The Haleakalā National Park is indescribably beautiful and in a dreamlike setting. The H from the sun, as it is called by the Polynesian immigrants, is in Hawaii. Annually over 1.5 million visitors treat themselves to the sight of the animals and plants of the Haleakalā National Park. On a comparatively small area of 117 km² the national park shows the full splendor and beauty of the nature of our planet. It was founded on July 1, 1961. See directoryaah for museums in Hawaii.
Haleakalā National Park is a volcanic mountain rising 3,000 meters from the water on the Hawaiian island of Maui in the Pacific Ocean. The volcano itself is known as the dormant volcano. This means that although it is classified as active, an outbreak is not expected. The highlight of the volcano is the Haleakalā crater. This is a 900 meter deep pool. It is 12 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide. There are many small volcanic cones in it, which have colored the lava stone in the colors black, yellow, red and orange.
History of Haleakalā National Park
The impressive moonscape-like areas of the park invite you to hike and explore. Polynesian immigrants have lived here since the 8th century AD. They named the island Maui, which was a demigod in their culture. He climbed the volcano one night and watched the sun. It came crawling up the crater with its spider legs. According to the Polyneses, he tied the legs of the sun and held it open. He only let her go again when the sun had promised to climb more slowly in future. It should hike slowly enough so that Maui’s mother could do her work in daylight.
For the Hawaiians, the crater was a sacred place. It has remained so for many Polyneses to this day. In 1824 the ruler converted to Christianity. Hawaiians still revere this place today and make offerings wrapped in flowers.
The animal kingdom
Seals and bats inhabit the area and share it with the slow worm and another 250 species of insect. The biodiversity of the insects is particularly impressive.
From the original 15 bird species, more than 70 different native bird species have developed over time. One species of bird stands out in particular. The honeycreeper developed around 23 species and 24 subspecies from a single species.
Plants in Haleakalā National Park
Many changes can be seen in the original plants today. Through livestock farming and clearing, people have changed many plant populations. They almost exterminated some and introduced others through cultivation.
In Haleakalā National Park you can find subtropical forest and rainforest up to extensive swamp vegetation. The mostly cloudless sky also invites you to a relaxed day at the beach. Swimming, diving, horse riding, and hiking are the most popular activities in the park.
