Hawaii High Altitude Hiking: The Skyline Trail on Maui

Hiking the Skyline Trail on Maui in Hawaii is more like hiking a jeep road than a trail. Nevertheless, on the Skyline Trail, it is possible to hike to and from the summit of Maui's highest mountain Haleakala, elevation 10,000 feet.

Before heading out to hike the Skyline Trail, check the Na Ala Hele website for Maui for access information about the Skyline Trail because the area to access the trail at times can be designated as "closed" by the state of Hawaii trail administration organization. I'm not sure why the area is closed at times. My guess is that access from the lower part of the trail occasionally gets messed up due to washouts or treefalls and the undermanned state trail maintainers just haven't gotten around to clearing up the damage. The Skyline trail is listed as 3.4 miles in length. There is forest in the lower part of the trail/road and higher up the terrain turns into a stark moonscape of volcanic cinder rock underfoot and ancient lava flows. The elevation gain is 1680 feet but considering that the trail tops out at 10,000 feet, the starting elevation is at over 8000 feet. Because of the high altitude, be prepared for cold conditions (wear layers) and also have good sun protection (wear sun block and a wide-brimmed hat). And of course, carry ample water or fluids for hydration. If hiking up, note that the thinner air may slow you down

A sign marks at the top marks the upper end/start of the trail.

I hiked Skyline just once. This was back in 2001 as part of a multiday backpack from sea level to the summit of Haleakala. From what I understand, the Skyline Trail is a favorite of mountain bikers, who either catch a ride or pedal up the mountain via the main road to the summit of Haleakala then whip down the trail to Polipoli and then down to the main highway.

To access the lower part of the Skyline Trail, from Kahului on Maui, take Highway 37 past Pukalani to the first junction of Highway 377. Turn left on 377 for 0.3 mile, then right on Waipoli Road. This becomes Polipoli Access Road at the first cattle guard and climbs up the mountain through a long series of switchbacks until it enters the forest at 6,400` elevation. Continue along the 4-wheel drive road (yes, you'll need a 4WD vehicle to get there) until you reach Haleakala Ridge Trail. At that point the road is closed to vehicles.