and finally the Big Island of Hawai'i. Most people have heard of Mauna Loa, Kilauea, and perhaps Mauna Kea all on the Big Island, but there are actually 5 volcanoes there, and another, Lo'ihi roughly 20 miles off the southeast coast of the Big Island, it's summit about 1000 meters below sea level. Most folks are aware of the lava flows that Kilauea has put out over the last 25 years. 
Haleakala is another story altogether. It's not considered extinct, but it hasn't erupted in at least 218 years. Truthfully, according to a growing number of scientists, more likely not in at least half a millenium. Haleakala rises some 10029 feet to it's summit on the windward side of Maui. It's the larger volcano on the island, its altitude about double its western counterpart.
On our second morning on Maui we decided to head up country to see the lay of the land. From Kihei, you have to drive to the north end of Maui and get on the Hana Hwy headed east, to be able to start the trek up the mountain. After you make the turn onto Hwy 37, you pass field after field of cane, but as the altitude climbs the temperature begins to drop and the cane gives way to open pastures and cattle.
We decided to stop for coffee in Kula, and artistic up country town that sits on the western flank of Haleakala, above Kihei. 3000 feet above Kihei. We were greeted by this amazing specimen of a Jacarenda, and along side it, another lovely tree which sports trumpet shaped blooms in white and salmon.
May and June is blossom time for the Jacarenda and for roughly a 1000 foot band of elevation the hillside was ablaze with tree after tree of brilliant deep lavender flowers. A true feast for the eye.
It was also at this elevation we were treated to caravan after caravan of bicylists all headed downhill. A number of companies appear to do a good business in carrying tourists to the mouth of the National Park (at 6000feet) and renting them mountain bikes to coast all the way down to the valley below. It looked like great fun. However, when I turned to LJ to ask if he was interested, he simply shook his head no. "If I take you back to California in anything more than one piece, Oana and the rest of your staff will kill me."
Woops - just looked at the time. I must go meet LJ and Jan for supper. More tomorrow.
Haleakala is another story altogether. It's not considered extinct, but it hasn't erupted in at least 218 years. Truthfully, according to a growing number of scientists, more likely not in at least half a millenium. Haleakala rises some 10029 feet to it's summit on the windward side of Maui. It's the larger volcano on the island, its altitude about double its western counterpart.
On our second morning on Maui we decided to head up country to see the lay of the land. From Kihei, you have to drive to the north end of Maui and get on the Hana Hwy headed east, to be able to start the trek up the mountain. After you make the turn onto Hwy 37, you pass field after field of cane, but as the altitude climbs the temperature begins to drop and the cane gives way to open pastures and cattle.
We decided to stop for coffee in Kula, and artistic up country town that sits on the western flank of Haleakala, above Kihei. 3000 feet above Kihei. We were greeted by this amazing specimen of a Jacarenda, and along side it, another lovely tree which sports trumpet shaped blooms in white and salmon.
May and June is blossom time for the Jacarenda and for roughly a 1000 foot band of elevation the hillside was ablaze with tree after tree of brilliant deep lavender flowers. A true feast for the eye.
It was also at this elevation we were treated to caravan after caravan of bicylists all headed downhill. A number of companies appear to do a good business in carrying tourists to the mouth of the National Park (at 6000feet) and renting them mountain bikes to coast all the way down to the valley below. It looked like great fun. However, when I turned to LJ to ask if he was interested, he simply shook his head no. "If I take you back to California in anything more than one piece, Oana and the rest of your staff will kill me."
Woops - just looked at the time. I must go meet LJ and Jan for supper. More tomorrow.
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no subject
Date: 2008-06-08 03:33 am (UTC)Yeah, I've heard of it.
Nice pics!
no subject
Date: 2008-06-08 04:11 am (UTC)The other tree is Angel's Trumpet.
Latin: Brugmansia, in the potato family [Solanaceae] related to Datura [ Jimpson Weed]. There are a number of species. The common colors are yellow, orange, pink, and white. They are usually fragrant.
They grow nicely in Sonoma Co, but need sun and frost protection.
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Date: 2008-06-08 09:06 am (UTC)Wow! That top photo is really HOT!
*duke ducks*