All Around Maui: Haleakala summit area hike: in Sliding Sands Trail, out Halemau`u Trail. April 12, 2002: Ascending Leleiwi Pali

• Haleakala summit area hike: in Sliding Sands Trail, out Halemau`u Trail. April 12, 2002
• Descending Sliding Sands Trail
• Halemau`u Trail to Pele's Paint Pot
• Pele's Paint Pot to Bottomless Pit
• Holoa Cabin Area
• Ascending Leleiwi Pali (this page)

The end of this hike is a 1400 foot climb (6700 to 8100 feet) up a cliff called Leleiwi Pali (the trail consists of switchbacks cut into the cliff). Clouds frequently pile up against the cliff, and give a moist environment to the vegetation that grows on the cliff. This is one of the most beautiful parts of our hike. The colorful ferns were enjoying fresh Spring growth. Stunted `Ohia trees and other native plants make this an awesome experience.

We did this part of the hike right around sunset, so the light was fading fast. Many of the pictures of vegetation are not very sharp, because I had to handhold the camera.

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DSCN1237 This shot looks Northeast over the Ko`olau Gap.

DSCN1238 New growth on ferns of this species is bright red.

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DSCN1242 A blanket of clouds hovers on the mountain below the Ko`olau Gap.

DSCN1244 The endemic `Ohia tree takes on an incredible variety of growth forms. Here is one that is like a bush.

DSCN1245 Closeup of the `Ohia tree (bush).

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DSCN1247 Impending sunset begins to paint the clouds pink.

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DSCN1249 The last rays of sunlight strike Monique's Mountain.

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DSCN1252 Four minutes after sunset.