Highly recommend camping in the crater on a clear night around new moon. Some of the best stars you'll see. Seeing the sun rise in the crater gap (where you can sometimes see the big island) is stunning.

Park in the lower lot, hitchhike to the top (or get someone else to drive you), and then you can hike back up to your car the next day on the switchbacks.

Do not attempt to hike up the sliding sands trail you took down, it's *very rough*.