We’ve handpicked the best Haleakala hikes for you, ranging from easy to challenging. Join us on a virtual tour to find the ones that suit you and your group best!
Excited about catching the sunrise from the Haleakala Crater summit on your Maui bucket list? You’re not alone, but the crowds can be overwhelming! Opt for a short hike to Leleiwi Overlook for a less crowded sunrise view. To truly experience Haleakala’s rugged beauty, explore its nature trails.
Haleakala National Park is unique, featuring two different districts in one. The Summit District boasts a surreal, moon-like landscape at the crater’s summit, resembling an alpine desert with craters aplenty. On the other hand, the Kipahulu District along the coast offers a breathtaking rainforest jungle.
Planning a family vacation with little ones? Check out our list of easy and family-friendly Haleakala hikes, perfect for beginners. Bird enthusiasts, don’t miss the Hosmer Grove Trail – a top birdwatching spot on Maui.
Best Easy Haleakala Hikes
1. Leleiwi Overlook Trail (Summit District)
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Haleakala on the short, 0.3-mile roundtrip Leleiwi Overlook Trail. This mildly climbing, rocky hike in the Summit District, at 8,800 feet elevation, offers stunning views of the crater and a moonlike landscape. On clear days, catch glimpses of the Maui coastline. If the sunrise at the Haleakala Visitor Center is too crowded, opt for the less congested option at Leleiwi Overlook.
2. Hosmer Grove Loop Trail (Summit District)
Near the entrance, the easy 0.6-mile roundtrip Hosmer Grove Trail takes you through subalpine shrubs with non-native trees planted in the 1800s for erosion control. Marvel at huge eucalyptus, cedar, pine, and spruce trees, and keep an eye out for beautiful birds like apapane, i’iwi, and amakihi. Perfect for bird watchers, this Maui hike is a visual treat. Remember your zoom lens or binoculars!
Read Also: Diamond Head Hike: A Picture Guide For Tourist
3. Kūloa Point Loop Trail (Kīpahulu District)
In the Kīpahulu District, the short 0.5-mile loop Kuloa Point Loop Trail near the Kipahulu Visitor Center leads to Ohe’o Gulch and the Seven Sacred Pools. Wind along native forests, waterfalls, and the coast. A must-see on the road to Hana highway, note that swimming in the pools of Ohe’o is currently restricted due to flash flood dangers.
4. Sliding Sands Trail to First Overlook (Summit District)
While the challenging Sliding Sands Trail is iconic, the hike to the first scenic overlook is a relatively easy, short 0.5-mile roundtrip. Enjoy panoramic views of the Haleakala Crater without the strenuous trek. Perfect for hikers of all abilities, this trail provides a taste of Haleakala’s beauty.
5. Pa Ka’oao Trail (Summit District)
Embark on the short 0.4-mile roundtrip Pa Ka’oao Trail from the Haleakala Visitor Center. Hike around the base of a rocky cinder cone and up along its side on a rock and mud path with a few steps. At the top, savor stunning views of the Haleakala Crater and the alpine desert landscape, including volcanic cinder cones and hikers on the winding Sliding Sands Trail below.
Best Haleakala Hikes (Moderately Difficult)
6. Halemau’u Trail to Overlook Viewpoint (Summit District)
Embark on the complete 7-mile round trip Halemau’u Overlook Trail, a challenging hike with steep switchbacks. For a shorter yet rewarding version, try the 2.2-mile roundtrip, offering great views along the trail and incredible sights of the crater just before the switchbacks. Rated easy to moderate, this hike is accessible to all, and even the rainbow bridge on the trail is quite wide. Keep an eye out for nene (Hawaiian geese), as this trail is a popular spot for spotting them!
7. Pipiwai Trail (Kīpahulu District)
Located at the Kipahulu Visitor Center, the moderately difficult 4-mile round trip Pipiwai Trail offers a captivating journey through a classic Hawaiian rainforest jungle. Encounter dense bamboo forests, picturesque banyan trees, and stunning waterfalls, including the 200-feet Makahiku Falls and the trail’s end at the impressive 400-feet Waimoku Falls. Hiking the Pipiwai Trail is a must-do in Haleakala National Park’s Kipahulu District.
8. Sliding Sands Trail to Crater Floor (Summit District)
For those craving more after the first viewpoint on the Sliding Sands Trail, consider continuing to the Haleakala Crater floor. This challenging 7.8-mile roundtrip option takes you through a desolate landscape where you’ll find unique plant life like the endemic ‘ahinahina (silversword) and birds such as the Hawaiian nene and chukar partridge. Be prepared for difficult terrain with volcanic cinder dust, resembling a sandy beach. Descending 2,500 feet to the basin requires careful planning, so check our detailed guide for this adventurous hike!
9. Sliding Sands Trail (Keonehe’ehe’e) to Halemau’u Trail (Summit District)
Extend your exploration by connecting the Sliding Sands Trail to the Halemau’u Trail, creating an 11-mile round trip hike. While longer, this option provides a different route back, ending at the Halemau’u Trailhead. This variation, with a lower overall elevation, may be more manageable. Enjoy diverse scenery, including close-up views of cinder cones (Ka Lu’u o ka O’o), vividly colored cones (Pele’s Paint Pot), and a “bottomless‘ ‘ volcanic pit (Kawilinau). Keep in mind that hitchhiking is a recommended way to return to your starting point.
