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

Renee C

Verified

October 11, 2025 Stayed at: Holua Cabin, Loop: Holua Cabin

4

Haleakala crater is even better enjoyed when you can spend the night. The stars, the sounds, or lack of sound even. It’s a beautiful place. The cabins make staying overnight a breeze, especially when bringing the whole family.

Laurie F

Verified

September 2, 2025 Stayed at: Holua Cabin, Loop: Holua Cabin

5

Hiking through Haleakalā National Park is akin to a spiritual experience. The crater is an amazing place. Staying at Holua cabin for two night was great. I’m in my mid sixties and my husband in his mid seventies and being able to break the long hike up into two legs and have a rest day in the middle was a game changer. Sunrise from inside the crater is out of this world.

Shiri O

Verified

August 14, 2025 Stayed at: Holua Cabin, Loop: Holua Cabin

4

We had a wonderful time and would certainly do it again.

Jessica M

Verified

July 10, 2025 Stayed at: Holua Cabin, Loop: Holua Cabin

5

Beautiful hike to a gorgeous cabin. Typical trail cabin, rustic but provides shelter and warmth. The cushions on the bunks were an added bonus.

Cord A

Verified

June 21, 2025 Stayed at: Holua Cabin, Loop: Holua Cabin

5

Amazing experience. Cabin was cleaned and well stocked.

Rodahl L

Verified

June 18, 2025 Stayed at: Paliku Cabin, Loop: Paliku Cabin

5

Cabins are rustic, and outhouses are precisely what you think they would be, so be prepared for the smell and conditions. Usually, there is toilet paper, but if you are concerned, bring one roll to help your peace of mind. You need to carry everything in and out, so consider that when packing food. Summer stays could be dry, and water catchments might not have water. Be prepared to carry water on your hike for your time in the crater.

Deborah B

Verified

June 11, 2025 Stayed at: Holua Cabin, Loop: Holua Cabin

5

We love the hike in and out. The stars we amazing. The flys in the cabin were prevalent this trip! But that is okay. BRING YOUR OWN DISH RAGS. Just a helpful hint. Those rags up there are disgusting.

james b

Verified

May 24, 2025 Stayed at: Holua Cabin, Loop: Holua Cabin

5

It was good. The propane and wood logs were stocked. It was great weather so that added to the experience. They resident Nene kind of like people too much and defecate all over the picnic area. Other campers probably feed them which is too bad, otherwise they are pretty cool. Peaceful beautiful area. Magnificent at night watching the full moon and listening to the resident Hawaiian petrels fly above.

Charles R

Verified

April 18, 2025 Stayed at: Paliku Cabin, Loop: Paliku Cabin

5

Getting to enjoy this cabin is such an amazing gift!

William H

Verified

April 16, 2025 Stayed at: Paliku Cabin, Loop: Paliku Cabin

3

Aloha, our group of 12 had the opportunity to stay at the Paliku cabin this past Saturday. After hiking 10 miles in heavy mist, wind and rain, it was nice to be able to spend the night indoors. Here are some details about our stay that I thought might be helpful for future visitors. The cabin had four triple bunk beds and a great large table for the group. The kitchen was stocked with large pots for boiling water, a kettle, pans, bowls, plates, utensils, and mugs. There was a large propane burner stove with propane provided lined through the wall with a master shut-off switch; four small wood logs for the wood burning stove; and plenty of toilet paper in the nearby outhouse. I mention these last three items because when our group arrived at the summit trailhead we were greeted with a temporary NPS sign saying the cabins would not have propane, wood or toilet paper. We packed two small gas stoves and some TP to be safe. Given that I received three emails regarding my trip the week prior, including one the day before, it would be nice if the NPS could confirm 24 hours in advance if there would be propane/wood/toilet paper available so groups could plan accordingly. The NPS also recommends bringing your own cleaning supplies to sanitize the cabin. I also highly recommend bringing in some Clorox wipes, dish soap and sponges to wipe down the kitchen area and table as we found mice turds on the counters. There is a hook in the ceiling to hang your trash and hooks of the bunkbeds to hang your packs overnight so that the mice don't get into them. The wood burning stove worked alright once we got it going but the logs provided were not enough to dry out our gear and were done in a few hours. The NPS recommends buying additional logs and I do as well, although given the wet conditions often found at Paliku, maybe they could provide a few more and just build it into the nightly rate. Overall our group enjoyed ourselves and a big Mahalo to the NPS for providing this experience!

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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