The Halemau’u Trail is a steep, narrow, and exciting path down to the floor of Haleakalā crater. The hike described below travels down the Halemau’u Trail to an ʻāhinahina (Haleakalā silversword) loop. The ʻāhinahina is an endangered species of plant that only grows here. This hike follows the amazing trail down the cliffs of the crater. You’ll marvel at the way it hugs the contours of the cliff walls to provide a relatively easy path down to the crater below. The views of the crater are huge on a clear day. People with an extreme fear of heights might want to skip this one.

Trailhead: Find the trailhead between the 14 and 15 mile markers along the Haleakalā Highway (Hwy. 378). The trailhead has no services. Access to the park is restricted during the hours of 3am to 7am each day. There is now a permit lottery system for access to popular sunrise viewing. Even if you’re just hiking and not viewing sunrise, you still need a permit to access the park before 7am if you desire an early start. If you plan your drive to arrive at the park at 7am, you should sail right through with no wait. Drive carefully along the Haleakalā Highway. Expect to encounter cyclists, construction vehicles, and emergency vehicles along the narrow, winding road.

Weather

Gear: Wear sturdy boots and bring your raingear. This part of the Park gets more rain. Expect cold, windy weather. Bring lots of water - you dehydrate much more quickly at this altitude. The UV rays from the sun are also stronger. Don’t underestimate this very difficult hike in a high alpine wilderness.

Hike: From the parking area, find the trail and hike through upland forest for almost 3/4 mile before you start to see the crater. Pass an incredible spot where the trail narrows called the “Rainbow Bridge.” Here’s where the fun begins. The next two miles undulate across the cliffs of the crater wall providing huge views as you twist and turn and see new vantages. After a knee-crushing 1000’ feet, you’ll arrive on the crater floor. The trail soon finds one of the permitted cabins. Stay out unless you were lucky enough to score a permit. Past the cabin the trail begins to climb again. After about a mile, you’ll find the Silversword Loop. If the ʻāhinahina are blooming, you’re in for a real treat. Return the way you came. You’ll be gaining almost all of the vertical elevation on the way back, so ensure you save plenty of energy for the endeavor.