The area called Haleakalā Backside is really the south side of East Maui. It’s so named because the main access for Haleakalā is on the other side. It’s less accessible than the rest of the island and has no major towns or settlements. Visitors here need to be self-sufficient.

This site has two hikes on the Haleakalā Backside:

• Nu’u Refuge: This tract of land purchased by the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust protects a wealth of natural beauty and historical significance along a beautiful coastline. The Land Trust graciously allows access to hikers.

• Pahihi Gulch: This off-trail adventure climbs into one of the large gulches created by flash floods from Haleakalā. It’s unlike anywhere else on Maui.