Another view with fewer clouds.

This is the summit of Haleakalala, which translates into House of the Sun.

Some of the lava from a long time ago.

Above the clouds (cumulus) and beneath the clouds (cirrus) on this chilly day.

We also went up to Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano. Above sea level, it measures 13,000+ feet. However, if you measure from the ocean floor (as many folks like to do), this Mauna Kea is the tallest in the world.

Mauna Kea translates to White Mountain. It definitely snows in Hawaii. I believe this to be a shrine, as the natives considered this a sacred mountain.

And then they really got upset when scientists began building telescopes. Currently, there are 13 of them on Maura Kea. As Hawaii has very little smoke-stack industries, the air is exceptionally clear.

We stepped inside the William Keck observatory. Not much to really see. However, I noted that color defines the purpose of much of it.

A view from Mauna Kea. Due to its altitude, it is strongly encouraged that visitors take a break on the ascent to partially acclimatize their bodies. We did. Having lived in Santa Fe for several years (7,000 feet), it was not too difficult for us. However, a couple of people in our group had to sit in the van as walking around strained their breathing. Also, the wind blows and it is cool.

If you look back a couple of photos, you will see that the land is barren. The photo above shows more green.

This is Silversword, and it is endangered. This one had bloomed, I saw others that did not appear to be as raggedy.

More Silversword.

If you go to Hawaii, you might be tempted to go to Mauna Loa, which is still active. Many, many tourists go there. They also take helicopter excursions over Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park.

If you want a bit of a break from the crowds, consider either of these volcanoes. Each volcano is different. Mt. Etna, Mt. Teide, the Pitons in St. Lucia, Diamond Head and these. We found i them fascinating.

I almost forgot this one. This is a view of Mauna Kea from our ship as we neared the harbor in Hilo. If you look close, you can see some of the observatories at the summit.

Excellent photos and narratives of the volcanoes and the other information surrounding them.
Hit just the right spot, Jim.
Thanks

I find volcanos fascinating. Seems almost impossible that the stark upper region is the reason that the lower altitude has such a lush and abundant vegitation.