Haleakalā Crater Loop

This route begins at the Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trailhead near the Haleakalā Visitor Center at 9,740 feet and terminates at the same location after completing a high-altitude loop. From the visitor center, descend the Keoneheʻeheʻe Trail into the crater, dropping roughly 2,500 vertical feet over the first 3.9 miles on a wide, sandy path. At the junction at 3.9 miles, turn left onto the spur trail leading toward the Halemauʻu Trail. At the next intersection, continue straight onto the Halāliʻi Loop Trail. Upon reaching the Halemau'u Trail at 5.6 miles, turn left. At the next junction with Halāliʻi Loop Trail, around 6.0 miles, turn right. Continue across the crater floor, keeping left and passing the Silversword Loop junction on the right at 6.8 miles. Reach the Hōlua Cabin area at 8.0 miles. From Hōlua, begin a demanding climb up the western crater wall, gaining approximately 1,400 vertical feet over steep, rocky switchbacks to reach the Halemauʻu Trailhead at 11.8 miles. To complete the loop, turn left (south) onto the paved Haleakalā Highway and walk 6.6 miles, climbing an additional 1,740 vertical feet back to the Haleakalā Visitor Center.