The biggest of the two Maui volcanoes, Haleakalā is a must-see stop on any trip. Usually frequented by the crowds at sunrise or sunset, who take in the spectacle then head back down, there is so much more to discover.

Haleakala is has some of the most varied environments of a hike we've ever done. Starting at the top, hiking down the sands in a Mars-esque landscape, to black volcanic flows, red stone hills, and a jungle that'll make you think you're in Jurassic Park, most visitors only see the top... a sliver of what you'll enjoy.

We have two recommended hikes that'll show you some of the most amazing landscapes on the island. A day hike (11mi/18km) and an overnight (20mi/32km) hike. Your options as to which one you do may be limited, as an overnight stay in the park requires a permit, but I'll go into more detail below in the overnight section. If you aren't able to get a permit, the day hike still covers most of the incredible variety and secrets within the crater.

Getting There and Back

Both our day hike and overnight hike recommendations start and end at the same points. Both start at the Keonehe'ehe'e Trailhead, which is at the top by the Visitor Center, and end at the Halemau'u Trailhead, a parking lot on the main road a few cutbacks down from the Visitor Center.

Since the hikes start and end at different points, you can't just leave your car in one spot... so you have two options, take two cars or do what the locals do... hitch hike! If you've never hitched before, don't worry, its actually very common for hikers on Haleakala and there is even a little hikers pick up pull out on the main road for campers to get picked up. There is usually a steady stream of cars going to the summit and its only a few more minutes to the top, so you shouldn't have a problem getting picked up within 10 minutes or so.

You should park your car at Halemau'u so you can drive out as soon as your hike is over and if you're hitching up, you won't be smelly, sweaty, and dirty when trying to get a ride back to your car!

What To Bring

Checkout the official national park website as it has plenty of up to date information about recommendations on what to bring on your hike, and availability of water, etc.

Bring good footwear, as you'll be going from soft sand, to volcanic gravel, to grass, dirt and mud, all in a few hours. If you're staying overnight, it does get cold, so pack warm clothes. The weather can change very quickly as well, especially in the Ko'olau Gap, so bring some light rain gear in case you get caught!

Have a copy of the hiking trails map handy as well but all the of trails were very well signed and marked so there should be little chance of losing your way.

Day Hike

Our favourite day hike is 11 miles / 18 kilometers and takes you through the highlights of the crater. First, starting at Keonehe'ehe'e Trailhead at the summit, head to the Sliding Sands Trail, you'll descend into the crater along this trail, coming across smaller craters and vistas.

About 4 mi / 6.3 km in, you'll get to a sign pointing left to Hōlua, take that, where you'll start getting on to more even ground.

Keep following the signs to Hōlua as you pass through the red sands and the Silversword loop.

Soon, you'll start passing through the black lava flows of the Ko'olau Gap where the red sands turns into a hardened lava field.

Eventually you'll reach Hōlua campsite, a nice place to take a break before you start the uphill climb to Halemau'u. It'll start to turn more green as the walls of the crater loom before you.

The hike out is a somewhat vertical switchback section overlooking the valley you just walked through. It can be a tough but very rewarding section.

At the top of the switchback, you only have 1mi / 1.8km to go until the Halemau'u parking lot and you're done! Reward yourself on your way down with a stop in Paia for some flatbread or fish tacos and a nice cold drink.

Keep reading for some additional information if you're doing an overnight hike!

Overnight Hike

An overnight hike into the crater is a truly special experience. While you'll get to enjoy much of what you see on the day hike, you'll get to experience sunset, the midnight sky and sunrise in the middle of a crater.

There are 3 campsites, all with cabins, within the crater. Our favourite to visit is Palikū. Its the furthest, just on the edge of the Kaupō Gap that descends into Hana, and you'll likely find yourself alone, staring up at the stars from the cabin nestled in the jungle.

Make sure you make a reservation for your camping or cabin stay. They can be made 180 days in advance and are often quite booked up, but there are always tons of cancellations, so if you don't get a date, check back every morning... a cabin might open up!

You'll be required to get your permit and watch a short video at the Park Headquarters Visitor Center (not the one at the top, but one you'll pass on your way up)... if you're staying in a cabin, they'll also give you the code to unlock your cabin door.

Be sure to follow all the rules, pack out what you pack in and stay safe! If this guide helps you out, make sure to tag us in any of your photos so we can see your adventures as well!

Resources

• Official Hiking Map: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/28/NPS_haleakala-trail-map.jpg
• Overnight Camping Reservation Website: https://www.recreation.gov
• Cabin Information: https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/wilderness-cabins.htm
• Camping Information: https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/wilderness-camping.htm