Sliding Sands Trail
Sliding Sands Trail, Haleakala National Park: Address, Sliding Sands Trail Reviews: 5/5
Sliding Sands Trail
Sliding Sands Trail
5
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More than 3 hours
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5.0
156 reviews
Excellent
136
Very good
14
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4
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Amy T
Columbia, SC89 contributions
May 2022
We only hiked a few miles due to limited time but WOW what an awesome experience. You are inside a volcano! Not very difficult. Had no trouble with slipping and sliding as some say.
Written 14 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
chowso
Gloucester, UK1Â 172 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Even if you just do a small part of this trail it’s worth it. We walked down for an hour then came back - the closer you get to the cinder cones the more colour you can see in the crater. It’s an easy descent but much harder coming back up as it’s sandy and the ground shifts under your feet. We are quite fit but found it taxing on the way back, in no small part due to the thinner air. Also had to stop a few times to empty sand from my shoes.
Written 7 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
NC0114
Sheffield, UK67 contributions
Apr 2022
Awesome moonscape; very photogenic, but it’s hard work hiking back up, so do allow for this additional time when planning your time here.
Written 21 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WPLandry
Fairfax, VA516 contributions
Dec 2021
The trail itself is pretty easy. It is high altitude so take it slow to avoid becoming too winded. The sights are incredible. The craters and the colors are quite impressive. It's definitely worth your time and effort.
Written 4 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
robert-not-home
Boston, MA2Â 249 contributions
Jan 2022
The trail isn't too difficult, but you are at about 9,000 feet so the air is thinner and the temperatures lower so dress warmly. Was about 45F when I was there and very strong winds so glad I had a warm coat and long pants. The scenery on this hike is breathtakingly beautiful in a stark way. So barren but yet so stunning, definitely worth your time.
Written 6 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sammiches
Dallas, TX291 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
This was a stunning hike with incredible views! Be aware that the hike down is way easier than the hike back up. It can be cold and windy so dress in layers and bring plenty of water. The hike back up is treacherous as it’s easy to get winded because of the thin air. Give yourself plenty of time to make it back up. It took nearly twice as long for the ascent back up the trail, but absolutely worth it!
Written 30 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RoadwarriorTammy
Denver, CO7 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
We’re athletic hikers in our 60’s. Pay attention to how far you want to go down, cuz the coming up is a lot harder! Incredible landscape that changed with every switchback. Bring fleece or raincoat, water, food. Wear hiking boots. Slippery sand!!
Written 10 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jeremy L
Grapevine, TX337 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Hiked 1 mile down into the Haleakala volcanic crater. There is beauty in the desolation! Silver sword! The only place on the planet to see this plant! 1 mile back up at 10k feet and 570 ft of elevation change had my heart jackhammering.
Trail is easy to navigate and nothing treacherous or slippery. Shifting sands is appropriately named as it is loose gravel throughout but very stable footing assuming you don’t run.
Just remember - going down is easy so the desire to keep going persists, however you have to climb back him and while it may look like flat spot there really isn’t. I used my adidas walking app to track my distance of 1 mile down figuring that was a good goal for getting back up. At 53yrs young, I wouldn’t want to sign up for more.
Enjoy this hike! Despite my 22yr old and 16yr old grousing about a hike. They were glad they did it.
Trail is easy to navigate and nothing treacherous or slippery. Shifting sands is appropriately named as it is loose gravel throughout but very stable footing assuming you don’t run.
Just remember - going down is easy so the desire to keep going persists, however you have to climb back him and while it may look like flat spot there really isn’t. I used my adidas walking app to track my distance of 1 mile down figuring that was a good goal for getting back up. At 53yrs young, I wouldn’t want to sign up for more.
Enjoy this hike! Despite my 22yr old and 16yr old grousing about a hike. They were glad they did it.
Written 16 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lourdes70
Cleveland, OH62 contributions
Jul 2021
The sliding sands trail was the highlight of our trip! You feel like you're on another planet. We arrived around 8:30 AM. It was not crowded at that time. We hiked 1 hour down and 2 hours uphill for the return. We would definitely want to do this again if we return to Maui.
Written 14 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Martha Simpson
Los Angeles, CA9 contributions
Jun 2021
need to be in decent shape. fantastic moonscape feel in this volanic crater. 10,000 feet about sea level.
Written 3 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TheHappyFlutist
Owasso, OK151 contributions
My husband and I are planning on doing this hike in September when we go to Maui! What time should be arrive to be guaranteed a parking spot? We don’t have the desire to see the sunrise. Thanks!
