Haleakala is a great volcano, 33 miles long and 10,025 feet high. During a long period of inactivity, stream erosion cut two deep valleys, Keanae and Kaupo, into its sides. These joined near the summit. When volcanic activity once again resumed, flows of aa and blankets of cinders were spread on the valley floors. A multicolored cover, emphasized by symmetrical cones, formed the new floor of the depression, now loosely called Haleakala Crater.
The well chosen name, Hale-a-ka-la, means House of the Sun. Old Hawaiians associated Maui, a trickster demi-God, with the mountain. He was a legendary figure throughout Polynesia long before a few of its inhabitants discovered and settled in Hawaii, bringing their gods with them.
How Maui brought down or ensnared the sun has several versions. Maui’s mother, Hina, had trouble drying bark cloth, kapa, because the day was too short, its warmth insufficient. The sun just sped too fast across the sky. So Maui fashioned a strong net to snare it in its course. A slight variant, possibly less used, appeals more strongly. In early dawn, one can watch strong streamers of light from the rising sun break through the clouds and stalk across the crater. With these spidery legs the sun progresses through the heavens. As one by one they were placed over Koolau Gap, Maui seized them and bound them with strong thongs to an ohia tree. Thus captured, the sun pleaded for release. This Maui granted on promise of a slower gait, for which Hina as well as the rest of us can be eternally thankful.
Table of Contents
Page [Preface] iii [Haleakala] iv PART I [Your Vacation in the Haleakala Section] 1 [Access] 1 [What to do and see] 1 [Hosmer Grove Campground and Picnic Area] 2 [The Trail System] 4 [Park Cabins] 4 [Suggested Hiking Trips] 5 [An Outfit for Hiking in Haleakala Crater] 7 [Horseback Crater Trips] 7 [Numbered Points of Interest on the Map] 8 PART II [Haleakala Hawaiiana] 16 [Maui Legends] 16 [The Legend of Kihapiilani] 18 [The Tradition of Kaoao] 21 [Archeological Study] 22 [The Historical Background] 24 [Important Dates] 36 [Geology] 42 [The Origin of the Scenic Features] 42 [The Geological Interpretation] 46 [Haleakala Plants] 49 [Plant Notes] 55 [The Ferns] 55 [The Native Grasses] 56 [The Sedges—Fig. 1] 56, 71 [Rush] 57 [Painiu] 57 [Mauu-laili] 57 [Orchids—Fig. 2] 58, 71 [Alaalawainui] 58 [Sandalwood—Fig. 3] 58, 72 [Sheep Sorrel] 58 [Hawaiian Buttercup] 59 [Hoawa] 59 [Hawaiian Hawthorn] 59 [Hawaiian Raspberry—Fig. 5] 59, 73 [Mamane—Fig. 4] 60, 72 [Nohoanu—Fig. 6, 7] 60, 74 [Hawaiian Holly] 60 [Olomea] 61 [Aalii—Fig. 8] 61, 75 [Begonia] 53, 61 [Tarweed] 61 [Ohio Lehua—Fig. 9] 62, 75 [Evening Primrose] 62 [Apeape] 54, 62 [Olapa—Fig. 10] 62, 76 [Ohelo—Fig. 11] 62, 76 [Pukiawe—Fig. 12] 63, 77 [Kolea—Fig. 13] 63, 77 [Selfheal] 63 [Puaainaka] 63 [Groundcherry] 63 [Plantain] 64 [Kukaenene—Fig. 15] 64, 79 [Pilo—Fig. 14] 64, 78 [Manono] 64 [Catchfly—Fig. 16] 65, 79 [Oha] 65 [Naupaka] 65 [Maui Wormwood—Fig. 17] 65, 80 [Kookoolau] 66 [Kupaoa—Fig. 18, 19] 66, 81 [Pamakani] 67 [Hairy Cat’s Ear] 67 [Wood Groundsel] 68 [Tetramalopium—Fig. 20] 53, 68, 82 [Silversword] Cover, iv, 47, 68 [Summary Lists] 70 [The Birds and Mammals] 83 [The Insect Life] 85 [Hawaiian Words and Place Names] 89 [Hui O Ahinahina] 93 [Additional Help] 93 [Mileages] Inside back cover [Map] Center Pages
YOUR VACATION
Anticipate a restful, invigorating interlude. Islanders consider vacation on the cool mountain an inexpensive, pleasant variant from a mainland trip.
Silversword Inn at an elevation of 6,800 feet is popular with luncheon guests and with those staying overnight to view sunset or sunrise from the summit of the great mountain. Attractive, friendly, comfortable, it is the loftiest hostelry in the islands. There is no formal atmosphere: warm, casual clothing is worn; it is strictly “come in as you are.”
Hiking and riding in the vicinity of the inn are favorite pastimes. Adjacent groves of trees of the Temperate Zone impart an aspect novel to the islands. A visit is highlighted by trips into the crater and to the summit, less than thirty minutes distant by car. The cup runneth over for photographers and nature enthusiasts. You can enjoy cool, restful nights between daytime drives to the many points of interest on Maui. For further details, reservations, and rates, consult the Manager, Silversword Inn, R.R. 53, Waiakoa, Maui, Hawaii, or Mr. William S. Ellis, Jr., 900 Nuuanu Ave., Honolulu 17, Hawaii.