Leleiwi Overlook

Sometimes, in the late afternoon, clouds stack up inside the crater and block the view from this location; but don't fret because you might be in for another treat. If this occurs and the sun is behind you, look into the cloudy mist directly away from the sun. You may be one of the lucky people who are able to see the phenomenon called the Specter of the Brocken. Native Hawaiians often will call it the Hookuaka- a view of the soul. Around your shadow in the mist will be a halo of rainbow colors- a beautiful sight, indeed! This same spectacle can sometimes be seen from an airplane window if you are looking down on a cloud top. An apparent rainbow encircles the shadow of the plane. This phenomenon is caused by the small spaces between the cloud droplets (diffraction) rather than by the bending of light rays within the droplets that form a rainbow (refraction).

Also, make note of how the vegetation has changed from near Park Headquarters at the 7,000-foot elevation where you entered the park. Where you once observed mostly low bushes and a sprinkling of lava, at nearly 2,000 ft. higher the landscape has become mostly exposed lava and cinders with scarce patchy vegetation. Be sure to check out our Haleakala summit area stops and elevations page in order to keep track of all the great sights along the way. 

Make sure the Leleiwi overlook is a stop on your Haleakala adventure... you'll love what you see!