Haleakala Volcano travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises, spa and resorts

Maui needs no introduction. Synonymous with surfing paradise, this idyllic Hawaiian island has far more to offer – from helicopter tours to horseback riding or diving with turtles and sharks, to biking down a 3,050 m volcano. The Haleakala Volcano, in a 11,595-ha park of the same name, earned its name from early Hawaiians who called the summit ‘house of the sun‘, believing it rose from behind the volcano’s peak. Photo by: Eric Rolph

For the best view, get up to the summit to take in the 3.2-km-wide, nearly 800-m-deep crater coated with fluffy white clouds. Some people cycle up the volcano, but the fun part is bicycling the 45 km winding asphalt road down again. Early birds can join a sunrise expedition up to the top, definitely worth it if you can bear the early start around 2:30 a.m. Photo by: ?hims

To guarantee a little solitude at the top, you might try going alone one a Sunday, when tour companies are shut and avoid the ‘honeymoon’ season throughout spring and fall. After watching the stunning sunrise, it’s time to whiz down, catching the incredible coastline views on the way. Photo by: blurred view

Photo by: Eric Rolph