How to get there:
From Kahului, take Hwy. 37, then Hwy. 377 to Haleakala National Park.
There is an entrance station, USD 15 per person, valid for 3 days. Continue
uphill on the nice 2-lane road that climbs the volcano with many
hairpin curves. There is a signed trailhead with a small side road forking
left near a sharp right curve on the main highway. Take this short road
and find parking on a fairly large parking area. This location is
N20.75267, W156.22855, elevation near 2440 meter.
Route::
Take the big and well marked trail that starts at the end of the parking lot.
This trail will first descend a ridge to reach the crater floor. You pass through
a gate as you reach the crater floor. The trail now heads south and soon reaches a cabin,
Holua cabin. People can book an overnight stay here. Self serve with bunk beds.
The trail continues slightly east of south, go straight at various trail forks until
you reach the beginning uphill near location N20.721108, W156.20092. There are several
signs here, take the trail going left. Continue along this trail, it will cross a shallow saddle,
shortly thereafter, you will see a smaller trail that forks left and ascends a nearby hill
on your left. This location is
N20.72049, W156.19141,
the area looks like this.
Note in particular, the small rock
pinnacle that is easy to recognize.
Continue along this (smaller) trail. This trail leads across a couple of smaller
bumps, then starts ascending the main slope extending upwards to the peak.
The trail runs out in this area, a few footprints may be seen as one continues uphill.
First, ascend to the shallow saddle immediately above. Next, head uphill towards the
main ridge. This ridge is rocky and it is better to continue the ascent while staying
just below the ridge (having the ridge up on your left side). Traverse below what
looks like the final rocky part (it is not), then ascend on easy terrain with some
vegetation to gain the final summit ridge. The last part is a pretty easy walk along
the top ridge, perhaps slightly to the right immediately before you
gain the final, very short summit ridge.
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