Haleakala National Park is home to Maui's highest peak. Rising 10,023 feet above sea level, Haleakala means "house of the sun" and is where demig...
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Haleakala National Park is home to Maui's highest peak. Rising 10,023 feet above sea level, Haleakala means "house of the sun" and is where demigod Maui lassoed the sun, slowing its passage so people had more time to dry kapa (cloth) and grow food. The dormant volcano's "crater" is actually a valley carved by erosion. Sunrise at the summit of Haleakala has been a visitor attraction since the late 1800s when Samuel Clemens wrote: "It was the sublimest spectacle I ever witnessed, and I think the memory of it will remain with me always." Oh...how I agree with this statement! I will never forget this experience with my family!
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in Haleakala National Park which is home to Maui's highest peak. Rising 10,023 feet above sea level, Haleakala means "house of the sun" and is where demigod Maui lassoed the sun, slowing its passage so people had more time to dry kapa (cloth) and grow food. The dormant volcano's "crater" is actually a valley carved by erosion. Sunrise at the summit of Haleakala has been a visitor attraction since the late 1800s when Samuel Clemens wrote: "It was the sublimest spectacle I ever witnessed, and I think the memory of it will remain with me always."Time
The photo was taken at 5:53 am on a July morning. This location requires a very early wakeup time regardless of where you are on the island of Maui because you will need to get up to the top of the mountain from sea level at most of the hotel locations. I believe we got started around 4 am which dropped us first to get cold weather gear because it is mega cold at the top of the mountain that time of day in any season.Lighting
This shot is 100% about the lighting and cloud cover combined with the incredible colors of the location. The first break of light occurred around 5:53 am and lighting was changing every minute as the sun was peaking above the incredible cloud cover. It was amazing to see the magical beams of light strike the red rocks of the crater.Equipment
Canon 5D Mark IV with 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM on tripodInspiration
This is such an iconic location to shoot the sunrise in Hawaii. Many people say there are no sunrises better. This experience was too awesome to not capture and the beauty of the site.Editing
Post processing was very light on this image. I mainly opened up the shadows and dropped the highlights. The exposure was increased and I added a touch of clarity.In my camera bag
I shoot with a Canon 5d Mark IV with Canon 16-35mm f/2.8 L, Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 L, Canon 70-200mm f/2.8, Canon 135 mm f/2.0, Sigma 50mm f/1.4, Canon 24-105mm f/4.0, Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8, Sigma 1.4 TC and Sigma 2.0 TCFeedback
If you travel to Maui, this is definitely an experience that you should take. Access to the National Park is limited to a certain number of people which often times fills up 6 months prior to the date you are requesting. If you visit through a tour company there are advantages as they will pick you up from your hotel, get you cold weather gear, drive you to the various overlooks, feed you breakfast, and drop you back off at your hotel. They don't require the 6 month lead time for reservations. This is a must visit opportunity in Maui!