Hike Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trail, Haleakala National Park, Maui, Hawaii

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Sliding Sands Trail islocated by the visitor center. It is definitely not an easy hike, but it does come highly recommended as a good, if not the best, hike for the Haleakala summit area. Departing from near the summit of 10,023’ Haleakalā volcano, the trail descends to the otherworldly crater floor. The best way to explore the crater floor is to secure camping inside the crater at three cabins, although you’ll need to be lucky in the lottery system. Kaluu o Ka Oo is a multi-colored cinder cone on the south end of the Haleakala Crater. The trail descends 2,800 feet in the first 4 miles to the valley floor. It follows the base of the south rim into the barren moonscape with continuous magnificent vistas. A half-mile spur trail climbs to the rim of Kaluu o Ka Oo, offering views into the cinder cone. There are 3 Wilderness cabins are maintained by the National Park Service for visitor use by advanced reservation. The Wilderness cabins are accessible only by trail. To reach the cabins, you must hike a minimum of 3.7 miles (5.9km) to Hōlua, 5.5 miles (8.9km) to Kapalaoa, and 9.3 miles (15km) to Palikū. Make sure to bring PLENTY of water and proper clothing.

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