Haleakala Summit and Observatory

The many vistas around the Haleakala Summit and Observatory offer not only views of the volcanic formations but also the landscape of Maui and other islands such as the Big Island.

The summit is also noted for a succulant plant, the Silversword, found only on top of Haleakalai, which blooms once and then dies.

Haleakala Observatory, visible from the summit, was Hawaii's first astronomical research center.

Many companies run bicycle tours on Haleakala. Guests and rental bicycles are trucked to the summit for sunrise. They then coast to the bottom. Of course, this creates a great deal of traffic for those driving to the top. For those without a need to see the sunrise, bicycle traffic lightens up after 10 a.m.