Trails in Haleakalā National Park

Hike to an overlook of both the Haleakalā crater and the Koʻolau Gap along the ridge of an erosional valley. Halemauʻu Trail makes its way through native shrubland to the edge of the crater and several specatular scenci viewpoints along the way. At 1.1 miles (1.8 km) the ridge drops away on both sides for an impressive overlook into a lush valley and the volcanic crater. Turn around here for a 2.2 mile (3.6 km) roundtrip hike. The rocky trail is not extremely steep up to this point, but hikers should be careful of loose or slick rocks.

On your way out there, be on the lookout for the endemic forest birds that frequent this native shrubland. For birding enthusiastists, the Bird Brochure helps identify some of the most common birds you might see on this hike.

While birds can come and go, you'll probably have excellent luck in finding some of the native plant species. Common shrubs like the ʻōhelo, pilo, and māmane line the first mile of this trail. For a complete guide, check out our Plant Brochure .

The trail continues beyond the overlook and quickly loses elevation over a series of switchbacks that bring hikers to the crater floor. If undertaking a longer hike beyond this first mile of the trail, be sure to have snacks, water, rain gear, and sun protection. The return hike from the crater floor is strenuous and gains 1400 feet (430 m) of elevation in a few miles.

Get out and stretch your legs on this short hike out to Leleiwi Overlook. Halfway between the Headquarters Visitor Center by the entrance and the Haleakalā Visitor Center at the summit, Leleiwi offers the perfect opportunity to take in the changing scenery and walk through a native Hawaiian shrubland.

Learn more about Leleiwi Overlook and the layered history of this special place.

Hike to an overlook of Makahiku Falls by taking the Pīpīwai Trail. Make your way through a verdant canopy along the way to the falls. About 0.5 of a mile (0.8 km) into the trail you will reach the overlook of the nearly 200 foot (61 m) tall waterfall and the valley carved by these powerful waters.

Turn around here for a 1 mile (1.6 km) roundtrip hike. This hike is great for visitors looking for a shorter hike that does not require a half day.

The Pīpīwai trail continues past this point for another 1.5 miles (2.4 km) and terminates at another waterfall, Waimoku Falls. If you decide to continue, be sure to have water, snacks, rain gear, and sun protection. Reaching Waimoku and returning to the parking lot is a 4 mile (6.4 km) roundtrip hike.

For an adventure into an otherwordly landscape, hike a short ways down the Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trail and experience the crater up close. Make your way down the sandy trail to a natural overlook that offers new perspectives on the puʻu (cinder cones) that dominate the crater floor. Each puʻu represents a different erruption site, the youngest of which occured only about 1,000 years ago. Geologically speaking, thatʻs recent! Discover what makes the Hawaiian volcanoes stand out in our Geology Guide .

Life is harsh in this windy, sunny environment. The ʻāhinahina, or Haleakalā silversword, is a plant unique to Haleakalāʻs summit area. Its special adaptations allow this species to live where few can. While they are equiped to handle intense sun and desert conditions, they are easily damaged when curious people get too close. Protecting this endangerd species from harm is an excellent reason why all visitors stay on the established park trails. Learn more about ʻāhinahina and other native plants in our Plants Brochure .

For a moderate hike, follow the trail down 1 mile (1.6 km) to a natural overlook before the trail begins a series of switchbacks. Making it down to this point loses about 500 feet (152 m) in elevation, equivalent to a 50-story building. The steep, sandy nature of the trail can be strenous as such high altitude. Be prepared with sun protection and plenty of water for everyone in your group before hiking this trail.

For experienced and prepared hikers, there's no better way to appreciate the challenge and the joy of the crater than to hike into it, across the floor, and out the other side. This hike is extremely strenous, crossing 11.2 miles (17.7 km) of rugged terrain, and involving several thousand feet of elevation change. Anyone undertaking this hike should be familiar with extreme mountain environments. The entire hike is in the remote Wilderness Area, where assistance may be hours away or unaccessible altogether.

Most thru hikers prefer to start at the Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trailhead, located in a corner of the Haleakalā Visitor Center parking lot. Be advised that the thru hike is not a loop, and hikers will conclude their hike at the Halemauʻu Trailhead, several miles down the road from their starting point. Hikers are responsible for coordinating their own transportation between trailheads. The park cannot offer hiker shuttles, so consider using the “hiker pick-up” near here.

Points of Interest:

The "crater floor" is 3.9 miles (6.3 km) down one way. The elevation change is almost 2,500 ft/762 m.

Kawilinau is about 5.7 miles in (9.2 km) was formerly called the "bottomless pit." The volcanic pit is 65 feet deep. Hike around the Halāli'i pu'u to catch the view of Kawilinau, and explore this colorful cinder cone.