Sliding Sands (Keonehe'ehe'e)
Also known as: Haleakala crater
The surreal Mars-like Haleakala crater - cinder cones, lava colours and silverswords
The route
The line through Haleakala NP, Maui, Hawaii, United States - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Season & conditions
Year-round (weather/altitude dependent)
High-altitude cold, wind and sun; cloud can fill the crater fast
Open year-round; cold and windy at the summit, occasional winter ice. Confirm.
On the trail
Volcanic cinder and lava crater floor, cinder cones, sparse alpine desert
Non-technical cinder trail; the altitude and the climb-out are the challenge
Marked crater trails; vast and disorienting in cloud
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
Endemic Haleakala silversword, alpine shrubs
A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season
Out-and-back on Sliding Sands to a turnaround; the point-to-point via Halemauu needs a car shuttle
Getting there & staying
Sliding Sands (Keonehe’ehe’e) trailhead near the summit visitor center
Out-and-back/loop - no shuttle needed
Day route - none needed
Day-hike kit, water, sun/rain protection, sturdy footwear; coverage varies
Services in Kahului / Kula; limited or none on the trail
Not required; self-guided
Permits & safety
Haleakala NP entry; a separate sunrise-at-the-summit vehicle reservation is required if arriving before 7am. Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Altitude (3,000 m start), cold/wind, sun, misjudging the climb-out distance/effort
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.