Sliding Sands Trail leads nine miles east along the southern wall of the Haleakala Crater, past Kapalaoa Cabin, to Paliku Campground.

The trail starts at the Haleakala Visitor Center parking lot and descends 2,500 feet in four miles through a cinder desert to the valley floor. Shortly after mile five the trail passes Kapalaoa Cabin along the southern wall of the crater. The trail continues in a gentle descent to the eastern end of the crater and joins Halemau'u Trail at Paliku Campground. The return trip is difficult due to the steep grade, elevation gain and reduced oxygen. Allow twice the time to return from your destination as you took to reach it.

Directions: From Highway 378, Follow Haleakala Crater Road to the Haleakala Visitor Center. Park in the visitor center parking lot. The trail leaves from the eastern side of the parking area.

Elevation: 9,780 feet

Ending Elevation: 6,380 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

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