Maui - Hawaii - page 719

craning skyward at the walls and towering cinder cones. It's a world away from anyplace
else. The crater is remarkably still. Cinders crunching underfoot are the only sound, ex-
cept for the occasional bark of a Hawaiian owl or honking of a friendly nene. Whatever
trail you take, allow extra time to absorb the wonder of it all.
To protect Haleakalā's fragile environment, keep to established trails and don't be
tempted off them, even for well-beaten shortcuts through switchbacks.
Be prepared. Hikers without proper clothing risk hypothermia. The climate changes
radically as you cross the crater floor - in the 4 miles between Kapalaoa and Paliku cab-
ins, rainfall varies from an annual average of 12in to 300in! Take warm clothing in lay-
ers, sunscreen, rain gear, a first-aid kit and lots of water.
Sliding Sands (Keoneheʻeheʻe) HIKING
MAP
Sliding Sands (Keoneheʻeheʻe) Trail starts at the south side of the Haleakalā Visitor
Center at 9740ft and winds down to the crater floor. If you take this hike after catching
the sunrise, you'll walk directly into a gentle warmish wind and the rays of the sunshine.
Even if you're just coming to the summit for a peek at the incredible view, consider
taking a short hike down Sliding Sands Trail. Just walking down 20 to 30 minutes will
reward you with an into-the-crater experience and fab photo opportunities; but remember
that the climb out takes nearly twice as long as the walk down.
The full trail leads 9.2 miles to the Paliku cabin and Paliku campground, passing the
Kapalaoa cabin at 5.6 miles after roughly four hours.
The first 6 miles of the trail follow the south wall. There are great views on the way
down, but almost no vegetation. About 2 miles down, a steep spur trail leads past sil-
versword plants to Ka Luʻu o ka Oʻo cinder cone, about 0.5 miles north. Four miles
down, after an elevation drop of 2500ft, Sliding Sands Trail intersects with a spur trail
that leads north into the cinder desert; that spur connects with the Halemauʻu Trail after
1.5 miles.
Continuing on the Sliding Sands Trail, as you head across the crater floor for 2 miles
to Kapalaoa, verdant ridges rise on your right, giving way to ropy pahoehoe (smooth-
flowing lava). From Kapalaoa cabin to Paliku, the descent is gentle and the vegetation
gradually increases. Paliku (6380ft) is beneath a sheer cliff at the eastern end of the
crater. In contrast to the crater's barren western end, this area receives heavy rainfall,
with ohia forests climbing the slopes.
Halemauʻu Trail HIKING