Lau'ulu Trail
Starting behind the Paliku Cabin, this often overlooked backcountry trail is the rare Haleakala path that begins by going uphill, not down.
Plan Around Lau'ulu Trail
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Lau'ulu Trail Details
Starting behind the Paliku Cabin, this often overlooked backcountry trail is the rare Haleakala path that begins by going uphill, not down, climbing 2,000 feet up the crater rim before turning to trace the Kalapawili Ridge and then plunging back into the crater. You'll enjoy great views of the Big Island and the Kaupo Gap along the way, and a highlight of this trail is the chance to explore one of Haleakala's lava tubes, known as Crystal Cave. Here, you'll find sparkling minerals in the walls that give the lava tube its name, plus the skeletons of several animals. To reach the trailhead, follow the Sliding Sands Trail to Paliku Cabin.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
3 miles
Estimated time
1-2 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Lau'ulu Trail
Compare nearby parks around Lau'ulu Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Lau'ulu Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Lau'ulu Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.3 mi away
Paliku Cabin
The Paliku Cabin is at the east end of the wilderness valley at the base of a rainforest cliff.
2.1 mi away
Pu'u Maile
Pu'u Maile is a cinder cone on the central crater floor east of Kapalaoa Cabin.
2.4 mi away
Haleakala Crater
The summit area of Haleakala, while sometimes referred to as its crater, is actually a valley formed by erosion and periodically filled with lava flows.
2.5 mi away
Kapalaoa Cabin
The Kapalaoa Cabin sits at an elevation of 7,250 feet, 5.5 miles down the Keonehe'ehe'e Trail or 7.3 miles from Halemau'u Trailhead.
3.1 mi away
Pu'u Naue
Pu'u Naue is a red-gray cinder cone on the floor of Haleakala Crater.
