08/07/2024
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Sunrise at the summit of Mauiās HaleakalÄ to the Hawaiian sun chant E Ala E was magical. We went on to round the summit and hiked a section of the Halemauāu Trail which is a steep, narrow, and exciting path down to the floor of HaleakalÄ crater. This trail had the Ź»Ähinahina plant an endangered species of plant that only grows on the mountain and nesting Neneās a native goose. The views of the crater are huge on a clear day with just the right amount of exposure to get the heart rate up.
Post hike we explored our camp at Hosmer Grove and the Alien forest. The grove is one of three experimental forestry plots planted by Ralph S. Hosmer, who was elected Superintendent of Forestry of the Territory of Hawaiāi in 1904. He saw the need for a timber resource in HawaiŹ»i and also wanted to test out tree species to help control erosion. Hosmer planted 13 different species of trees in this forest plot, from pines to eucalyptus, to see which were best suited for the higher elevations and climate in HawaiŹ»i. The smell of eucalyptus and pine trees will engulf your senses while walking the short trail located behind the picnic shelter. The native alpine shrubland plants along this trail are a good example of the predominant species that grow at this elevation. The sounds of native forest bird calls like iŹ»iwi, amakihi, and Ź»apapane will remind you that you are in the Wao Akua, or realm of the gods.
If you would like to see the sunrise be sure to get a permit 60 days in advance and hope your rental car can white knuckle you to the summit in the black expanse of the early morning. Our jeep rental was questionable at best and inched its way to the top.
Mahalo and take a hikeš¤š¼
E ala e
Ka la i kahikina
I ka moana
Ka moana hohonu Piāi ka lewa
Ka lewa nuāu
I kahikina
Aia ka la.
E ala e!
Awaken/Arise
The sun in the east From the ocean
The ocean deep Climbing (to) the heaven The heaven highest
In the east
There is the sun Awaken/Arise