Visiting Haleakala National Park, Maui
Haleakala National Park in Maui is truly breathtaking, but navigating its trails requires thoughtful planning. This is particularly crucial since traveling between the Summit District and the Kipahulu District (and vice versa) can be challenging.
If you’re keen on exploring hikes in both districts, allocate at least two days, dedicating one day to each district. For detailed guidance on planning your visit and discovering the park’s best offerings, refer to our comprehensive guide on Haleakala National Park.
The Best Maui Tours
Have you secured spots for these highly-rated guided adventures in Maui?
1. Small-group Road to Hana tour: Relax and enjoy the views without the hassle of navigating hairpin bends or searching for parking at popular stops.
2. Haleakala sunrise tour: Experience the iconic sunrise atop the volcano without the stress of reserving a parking spot or driving in the dark.
3. Maui whale watching raft tour: Witness massive humpback whales at eye level! Opt for a more relaxed boat whale watching tour if preferred. A must during winter in Maui!
4. Maui snorkeling excursion: Explore Molokini Crater and Turtle Town, the island’s two most epic snorkeling destinations.
5. 7-line Maui zipline experience: Glide over north shore forests, enjoying ocean views and conquering obstacle course challenges.
6. Oceanfront luau in Wailea: Delight in a sunset buffet and traditional Polynesian entertainment. Choose the Kaanapali oceanfront luau option if preferred.
Read Also: Kaneohe Sandbar: Best Tours
Renting a Car in Maui
Maui’s best attractions are scattered across the island, making a rental car essential for exploration beyond your base. We recommend Discover Cars for Maui car rentals. They search various rental companies, providing the best deals with free cancellations and no hidden fees.
Where to Stay in Maui
Selecting accommodation in Maui depends on your preferences. If you desire a vacation rental for space and the option to cook, or a resort/hotel experience, your choices vary. Most visitors choose the west side, with a plethora of accommodations ranging from resorts to vacation rentals. Begin your search on VRBO, filtering by specific areas like Kihei, Kapalua, or Wailea.
For great choices and quality, explore vacation rentals on VRBO. We’ve had positive experiences in Kihei and Kapalua.
More Maui Travel Inspiration
Considering a Trip to Maui? Explore Our Guides for the Ultimate Maui Itinerary!
If you’re a first-time visitor, kickstart your Maui adventure with our guide on the best things to do in Maui. Uncover Maui’s iconic experiences, from stunning beaches and lush rainforests to the volcanic crater.
Embark on a memorable journey by driving the Road to Hana, a must-do on Maui’s bucket list. Our comprehensive guide unveils the best stops on the Road to Hana, featuring waterfalls and short hikes along the way.
Discover the beauty of Wai’anapanapa State Park, a top stop on the route with a black sand beach requiring reservations. Dive into our guide for insights into this popular state park!
Explore one of Hawaii’s two national parks with our roundup of the best things to do in Haleakala National Park. Witness the breathtaking sunrise with our ultimate guide to Haleakala.
Best hikes
If you’re a hiking enthusiast, dive into our guide on the best hikes in Haleakala National Park, including detailed explorations of the Sliding Sands Trail and the Pipiwai Trail.
For more hiking adventures, don’t miss our roundup of the best Maui hikes, ranging from easy to challenging. Delve into complete guides for hiking the popular Kapalua Coastal Trail and the Waihee Ridge Trail for stunning views!
Discover the enchanting waterfalls of Maui with our roundup of the best waterfalls, from the 400-foot Waimoku Falls to Upper Waikani Falls near Hana. Some waterfalls offer breathtaking views from viewpoints, while others require a hike.
Dive into water activities with our epic guides on whale watching in Maui and the best Molokini snorkeling tours, along with exploring Turtle Town snorkeling.
Prefer shoreline snorkeling? Read our roundup of the best snorkel spots in West Maui.
Don’t forget to include ample beach time in your Maui itinerary! Explore our guide to Wailea Beach in southwest Maui and Maluaka Beach along the Turtle Town stretch of the coast.
Experience a different side of Maui with a visit to the Iao Valley State Monument, where lush landscapes and serene ambiance await!
Conclusion Of Haleakala hikes
Exploring Haleakala’s Majesty: Top 9 Hikes from Easy to Challenging
If witnessing the sunrise from Haleakala Crater is on your Maui bucket list, consider escaping the crowd by opting for a short hike to Leleiwi Overlook. Haleakala National Park, with its Summit District’s moon-like landscape and the lush rainforest of the Kipahulu District, offers a unique dual experience. Families, bird watchers, and avid hikers can find their perfect trail, from the easy Leleiwi Overlook Trail to the challenging Sliding Sands Trail to the Crater Floor. Join us on a virtual tour and discover the best Haleakala hikes for your 2024 adventure!
Navigating Haleakala National Park: A Journey of Planning and Exploration
While the beauty of Haleakala National Park in Maui is unparalleled, navigating its diverse trails demands careful planning. The transition between the Summit and Kipahulu Districts poses challenges, making a two-day exploration advisable for those eager to experience both. Dive into our detailed guide for expert tips on planning your visit and uncovering the park’s treasures. Whether it’s the breathtaking sunrise or the enchanting waterfalls, Haleakala is a paradise waiting to be explored.
It’s Ethan Richards, the guy leading the way at “Go Hawaii US.” I’ve been playing with the colors and designs of this tropical paradise, making your Hawaiian experience a whole lot of fun. Over at Go Hawaii US, we’re here to make your visit incredible. Let’s add some excitement and insights to your Hawaii adventure together!
