The Haleakala on Maui is one of the only volcano craters that is bipolar. The rim of the crater splits the island into two sections – dry and wet. The dry side of the island receives little rain while the wet side is lush and green.
At the time of my visit, the temperature on the beach was 85 – 90. At the top of the mountain is was 40 degrees with fifty mile an hour winds bring the wind chill to about 25 degrees. Nipple cold when you are in shorts a tee shirt and flip flops.
Pheasant on the trail.
This is how the wet side works. Clouds can’t make it over the crater.
Photographer to Scott, “Backup just a little.”
On the edge – in more ways than one.
Crater edge is quite steep on each side.
Looking towards the beach where I took the wind surfing photos.
Wet side of the crater.
Moonscape.
Elevation 10,023 feet.
Very top with the telescopes.
At the top.