OutReserve

Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits)

view of crater, orange and black cinder hills with clouds and a low rainbow
Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits)
Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits)
Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits)
Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits)

About Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits)

Located on the island of Maui, Haleakalā National Park maintains three wilderness cabins for visitor use-- Hōlua, Palikū, and Kapalaoa. All cabins are accessible only by trail from the summit area and require you to hike a minimum of 3.7 mi (5.9 km). Backcountry users must plan to enter the park entrance for their stay no earlier than 7 am unless they have also obtained a sunrise reservation granting access to the park between 3 and 7 am. Sunrise reservations can be made on recreation.gov.  Horses, mules, and donkeys are permitted as pack animals on the Keoneheʻeheʻe Trail, Halemauʻu Trail, and Supply Trail. If planning to travel by pack animal--please notify park staff upon making reservation. All waste produced by pack animals must be removed from parking areas and trailheads. No group may have more than 12 pack animals. Riders, commercial operators, and owners are responsible for the removal of dead or injured stock within 72 hours. Pets of any other kind are prohibited on all trails. Hōlua Cabin, located at 6,940 ft (2,115 m) is nestled at the base of the crater wall in the shrubland near Koʻolau Gap. This is the cabin reached by the shortest hike. Hōlua is 3.7 mi (6 km) one way down the Halemauʻu trail or 7.4 mi one way (12 km) from the Keoneheʻeheʻe (sliding sands) trailhead. Visitors staying at Hōlua can enjoy day hikes further into the crater. The landscape around Hōlua supports a native shrubland which colonizes the lava flows. A wilderness tent camp area is located nearby.  Palikū Cabin located at 6,380 ft (1,945 m) is on the east end of the wilderness valley at the base of a rain forest cliff. This cabin is reached via a strenuous 9.3 mi (15 km) one way hike on the Keoneheʻeheʻe (sliding sands) Trail or 10.4 mi (17 km) one way hike on the Halemauʻu Trail. Clouds and fog often roll over the top of the cliffs behind Palikū, and rain is common. The extra moisture makes this spot exceptionally cool and lush. A wilderness tent camp area is located nearby.  Kapalaoa Cabin located at 7,250 ft (2,210 m) is perched near the Kaupō Gap on the southern end of the wilderness valley. This cabin is reached via a 5.6 mi (2.7 km) hike via Keoneheʻeheʻe (sliding sands) Trail or 7.2 mi (11.6 km) hike on the Halemauʻu Trail. Kapalaoa is located in a grass field and is not accompanied by a wilderness tent area.  Message of Cultural Sensitivity: Upon entering Haleakalā National Park, you are a guest of the Hawaiian culture, which considers the entire area sacred. Each person should behave as if entering a temple or reverent place in his or her own culture or belief system. The rocks, the plants and even the silence are part of the sacredness and should not be disturbed. For Native Hawaiians, Haleakalā represents an important place within their culture. 

Number of accommodations: 3

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Sites & Availability

3 Sites Available

Site
Price
🏠 Holua Cabin, Loop: Holua Cabin
12 guests
$75.00
/ per night
🏠 Kapalaoa Cabin, Loop: Kapalaoa Cabin
12 guests
$75.00
/ per night
🏠 Paliku Cabin, Loop: Paliku Cabin
12 guests
$75.00
/ per night

Reviews (173)

What Guests Are Saying

Haleakalā National Park offers an incredible, otherworldly experience, with stunning views and a magical atmosphere, especially when staying in the rustic cabins. Many visitors appreciate the well-maintained trails and helpful park staff, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature. However, some cabins need maintenance, and issues with propane and cleanliness have been reported, highlighting the importance of packing accordingly and being mindful of the environment. Overall, the uniqueness of the park and the beauty of the night sky make it a memorable destination.

