Treading Maui With Joyce Cherrier
One thing I have noticed lately is that all my upcoming or recent challenges or climbs involve freezing cold or wet conditions. Many people have said to me they would join me on a hike….. if warmer! My wonderful friend @joycecherrier whom motivates me constantly has sold me on a new mission, Maui. Take a look at what she sees and says and see if this place ends up on your bucket list too 
From the desk of Joyce…….
In my quest to join Paul on one of his hikes, I’m always trying to talk him into finding a place to hike that’s slightly warmer. I’m amazed by his cold tolerance skills, since I possess absolutely none.
So in the spirit of compromise, Haleakala Crater on Maui might be just the spot. The fact that it’s on the island of Maui makes it an easy choice.
It’s a truly amazing place and has been compared to feeling like you’re walking on the moon. At 10,023 feet above sea level (3055m), it’s the third highest point in the state of Hawaii. If the weather’s good it’s possible to see 3 other Hawaiian islands from the summit.
It’s massive at over 30,000 acres of public land. Ninety percent of Hawaiian plants can only be found in Hawaii so I make sure to take plenty of pictures.
You can do half-day hikes or reserve one of the 3 cabins available to stay overnight with a group. You can only reach them by trail, and the hikes are a minimum of 3.7 miles (5.9km) to Holua, 5.5 miles (8.9km) to Kapalaoa, and 9.3 miles (15km) to Paliku.
I’ve done lots of hikes over the years but, for me, nothing compares when I see a Silversword plant in bloom or a Hawaiian Honeycreeper.
And the site of a rare snow fall atop the summit as you drive up from a day in the ocean makes me know there’s no place on the planet I’d rather be.
About Paul Steele
Founder of BaldHiker.com and avid hiker, climber and trekker. never liking to sit still and always seeking new adventures around the world. Sharing personal views here and tweeting live via @paul_steele
Maui is beautiful, and perfect for hiking!
~ Mysticle
absolutely