The Supply Trail climbs from near the park entrance up one thousand feet to intersect the Halemau’u Trail. It’s a great option for hikers who have done the other trails in the upper crater portion of the park, or if you’re short on time and don’t want to drive up the rest of the highway. If you hike this trail on a clear day, you might be high above the cloud cover blown in on the trade winds on east Maui. It’s possible to add on a part of the Halemau’u Trail for a longer hike.

Trailhead: Drive to the entrance gate to Haleakalā National Park, pay the fee, and drive less than a quarter mile. Find the road to the Hosmer Grove Campground on your left (east). The unmarked trailhead parking lot is about halfway to Hosmer Grove Campground on the right (south) side of the road. This trailhead has no services, but the Visitor Center is a few miles up the Haleakalā highway with bathrooms and water. There is also a pit toilet at the Hosmer Grove Campground.

Weather

Gear: Sturdy boots are appropriate for this rough, high altitude trail. Don’t forget the raingear.

Hike: The trail departs directly from the back of the parking lot. You’re at approximately 6700’ above sea level. There is no trailhead sign, and the beginning of the trail isn’t apparent at first. After a short grassy section, the trail is easier to follow. After one third of a mile, cross an eroded gully that may contain some running water. The trail traverses below the highway. Eventually cross a park service road near some water towers and a large metal building. Stay on the trail as it climbs. The views from this point can be staggering on a clear day. Just before intersecting the Halemau’u Trail, look for amazing views down some eroded valleys in the Ko’olau Gap. The Supply Trail officially ends when it intersects the Halemau’u Trail, but you can continue down into Haleakalā Crater. A nice spot to turn around would be the feature called the “Rainbow Bridge” on the Halemau’u Trail, just before it begins to descend steeply. Return the way you came.