Review Summary

4.4
173 reviews
5
67.6%
117
4
17.3%
30
3
6.4%
11
2
3.5%
6
1
5.2%
9

Ian R

Verified

April 13, 2026 Stayed at: Holua Cabin, Loop: Holua Cabin

5

Best place ever

Gregory B

Verified

February 26, 2026 Stayed at: Paliku Cabin, Loop: Paliku Cabin

4

Paliku cabin needs a little love! Campers leave things behind thinking they are treasures for the next inhabitants but they’re really stuff that needs to go home and be discarded.
We were grateful to stay dry (rained all night), and the morning sun was absolutely wonderful. We’ll be back!

Ami M

Verified

February 26, 2026 Stayed at: Holua Cabin, Loop: Holua Cabin

5

We got so lucky being able to book this cabin. Staying in the crater feels like being on another planet. The stars at night are nothing like I've seen anywhere else.
The cabins are rustic, but in great condition.
This is such an amazing place and we are so grateful to the staff for maintaining the trails and cabins.

Garrett L

Garrett L

February 15, 2026

5

The park is well taken care of and the staff/rangers are very informative. Drive slowly as sometimes the wildlife can quickly enter the road. Plan appropriately, the summit can be 50 degrees if not colder and can be very windy. The views are breathtaking.

Google Maps

Daniel S

Verified

February 12, 2026 Stayed at: Kapalaoa Cabin, Loop: Kapalaoa Cabin

5

We had an amazing time in the cabins, and look forward to returning next year

jennifer m

Verified

February 11, 2026 Stayed at: Paliku Cabin, Loop: Paliku Cabin

4

We had perfect weather and Paliku is always a dream. Stars were out in full effect! Cabin had no propane due to mule issues at the park but we were notified ahead of time to bring our camp stoves & fuel. Toilet paper also low - so always good to pack your own mountain money!

James M

Verified

February 10, 2026 Stayed at: Paliku Cabin, Loop: Paliku Cabin

5

what a fantastic otherworldly experience

Matt Dibb

Matt Dibb

February 9, 2026

5

Incredible views of the crater and ocean above the clouds, especially at sunrise and sunset. Otherworldly trails through the caldera at altitude with decent markings. Lots parking, well maintained road up and down. Nice little visitors center at the summit

Google Maps
Cam West

Cam West

February 8, 2026

5

Absolutely beautiful drive. The stops that this offers are so beautiful and it’s a place to take some incredible pictures. Definitely recommend. Make sure to fill up on gas and can handle the high altitude.

Google Maps

Terri T

Verified

February 8, 2026 Stayed at: Kapalaoa Cabin, Loop: Kapalaoa Cabin

3

We got to the cabin and found our locker of wood opened and empty. I contacted my niece via satellite message so that she could call park service and get a code for another locker. Did not get a response and luckily it didn’t get as cold as we had no heat. This is the response i got back after our trip “ Hi Terry, this is dispatch. Your daughter had called um, claim that you were out, didn't have any wood in your locker. Unfortunately, it does happen sometimes and the email that you were sent says that sometimes there isn't any wood there and to just bring enough clothes to stay warm. Um, I hope that you stay warm out there and sorry about um, not having any with my cabin. Have a good evening, bye. That’s a translated voicemail. Typical govememt response I guess. Just be forewarned. Other than that had a magical time backpacking the crater.

Location Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits)

Address:
Po Box 369
Makawao, HI, 96768
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 20.7097 / -156.164

Elevation: 2040 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

Entry and Wood Locker Codes: Each of the cabins and wood lockers are secured with a combination lock. Codes for the locks will be sent from hale_interpretation@nps.gov to the email address listed on the reservation 1-2 weeks in advance of the first night on the reservation.If you are making a reservation within two weeks of your first night due to a cancellation, contact hale_interpretation@nps.gov or call 808-572-4400 to obtain entry and wood locker codes. Please contact the park as soon as booking is complete since park staff may not be available for last minute code requests.Park staff are not available in the backcountry to assist groups who do not have the codes or are locked out. Permit holders assume all responsibility for ensuring they have the codes before heading into the backcountry.

