Haleakalā National Park (Cabin Permits)

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

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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

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Hiking

Hiking

Year-round
Horseback Riding

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

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Restrooms Restrooms
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Restrooms
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Propane
  • Propane
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Rates, Sites & Availability

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

3 Sites Available

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 204 reviews

Kathleen D

Verified

January 14, 2026 Stayed at: Holua Cabin, Loop: Holua Cabin

I suggest you call the rangers the day before. On our last trip, we arrived at the top and they informed us there was no propane at any of the cabins…so, no cooking and no water purification. We had to drive back to Kahului to buy a stove, canisters, and water tablets. If we had known in advance we would have brought the gear. :/

Helpful

Danielle S

Verified

December 30, 2025 Stayed at: Kapalaoa Cabin, Loop: Kapalaoa Cabin

This is a wonderful place to be, I always love the experience of being in Haleakala Crater and especially in the cabins. It is magic!

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Marc N

Verified

December 23, 2025 Stayed at: Paliku Cabin, Loop: Paliku Cabin

Trails were well maintained. Signage was helpful to navigate. Cabin was vintage, but that is a part of the adventure.

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Silas H

Verified

December 11, 2025 Stayed at: Paliku Cabin, Loop: Paliku Cabin

Hiked to the far cabin and back over two days. A lot of work, but very rewarding. Beautiful landscape, unique wildlife, and a real get away from people. Rangers at this park were very friendly and helpful as well.

Helpful

Shellie S.

Shellie S.

November 21, 2025 Google Maps

What a unique national park! It is my first time to see crater so near !!!
Road coming to this national park is winding but well paved!
The scenery along the road is serene!
The national park itself is a wonder. -once in a lifetime !
We watch the sunset! Great experience!

Oh it is very cold on the mountain here so prepare to wear thick Jacket and pants !

Helpful

Ann L

Verified

October 17, 2025 Stayed at: Holua Cabin, Loop: Holua Cabin

It was a lovely experience. The folks who were supposed to join me were not able to, so I went alone, and THOROUGHLY enjoyed the quiet. Actually, I wasn't alone. I had 3 Nene geese for company, and they were hilarious! I have visited the cabins before, so knew the compressed logs were impossible to chop, and knew the place would be far from sterile, but I doubled up the sleeping pads and cozied into a bunk, looking out the windows to the most incredible starry sky ~ Holua is a special place. Magical, actually.

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Renee C

Verified

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

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.

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Laurie F

Verified

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

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.

Helpful

Location & Directions for Haleakalā National Park (Cabin Permits)

Po Box 369, Makawao, HI 96768 United States

Elevation: 2,040 ft

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.

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Last updated: November 4, 2026

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