Maui Volcano Wonder

Okay, after the Greenland volcano spewing ash throughout Europe, you may have not been longing for a beach vacation to include trekking around one, but going to Maui is a highly desired location for a Hawaii family vacation, and, there is nothing like Haleakala, in Haleakala National Park, where at 10,000 feet on a dormant volcano, you can see the Pacific Ocean, but even better, the Earth’s curve as your eye follows it to the Pacific.

The volcano inhabits almost half of the island so you never escape one of the largest dormant volcanoes in the world anyway. Going to Maui and leaving out this day trip may be one of those regrets you don’t forget about, especially if your children are old enough, i.e. eight and older might be a good age to start at.

At Kahulu airport, you’ll see the mighty wonder poking its top through the clouds. Heading down Hwy 377, you can stop for picnic items to keep you happy, and then wind your way through pines to the entrance of the park. Cost per car is 10.00 for three days, and after realizing the awesome wonder on your first day, you may decide to go back for the second and third.

The pine turns to massive boulders and red lava rock, and clouds below you as if you were still in an airplane. Guides at the top will gladly point out sites for lava and craters.

The people to make this trek claim it as the highlight of their Hawaii vacation, and one of the top things to do a lifetime, which says something considering they were probably heading to Hawaii for the exotic oceanfront views.

Tips: Maui restaurants are often stocked with lunch kits at your request. You can pay a deposit for the container, and take the picnic lunch ready made. Less work, more time for enjoying your day.

Bring a rain slicker.

You can purchase an annual pass to all national parks in Hawaii for 25.00.

If you are trying to catch the sunrise, it will be a long day and a very chilly morning.

There are public washrooms and parking though someone said there were no washrooms. It depends where you are. Some people recommend medicine for motion sickness as the drive up is very windy. Bring sunblock because even in overcast weather, you can burn.

People recommend taking the bike tour, especially bicycling all the way from the top of the mountain to the ocean.