The only other vegetation in the vicinity is scattered pukiawe and kupaoa. Continue the descent on three switchbacks. Watch your footing on the loose rock. Pass a patch of silverswords. Cross a relatively flat area covered with red cinder.
Silverswords line the trail.
Continue straight on the Sliding Sands Trail. The main trail straightens out and is wide and sandy in spots. Pass more silverswords on the left. Again, continue straight toward Kapalaoa Cabin. Reach another signed junction.