Haleakala Crater Hike: Maui’s Incredible, High-Altitude Trail

A Haleakala crater hike is the ultimate experience for any adventurous traveler. Sweeping desert landscapes, unique native plant life, and incredible views await at Maui’s iconic national park. But what kind of hiking is available, and how should you plan your visit?

We’ve got all the answers today, along with some locally curated tips to make sure your hiking excursion on Maui is top-notch. 

A Hike Through Haleakala

The air is thin and crisp, nothing like the heat and humidity you’ll leave behind on the south shore. You won’t be seeing much of the beach on your hiking day – you’ll need to leave early for the hike and will probably spend most of your daylight hours around the summit. 

The drive to the summit area of Haleakala National Park is an adventure itself. A winding uphill road through acres of ranchland and a few scenic vistas. And stepping out of your car may make you doubt the decision to hike. 

That thin air? It makes a casual walk feel like heavy exercise. And what if nobody’s willing to give you a ride to the top of the trail? You’re a confident hiker, but the new environment is something to consider. Be sure to check that your water bottle’s full and all your hiking gear is in the pack. Then it will be time to walk to the roadside and lift your thumb. 

For many, this is their first time hitchhiking, a practice NPS recommends for the full Haleakala crater hike. You’ll want to park at the bottom and hitchhike to the top trailhead, as that gives you better chances of someone giving you a ride. 

It’s already a lot of effort, and you haven’t set foot on the trail yet. But you’ve been promised a strenuous hike that’s worth the hassle and the work. 

This is Keonehe’ehe’e Trail, and as you descend to the crater floor, you’ll understand how it got its name. Keonehe’ehe’e translates to “sliding sands.” You’ll be walking on shifting ground, but don’t forget to look up and around you. It’s like being on another planet, surrounded by a colorful, seemingly desolate desert landscape. 

If you’re prepared, and in good shape, and give yourself plenty of time, you can complete the full Keonehe’ehe’e trail, an 11-mile point-to-point crater hike that showcases the diverse landscape of Haleakala. You’ll go into the crater and ascend back up. It’s memorable, beautiful, and only for experienced hikers. Are you up for the challenge? 

Whether you want to complete the full Keonehe’ehe’e hike, or enjoy one of Haleakala’s shorter crater trails, we’ve got great info for you. Read on to learn more!

Haleakala Crater Hikes

If you’re interested in seeing Haleakala in all its glory, you need to be ready to walk. Sure, you don’t need to take on an 11-mile trek, but you should plan for some on-the-ground adventures that are unique to this gorgeous Hawaii locale. 

Keonehe’ehe’e Trail (Sliding Sands)

Keonehe’ehe’e, or Sliding Sands, trail is an 11-mile hike that takes you down onto the crater floor and back up. If you want to complete the full hike, park at the Halemau’u Parking Lot and then hitchhike to the Keoneheehee trailhead at the visitor’s center. 

As with any long hike, take all safety precautions. This includes good shoes, plenty of water and food, layered clothes for various weather, a GPS and map, a hat and sunscreen, and all your good sense to stay on trails and respect your own limits. 

Most hikers complete the Sliding Sands hike in 5-7 hours. 

This is the ultimate Haleakala Crater hike, but far from your only option, so take heart if you want to experience the National Park’s beauty without the time commitment and exertion. 

Pā Ka‘oao Trail

I’ve been to the summit of Haleakala multiple times, but only recently did I hike along the Pā Kaʻoao trail. This 0.2-mile trek is located next to the summit Visitors Center and offers an open view of the crater and hills below. Discover historical and cultural aspects of the area while catching amazing views. This is a great trail to see Maui below and gaze upon the long hike along the crater floor. 

For me, I’m typically grateful I didn’t decide on the long Haleakala Crater hike you can see below, but sometimes the sight does inspire me to further explore the park. 

Partial Hikes

If you aren’t inclined to walk all the way to the crater floor but want to experience some of the trails at Halaleakala, you can always opt for a partial hike. Access Halemau’u trail or Sliding Sands at their respective trail heads and then walk toward the crater. You’ll likely want to trek at least a mile each way to take in the sights and sounds, but definitely consider your own ability. 

And remember that your walk back to the trailhead will be uphill. It will be more tiring and take more time. So keep an eye on the sunset time (which will be earlier at this altitude), your supplies, and your energy level. If you wait to turn around until you’re already tired or when it’s nearly dark, you won’t make it back to your car in time. 

What to Know Before Your Haleakala Crater Hike

Ready to begin your own adventure at Haleakala National Park? Here’s what you need to know before you take to the trail:

• Admission to Haleakala is $30 per vehicle – card or digital payments only (no cash).
• If you plan to arrive at the park between 3am and 7am, you’ll need to make a sunrise reservation here. Reservations open up 60 days in advance. 
• Temperatures at the summit can be below freezing, especially when you factor in windchill. High temps are usually around 55-65 degrees fahrenheit. 
• The sun is strong at this high elevation, so bring a hat and wear sunscreen or sun-protective clothing. 
• Today we’ve talked about hiking at Haleakala crater, which is at the summit of the volcano. Haleakala National Park also includes a coastal area that is accessed separately called the Kīpahulu District. It’s located past Hana on the eastern coast of Maui, and your admission grants you access to both districts for three days. 

Camping at Haleakala

There are a couple of camping options during your hiking adventure at Haleakala. Our favorite option is the Hosmer Grove campground, which is a drive-up site located a little below the summit. Your reservation includes access to the summit for sunrise. We can’t imagine a better day than waking up on the top of a volcano, watching the sunrise above the clouds, and then hiking into Haleakala crater. 

If you want to camp during your crater hike, you’ll want to reserve a cabin or a wilderness tent camping site. 

There are three cabins on the floor of Haleakala crater, about halfway through the sliding sands hike. If you want to fully immerse yourself at Haleakala, this is  the way to go. 

The cabins have multiple bunks, a woodburning and/or propane stove, and nonpotable water. You’ll have to make your reservation in advance. 

There are two wilderness tent camping areas located near the cabins. Hōlua and Palikū campsites have nonpotable water and vault toilets. No fires are allowed. You’ll also need a reservation for the tent camping sites. 

The wilderness cabins and tentcamping are an excellent option if you want to explore the many shorter trails that veer off from Sliding Sands and Halemau’u trails. But, it is hard to get a reservation since there’s such limited availability. 

Is a Haleakala Crater Hike Worth It?

Yes, a hike in and around Haleakala crater is definitely worth it. And the biggest reason for this is because you control your adventure. Hike as far as you want or are able. Choose the time of day that works best for you. Immerse yourself in the stunning landscape or stop by for a part-day adventure. 

Now, if you’re on Maui for a limited amount of time, this may not top your Hawaii bucket list, and that’s ok. There’s no reason to drive up to Haleakala if you’d rather be on the beach, or driving the road to Hana, or eating delicious local Hawaii food. 

But for those who love hiking and seeing exciting new places, Haleakala crater is the ultimate place to hike (and possibly camp!). 

So come at sunrise if that’s your dream. Or come later to avoid the big rush or sunrise crowds. Stick around to stargaze, or leave early enough for an afternoon beach adventure. 

How you hike Haleakala is up to you. Just be prepared and aware, and definitely take lots of photos!

And remember Hawaii Aloha Travel as you’re planning your Maui vacation. We’d love to get you set up with a hotel that’s perfect for you, a guided tour around the island, or any activities that will make your trip everything you dream it will be. 

So whether you want to hike Haleakala crater or lay around on the beach (or both), we can help make it happen!