On the way to the summit of Haleakala there is
an overlook that should not be, well, overlooked :) Here you'll
get a different view of the crater than the one from the summit.
A short trail starts from the parking lot just beyond mile marker
17 on Highway 378. The crater has different colors here, or that
was my impression. In fact the sunlight and swirling clouds keep
changing the hues and patterns. Now, if you're lucky (we weren't
that lucky) you might encounter a strange phenomenon. Sometimes
in late afternoon when the clouds are low inside the crater
and the sun is right behind you, usually around sunset, you'll
be able to see the reflection of your own shadow on the clouds,
ringed with a rainbow. The native Hawaiians have likened the
experience to seeing one's soul.
