The
summit area of Haleakala is a two hour drive from Kahului: take Hwy 377 and 378.
The Park preserves the outstanding volcanic landscape of the
upper slopes of Haleakala volcan (3055 m), the last eruption of the Haleakala occurred
around 1790, and protects the unique and fragile ecosystems of Kipahulu Valley, the scenic
pools along Oheo Gulch, and many rare and endangered
species. A visit to the summit area will transport you to a world of dramatic scenery, a
diversity of landscapes, and hiking trails that explore geological, biological, and
cultural features. A trail through the summit area, the Sliding Sands trail, traverses
many different landscapes, all home to exceptional native Hawaiian plants (as Haleakala
silversword) and wildlife (Nene or Hawaiian goose). The landscape here look like the
moon-scape. Remember that high altitude (3.000 m.) at the summit area may complicate
health conditions and cause breathing difficulties.
View from the
summit of Haleakala volcano, Maui, Hawaii.
View from the
summit of Haleakala volcano, Maui, Hawaii.
View from the
summit of Haleakala volcano, Maui, Hawaii.
Sliding Sands Trail or Keoneheehee Trail
This is a
beautiful trail inside the crater of the volcano, here the landscape look like the
moon-scape. The hike is extremely strenuous, especially on the way back up the mountain.
The trail starts at 2957 m. and descends 850 m. into the crater. We did just a part of the
trail, we follow the Sliding Sands Trail to the first cinder cone, Ka Luu o ka Oo to
complete a five mile round trip loop. During the hike we saw the Haleakala silversword.
The Sliding Sands trail inside Haleakala volcano, Maui, Hawaii.
View along the Sliding Sands trail inside Haleakala volcano, Maui, Hawaii.
Silversword along the Sliding Sands trail
inside Haleakala volcano, Maui, Hawaii.
View along the Sliding Sands trail inside Haleakala volcano, Maui, Hawaii.
Silversword, Haleakala National Park, Maui.
Inside the crater, Haleakala National Park,
Maui.
Inside the crater, Haleakala National
Park, Maui.
Haleakala Crater, Haleakala National Park,
Maui.
Grass-land on the
road towards Haleakala volcano, Maui, Hawaii. Under the clouds are the West Maui Mountains.
