Hawaii – Haleakalā & King’s Highway

To see the sunrise from the top of Haleakalā (“House of the Sun”), we started driving up along Crater Road (Route 378) in the upcountry region at 5am, it was pitch black as we navigate along the 22 miles course towards the summit. Occasionally we can see other cars’ headlights snaking along the curves.

Here is a view from PuÊ»u Ê»UlaÊ»ula (Red Hill) – the tallest peak of Haleakalā at 10,023 feet (3,055 m).

It was really foggy when we arrived at the summit but the wind pushed the clouds aside just in time for the sunrise, however short lived.

You can see the outline of Big Island in the distance!


We wanted some hiking but the conditions were foggy and rainy so we decided to try again.

Conditions improved as we descended to below 7000ft.


We picked up some fresh produce from a farmer’s market just before entering Kihei.

Driving past some rocky roads over old lava flow, we reached the south western corner of the island (Makena Coast) for the King’s Highway.

Commissioned by King PiÊ»ilani, the King’s Highway is 138 miles long to encircle the island and connected all the villages along the coast.

Hiking down some rock outcrops just past La Perouse Bay, where sometimes Dolphins go there to rest in the early mornings (we didn’t see any though).

At the southern tip of the island.

Part of the trail heading inland. You can see the old lava flow in this distance.

After completing the trail we drove along the western shoreline to Lahaina.

We had fun walking along the main street of the town with a good mix of shops, restaurants, and history.

In the evening we attended a dinner performance at the Old Lahaina Luau. In this traditional Hawaiian party there was a variety of traditional Hawaiian dishes such as kalua pig, poi, poke, and haupia.

Dancing is a big part of the celebration and in the stage the performers showed off different styles and eras.