Route: Maui Vertical Volcano

Awesome run to the summit of Haleakala Volcano! Lots of Vert and Vews. Pack lots of water and rain gear as the mountain can change at anytime. Also sun screen is a must even when its cloudy. At 10,000ft the sun is brutal and you will get sunburnt. You will need Goat legs for this 8,000ft brutal climb. Not for the average day hiker. Bring lots of fuel and salt. Expect 7-9 hours depending on weather and you legs! All roads and trails are open to the public and well maintained.

Begin at Harold Rice Memorial park and go up Waipoli Rd and that transitions to Waipoli state trail. Follow the trail all the way to the summit (18 Miles / 10,000ft and no water along the way). After a quick stop at the highest point run down to the visitor center (Public Bathrooms and water available) then run down sliding sands out to Kapalaoa Cabin (6 Miles). Leave the cabin and head back on the same trail for about 400ft and then turn right toward Holua Cabin. You will pass a lava tube and go around a couple of large cinder cones then down across and endless landscape that looks like the surface of Mars. Keep on the trail until Hulua cabin (4miles). Water is available here. Cabin water is catchment and available for anyone that wants it.so drink at your own risk or bring filtration. Totally fine in an emergency. I have had no issues drinking it over the years. Then follow Halemau'u Trail toward switchbacks (First left after leaving Holua Cabin). After about 1.9 miles You will reach the base of the mountain to go back up. There is a large State park horse gate at the bottom that is always open (just close it behind you). Go up (about 2 very steep miles) until you see a sign for "Supply trail" "Hosmers Grove" (about Mile 31) and then down to Hosmers grove camp site to finish. Water is available. Celebrate!! You just covered 33 miles and 8,689ft of vert on a Volcano in the middle of the pacific! Justin Knowles