**?Ahinahina — The Remarkable Haleakala Silversword** High on the volcanic slopes of Haleakala, the extraordinary ?ahinahina, or Haleakala silversword, stands against a brilliant blue sky and a distant sea of clouds. Found naturally only on Haleakala, this remarkable Hawaiian plant has adapted to an environment of intense sunlight, cold temperatures, strong winds, and relatively dry volcanic soils. Its narrow, silver-colored leaves are covered in fine hairs that help protect the plant in these demanding conditions. A silversword can live for decades before producing a spectacular flowering stalk, setting seed, and completing its life cycle. What drew me to this photograph was the striking contrast between the silvery foliage, rugged volcanic earth, and expansive blue sky. It is a wonderful example of the unusual beauty found in Maui's high-elevation landscapes. Original Maui botanical and landscape photography by Theron Peck of Peck Photography Art. Explore more Haleakala landscapes, native plants, wildlife, and original Maui photography at www.peckphotographyart.com.