Welcome to Another World
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to hike on Mars — minus the space suit — the Sliding Sands Trail, also known as Keoneheʻeheʻe, delivers the closest experience you’ll find on Earth. This surreal trek descends into the otherworldly heart of Haleakalā Crater, Maui’s dormant volcano and sacred summit. With sweeping lunar-like vistas, rare native species, and cultural reverence embedded in every grain of ash, this trail offers not just a hike — but a journey through deep time and living heritage.
Quick Trail Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Trail Name | Sliding Sands Trail / Keoneheʻeheʻe |
| Location | Haleakalā National Park, Summit District |
| Trailhead Elevation | ~9,740 feet (2,969 m) |
| Length | 7.8 round-trip to the crater floor and back |
| Difficulty | Challenging (due to elevation and return ascent) |
| Best Time to Hike | Sunrise to mid-morning (cooler temps, softer light) |
| Permits/Fees | National Park entry fee required |
Trail Highlights
🌋 Descend Into a Volcanic Caldera
Keoneheʻeheʻe, meaning “sliding sands” in Hawaiian, aptly describes the trail’s loose sand and dramatic descent — 2,400 vertical feet into a sprawling volcanic basin. The landscape transforms rapidly from cinder deserts to vibrant Silversword-studded plains. You’ll pass multicolored lava flows and ancient ash cones that seem sculpted by the gods.
Guide Tip: Watch your footing. The fine volcanic cinder acts like hiking on ball bearings — your knees and quads will feel it on the way back up!
🌱 Endemic Wonders: The Silversword and Nēnē
Keep your eyes peeled for ʻāhinahina (Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum), or Haleakalā Silversword — a shimmering, spiky plant found nowhere else on Earth. These plants can live up to 90 years and bloom just once before dying. Equally rare is the nēnē (Branta sandvicensis), Hawaii’s endangered state bird, often seen within the park.
🌤️ A Sky Above the Clouds
At nearly 10,000 feet, you’re hiking above the clouds — literally. The changing light creates dreamlike conditions, especially at sunrise when the trail glows red and gold. The summit is famed for its otherworldly dawns, and many hikers begin their descent shortly after sunrise.
Local Insight: Arrive early — or camp overnight (with a permit) — to witness both sunrise and stargazing. Haleakalā is one of the clearest places on the planet for astronomy.
Cultural Context: A Sacred Landscape
Haleakalā means “House of the Sun,” a name rooted in the Hawaiian legend of the demigod Maui, who lassoed the sun from this summit to slow its journey across the sky. For Native Hawaiians, the crater remains a deeply sacred place — a wahi pana — tied to creation stories, ancestral memory, and spiritual practices.
Pono Hiking Tip: Stay on designated trails and tread lightly. Erosion here can scar the land for decades, and veering off-trail threatens native plant recovery.
What to Pack for Sliding Sands Trail
Due to the high elevation and remote environment, be prepared:
- Layered clothing (it can be 30°F at the summit, 80°F at the crater floor)
- 2–3 liters of water (there is no water on the trail)
- Sun protection: SPF, sunglasses, wide-brim hat
- Trekking poles (highly recommended)
- High-energy snacks
- Camera or phone — you’ll want to capture this alien world
Know Before You Go
- Altitude is real. Expect shortness of breath and fatigue. If you feel dizzy or nauseous, rest frequently or consider turning back.
- The real challenge is the climb back up. Don’t be fooled by the easy start — plan your turnaround point wisely based on your time and fitness.
- Weather can shift fast. Always check the Haleakalā forecast before your hike. Afternoon storms and whiteout conditions are possible.
Trail Variations & Extensions
- Short Option: Hike 2 miles in for panoramic views and turn back.
- Day Hike to the Crater Floor: About 7.8 miles round-trip to the crater floor and back.
- Extended Route: Combine with Halemauʻu Trail for a 11.2-mile thru-hike (requires two cars or shuttle).
Why Go with a Naturalist?
While the trail stuns visually, its geological, ecological, and cultural stories add layers of meaning. Hiking with a Hike Maui naturalist guide unlocks a deeper connection to this extraordinary place. You’ll learn about volcanic formation, endemic species adaptation, and the spiritual importance of Haleakalā to Hawaiian culture — plus avoid common trail pitfalls.
A Hike to Remember
Sliding Sands isn’t just a trail — it’s a portal. From its cosmic silence to its cultural soul, this hike invites you to step out of the ordinary and into the elemental. Whether you’re a geology geek, a sunrise chaser, or simply seeking the best hikes in Maui, Keoneheʻeheʻe belongs on your bucket list.
Looking for more epic Maui hikes?
Explore hidden waterfalls, bamboo forests, and jungle streams on guided hiking tours with Hike Maui — where natural beauty meets cultural depth.