An invigorating hike in Haleakala National Park, descending into the volcanic crater with surreal landscapes and panoramic views.
- Distance
- No single length - descending point-to-point. 3.9 miles (one way) to crater floor; 5.5-5.6 miles to Kapalaoa Cabin; 9.3 miles to Paliku; 11-11.2 miles (one way) through-hike to Halemau'u trailhead (all NPS)
- Difficulty
- Moderate to Difficult
- Starting Elevation
- 9,740 ft (NPS - Haleakala Visitor Center; NOT the 10,023 ft summit)
- Ending Elevation
- Crater floor approx. 7,300-7,400 ft (approximate - derived from NPS 'almost 2,500 ft' descent, corroborated by guides); Halemau'u trailhead 7,990 ft; Kapalaoa Cabin 7,250 ft; Paliku 6,380 ft
- Tour Company
- N/A
- Access Notes
- Park entrance pass required ($30/vehicle, cashless, 3 days, both districts). Sunrise reservation ($1, Recreation.gov) applies ONLY to Summit District entry 3:00-7:00 am - including early hike starts; daytime entry needs pass only. Wilderness cabins/campsites are separate Recreation.gov reservations.
- Elevation Gain
- Descent to crater floor ~2,500 ft loss (NPS); Maui Hikes 2,400 ft. Through-hike GPS: 3,600 ft descent / 1,800 ft ascent (Earth Trekkers)
- Trailhead
- Haleakala Visitor Center parking lot, Summit District, Haleakala National Park
Checked against current sources, October 2026.