Best trails in Kula, Maui

This trail offers unique and spectacular views throughout, but this challenging hike is not for the faint of heart. The drive to the top is paved but winding, and should be taken slowly. The trail appears easy at first, starting in a down grade, but walking back to the top is more difficult, particularly in warmer temperatures with the elevation. You should bring appropriate shoes, water, food, and sunscreen. You can also go out 1-2 miles for a more challenging hike with the same views. Show more

As of June 2020 (COVID 19 response) The summit area is now open for sunrise viewing and must be reserved on Recreation.gov. Reservations allow access to the Summit District of the park from 3:00am to 7:00am. Please visit https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/conditions.html for more information. The Sliding Sands Halemau'u combo is a semi-loop C-shaped trail into and out of the most picturesque portions of the Haleakala crater in Maui, Hawaii. The first part of the trail is the largely downhill but spectacular Sliding Sands trail leading into the crater that features the unique silverswords and sweeping extra-terrestrial landscapes. The trail merges into the Halemau'u trail around a central cinder cone intersection and transitions into a greener landscape with grasslands and wild flowers, leading up to a rugged climb back to the Halemau'u overlook. The trail is rates a difficult and is only recommended for experienced explorers. The trail offers a number of activity options including camping at the Holua cabin along the way and is accessible year-round.Show more

As of June 2020 (COVID 19 response) The summit area is now open for sunrise viewing and must be reserved on Recreation.gov. Reservations allow access to the Summit District of the park from 3:00am to 7:00am. Please visit https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/conditions.html for more information. Show more

This trail is PERMANENTLY CLOSED. Please do not hike it. Too many hikers on this trail started to destroy the cinder cone that it loops. This is a federally designated Wilderness area. Hiking off trail is against the law. Alternate Routes: - Haleakala's basin is so enormous that some folk hike in with a tent and spend days exploring the terrain. If you're in the mood for longer hike without an overnight bag, you might want to consider the 11 mile Sliding Sands to Halemau'u route. This one-way hike is best achieved by parking at the Halemau'u trailhead and hitching a ride up to the visitors center and the start of the hike. Now your 3,000ft of elevation change is purely downhill, and your ride awaits you at the end. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/hawaii/sliding-sands-trailShow more

As of June 2020 (COVID 19 response) The summit area is now open for sunrise viewing and must be reserved on Recreation.gov. Reservations allow access to the Summit District of the park from 3:00am to 7:00am. Please visit https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/conditions.html for more information. Show more

As of June 2020 (COVID 19 response) The summit area is now open for sunrise viewing and must be reserved on Recreation.gov. Reservations allow access to the Summit District of the park from 3:00am to 7:00am. Please visit https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/conditions.html for more information. Show more

Please note, users have reported that you may need a 4 wheel drive vehicle to park at the trailhead due to mud but you can park nearby with 2 wheel drive and walk to the trailhead also. In addition, this area is used for hunting so you may want to wear bright colors during the fall and winter. This is a reverse hike starting in a pine forest and descending into an eucalyptus forest and then again into pine with huge trees 100 plus feet tall. There are nice views at several points, although the majority of the route is wooded. There is a steady incline on the return back to the parking area. There is an out and back option as well as a loop trail option for different lengths and experiences.Show more