This trail begins at 8,000 feet and descends to the Haleakala Crater floor, then crosses it. Several spur trails connect Halemauu Trail to Sliding Sands Trail providing opportunity for different length hiking loops.

This trail begins from the Haleakala Crater Road and leads ten miles into the Haleakala Crater and across the crater floor. The trailhead lies three and a half miles above Park Headquarters at an elevation of 8,000 foot. The first mile gradually descends through native shrub land to the valley rim. Two miles of switchbacks then descend 1,400 feet to the crater floor. At mile four along the trail you'll find Holua Cabin, which is available by reservation only. From Holua Cabin, Halemau'u Trail continues across the crater floor six more miles to Paliku Campground. At Paliku Campground Sliding Sands and Halemau`u trails join.

Directions: From Park Headquarters, Enter the park via Highway 378 and travel three and a half miles passed park headquarters on Haleakala Crater Road to the Halemau'u Trailhead.

Elevation: 8,000 feet

Ending Elevation: 6,380 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

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