In March 2019 I had the amazing experience of working for 29 days at Haleakala National Park as the artist-in-residence. Thanks to the National Park Arts Foundation for the tremendous work in setting the residency up. And to Haleakala Ranger Honeygirl Duman for all the great guidance, information and Hawaiian lore.
The sacred landscape spans from the Kipahulu section at sea level to the summit of the volcano at 10,023 feet. I spent much of the time living in park housing at 7,000 feet. The simple apartment had a view of the mountain from the front door. For 3 ½ days I hiked into the crater of the mountain and stayed at the Holua ranger cabin. Two separate short trips during the month took me to Kipahulu on the coast.
The night sky from Haleakala is nothing short of stunning. The high-altitude locations often are above the cloud level. At a latitude of 20 degrees north of the equator many more southernly stars and objects could be seen than from much of the continental U.S.
Lava and many endemic species dominate the environment. Especially interesting was the ‘ahinahina or silversword plant which lives only in Haleakala. The sacred areas tell stories of the earth and sky, made more apparent during my night shooting sessions.
Mahalo!
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