One thing Haleakala has in common with many mountains in China and Japan is the custom of viewing the sunrise from its summit. Also in common with many mountains in the Far East is that it is considered sacred. Haleakala occupies an important place in Hawaiian mythology. The name, Haleakala, means "house of the sun." The demigod Maui ensnared the sun
with a rope on the summit of Haleakala in order to slow it down and make the day longer.
Undoubtedly, the mountains of the Far East have their own myths and legends associated with them. Myths tend to imbue a mountain with an intangible sense of mystery. Whether in myth or science, the sunrise begins a new day. As such, themes of light returning after a dark night, a new beginning, or a new chance come to mind. For this reason we chose it as the background of the New Understanding page.