The Sliding Sands, or Keonehe’ehe’e Trail, is the premier access to Haleakalā crater. Departing from near the summit of 10,023’ Haleakalā volcano, the trail descends to the otherworldly crater floor. The colors and changing light of the eroded crater are stunning. This very difficult hike is among the best on Maui. The long hike presented below is a great way to tour a large part of the crater floor, but it’s possible to hike more or less depending on your preference. Unlike most mountain hikes, this one starts at the top and descends to begin. The best way to explore the crater floor is to secure camping inside the crater at three cabins, although you’ll need to be lucky in the lottery system.

Trailhead: Drive to near the end of Haleakalā Highway (Hwy. 378), and find the Keonehe’ehe’e Trailhead about a half mile below the actual summit area. The trailhead has restrooms but no water. 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

Acute Mountain Sickness

Gear: Wear sturdy boots and bring your raingear. 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 Keonehe’ehe’e Trailhead, find a trail through lava rocks that skirts the Haleakalā Highway. Curve around the cinder cone above you and find the beginning of the trail marked by signs. The main danger of this hike is the false sense you get as you descend from the trailhead. It’s much more difficult to climb out of the crater at the end of the hike, so ensure you leave plenty of energy for the substantial climb back to the trailhead. It’s very easy to get in over your head. Descend 2400’ over 3.8 miles and find the crater floor. The views along the way defy the imagination. Even on a clear day, there are often clouds cresting over the crater rim on the northeast side where Maui meets the trade winds. Pass by fascinating endangered ʻāhinahina (Haleakalā silverswords). There are a few blocked spur trails. The National Park insists that you stay on the main trail. Once you reach the crater floor and the first intersection, you’ve already committed to a difficult dayhike. Returning from here is a 7.6 mile hike with 2400’ of elevation gain. The following loop around the crater allows one to see several of the major sights. Consider your fitness level and the current weather conditions before committing to this loop.

From the first intersection at the crater floor, continue east. You’ll be returning on the trail that departs to the northeast. Hike 1.6 miles and find another intersection with a trail departing to the northwest. Keep going east for 0.2 mile and find another intersection near Kapalaoa Cabin. Hike north for 0.4 mile and find a three-way intersection. Head northwest past Pu’u Na’ue. After this brief climb, reach another intersection. Hike 0.3 mile. Near this spot, find Kawilinau, a deep hole in the earth formerly known as the “bottomless pit.” It’s actually only 65’ deep. From Kawilinau, hike 0.3 mile to the west. Along the way, pass an area unofficially known as “Pele’s Paint Pot” due to the technicolor lava in the area. It’s truly amazing. Pass the intersection of the Halemau’u Trail and hike southeast for 1/4 mile. At the next intersection, hike west and then southwest back to the place you first encountered the crater floor. Persevere for the final 3.8 miles and 2400’ of the hike. If you did this entire loop, you’ll surely feel the last couple miles back to the rim.