Cloud-filled Haleakala volcanic crater, Haleakala National Park, Maui, Hawaii

A volcanic view

Hawaiian folklore holds that Haleakalā Crater is home to the creator of the Hawaiian Islands, Māui. It's certainly true that most of this same-named island sprang straight from here on Haleakalā: The giant shield volcano makes up about three-quarters of Maui's total area. If you're up for a brisk break from the beach, the Sliding Sands Trail offers an 11-mile scramble to Haleakalā's summit—with plenty of stunning photo ops along the way.