Haleakalā National Park (Cabin Permits) Near Makawao, HI

Check Availability

view of crater, orange and black cinder hills with clouds and a low rainbow

view from above of cabin against a sloping cliff, fog drifting in the background

backpacker walks up to cabin at the base of a hill

view of cabin surrounded by grass and tall cliff behind

Featured amenities

Parking

Restrooms

View all amenities

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 (3.7 mi). 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 6.9 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 (3.7 mi) one way down the Halemauʻu trail or 7.4 mi one way (7.5 mi) 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 6.4 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 (9.3 mi) one way hike on the Keoneheʻeheʻe (sliding sands) Trail or 10.4 mi (10.6 mi) 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 7.3 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 (1.7 mi) hike via Keoneheʻeheʻe (sliding sands) Trail or 7.2 mi (7.2 mi) 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.

Available sites

3 total sites

Cabins 3 sites Check Availability

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Hiking

Year-round

Horseback Riding

Year-round

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

Campground Amenities

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see availability.

3 Sites Available

Hide unavailable

🏠 Holua Cabin, Loop: Holua Cabin Cabin

Select dates to check availability

12 guests

🏠 Kapalaoa Cabin, Loop: Kapalaoa Cabin Cabin

Select dates to check availability

12 guests

🏠 Paliku Cabin, Loop: Paliku Cabin Cabin

Select dates to check availability

12 guests

0 more sites below

Site Details

Select a site to view details

3 Sites Available

Hide unavailable

Site

Price

🏠 Holua Cabin, Loop: Holua Cabin Cabin

12 guests

🏠 Kapalaoa Cabin, Loop: Kapalaoa Cabin Cabin

12 guests

🏠 Paliku Cabin, Loop: Paliku Cabin Cabin

12 guests

Reviews

204 reviews

Summary

AI generated

Haleakalā National Park offers a breathtaking and magical experience, especially for those who stay in the cabins. Many visitors praised the stunning night skies, unique landscapes, and well-maintained trails, making the backpacking journey memorable. However, some cabins, particularly Paliku and Holua, showed signs of wear and lacked essential supplies like toilet paper and wood, which detracted from the experience for some guests. Overall, the park's natural beauty and tranquility make it a worthwhile destination for adventure seekers.

Based on guest feedback

4.4

Overall rating

Based on 204 reviews

Write a review

5 stars 65.2% (133)

4 stars 19.6% (40)

3 stars 5.9% (12)

2 stars 4.9% (10)

1 star 4.4% (9)

Showing 194 reviews

Verified Only

Newest First

Newest First Oldest First

Charles S

Verified

February 23, 2022 Stayed at: Paliku Cabin, Loop: Paliku Cabin

Haleakala Crater is an amazing place to backpack and camp!

Helpful

Dan H

Verified

February 23, 2022 Stayed at: Kapalaoa Cabin, Loop: Kapalaoa Cabin

Very nice rating although it would have been nice to know that there are no dishes or silverware like there used to be.

Helpful

Kevin P

Verified

February 22, 2022 Stayed at: Holua Cabin, Loop: Holua Cabin

Such a great experience in Haleakala. Always. It does get cold at night, and even in a cabin, wood is not going to last the whole night, so pack smart to stay warm.

Helpful

Cary S

Verified

February 12, 2022 Stayed at: Paliku Cabin, Loop: Paliku Cabin

Cabin was amazing as always!!! We had paliku for 2 nights and the locker code we got for the second locker of fire wood was incorrect. We actually talked to a few people in the crater that had warned of this happening so I guess it’s not uncommon. Would be nice to sort out that problem for the freezing nights!

