Haleakala (House of the Sun)

Haleakala is the largest dormant volcano in the world. Attracting more than one million people each year the volcano has attained a mythic stature in Maui to be named, the House of Sun. It is said that due to the demigod, Haleakala Maui, the superman of Hawaiian myth, the sun traveled more slowly across the sky, ultimately giving Hawaii more of those wonderful sunny rays to enjoy during the day. It is due to this myth that the Haleakala volcano is now called House of sun. Haleakala rises 10,023 feet high and its flanks form from farmland and vertical canyons. Haleakala’s volcanic center is an eroded valley that is 3,000 feet deep, large enough to hold the entire island of Manhattan and its skyscrapers. Although the volcano looks ferocious, it is home to a number of creatures and plants such as the silverword. The tour to the volcano operates every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes, since the altitude and breathtaking sights will send chills down your spine.