Watching the Sun set beneath the clouds on the summit of Haleakala
One of the most popular destinations in Maui is heading up to Haleakala National Park to watch the sunrise. However if you’re not interested in fighting for a permit to be in the park for sunrise, or getting up to arrive at the summit by four in the morning, catching sunset is a nice alternative. We got up there about 40 minutes before the sun was supposed to set. The park was already at capacity so we were turned away. Instead we safely pulled to the side of the road where some construction mats had been set out and watched the sun dip below the clouds from the road side. Watching the sun set was a much needed gentle experience with the chaos of summer vacation beginning to die down.
Capturing sunset is always a fun experience as a photographer. Using the new camera to capture video was also a joy. I found myself playing with the settings more during this sunset to try and capture the texture in the clouds as best as I could.
Please be aware, it is very important you don’t wander past the guardrails. Haleakala has some amazing endemic plants and wildlife that is only found on the summit. You may accidentally damage these species or be illegally trespassing.