Helpful

Marc C

Verified

January 29, 2022 Stayed at: Paliku Cabin, Loop: Paliku Cabin

Amazing

Helpful

Jenna C

Verified

January 20, 2022 Stayed at: Kapalaoa Cabin, Loop: Kapalaoa Cabin

Our stay in Kapalaoa cabin was fantastic. The cabin is basic but the scenery was incredible. We were fortunate to have had very good weather with warm dry days, even in mid-january. At night we were greeted by a very bright half moon and some stars. Even in the darkest hours of night, the skies were bright and it was easy to see outside. I was happy to find wood in the locker and find that the propane stove worked. We brought our own pans but there were a few left in the cabin that could be used too. While we were able to get the wood stove working and a fire burning brightly, it did not make the cabin very warm. We found it easiest to light the thin slices of the wood kindling on the propane stove instead of with matches, just to get them alight. We were prepared for the chill with sleeping bags rated between 30-45degrees but guests should be aware that the fire only takes the edge off the cold and as it will likely go out while you sleep, it will be chilly in the morning. We hiked in from sliding sands, which was relatively easy as its mostly downslope. After dropping our packs at the cabin, we took a short walk around the crater floor, and while the trail wasnt always the easiest to follow it was some of my favourite landscapes in the park. The second day, we hiked out the halemau'u trailhead which is extremely scenic and flat for the first half, but the second half up the switchbacks can be difficult, especially when carrying overnight packs. Well worth the trip though!

Helpful

Marshall R

Verified

December 29, 2021 Stayed at: Paliku Cabin, Loop: Paliku Cabin

We very much enjoyed our overnight stay at the Paliku Cabin. The cabin was as clean as expected. The propane stove worked as it should. And we were allotted 3 logs for the fire place which sufficiently warmed the cabin and dryed our wet shoes and clothes from a long soggy hike in. The supplies mattress were fine.

The trail system was well marked and maintained. However the last ~1.5 mi before the cabin was quite muddy and in some places impossible to pass without submerging our shoes. Maybe this was due to a very rainy period on Maui (but it could be the norm for this part of the trail).

Enjoy!

Helpful

Danielle S

Verified

December 22, 2021 Stayed at: Kapalaoa Cabin, Loop: Kapalaoa Cabin

Right now there are no mugs, plates, bowls, cups or other eating/cooking gear. Only a couple of pans. Prepare for this when planning your trip.

Helpful

Klaus S

Verified

November 12, 2021 Stayed at: Holua Cabin, Loop: Holua Cabin

We were at Holua Cabin November 3 and 4 for the new moon. Of note, all kitchen ware etc has been removed (covid related?), there is a single food pot and a single water pot. The biggest issue is the rodent infestation inside the cabin, with food/food packaging and a pack being chewed into as well as ongoing noise throughout the night... check with the park to see if and to what extent if at all this has been addressed...

Helpful

maria g

Verified

November 8, 2021 Stayed at: Paliku Cabin, Loop: Paliku Cabin

Paliku is a very magical place, we had a great experience hiking the volcano and staying at the cabin

Helpful

Location & Directions for Haleakalā National Park (Cabin Permits)

Po Box 369, Makawao, HI 96768 United States

Elevation: 2,040 ft

Map of Haleakalā National Park (Cabin Permits) location at Makawao, HI, United States

Open in Google Maps Open in Apple Maps

Getting There

Getting There (GPS Info):

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude( (NAD83)

N-20.7689599

W-156.2430039

Directions to the Summit Area (mountain and crater): There are brown information signs along the way. From Kahului, take Hana Highway (SR36) and trave...

Highway access

The campground is accessible via Hana Highway (SR36) and Haleakala Highway (SR37), which connect to State Highway 377 leading to Crater Road.

Near Haleakalā National Park

The closest entrance is: Summit District Entrance Station

Approximate drive: 8 mi · 14 min

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check in time

12PM

Check out time

12PM

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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.
All garbage, food, and personal gear must be packed out. Respect other visitors' right to quiet and solitude-- 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.
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 [email protected] with updated license plate information if unable to update online.
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.
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 [email protected] 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).
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.
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.
Entrance Fee. A separate park entrance fee, valid for three days, is required. The park honors interagency passes.
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.
Restrictions. NO pets, firearms or wheeled vehicles. NO feeding or harassment of wildlife. NO picking plants, disturbing rocks, building cairns.
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.
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.
No Camping: Camping outside the cabin in non-designated camping space is prohibited
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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Haleakalā National Park (Wilderness Tent Permit)

Highly Rated

Campground / RV park

Haleakalā National Park (Wilderness Tent Permit)

Makawao, HI

Haleakalā National Park features two primitive wilderness tent areas, Hōlua and Palikū, accessible only by hiking trails. Hōlua is at 6.9 ft and is reachable via shorter hikes, while Palikū, located at 6.4 ft, requires a more strenuous trek and is...

10 Tent Sites

4.6 (237)

Campground / RV park

Waiʻānapanapa State Park Cabins

Hana, HI

4.8 (5)

Campground / RV park

Maui Eco Retreat

Haiku, HI

5.0 (5)

Nearby destinations