T he most isolated major island group on earth, the Hawaiian archipelago is 2.400 miles from the The chain reaches from the Big at about the same latitude as Mexico City) to Kure Atoll 1500 miles to the north- west and is still growing. For at least 81 million years, new islands have been forming as the Pacific Plate moves northwestward over a sta- tionary plume of magma rising from a "hot spot" within the earth's mantle. The fluid rock makes its way up through the ocean floor and countless eruptions over hundreds of thousands of years eventually create a high volcanic island. But the plate's unceasing movement slowly separates the volcano from its source, terminating its growth even as a new volcano rises from the ocean floor spot. The volcano that formed East Across vast expanses of ocean, life eventually came to Maui and the other islands in the form of seeds, spores, insects, spiders, birds, and small plants. They drifted on the wind, floated on ocean currents, or hitched a ride on migrating or storm- driven birds. Many groups of organisms (amphib- ians, reptiles, social insects, and all land mam- mals except earlier ancestors of the monk seal and of bats) were unable to make the long jour- ney, while some arrived but did not survive in their new home. It is estimated that an average of only one species every 35,000 years successfully col- onized the islands. The survivors found themselves in a land of vast opportunity. The Hawaiian Islands are a mosaic of habitats, from rain forest to alpine, often in close proximity. In the surrounding ocean, rainfall aver- ages 25-30 inches annually. Yet Maui and the other islands, trapping moist trade winds, receive rainfall ranging from more than 400 inches annu- ally on the windward side of the mountains to less than 10 inches on the leeward side. Average tem- peratures range from 75°F at sea level to 40°F at the summit of the highest volcanoes. Isolated by the sea, these mountains have created an ex- tremely diverse environment in a small area. The colonizers gradually adapted to the environ- ment of the islands and to life without the preda- competitors of their homelands. Even- tually most evolved into entirely new (and often defenseless) species found nowhere else in the world. The roughly 10,000 native species of flora and fauna of the Hawaiian Islands are thought to have evolved from about 2,000 colonizing ances- The isolation which has made the plants and ani- mals of the Hawaiian Islands unique also makes them vulnerable to the rapid changes brought on by humans. Hawaiian species often cope poorly with habitat alterations, foreign diseases, preda- tion, and competition from introduced species. (Today about 20 alien species are introduced to the islands every year.) Thus active intervention by conservation managers has become ( to the survival of the natural heritage of I I'^^AlH^'^'hlJ. .Hosmer Grove . ,5 L --c^.k' NATIONAL""'; I PARK £.. ^^]EiSBtP (9 Range' Slaflan A ^ Bls.l.-90,d,n,,„l Q, r#5u,:-^-' «^^ i ^trails, Halemau'u and 'gliding Sands, enter th vyilderness from the ; along the low 1 (Swimmers winding thro igh alien bamboo and guava 400-toot Waimoku Falls. Kahakai Trail {'/-mile round trip. 15-foot elevi Kuloa Point Loop Trail tion change each way) ('/-mile round trip, 80- extends from Kuloa foot elevation change Point, along the shore, I each way) leaves Kip- the Kipahulu camp- ahulu Range' Station/ ground. Visitor Center and con- C I F I C OCEAN Exploring the Park Visitors to ttie park can explore the summit area or the Kipahulu area on the coast. Park head- quarters and the 10,023-foot Kahului via Hawaii 37 to 377 to 378. Driving time to the summit from the resort areas of Kihei and Ka'anapaii is about two hours. Kipahulu is reached via Hawaii 36 to 360 to 31. Driving time from the resort areas to Kipahulu is three to four hours. Weather Weather and viewing conditions at the summit are unpredictable and can change rapidly. Be prepared for cold (30-50°^, wet, windy (10-40 mph) weather and intense sun. Sunrise is often clear, but expect crowds. KTpahulu is subtropical with light rain showers occurring any time of the year. Call 808- 871-5054 for the forecast. Driving Vehicles must remain on roads or in parking areas. Road hazards in and enroute to the park include steep turns, rocks, fog. rain, slippery pave- ment, cattle, bicyclists, large buses, and heavy traffic. When driving down from