Haleakalā National Park (Cabin Permits)

Staying at Kapalaoa was an amazing experience. We hiked in and out on Sliding Sands and, honestly, we found the downhill hike more challenging than the reverse. Our hiking time was actually shorter returning to the rim, and we weren't exactly hustling. Don't misunderstand—it's still a hard hike. we stayed 2 nights, which was perfect for us. we only hiked a short distance the middle day to keep us limber.

The cabin was spacious for two of us. The equipment in the kitchen was helpful, especially the propane stove to boil water. I would recommend not just bringing the water to a boil, but letting it boil for a good long time. There were handy items of "trail magic" left behind by others (food, soap, spices) but you shouldn't count on that. Thanks to whoever left the popcorn before us!

I realize belts are tightening at the Park Service, so not a criticism, but a few more logs for the woodstove would help get through the night, but we were fine with our cold weather sleeping bags.

We were there on a nearly full moon. It felt like broad daylight outside. Still, there were plenty of stars to see. If one were there on a moonless night, I'll bet the starscape is spectacular.

What a great spot. It's a shame that as a small time creator, I'm not allowed to post videos without a costly permit. Hopefully this changes soon with the explore act.

Great job to the Rangers for keeping the cabin stocked and maintained. Had a great time.

Great experience from beginning to the end. Had quick responses to w mail questions and the hike into the crater was amazing. It was a physical climb out but worth every step.

Amazing place!!!!

Notice to the park superintendent-
Holua Cabin needs work.
I’ve been going for 45 years, I’ve never seen it so dirty and in such disrepair.
Shame!
It was shocking to see it.
It’s neither expensive or time consuming to bring it back as it’s been for decades.
Two people, a few days, some paint and cleaning supplies, and a few carpentry supplies for the kitchen cabinets, is all that’s needed.

Great experience. Everything went very well and the cabin was supplied as expected. Thank you to all the staff for maintaining our historic cabins 🙏 MAHALO

Cabin well stocked with cookware, utensils, gas, and water.

Excellent accommodations as always

It was amazing!!! Booking was quite difficult trying to purchase a permit during the 3 minute(-ish) time slot allowed 6 months before the camp date but once I got it - my husband and I were so excited!! We went in the middle of August during a full moon and NO ONE was in the cabin with us. It made me think of other nights we could have gotten our cabin permits. If you cannot go, please cancel your permit so others have a chance!!

The cabin was clean and there were pots, pans, bowls, hot plates, fire wood, and an outhouse. Non potable running water helps too. The only animals we saw were the nene, some pheasants (?), flies, and small wasps. Not a rodent or reptile in sight. Coming in took about 4 hours on sliding sands (took lots of breaks). Hiking out on sliding sands requires took almost 5 hrs, mental fortitude, and lots of breaks. Start hiking out before the sun truly rises since it will be cooler then. We tried singing on our last 2 hours up - which was exhausting - but fun and helped past the time. Temp was 70s at most during the day and 50s at night (mid august).

We told the park rangers that our car was in the lot and we would be hiking down and staying overnight. They wrote down our and the car information just in case.

HONESTLY, BEST EXPERIENCE EVER.

Perfect weather!!! It was a particularly beautiful crater experience- first time in the guest cabin. Definitely would stay again (in summertime)💯