Haleakalā National Park (Cabin Permits)

We decided on sunset vs sunrise. Drove up from Keihe beautiful drive. Be prepared for a climb as you go from sea level to 10 ft. We watched the sun drop into the clouds with colors painting the skyline. Be prepared for a winding path up and down while you pass through several micro climates. We had a beautiful time together. Dress warm.

Kapalaoa cabin was awesome. Well equipped, perfectly located for us and comfortable. It would probably be crowded with 12 but for the 3 of us it was luxurious. We hiked in on the sliding sands trail, which was beautiful with a couple very steep sections, but overall nice walking. We did a day hike the second day to Paluka cabin and looped back on a different trail. Varied terrain and wonderful. We hiked out towards Holua cabin, having begged a ride from the ranger station to the sliding sands TH. While it would be a big risk to hike in without backup fuel or food people left gas canisters and food (against Park suggestions) at the cabin so being minimalist could work. There even was toilet paper in the outhouse (though this was not stocked at Holua). Be sure to bring extra fire starter. We did have trouble getting the stove going and only after breaking up one of the logs into small kindling pieces could we get it going. The trail heading north right out the front door that is on the park map quickly became obscure and without a digital map we would have been floundering
.

My partner and I recently stayed at both the Paliku and Holua cabins during the last week of May. While the wilderness itself is incredible, our experience with the cabins was highly disappointing, to the point where we honestly wished we had just brought tents instead.

For the price and reservation effort, these cabins need serious maintenance:

Interior Disrepair: The cabins are desperate for a thorough deep cleaning and a fresh coat of paint.

Damaged Amenities: The provided sleeping pads were ripped and in poor condition.

The Bathroom Situation: We understand these are remote, wilderness locations, but the bathroom at Paliku was exceptionally bad. It was so unpleasant that we genuinely wished we had packed "pack-out" waste kits so we could have just gone outside.

On the positive side, wood was provided, though we didn't end up needing it since the late-May weather wasn't too cold.

Suggestion for NPS: If the park cannot properly maintain the cleanliness and upkeep of these structures, they should consider converting them into communal hangout areas for backpackers and transition the sites to camping-only. As they are currently being rented out, they do not feel worth it.

This was a once in a lifetime stay. If you can get the permits, highly recommend making it happen. Remember to bring enough layers (it does get surprisingly chilly), sleeping bag, and water filter. We didn't use the kitchen but just brought freeze-dried meals and had a good time. Really special place.

Haleakala National Park is a beautiful and interesting place. Don’t be discouraged when you are at the bottom and only see clouds at the peak. When you get to the park, you will be above the clouds and the temperature will drop, so bring a light jacket or wind breaker. The temperature was 59 when I was there in Mid May and the wind was blowing 25 to 30 mph steady. If you are going there to experience the sunrise, you must have a reservation , so book well ahead of your trip. Other than that, no reservations are required to enter the park. The park is not very populated with guests which was nice. There are plenty hiking trails but they are exposed to the sun so have sun screen. The hiking trails range from easy to difficult. You will be at 10023 at the summit. The views are amazing and well worth the trip. Important note: there are 2 entrances to the park and they do not connect. The Kipahulu Visitors Center is the entrance for Pipiwai Trail, bamboo forest and Waimoku Waterfalls. The 2 park entrances offer 2 different experiences but both are well worth the time.

Palikú Cabin needs some love—help it—we tried. Scenery amazing. Holua Cabin excellent—thanks for all the great user care!

.

Best place ever

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!

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.