Haleakalā is a massive volcano that forms more than 75% of the Hawaiian island Maui. It is also the world’s largest dormant volcanic crater.
The word Haleakalā derives from the legend that the demigod Maui lassoed the sun as it passed overhead, slowing its passage across the sky in order to prolong its life-giving warmth.
This photograph, taken from the observatory situated at the 10,010 ft peak of Haleakalā, was taken at 5:20am during a summer sunrise. I had started the 3 hour drive up in the middle of the night. Over 300 000 tourist visit the National park every year. Thankfully I got a front row seat to this natural wonder.
