Hawaiian Crater to Restrict Y2K Access

If you dream of watching the dawn of the millennium over Hawaii’s scenic Haleakala Crater, it’s time to wake up.

Maui’s Haleakala National Park, steward of the site revered by mountain cyclists, hikers and New Agers who groove on its “energy,” has been flooded with requests from more than 2,000 people to be on the mountaintop at sunrise Jan. 1, 2000, said park ranger Gregory Moss. More than 100 commercial vehicles want access. Worried about unmanageable crowds, officials have issued restrictions:

The summit of Haleakala will be closed to visitors, except the lucky few in the park’s campgrounds and cabins, from sunset Dec. 31 to 5 a.m. Jan. 1. Campsites, which usually accommodate 200 people on a first-come, first-served basis, will be assigned by lottery for stays from Dec. 29 to Jan. 3. Applications must be filed by Friday in person at the park or by writing to Haleakala National Park, Attn: Y2K Lottery, P.O. Box 369, Makawao, HI 96768. The cutoff for applying for cabins has passed.

There will also be limits on bikes and tour buses. Information: tel. (808) 572-4400.