Haleakala is a shield volcano (one with gradually sloping sides).  Though the large basin at its summit is commonly called a "crater," this label is misleading.  A true crater is formed during volcanic activity.  the geologic history of Haleakala tells a different story.  Haleakala was formed by thousands of eruptions of fluid lava beginning more than 900,000 years ago.  As the lava bubbled up and dried, it gradually formed the mountain of volcanic material, the summit of which reaches 10,023 feet.

These scenes were taken from the visitior's center atop the 10,023 foot summit of the volcano.