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 (808) 973-9782
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Skyline Trail, Kula, HI 96790
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Long, dirt trail down Haleakala. Popular with bikers but not the easy ride down you're thinking of.
Features
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• General: Cost: Free
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• General: National Park
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• General: Photo Opportunity
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• Hiking: Dogs Allowed
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• Hiking: Hiking
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• Hiking: Length: 5-8 Miles
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• Hiking: Level: Difficult
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• Hiking: Level: Moderate
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• Hiking: Major Elevation Changes
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• Hiking: Out & Back Trail
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• Hiking: Ridge Hike
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• Sightseeing: Great Views
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• Vehicle Activities: Biking
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• Vehicle Activities: Off Roading
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Maui's Skyline Trail is a popular hiking and mountain biking trail in Haleakala National Park, not far from the Haleakala Visitor Center. This is a 6.8 mile long (one way, so 13.6 miles round trip) out and back style trail with some major elevation gains along the way.
The Skyline Trail starts up at at around 10,000 feet above sea level. Along the route the elevation will drop as low as 7,200 feet above sea level giving around 2,800 feet of elevation change. This means it will likely be very cool to downright cold up here, dress accordingly.
Factoring in the length, major elevation changes, high altitude (which can make breathing more difficult), and the fact that there are some big drop offs along the way most would consider this a moderate to difficult trail. If you plan to bike this trail note that this is for advanced bikers only and this is not the "fun and easy" downhill cruise on a paved road you may be thinking of.
Mountain bikers must always yield to hikers, though hikers should be aware of bikers that are flying down the hill as well. Sliding around corners or down the trail is not allowed and damages the trail.
At this height you'll be above the clouds which can make for some amazing views all around (with or without clouds). Be sure to bring that camera because these are memories you'll want to keep forever. There is very little vegetation at these higher altitudes and the terrain is very rugged, almost otherworldly.
At the far west end, the Skyline Trail will connect to the Mamane Trail, and from there you can continue on to other trails. If you're biking and have somebody who drops you off at the top then you can follow these connecting trails back down to Waipoli Road and have them pick you up somewhere along the way (note that some of the higher parts of that road require a 4x4 vehicle).
If you're not being picked up and are biking or hiking then just remember that however far you hike on this trail requires the same amount coming back. Wear plenty of sunscreen to avoid Protect Yourself From Sunburn & Skin Cancer and be sure to read up on Hiking Safety & Essentials before doing any hike.
To get here, see our directions page for the main trailhead. It's fairly simple and follows the same route you would take to the Haleakala Visitor Center. From the Kahului area this means you'll be taking Highway 377 to Highway 378 and following that up to the top. The trail starts further down the road, beyond the Haleakala Visitor Center, but shortly before the road ends.
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