Haleakala at Sunset

by Caroline
(Ladysmith BC, Canada)

We were visiting the beautiful island of Maui 2 years ago for my brother's wedding. It was our second trip to Maui because Maui No Ka Oi. I would love to go back every year if I could for the relaxed, sunny time that we had.

The funny thing that happened last time is when we decided to journey up to "Mt" Haleakala to see the sunset. My two children and my husband and I loaded up every piece of warm clothing we had (which wasn't much) and headed out in the car.

A surprisingly short time later we were at the top. It was spectacular and COLD!!! Shockingly so for Maui. I was not feeling that great as we ascended the mountain and by the time we got to the top I was feeling quite unwell. We went inside the info center at the top and I was trying to make the best of it as the kids were very excited to be up there seeing the sunset. I was walking around reading all the tidbits of info when I came across the list of "Symptoms of Altitude Sickness"

1.nausea
2.headache
3.dizziness
4.shortness of breath

As I'm reading this I'm saying to myself-yes I have that, have that, have that, Oh my goodness that's what's wrong with me!!! We had to leave very shortly after due to my symptoms but we did get to see the most spectacular sunset ever and we still laugh about the sign and how it matched my symptoms exactly.

I would do it again in a heartbeat though and the symptoms disappeared as I came down the mountain. A most memorable experience for sure!

Hi Caroline!

Thanks for sharing your story, along with the great pictures!

I remember reading about the possibility of altitude sickness prior to our own trip to the Haleakala summit... Lucky for me, my only symptom was being WAY more prone to getting short of breath up there!

Sheralyn
:)