The island of Maui in the beautiful state of Hawaii is known as a place where adventurous travelers can enjoy challenging hikes and water sports. One such hike is at Sliding Sands Trail at the Haleakala Crater. The trail is a twelve miles long round trip and offers some breathtaking views of an enormous volcanic depression. The trail also offers some very difficult terrain.
Haleakala Crater
Haleakala is a giant shield volcano. It peaks at 10,023 feet and its Visitors Center is located at 10,000 feet. The interior of the volcano is largely barren looking, and it is very silent. Hiking in the area can give you the feeling of walking on Mars.
The Sliding Sands Trail
The trailhead for Sliding Sands Trail in Maui is located at the Haleakala Visitors Center. The trail takes its name from the loose cinders of which it is comprised. The trail winds around the south base of Haleakala and makes a sharp decent of 2,800 feet in its first four miles, so you can expect to get your toes smashed into your boots. The trip back up is considered very strenuous and you will want to take lots of breaks. Along the way you will see many interesting rock formations and meet up with various doves and seabirds.
If you prefer not to hike the whole trail in one day, you can camp out at Kapalaoa cabin which offers a warmer alternative to sleeping in a tent in the freezing cold crater. The cabin has a stove and has plenty of room for sleeping bags.
What to Bring
In addition to bringing plenty of water and sunscreen, you will also want to bring a compass, as hiking in a crater can be similar to hiking in the desert, where it is easy to get turned around or lost. You also want to make sure to dress in layers when you visit Sliding Sands Trail. The crater can be very cold at its peak and hot on the way down. This hike is not for the faint of heart and should never be attempted alone.
Where to Stay
The Sliding Sands Trail in Maui hike will take up the better part of the day and you will be tired when you get back. Why not relax and unwind in your own vacation home from Quam Properties? Our homes offer big bedrooms with comfortable beds, living rooms with lots of overstuffed seating and kitchens stocked with state-of-the-art appliances. Contact us today to book your next vacation rental!