Comments on: Trip ’09 Plans – A Haleakala Decision

By: Kris Nelson

Kris Nelson — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 06:44:00 +0000

Mahalo for the tips. If I lived 45 minutes from Haleakala, I would probably be up there 3-5 times a week.

I've been seeing the "no guarantees" about the weather here and there, and have been keeping that in the back of my mind (way back). We've been pretty lucky over the years with different parts of our trips, so we're keeping our fingers crossed.

As for the temps, I shot the lunar eclipse last February here in Chicago, and the with the wind it was -4° F!!! I'll be packing my gloves for sure, but those down jackets from Star Gazers Maui sure sound hard to pass up.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 03:50:00 +0000

Aloha and Hau’oli Makahiki Hou from Maui,

Have done both sunrise and star gazing from Haleakala and you'll have no problem with the drive. However, there is no way to know in advance if it will be a good sunrise/sunset. You just have to go up and find out. Sometimes it can be beautiful and other times if there aren't enough clouds (sunrise) or are too many clouds (sunset/stargazing), the trip is a bust. I'm lucky in that the park is only about 45 minutes from my house, so it's not such a big deal, but driving all the way from Ka'anapali at the crack of dawn and having it not be good might be a disappointment.

If you do go for either, take EVERY piece of warm clothing you have. Was up on the summit a week ago and it was 39 degrees.

Malama pono

By: Liza's Eyeview

Liza's Eyeview — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 07:21:00 +0000

I wish I can help you by giving a specific reply based on experience. Unfortunately, I had only seen the Haleakala Sunrise once (it’s spectacular but we had to leave Kihei at 2AM so we won’t miss the sunrise). I have not experienced the Star Gazing yet although it is on my list of “to do with out kids one of these days – maybe on summer vacation”. I think it would be fascinating.

I will ask my husband’s input and will post his comment later.

By: robertkudla

robertkudla — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 02:49:00 +0000

Don’t sweat the curves. Chicago driving has prepared you well.

By: Kris Nelson

Kris Nelson — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 01:45:00 +0000

Thanks, I’m still meaning to check out what clubs are out there and when they’ll be up at the summit. In regards to the road up the volcano, my concern is getting a feel for how the curves and hairpins are, the changes in the elevation, and going through the clouds in the dark.

When we picked the dates for our trip, I specifically looked for when there was a new moon (Feb 24th) so that I could get better photographs of the night sky. Didn’t even think about the type of views that a full moonrise would offer. Good to know.

By: robertkudla

robertkudla — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 00:39:00 +0000

Kris, there is only one road to the volcano, you will have no problem. Also, check to see if the astonomy clubs are on the mountain while you are there, we never paid anyone to look at the stars. If you go stargazing, go after the 16th of February for best viewing and if you are there on the 9th of February take the upcountry road past the Winery towards Kaupo. The moonrise will be spectacular.

By: robertkudla

robertkudla — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 00:34:00 +0000

Hey Kris, there is only one way to the Volcano, you will have no problem. Also, check to see if the astronomy clubs are set up while you are there. It is then free to look through their telscopes. We never paid anyone to let us look at the stars,i it will blow you away, especially a camera buff such as yourself. Anytime after the 16th of February should work for you. But if you are there on the 9th of February, it is a full moon and going around the upcountry road past the winery towards Kaupo should reveal a beautiful moonrise.