Photo Provided by : Shane Tajima
Haleakala National Park had a big weekend from July 30th to August 1st this year, which was the celebration of its 100th birthday. The park was abuzz with music, activities, cultural demonstrations and other festivities to entertain all the attending revelers.
This was a momentous celebration, considering the environmental and cultural significance of the lands contained within the park. Haleakala means “house of the sun,” and for the native Hawaiian community, it’s a sacred place. The park was established to manage and protect it for future generations. A public ceremony honored the park’s rangers and their vital stewardship of this exceptional place.
The park is a popular spot for sightseeing and hiking amongst local residents and visitors alike. Watching the sunrise or the night sky from the summit is also a popular activity. But the park is also environmentally significant, hosting a number of endemic and endangered species, such as the Nene goose, Hawaii’s state bird. Scientist have counted six endangered bird species and an estimated 30-35 endangered plant species that live in the park. The uniqueness of its landscape has given rise to the evolution of equally unique plants. In total, there are over 850 plant species in the park, with 400 being native species and 300 being endemic, meaning they only exist in Hawaii.
If you’re getting to know the island during your Maui real estate search, you will inevitably discover several points of interest on the slopes of Haleakala. Just be sure to stop by its upper reaches. The summit is an amazing observation point for views into the Crater, and the rest of the island. Hosmer Grove is a wonderful place for a hike, where you might spot some of the rare Hawaiian honeycreepers, such as the brilliant red i’iwi.
If you’d like to read more about the celebration, you can follow this link. If you’re currently exploring the island and getting yourself familiar with its most distinctive features, we hope you’ll take some time to visit the park. It’s a big part of our heritage. If you need assistance with your Maui real estate search, you’ll find our contact information at the bottom of the page. We look forward to lending you our expert assistance. Mahalo!
