A very short trail in Haleakala National Park takes you one-third of a mile to an overlook into the bottom of the extinct volcano crater. This short walk is mostly flat and rated very easy. If you drive to the summit, Leleiwi Overlook Trail is a great place to stop and catch a glimpse of what you’ll see when you reach the summit.
The Leleiwi Overlook Trail starts at a small parking area a few switch backs below the Upper Visitor Center in the Summit Area of Haleakala National Park. To start this trail, park the car and cross the road downhill. Almost immediately the trail turns to the right and parallels the road up to the next switchback. As the road turns back on itself, the trail turns and climbs up toward the top of the mountain. Don’t worry about steep grade, though, as the climb is very short and not all that steep.
After only about a tenth of a mile, the crater begins to open in front of you. There is a small glass shelter to protect you from the drop, and also from the wind, at the end of this trail. The sprawling, extinct volcano cone opens up right below the overlook. It is definitely worth the short walk to see the crater from this angle.
Some people are tempted to cut back across the rocky terrain directly to the car, so you will see a ghost trail that leads in a more direct path. We don’t recommend taking this trail for two reasons. First, blazing trails in a national park is a bad idea because it destroys the flora and looks rather ugly. Second, the false trail crosses the road on the hairpin turn, which is much more dangerous. Also, you really aren’t saving that many steps with this shortcut. Instead, head back down the trail the way you came. It’s only a little over a tenth of a mile back to the parking lot.
The Leleiwi Overlook Trail is a quick easy trail to enjoy in Haleakala National Park. It’s great for kids. For other hike ideas, check out our Family Friendly Trails in Haleakala.
