Last updated: March 19, 2021
Thing to Do
Strenuous Hike Across the Crater Floor
NPS Photo
For experienced and prepared hikers, there's no better way to appreciate the challenge and the joy of the crater than to hike into it, across the floor, and out the other side. This hike is extremely strenous, crossing 11.2 miles (17.7 km) of rugged terrain, and involving several thousand feet of elevation change. Anyone undertaking this hike should be familiar with extreme mountain environments. The entire hike is in the remote Wilderness Area, where assistance may be hours away or unaccessible altogether.
Most thru hikers prefer to start at the Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trailhead, located in a corner of the Haleakalā Visitor Center parking lot. Be advised that the thru hike is not a loop, and hikers will conclude their hike at the Halemauʻu Trailhead, several miles down the road from their starting point. Hikers are responsible for coordinating their own transportation between trailheads. The park cannot offer hiker shuttles, so consider using the “hiker pick-up” near here.
Points of Interest:
Most thru hikers prefer to start at the Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trailhead, located in a corner of the Haleakalā Visitor Center parking lot. Be advised that the thru hike is not a loop, and hikers will conclude their hike at the Halemauʻu Trailhead, several miles down the road from their starting point. Hikers are responsible for coordinating their own transportation between trailheads. The park cannot offer hiker shuttles, so consider using the “hiker pick-up” near here.
Points of Interest:
- The "crater floor" is 3.9 miles (6.3 km) down one way. The elevation change is almost 2,500 ft/762 m.
- Kawilinau is about 5.7 miles in (9.2 km) was formerly called the "bottomless pit." The volcanic pit is 65 feet deep. Hike around the Halāli'i pu'u to catch the view of Kawilinau, and explore this colorful cinder cone.
Details
Duration
7-9 Hours
This hike is a full day. Budget time accordingly, and pack enough to be self-sufficient in the Wilderness Area for extra time, if needed.
Activity
Hiking
Age(s)
This hike is best suited for experienced, adult hikers who can carry their own supplies.
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are not permitted on any trails or in the Wilderness Area.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Keoneheʻheʻe Trailhead
Most thru hikers prefer to start at the Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trailhead, located in a corner of the Halekalā Visitor Center parking lot. Be advised that the thru hike is not a loop, and hikers will conclude their hike at the Halemauʻu Trailhead, several miles down the road from their starting point. Hikers are responsible for coordinating their own transportation between trailheads. The park does not offer any hiker shuttling services.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Temperatures generally start off cool in the morning and warm up in the afternoon all year. Winter is the rainy season in Hawaiʻi, and there may be an increased chance for fog or storms in the afternoon, no matter the season. Always come prepared with both sun and rain protection, along with extra layers and emergency shelter.
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
This trail is extremely long and steep. While the trailheads have accessible parking, this trail is not recommended for who may require assistance.