Haleakala National Park

Photo Essay: Hiking the Andes with Mountain Lodges of Peru

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Haleakala National Park stretches from the rugged Kipahulu coastline up through rainforest and shrubland to the summit of the volcano. Much of the rainforest and upper slopes are designated wilderness, ensuring that the primeval character of the area will remain. Though many people refer to the summit's cinder landscape as a "crater", it is actually a valley carved into the volcano by thousands of years of erosion during a period of dormancy. Renewed volcanic activity has partially filled in this valley with cinder cones and lava flows, which can be viewed from the Plaleakala Visitor Center if weather permits. To experience different perspectives of the Park, plan to hike in.

A map of the Summit District clearly shows the odd shape of the Haleakala crater, along with the principal hiking trails.

There are 2 trails leading into the Haleakala wilderness from the summit area, Sliding Sands and Halemau'u. These trails join near Paliku and are also connected by short spur trails. The Kaupo Trail leads down the Kaupo Gap to the coast.

Sliding Sands (Keonehe'ehe'e)

The trailhead is located at the bulletin board near the entrance to the Haleakala Visitor Center parking lot (9740'). The trail descends 2500' in 4 miles to the valley floor. The return trip is difficult due to the grade, elevation, and reduced oxygen. Allow twice as much time to hike out as it takes to hike in.

Halemau'u

This trail begins at the 8000' parking lot, 3.5 miles above Park Headquarters. The first mile is fairly level through native shrubland to the rim. Two miles of steep switchbacks descend 1400' to the valley floor, and on clear days offer alternate views of the cloud forest and the subalpine shrubland below.

Sliding Sands and Halemauu trails eventually join after about 9 miles, and are also connected with short spur trails. Ask at Park Headquarters or Haleakala Visitor center about alternatives for shorter hikes; even short walks offer spectacular views on clear days.

Short Walks

Trail DistanceRound trip Elevation Change
Each Way Highlights

Hosmer Grove Nature Trail (Loop)
1/2 mile120' Brochure available at trailhead, guides you through forest and shrubland, with good birding opportunities. Good for families with small children.

Leleiwi Overlook 1/4 mile 40'Views down to cabin and trails below. Uncrowded. Good photography.

White Hill 1/2 mile 140' Rocky trail to top of volcanic cone. Views of cinder cones and Hawaiian shelters. Starts at far end of Haleakala Visitor Center parking lot.

Sliding Sands to
first switchback2/3 mile30'Panoramic views of cinder cones and lava flows. Feel the solitude and quiet the wilderness has to offer.

Half-Day Hikes

Halemau'u to
valley rim2.2 miles400'Experience several ecosystems as you stroll through native shrubland to a tradewind-exposed cliff which overlooks the cloud forest below.

Sliding Sands to
Ka Lu'u o ka 'O'o5 miles1400'Images of the multi-colored cinder cones, ever-changing clouds and 'ahinahina {silversword) reward hikers willing to take this steep trail.

Full-Day Hikes

Halemau'u to "Silversword Loop" 10 miles1 400'Journey through the shrubland, down steep switchbacks, and across a rough 'a'a lava flow to a field of 'ahinahina.

Sliding Sands to Halemau'u Trailhead11 miles 3000' Trailheads are 6 miles apart. Before hiking in, stop at Park Headquarters to arrange a car drop or ride with other visitors.

Preparing Yourself

The 36 miles of trails in the Haleakala wilderness cover a land of sudden contrasts, not only of terrain, but also of topography. Weather changes rapidly. You may be exposed to intense sunlight, and then engulfed in thick clouds and heavy rain. Haleakala rises to 10,023 feet, with the average elevation on the valley floor at 6,700 feet. Trails are strenuous at this elevation due to lack of oxygen, and altitude sickness is a concern.

Be on guard for the symptoms: nausea, headache, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Pregnant women and people with heart or respiratory conditions should consult with their doctor before visiting the Park. Temperatures commonly range between 40-65°F, but can be below freezing at any time with the wind-chill factor. Hypothermia (life-threatening loss of body heat) is a danger due to the combination of exertion and exposure.

Hikers must be properly equipped. No food, supplies, or gas are available in the park. The Park trails are not wheelchair accessible.

Nowhere else on earth can you enter a wilderness with the combination of rare plants and animals found at Haleakala. You can help preserve the unique biota by following Park regulations:

1. Hiking off-trail and shortcutting switchbacks is prohibited. Plants and animals get trampled, pushing fragile species closer to extinction. Even areas that look barren, such as old lava flows, are home to rare species like the Hawaiian wolf spider which lives camouflaged among the rocks.

2. Collecting anything is prohibited. Haleakala is a National Park; the plants, the animals, and even the rocks are preserved here for future generations to enjoy. Many species are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Years ago, the 'ahinahina (silversword) almost became extinct because hikers illegally collected them as souvenirs.

3. Group size is limited to 12 persons for all hiking and camping. A larger group may not split into 2 smaller groups. Limiting group size protects the environment and assures solitude.

4. No pets are allowed in the wilderness area or on trails. Native species may be harassed by even the most well-trained pets.

5. Firearms, motors, radios, bicycles, wheeled vehicles, and open fires are prohibited in the wilderness.

6. Pack out everything you pack in. Trash attracts rats and mongooses, alien predators that eat native birds and their eggs.

7. Do not feed or harass the nene or any wildlife.

8. Use pit toilets at campgrounds or cabins. If unable to reach toilets, bury waste & pack out all paper.

What to Bring

Water - 3 quarts per person per day. Water is sometimes available near wilderness cabins, but is non-potable . Treat before using.

The right clothing - Raingear, warm layered clothing and sturdy shoes or boots. Brush all gear clean before hiking to remove alien seeds.

The little necessities - Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses, first aid kit, bee sting kit, flashlight, trail map, trail mix/snacks, and bag for trash, toilet paper.

Move on to:
Summit District | Hosmer Grove | Kuapo Gap | Kipahulu Area