Winter hikes are the best, especially when taken on a tropical island such as Maui! The white and black sand beaches, reefs teeming with fish and glorious sunsets are grand (no doubt about it), but hiking around Halaeakala’s summit tops it all.

It takes about two hours to meander up from the seaside at Kihei to the Haleakala Visitor Centre at 9740 feet. Early a.m. chill quickly drives visitors inside the stone hut where a model identifies the craters and gaps seen outside the large windows. Rangers stand at the ready to answer questions and within minutes we’re on our way to Ka Lu’u o ka ‘O’o – a small red crater tucked snugly 2.6 miles and 1400 feet below the lookout.

Fleece jackets, rain shells and long pants are requisite hiking gear for morning hikes. The weather at this elevation is unpredictable (apparently if you call the National Weather Service they won’t give forecasts for any location above 7000 feet). Overnight lows were in the 40’s the night before. The rangers record temperatures, visibility, etc. on a large calendar next to the door if you like those details.

Stepping out on the trail from the corner of the parking lot near the horse ramp/hitching posts, be prepared for the possibility of slow, four-legged traffic with few opportunities for passing from behind. Take advantage when the pony tours stop to regroup (after gaining signal from leader that it’s okay to pass). Horses are definitely slowly than hikers on the descent.

The brownish-gray cinder surface of the Sliding Sands Trail is a joy to walk on, soft and cushy with a delicate crunching sound beneath your feet. Taking the short spur off Sliding Sands, it’s a quick descent to the crater. Don’t forget the binoculars for scoping out the other craters and Kaupo and Ko’olau Gaps.

The only other hikers we saw while lunching on the crater rim were a couple from Vancouver, B.C. They’d snapped a photo of us hiking the rim and promised to send it via email on their return.

Far too soon, it was time for the ascent – which wasn’t nearly as bad as I’d envisioned. Backpackers coming down had us pausing to chat. Apparently they’d booked last minute and were heading to the cabins to enjoy a full moon weekend. It was all I could do to keep my pair from rushing back down to fill the travel packs with blankets and all our spare clothes for a similar expedition!

Next time, I promise, we’ll spend a couple of nights with our heads in the clouds, lying close to the stars!

If you go:
Carry warm gear.

Bring plenty of water and snacks.

There are over 30 miles of hiking trails in Haleakala’s Wilderness Area.

Overnights in the cabins are based on a lottery system (at least 3 months, but not more than 12 months before requested date). Flat rate $75/night for 1-12 people. Occasionally last-minute cabins are available. For more information call 808-572-4459 between 1-3 p.m..

Tip learned on this hike:
It pays to pack a business card with your name and email address for exchanging photos with fellow hikers!