the summit of Haleakala. use lower gears to prevent brake failure. Slower vehicles must use pullouts. If you have mechanical problems, move your vehicle out of traffic lanes while waiting for help. Regulations and Safety Report accidents, violations, unusual incidents, or sightings of alien species to a ranger. Prohibited: hunting, firearms, roller blades, skate boards, disturbing any natural or cultural feature. Bicy- cles are restricted to paved roads and parking areas. High altitude may complicate health conditions and cause breathing difficulties. Pregnant women, young children, and those with respiratory or heart conditions should consult their doctor regarding travel to high elevations. Turn back and seek medical aid if you have prob- lems The summit is about 30°F colder than the beaches. Weath- er conditions change rapidly. Hypothermia is a possibility any Activities and Facilities Begin your visit by stopping at one of the visitor centers: Park Headquarters Visitor Center (7,000 feet) or Haleakala Visitor Center (9,740 feet) in the summit area, or the Kipahulu Ranger Station/Visitor Center. An en- trance fee is charged to enter the summit area. No food or gas is available in the park. No water is available at Kipahulu. Public phones are at park headquarters and the KTpahulu parking lot. Ranger Programs Talks and hikes are offered regularly. Call or write for details. Groups may arrange special programs sub- ject to staffing; call at least one Hiking Trails are rugged and strenuous. Hiking off designated trails and cutting switchbacks are prohibited: they cause ero- sion and unsightly scars which mar the scenery for years to come. Off-trail hikers can un- knowingly crush the roots of native plants like the silversword and trample unique insect species living among the rock Wilderness Area water supplies are not potable; water should be treated before drinking. Use portable toilets where provided. If toilets are not available, bury waste and carry out paper- Camping Drive-in camp- grounds are available at Hosme Grove and Kipahulu, on a first- come, first-served basis. No permit is required and no fee is charged. Grills, picnic tables, and restrooms are provided at both campgrounds. Hosmer Grove has water. NO water is available at KTpahulu. Fires are allowed only in the grills. Wilder ness Area camping is allowed only at Hblua and Paliku. Re- quired permits are free and 1 first-( , first- I nati\ ! no open fires permitted in the Wil- derness Area. Sunscreen and plenty of water are essential. Pets Pets must be physically restrained at all times and are not allowed on trails. Nene and other ground-nesting birds are vulnerable to harassment and predation. served basis at park headquar- ters on the day of the trip. At all campgrounds, stays are limit- ed to three nights per month and group size is limited to 12 people. Wilderness Area Cabins Three primitive cabins, accessible only by hiking or horseback, are in the Wilderness Area. Reserva- tions are by lottery. Lottery applications must be received of the month in which a reser tion is requested. Cabins are rented to one group of up to people per night. Stay: ed to three nights per month. Swimming KTpahulu streams are very dangerous at high water; the water can rise 4 feet in 10 minutes. People have lost their lives by ignoring Swimming is also not recom- mended when streams are stag- nant and not flowing. Ocean swimming is not recommended due to high surf and currents Plants and Animals Remove seeds from boots, rain gear, and tents before entering the park. One of the greatest threats to native species is the introduc- tion of alien plants, seeds, and animals. Although some species such as the nene (Hawaiian Do not feed nene or other wildlife. Feeding causes the ani- mals to beg and endangers them as they approach moving vehicles. tures. Do not gather and stack rocks in ahu (piles) along roads and trails and at overlooks. Ahu built long ago by Hawaiians are important cultural artifacts and should not be imitated or des- Administration The park is part of the National Park System, one of more than 370 parks that are important examples of our nation's natural and cultural her- itage. It is administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. For more information about the park contact: Haleakala National Park, P.O. Box 369, Makawao. HI 96768; phone 808-572-9306; Internet vwvw.nps.gov/hale.