For visitors to Maui, Hawaii who have a hankering to hike, Haleakala is a primo to experience. At over 10,000 feet, the summit of Haleakala is the highest point on the island and is part of Haleakala National Park, which is managed by the U.S. Park Service.
The drive up the mountain is lengthy but wonderful, and you’ll pass from the lowlands of Kahului, through the upcountry of Pukalani, to the slopes of Haleakala, and then into the National Park.
Note that there is a fee of $10 per vehicle to enter the park. The pass you receive will allow access for three days, so if you have time you can return to hike Haleakala and its various trails more than once during your stay. If you plan to visit the Big Island and Volcanoes National Park (highly recommended), recommended is purchase a Hawaii Tri-Park Annual pass for $25 which allows access into Haleakala NP, Volcanoes NP, and Pu’u Honua ‘o Honaunau NP (also on the Big Island) for an entire year.
Among the day hikes in Haleakala National Park are the following:
Sliding Sands Trail (4 miles roundtrip). From the Haleakala Visitor Center at the summit of the mountain, you will descend 2 miles to the floor of Haleakala Crater. You will lose 2,500 feet of elevation and will literally fly down the trail to the cindery moonscape that marks the crater floor. Do note that the return leg will be challenging due to steepness of the ascent and the high elevation. Make sure to allot yourself double the time to hike up as you needed to hike down.
Down Sliding Sands and up Halemau’u Trail (11 miles point to point) The elevation loss and then gain is 3,000 feet. After the descent of Sliding Sands is a surreal cross-country hike through the crater. Take a break at the Holua Cabin before heading up the Halemauu switchbacks. Do note that the Sliding Sands and Halemau’u trailheads are six miles apart. Recommended is that you arrange a car shuttle with other visitors at the Ranger Station. That is, find someone who will be willing to meet you at the Halemau’u trailhead (where you will leave your car) and then give you a ride to the summit.
Sliding Sands to Ka Lu’u o ka’ O’o (5 miles roundtrip) This hike involves a 1,400 foot descent then ascent and proceeds to a crater to a small crater that is accessed partway down the Sliding Sands Trail. This is a good hike for those who want a good workout yet don’t have a lot of time. Again, allow time and energy for the climb back up Sliding Sands on the return leg.
Halemau’u to Valley Rim (2.2 miles roundtrip) 400 foot elevation loss then ascent. This is a nice short hike that will take you to the rim of the Haleakala crater.. You will pass through native highland shrub forest to a scenic overlook into Haleakala Crater.
There are many other options and variations for dayhiking Haleakala. For more information and to get maps of these trails and others, inquire at the Park Headquarters during your visit.
