The Binocular Site
Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
Haleakala National Park, located on the island of Maui, covers 30,183 acres, 24,719 of which is a wilderness area. It was originally part of the Hawaii National Park, but was made a separate national park in 1961. In 1980, Haleakala Park was designated an International Biosphere Reserve.
The road leading to the park is long and winding, but scenic and well worth the time it takes to reach the park at 10,000 feet above sea level. The park contains Maui's highest peak, Haleakala Crater, a dormant volcano that last erupted in 1790. The volcanic area is home to many plants and animals unique to the area. Haleakala Park contains more endangered species than any other national park in the United States.
Upon reaching Haleakala Park, visitors can explore the park in their cars, by bicycle, or on foot. Several hiking trails offer scenic vistas, and guided hikes are available as well. There are also three Wilderness Cabins in the park available to hikers who wish to stay overnight, but they must be reserved in advance.
Haleakala Park is a world renowned destination for birdwatchers. Its remote location and unique habitat have required several species to adapt, to the point where those species are not found anywhere else in the world. Some bird species to look for in the park are several varieties of honeycreepers, the iiwi, Hawaiian goose, gray francolin, and the Eurasian skylark.
See the Haleakala National Park website for more information.
The Hawaii state bird is the Hawaiian Goose and you can find a checklist of birds to watch for in Hawaii here.
Photo credit to Simonds, used with permission under the creative commons license.
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