http://www.nps.gov/archive/hale/graphics/maps/topo_map.pdf
My intentions were to run from sea level to summit of Maui starting on Kaupo Trail, but a landslide closed access. I did a 20+ mile crater loop instead. It was a perfect day this visit, as zero visibility 10 years ago allowed me only a 5 mile out and back from summit with no views.
I was dropped off at the Halemau’u trailhead 40F and breezy. The rocky volcanic trail starts at 7,990’ and contours up and down around to the crater edge with desert scenery reminiscent of Mt Diablo in Nor Cal.
The rugged volcanic trail quickly drops from 8,000’ to 6,300’ on many exposed switchbacks into the valley and across a grassy meadow and back up to the Holua cabin and campsite at 6,940’.
The sandy pumice trail cruising back up to 7,200’ toward many colorful cinder cones.
The silversword side loop was a worthy diversion to see these vibrant plants contrasting this stark environment.
Dropping east past 5 small cinder cones to 6,300’ towards Pailiku. A mist crept up the east side and hosed me for awhile as I started uphill return now on lower part of the shifting sands trail.
Climbing back on shifting sands trail to Kapalaoa cabin and camping area at 7,250’ with summit in distance.
Colorful volcanic geology looms with 5 miles of uphill, loose sandy trail to go and 2,800’ more to climb.
Trail ended at 9,740’ at the visitor center with the remaining half mile stretch on pavement to summit at 10,023’. The crosslites with retrofitted ultranord gaiters were awesome. My wife and younger son met me at upper parking lot with smiles and refreshments. On to the Tedeschi Winery on the lower flanks in upcountry.
Great place. Congratulations for at least thinking of running from the bottom! I did the exact route you intended … but from the top down … summit to sea … 10,000′ vert in just a few hours. My quads were so shot I could barely walk for days.
I try to hammer an adventure early in HI family vacations, so I’m sore and happy to frolic in surf and quaff on beach the rest of trip. Previous examples, sea-level to Mauna Kea summit and another, crossing of Mauna Loa from Volcano to summit and down 11,000′ observatory on other side at end of road.