![]() We hiked 11 miles and were pretty tired after the 2500 feet ascent back up to the rim. I felt like we were on the moon which was pretty awesome!Īs we climbed up the side of the Ka Moa O Pele cylinder, the colors were amazing and a beautiful rainbow appeared. The ground was covered in black sand and rough shaped rocks stood all around us. We passed through a black lava field of volcanic rock. As we got to the bottom, we looked up behind us and I groaned a little bit thinking that I would have to climb that 2500 feet back out.Īt the bottom of the crater we crossed over to climb one of the cylinders called Halali’i. It was crazy! Getting down was the easy part. My husband had an elevation app on his phone that he tracked as we headed down into the crater. We started at the visitor center which is 9,740 feet in elevation. My husband and I just wanted to keep going a little further since we were told this particular hike was amazing. This hike can go on and on and on if you want. We decided to do the Sliding Sands hike and see where it takes us. The trail head is near the visitor center and heads up the hill. The hike is a short 1/2 mile trip, but gives you a good view of the crater below. There is a shorter hike that takes you to a lookout point over a crater with some ancient rock wall shelters. There are various hikes and levels of difficulty that you can choose to take. There are some serious hikes that you can go on if you love to hike! Haleakala Crater Hikes This occurred many times.ĭuring our hike and time on the mount, we experience sunshine, clouds, and all encompassing mist that made our clothes and hair damp.īe prepared for anything and make sure you wear good hiking shoes. Don’t fret if you are driving up in clouds, there is a good chance they will be blown away and you will have a clear sky for a time. The weather on Mount Haleakala changes frequently. Near the end of our hike when the sun went down and the clouds moved in with a thick mist, my hands got cold, but that was it. It was actually perfect weather for hiking. I was a little worried we were going to freeze, however, coming from Utah with below freezing temperatures often, we weren’t cold at all. Not having any of these items at the time we headed up in shorts and jackets. Some locals were telling us to dress warm with bands to cover our ears and gloves. The temperature can be anywhere from 30-60 degrees. There is an endangered species called Silver Sword that grows inside the crater that was pretty cool to see. If you hike down into the crater, you will find an area that is black volcanic rock that is really fun and cool to see with no signs of life. As you rise in elevation you will pass through a very green and lush area that is beautiful! You will pass eucalyptus trees that smell yummy.Īs you climb higher, you will find more volcanic rock with plants growing through out the rocks, and then finally on top, you will have volcanic rock with sparse plants growing here and there. On your ride up Mt Haleakala, you will first start in semi green condition with not many trees. The landscape ranges from lush beautiful greenery where everything grows to volcanic rock where nothing grows along with everything in between. One thing that I found remarkable is the different terrain and landscape that lies on the island of Maui. The highest elevation point is 10,023 with of an elevation drop down to 7300 down to the crater floor. This app is awesome! As you are driving around, this guy will talk to you and tell you all about your surroundings. This pass will also get you into the 7 Sacred Pools located at the end of the Road to Hana if you choose to do the Road to Hana (I HIGHLY recommend it!).īefore you leave on your vacation, buy and download the Maui Gypsy Guide App. Since Mount Haleakala is a National Park, there is a $20 entrance fee that lasts for 3 days. However you choose to experience Mt Haleakala, you won’t be disappointed. There is so much you can experience on Mount Haleakala from driving up and watching the sunset near Haleakala Summit, watching the sunrise just before you bike down the mountain in the wee hours of the morning, to hiking to any of the 8 cylinders within the volcano or simply driving up and back down in your car. ![]() Mount Haleakala! The name Haleakala is so fantastic! You can use the word in awe or in utter exhaustion as you climb that last ridge after 11 miles of serious hiking (OH MY HALEAKALA!!) ![]() ![]() If you are looking for Mount Haleakala hikes, elevation or weather you have come to the right spot!!
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