Today we are striking out to the Haleakala Volcano crater. We’ve been watching the weather and it is just a crap shoot. Every day the weather forecast calls for rain, cold, sort of rain, clouds, who knows? So we’re just taking our chances and heading upcountry.

The drive takes about an hour and a half, through upcountry and Pukelani, the one of the communities up here, then veers off onto the road that takes you up the 10,000 foot summit of the Volcano. It’s a fabulous drive, you are actually up above the clouds, and it’s sort of fun (read: funny) to watch all the people who are biking down the volcano mountain. No way we’d do that – unh huh. We know better. And you can tell there are quite a few people who should have thought twice before trying it – and are now for certain have 2nd, 3rd and 4th thoughts! It is just way too scary – that’s a steep road – and while it is an excellent drive, drive is the operative word there. It actually would have been an even better drive if it weren’t’ for the doofus car in front of us who drove sooooooo slow, especially on left hand corners. Sigh. Oh well, more time to look at the scenery.

Finally, we make it to the park, show our lifetime park pass and get waved through to scenic drive – which takes another 30 minutes before we reach the summit. Fortunately Ms. Slow Poke turns off at the first visitor’s center, so we are all alone on our way up to the top. And it is a brilliant day! Who ever is forecasting the weather for up here – well, let’s just say don’t trust it! The sun is shining and what little clouds there are are far, far in the distance as we make our way up the twisty turning switch back road to the summit. It’s like flying – you are so far above sea level. Totally awesome!

Arriving at the top, we take our obligatory altitude pictures then proceed to wander around the COVID-closed visitor center to take in the 360 degree views – out toward the observatory, down toward the crater and back over the island and the water.

After a brief pit stop at the restrooms, we are back on the empty road, making our way down to the different view points along the access road. The views over the island are simply spectacular! It is a perfect day to be up on the mountain.

And the crater! It is perfectly lit and brilliantly colored. The clouds just beyond the rim simply add to the magical surreal setting.

And we are back down the mountain, through the little forest at the edge of the park next to the Maui Tea Farm, through Kula and Pukalani, on down to sea level, where we head out to Ho’okipa beach for the picnic benches on the water to eat our leftover fried chicken lunch. What a great way to spend the morning and early afternoon! First the volcano – then watching surfers and turtles while we munch away on our chicken lunch, enjoying the sea breeze and the entertainment.

This afternoon we decide to hit Maui Brewing for their Happy Hour and spend a lovely hour or so on their open air patio, enjoying Coconut Hiwa and Huli Huli chicken bites. Had to try Huli Huli after we were denied our opportunity at Mike’s on the North Shore. The chicken bites are delicious and cements our desire to make a Huli Huli chicken for ourselves when we get home.

The rest of the afternoon then proceeds as normal with our customary walk – this time to the South past Moose McGillycuddy’s and the 3 Kamaole beach parks. Then it’s rest and relaxation time, dinner, and another day put into the log books!