Having visited Maui four times before, there was one experience that we keep putting off: an early morning ride to Haleakala to witness the rising sun. The weather was predicted to be pretty good for April 1st.
Kathie awoke at 1:30 AM. She is just an early riser. We did go to bed around 8:00 P.M. and there was just enough sleep. With the early morning choirs done, we left at 3:20 AM for our quest.
We have been to Haleakala National Park before, but never in “pitch black darkness.” I was a bit nervous and apprehensive to say the least. No cause to be alarmed, though, as we were one of many to make the pilgrimage to “The House of the Sun.”
The Hawaiian National Park guide took Kathie’s pass and we were quickly ushered into the park. You could see a stream of lights going up the dark volcanic mountain. It was rather surreal.
I read that you need to be at the summit to get the best viewing. That road was closed as the parking lot was full. We arrived at 5:20 A.M., and found a parking space at the second tier. I later saw people “tripled parked” for this event.
I opened the door and a shock wave of extremely cold air hit me. Kathie came well prepared. I thought my windbreaker, two shirts and jeans would do. No! My hands were the most exposed and they hurt the most.
Kathie took a spot by the viewing house. She was later treated to Hawaiians singing songs to the rising sun.
I went up a hill and around to take my position. I was surprised how many people made that same trek I did.
“Look up, there is the International Space Station” someone shouted. Most of the early pre-dawn, though, was held in silence by many. Waiting, waiting for the rising sun.
Light began to show in the distance.
Both Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea could be seen on the Big Island, some eighty or so miles away. A glimmer of sunlight could be seen from that easterly direction. The anticipation of the big event could be felt, but it could not dull the pain in my fingers!
The splendor of that moment will never be forgotten. We have seen many sunrises over the ocean. But, to see it above the clouds, above volcanic mountains, is special.
We later made the car ride up to the summit of 10,023 feet. There is a great display of Haleakala or Hawaiian “silversword” plants by that upper parking lot. This is an indigenous plant only to this area and altitude. The silversword blooms once in fifty years. We just missed two plants that were in full bloom not too long ago.
It is illegal to touch the silversword. I read a few years back that a guy from NJ was caught trying to bring a plant home with him. This plant will not grow at sea level.
From the summit, a good view can be had of the observatory’s that monitor the heavens. With clear air and mostly great skies, it is an excellent advantage point to place telescopes and “other equipment.”
It was a clear morning and the vistas around Haleakala were superb. Going through upcountry we saw trees in late spring bloom, lavender in color. Everything looked so different than the early ride up a few hours before in complete darkness. We were truly blessed to have witnessed an event that is sacred to the early Polynesians many eons ago.