General

Cabin Guidelines: All garbage, food, and personal gear must be packed out. Check-in/check-out time is NOON. Respect other visitors' right to quiet and solitude--quiet hours are 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Visitors to the cabins are advised to sanitize before and after use utilizing their own cleaning supplies that should be packed out. Cabins should be left clean and fire completely out. LOCK DOORS and windows when you leave. You may be fined for dirty or damaged cabins or denied future access. Graffiti on the natural and constructed environment is considered vandalism and will be prosecuted. Cabin is for the EXCLUSIVE USE of permittee and registered guests. Campers are told to respect cabin user privacy and should not be let in.

General

Reservation Permit. A printed copy of the reservation MUST be held by the reservation holder at all times. Reservations are non-transferable. The reservation holder is legally responsible for the actions and safety of the group. Leave an itinerary and guest list with a friend. If you are renting a vehicle- please enter “Rental” in the license plate form field. When you arrive on island, you MUST log back into recreation.gov to enter your rental car plate. Once your permit is printed you cannot edit your license plates. Email hale_interpretation@nps.gov with updated license plate information if unable to update online.

General

Facilities. All three cabins offer pit toilets and non-potable water. You must filter or treat water before drinking. Each cabin has a wood-burning stove, a two-burner propane stove, and 12 padded bunks. Bring a lighter or matches. During drought, you must pack in all your water. No electricity in the cabins. There is no cell service in the wilderness.

General

Wood and Propane Supply. Locker number(s) and combination(s) will be issued by park staff via email to the email account listed on the reservation from the hale_interpretation@nps.gov account. The park cannot guarantee that propane or wood will be available. A fire starter is recommended if intending to utilize the wood stove. Extra logs and fire starters are available for purchase at the Haleakalā Visitor Center (9,740ft).

General

Essentials. First aid kit, trail map, compass, extra food, extra water (3 - 4 liters per person/day), flashlight, headlight with extra batteries, tent/shelter with rain fly, sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, hat), sleeping bag, emergency blanket, extra layers (rain jacket/pants), pocket knife, and gear repair kit.

General

Fires. Open fires or gathering firewood is NOT allowed. Fires are permitted in the wood stove only. Don't move firewood from outside the park. The park provides three logs per night. Extra logs are available for purchase at the Haleakalā Visitor Center (9,740ft). Do not give out logs to campers.

General

Entrance Fee. A separate park entrance fee, valid for three days, is required. The park honors interagency passes.

General

Stay on Trails. Hiking off trail and short-cutting switchbacks is prohibited and subject to citation. Off-trail hiking causes erosion and damages fragile and/or endangered life forms that are not readily apparent to the casual observer.

General

Restrictions. NO pets, firearms or wheeled vehicles. NO feeding or harassment of wildlife. NO picking plants, disturbing rocks, building cairns.

General

Visited Hawaii Island or Kauai recently? All gear, especially shoes must be cleaned thoroughly to prevent rapid ʻōhia death (ROD) Wiping down gear with a 70% alcohol solution is recommeneded to satisfy this requirement.

General

Kaupō Gap Trail: The Kaupō Gap Trail leaves the boundary of Haleakalā National Park and is not maintained by the NPS. Hikers assume all risk on this rugged, unmaintained, and brushy trail. At times, the trail can be difficult to follow or find. Several hikers have become disoriented, lost, or injured while navigating this trail. NPS officials highly recommend travel on either the Halemauʻu or Keoneheʻeheʻe Trails to access Haleakalā Crater.

General

No Camping: Camping outside the cabin in non-designated camping space is prohibited

General

Pack Animals: If planning to travel by pack animal--please notify park staff upon making your reservation to ensure sufficient paddock space is available. All waste produced by pack animals must be removed from parking areas and trailheads. No group may have more than 12 pack animals. Riders, commercial operators, and owners are responsible for the removal of dead or injured stock within 72 hours. Pets of any other kind are prohibited on all trails.

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