Haleakala Crater - Sliding Sands to Halemau'u

This route begins at the Haleakala Visitor Center and ends at the Halemau'u Trailhead. Arrange a car shuttle or pick-up before starting. From the Haleakalā Visitor Center, descend the Keonehe'ehe'e (Sliding Sands) Trail into the crater, dropping roughly 2,500 vertical feet over the first 3.9 miles. At the junction, turn left onto the Ka Moa O Pele Loop Trail and cross the sandy crater floor. At 5.2 miles, keep left at the junction near the Halali'i cinder cone. Continue and bear left again, around 5.5 miles, onto the Halemau'u Trail. At 6.2 miles, turn right to follow the Silversword Loop, then turn again to rejoin Halemau'u Trail at 6.6 miles. Continue straight until reaching Hōlua Cabin at 7.5 miles. From the cabin, turn right and begin a demanding climb up the steep switchbacks of the crater wall, gaining approximately 1,400 vertical feet over the final 3.7 miles. The route terminates at the Halemau'u Trailhead along the park highway. Arrange a car shuttle or use the hiker hitchhiking drop-off area to return to the starting point.