RoseWong88
Singapore, Singapore2 contributions
Hi, is it located at Honolulu island ?
Marcey D
North Richland Hills, TX294 contributions
No, it’s on Maui.
TravellingWillbury
Mount Laurel, NJ104 contributions
Planning on touring and hiking ourselves. Can anyone recommend type of foot gear to wear? Probably an early afternoon visit, and clothing recommendations as well? Thank you!
Travel739239
3 contributions
Is this trail 11 miles to go to the end and then back again?
Heather K-H
Houston, TX191 contributions
It is one way. I recommend parking at the end and then either hitchhiking (there will be other hikers doing the same or willing to pick you up) to start at the summit. Or if you have friends/family willing (we've done this one time too) to drop you off at the summit after you leave a car at the end.
Travel739239
3 contributions
Is this trail 11 miles to go to the end and then back again?
Heather K-H
Houston, TX191 contributions
11 miles one way.
Nicolas M
Montreal, Canada2 contributions
Bonjour,
Est-ce possible de détailler le chemin suivi? Avez-vous dormi dans le parc (camping ou cabine)?
Merci!
Kosta-Macedonia
Houston, TX2Â 737 contributions
Good afternoon,
How much time it takes to do the Sliding Sands Trail complete?
Kind regards
Heather K-H
Houston, TX191 contributions
It depends on your fitness and how your body handles the altitude. It was about 6 hours for us with a picnic at the cabin.
Jarvis M
San Ignacio, Belize28 contributions
How common is getting Altitude Sickness when doing the entire 11 mile hike from the summit back down to Hitchhikers point? My girlfriend and I are active and fit and enjoy a physical challenge, but the warnings of Altitude Sickness from some people are starting to worry me. We definitely don't want to start feeling nauseous 5 miles into a 11 mile hike...
Heather K-H
Houston, TX191 contributions
We have done it three times without any problem. However, we know there was an evacuation one year and we've seen hikers not prepared. Go slow, bring lots of water.
Jarvis M
San Ignacio, Belize28 contributions
"We hitchhiked from the hitchhikers pickup point to the summit and hiked down the sliding sands trail; We were expecting something like scree running and were surprised to find quite an easy hike down."
Isn't this like a 12 mile hike? I read others telling me it's a very strenuous hike due to the high altitude and would normally take at least a whole day.
Has anybody else done the entire hike from the summit down to "hitchhiker's point" with no problems of altitude sickness?
rndm
Whitehorse, Canada33 contributions
So I am 50+, fit but overweight and have done the trail three times now The switchbacks are actually pretty flat compared to sliding sands. Compared to Waihe'e ridge or hikes in Kauai its not steep. The trail up is excellent and not "sliding". I actually find the down part the worst.
You only climb back to 8000 feet so its not so high. I have never experienced altitude sickness.
The first time it took 5 hours in the rain and the second 7 hours in the sun. Both times taking a side trip around halali'i crater.
Take lots of water, go slow, start early, stops lots and enjoy.
Sophie
Terrebonne, Canada3 contributions
Est ce accessible pour des enfants?
Peux t'on faire seulement une partie du trijet et voir un beau panorama?
Frequently Asked Questions about Sliding Sands Trail
- We recommend booking Sliding Sands Trail tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 5 Sliding Sands Trail tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Sliding Sands Trail:
- Maui Sunset & Stargazing at Haleakala Audio Driving Tour (From RÂ 306,96)
- Haleakala National Park Hike + Summit (From RÂ 3Â 197,23)
- Maui Adventure Bundle: 6 Epic Audio Driving Tours, Including Road to Hana (From RÂ 460,52)
- Sunrise at Haleakala Audio Driving Tour (From RÂ 306,96)
- Private Haleakala Hiking Tour & Summit (From RÂ 15Â 355,79)
- Hotels near Sliding Sands Trail:
- (0.45 km) Haleakala National Park Campgrounds / Wilderness Cabins
- (9.23 km) Kula Sandalwoods Inn & Cafe
- (15.08 km) North Shore Lookout
- (12.60 km) Aloha Cottage
- (9.63 km) The Kula Lodge
- Restaurants near Sliding Sands Trail:
- (9.70 km) Kula Bistro
- (11.13 km) Grandma's Coffee House
- (9.61 km) Kula Lodge
- (4.04 km) Higher Ground Cafe
- (10.71 km) La Provence