Daily Honolulu press. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1886, 1885-09-21

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While the baggage train is on its
way to our first camping ground under
Wai-obaiana, we turn sharply to our
right and pursue trail that leads us
around the base OF the black spur we
ascended yesterday, and over into a
smooth valley on the other side Of
which stand some remarkable craters
on the outskirt Of vast plain covered
with masses Of scoria. Riding to the
top of next ridge we find that the trail
leads down again on the other slope
into a broad deep basin, shut in oppo-
site us by great wall of basalt. From
here we look out over the broad north
| gap with its great river of black and
brown a-a, and beyond, to the line of
cliffs that bound it on the north side.
Following this wall along into the
crater we admire its solid supporting
buttresses, its massive ledges of white
lava cropping out, tier above tier, and
indicating the levels at which different
outbreaks of the contents of the crater
have emptied its vast basin. We linger
for a long time in this vicinity, explor-
| ing craters and tunnels and calling to
each other to admire new bits of
scenery as we wander about. Finally
we turn our horses heads towards our
camp and enjoy its quiet and rest,
while the sunlight now moves slowly
up the eastern walls, lingering for a
while about the SUBMITS of the crater
cones. Last of all it lights up the tow
ering peak opposite our camp and then
glorifying with wealth of color the
clouds above us it sinks below the
westernh horizon. The arching dome ofthe
high heavens glitters with ten thousand
stars whose silvery lights make "dark-
ness visible"
The crater walls and cones, and rug
ged cliffs grow more gigantic in the
gathering gloom, and the stiffness of
the great crater's forms more impress
sive.
From the deep shadow of a mass OF
lava-rock to which we have wandered
we look back at our little tent whose
white canvass reflects the light from
the brilliant blaze round which are
grouped oui natives. In the black
ness of the level floor of scoria-sand
| the light is wholly lost, but its rays
tinge the beetling cliff above and here
and there a projecting crag. Beyond
this little radiant spot IS darkness
within its circle life, and light, and
cheerful laughter and what we all long
for most companionship and rest.
IN T. Il u
In concluding this sketch of a
visit to Haleakala, it may not be out Of
place to say few words regarding the
means used to make the trip, the time
and expense. To get to the crater the
tourist should take the regular steamer
of the Wilder Steamship Company
which leaves Honolulu every Monday
afternoon, arriving at Kahului, Maui,
the next day. There and at Wailuku,
near at hand, horses or mules (prefer-
ably the latter can be hired, as well
as a native or two. The tent, pack,
and riding saddles and personal bag
gage should be taken from Honolulu,
the food supplies can be purchased at
the large store at Paia, from whence
the trip proper commences. The first
days ride should end at Olinda,
where the first camp would be
made. The next day the camp at Wal
o-pulaua is reached and the crater
visited from that and other points, the
partyleaving finally the next Wednesday,
and Paia and Kahului reached again in
time to enable the tourist to visit Wailuku
and the valley of lao before taking the
steamer on Friday for Honolulu. Such
a trip takes thirteen days. A short one
can be made consuming week, but
the longer one is more satisfactory.
The cost of the trip is $50 for each
lperson, this sum including everything
from Honolulu back again. 1t is pro
posed to organize personally con
Quoted" " trips to this magnificent crater
under the management of gentleman
Thoroughly acquainted with the country
and if this be done visit to the Ha
waiian Islands will not be complete
UNLESS one makes the trip to the Crater
of Haleakala. c.
| F0rf-S Street Church.