Ka Luʻu o ka ʻŌʻō Trail

This route drops from the Haleakalā summit area down the Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trail to the multicolored Ka Luʻu o ka ʻŌʻō cinder cone, then loops its rim before climbing back out. Plan on roughly 5.5 miles total (out-and-back plus the ~0.6-mile cone loop) and a stout return climb. You start near 9,700+ feet and descend about 1,200–1,400 feet to the cone—easy on the lungs going down, a leg-burner on the way back.

Expect otherworldly scenery: sweeping views across the crater floor, bands of red, orange, yellow, green, and brown soils on the cone, and neighboring features like Koʻolau Gap and Kalahaku Pali shifting with the light. The ground is loose, sandy volcanic cinder—great for color, not so great for traction. Shade is virtually nonexistent, aside from a few rock outcrops. You may spot rare Haleakalā silversword (ʻāhinahina) along the way—admire from a distance.

The cone loop is narrow and loose in spots and it’s strictly a rim walk—don’t descend into the cone. Wind and cold can hit any month, even when the summit parking lot feels calm. This hike is far quieter than the summit overlooks, which is exactly the point: big crater vistas without committing to a full-day traverse.

Tips: wear real hiking shoes, start early (cooler temps, clearer views), and bring plenty of water and high-SPF sunscreen. Budget energy for the climb—everything you glide down, you’ll earn back. The park occasionally limits group sizes and parking fills, so plan accordingly. Check current conditions or closures before you go.

Best time to hike

• Year-round is fine, but early morning is best for cooler temps, calmer wind, clearer skies, and gentler light on the cone’s colors. Afternoons can bring stronger winds, fog, or storms—more so in winter and early spring.

Worth it? If you’re into geology, color-soaked volcanic landscapes, and a quieter slice of the crater without an all-day sufferfest, yes. If your knees hate steep, loose descents or you’re sensitive to altitude, consider turning around earlier or opting for a shorter sampler on Sliding Sands.