Leleiwi Overlook Trail – Everything you need it know
The Sliding Sands Trail isn’t the only Haleakala Crater hike worth checking out when you are at the Haleakala National Park in Maui.
The Leieiwi Overlook Trail is a quick detour with a huge payoff.
It gives you a chance to look down into the dormant volcano crater and beyond to the clouds below and oceans beyond.
While you can barely call .3 miles a hike, you won’t be disappointed with the views and can spend extra time hiking around the overlook to see the crater from different angles.
Leleiwi Overlook Trail Details
- Distance – .3 miles out and back
- Duration – 10 minutes
- Difficulty – Easy, though there are some awkward rocky steps and it begins at 8,800 ft of elevation.
- Cost: $30 per vehicle (park admission)
- Open from – Not 3:00 am to 7:00 am without a permit
- Known For – awesome views of the inside of the Haleakla Crater and beyond to the north shore of Maui
The Leleiwi Lookout on Haleakala Mountain – What to Expect
This short hike leads to the Leleiwi Lookout. Every step of this brief trail provides awesome views down the side of the mountain.
You will likely be staring down at the clouds. Once at the viewpoint you will be looking down into Haleaka Crater.
The inside of the crater shows the eerie red cinder cones.
WTF is a cinder cone?
I previously had no idea what a cinder cone was, but I’ve since learned it’s what forms due to the settlement of volcanic lava and ash.
Kaupo and Koolau Gaps
The gaps at the edge of the mountaintop craters facing down the mountain are name the Kaupo and Koolau Gaps.
These openings provide views of the clouds or down to the north shore of the island.
Leleiwi Translates to Bone Altar
The name Leleiwi translates to “Bone Altar.” I couldn’t find any reason for the somewhat ominous sounding name.
Where is the Leleiwi Overlook Trail located?
Leleiwi Overlook trail is located most of the way up the mountain in Haleakala National Park.
It is directly off of Highway 378 about ¾ of the way that takes you to the top.
Parking & Facilities
As you go up the parking lot is immediately off to the right side of the road, but the trail starts on the left side of the road.
We didn’t have any trouble finding a parking spot as the lot was basically empty.
There are bathrooms located in the parking lot.
Haleakala National Park Hikes
There are a few Haleakala National Park hikes worth checking out.
The Sliding Sands Trail is the most popular and longest, but for a quick detour you won’t be disappointed with the Leleiwi Overlook Trail.
What to Pack for Maui
- Quick Dry Travel Towel – This quick dry towel is amazing to travel with. It really will come in handy when you need extra room in your suitcase.
- Snorkeling gear – for obvious reasons.
- Hiking boots – I have two pairs of hiking boots that I love. My Columbia waterproof boots and my Salomon hiking boots. Highly recommend checking them both out!
- Sandals – LOVE these Teva’s! They are my new go to travel sandal. Shop my favorite Teva’s here. They are great to wear in the water snorkeling and also amazing for hiking in Hawaii.
- Dresses for Hawaii – Packing a few good dresses is essential for Hawaii. Dresses have become my go to on trips to help quickly put an outfit together. Revolve is one of my go to shops for beach dresses. ASOS also has great summer dresses.
- Shorts – Anyone who is traveling to Hawaii needs a good pair of shorts. Khakis are great for guys. For women, cute athletic shorts or denim shorts are perfect for a breezy summertime look. These Levi denim shorts are my current favorites! These high waisted athletic shorts have gone viral on instagram and for good reason, they are AMAZING.
- Sports bra – This SKIMS bra is the most comfortable sports bra you will ever wear! Trust me. I travel with 5 of them. Also, highly recommend checking out the SKIMS fits everybody bra is to die for as well.
- Agolde 90’s jeans – I actually can’t remember the last trip I have been on where I haven’t brought these Agolde jeans. I have them in multiple colors and sizes. Check out my full review here.
- Tank tops – Free people is my go to place to buy cute and affordable tank tops. I have this tighten up tank in almost every color.
- Hat – essential. Shop the newest hats at Nordstrom.
- Beach cover-up – Having at least one good cover-up is essential on any beach trip. I recommend ASOS, Nordstrom and Revolve as well.
- Tennis Shoes – I guess you could wear sandals hiking the trails in Maui but I would recommend tennis shoes or hiking boots. It can get narrow and slippery in parts. These New Balance shoes are amazing. Only problem is they sell out so fast! Blah. They look so cute with shorts too!
- Packing cubes – I always go to Urban Outfitters for my packing cubes. They have the cutest ones!
Planning a trip to Maui? Here are our best MAUI BLOG POSTS:
My husband and I have been to Maui a couple times and have written up more blog posts to help you plan your trip. These are my most popular blog posts and Hawaii travel guides to help you plan your trip. I hope it helps!
Maui general trip planning
Maui Beaches
- Guide to Visiting the Red Sand Beach– One of the best beaches in Maui!
- Hookipa Beach – (Best beach to see turtles in Maui)
- Makena Beach/Big Beach (One of my favorite beaches in Maui)
- Little Beach (also known as Oneloa Beach) – WARNING – nude beach.
- Oneuli Beach – Black sand beach
- Maluaka Beach – all around great beach
- Slaughterhouse Beach – (AKA Mokuleia Bay)
- La Perouse Beach (Bay) – great snorkeling tours here. Best if reached by boat.
Maui Hikes & Lookouts
- Sliding Sands Trail – (also known as Keonehe’ehe’e Trail) is one of the most unique hikes on Earth!
- Waihee Ridge Trail – Most Underrated Maui Hike
- Hoapili Trail – (Hike through lava fields in Maui)
- Dragon’s Teeth Hike
- Ohai Trail Loop – (Easy but Awesome)
- Leleiwi Overlook in Haleakala National Park – (Maui must see!)
Maui Waterfalls
- 6 Easily Accessible Maui Waterfalls – The Best and Most Easily Accessible Maui Waterfalls
- 7 Waterfalls in Maui That You Can Swim In – Must see!
- 13 WATERFALLS IN MAUI YOU CAN’T MISS
Everything else
- Nakalele Blowhole – (100 foot Maui blowhole)
- Olivine Pools in Maui – What you need to know before going