Haleakala Crater Traverse
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| | Difficulty:2A IV (v1a1 IV) Raps:
Red Tape: Shuttle:Required 30 min Vehicle:Passenger | |||||||||||
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20.7137, -156.2510
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Introduction[edit]
This is an epic through trip traversing the surreal martian landscapes of the Haleakala volcano crater.
Approach[edit]
Drive to the top of the Haleakala volcano but along the way drop the exit vehicle at the Halemauu trailhead. Then continue driving (or hitchhiking) to the top of the volcano.
Descent[edit]
You will hike your way down 3000ft into the caldera of the Haleakala volcano, crossing scenery taken our of the Roving Mars documentary. Along the way you can visit the Bottomless pit, that could be rappeled down and explored if you bring technical equipment. The sign says it is 65 feet deep but it sounds like less. It is surrounded by a steel fence and entry is prohibited. But a lot more interesting is a lavatube located towards the end of the traverse. The lava tube is off the main trail, about a 5 minute walk on a faint use trail heading south from the Holua Cabin. This lavatube was formed by counter flows in the caldera. It has several massive rooms and an arch or two and is about 1000 feet long. It takes about 15 minutes to walk through. Headlamps are mandatory.
Exit[edit]
The exit is a short but strenuos hike up. Since you came from sea level, you will feel the effects of the elevation for sure. Allow plenty of time and candy for it.