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Haleakala Volcanic Landscape
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© N.P.S. |
Kama'oli'i Cinder Cone
Kama'oli'i is one of the many cinder cones that dot the valley floor of Haleakala. Cinder cones are formed as tephra, airborne fragments of volcanic rock, fall to the ground around a volcanic vent. Cinder cones commonly have steep sides with the crater at their summit. Kama'oli'i lies on the southwest rift zone of Haleakala. Rift zones are linear areas of eruptions that extend from the summit of a mountain down the flanks. Haleakala has three rift zones.
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© S. Ringsven |
Paliku "Standing Cliff"
Paliku, or "Standing Cliff" is located at the far end of the valley, 7 1/2 miles from Haleakala Visitor Center as the nene flies. Hikers and campers can take a trail that winds 10 miles to this area of the Park. On the east side of Paliku is Kipahulu Valley Biological Reserve, an area closed to the public because it is one of the last intact tracts of Hawaiian rain forest. The rainfall can be almost 10 times higher in Kipahulu valley than in the summit area of the Park. As a result, hikers are greeted with an abundance of lush trees and shrubs as they near Paliku, the "Standing Cliff".
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© S. Ringsven |
Leleiwi Pali from Halemau'u Trail
Leleiwi Pali, or "Bone Altar Cliff", was formed as erosional forces carved out the top of the mountain. A phenomenon known as the Spector of the Brocken is most frequently observed from Leleiwi Pali. The Spector of the Brocken is the viewer's projected image cast upon the clouds and surrounded by an arcing rainbow. In order to view the Spector of the Brocken, conditions must be just right. Late afternoon sunlight and a cloud-filled "crater" may produce this ghostly phenomenon.
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© S. Ringsven |
Halemau'u Trail
One translation of Halemau'u is "Grass House". Native plants and birds can be seen trailside as hikers descend the steep valley wall into the Wilderness Area. On a clear day, the trail offers a spectacular view out Ko'olau Gap towards the Ke'anae Peninsula and Pacific Ocean. The trail also allows hikers to enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Wilderness Area.
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© R. Nagata |
Ke'anae Valley from Halemau'u Trail
Ke'anae Valley begins below Ko'olau Gap. Life zones vary from cinder desert to lush rain forest as you descend down Ke'anae Valley from the top of Haleakala to the coast. The valley is an ancient riverbed filled by lava flows that occurred during the latest eruption period of Haleakala. Rainfall, small streams and waterfalls are common throughout the remote Ke'anae Valley.
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