You gotta wanna see something in the worst way to get up at 3am to drive your rental car (in the dark) up a mountain (severe curves) with cliff edges (closing my eyes) and no guard rails (i’m on the floor). But that’s what’s required if you wanna see the sun rise from Maui’s highest peak, Haleakala, at 10,023 feet.
It’s also cold up there, I might mention, something you don’t generally consider when packing for a Hawaiian vacation.
But oh the rewards.
First, there is the night sky. It’s the closest I’ve ever been to the stars, and the hour we spent standing at the peak in the dark was as phenomenal as the promised sunrise. Wow.
Then this happened.
It took a while to realize the horizon we could see in in the distance was not land or sea, but clouds. We were watching the sun rise from above the clouds.
it’s like being outside the airplane
A view of the Pacific from the opposite side of the summit pretty much sums it up. The dark point you see lying across the bay is a shadow.
the mountain’s shadow
We stayed for a while, unable to take it all in.
our shadows take in Haleakala’s
Oh Haleakala. You did not disappoint–even if that drive very nearly put me over the edge!
XXOO
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Woke up similarly years ago at the Grand Canyon to see the sunrise. Luckily I just had to walk. But walking on the edge of the canyon in the dark is also a bit precarious….! Gorgeous shots and I’m sure they were more magnificent in person. Lucky you!
My husband took me to the Grand Canyon for my 50th birthday. It was a dream come true and glorious. And thankfully I didn’t have to walk the edge in the dark!
“It’s like being outside the airplane.” Cathy, I have to remember that quote. Omgosh, wonderful pictures, too.
THANK YOU for sharing this fabulous experience….XO
So glad you were there. Tom and I were not able to do that because of our schedule.
I do know that Judy n George Thrana got to do that while there for a conference.
Great scenery!