Haleakalā National Park (Cabin Permits)

Our actual stay in the cabin was great… but our experience with Park staff made for a frustrating and poor experience. We were told (by two staff members) that there was no cookware in the cabin and that we “had to bring our own”. This was a major concern since there has always been a pot to boil water in (to have drinkable water). We ended up hauling up cookware for our group, and DIDNT NEED ANY OF IT! The cabin did indeed have a big pot to boil water and other cookware and cutlery. It was an unnecessary burden to bring these items and the ignorance of the park staff really made for a disappointing time. When talking to staff, I felt they weren’t being forthcoming and honest. It would have been really helpful to have staff actually know the cabins and conditions to avoid this in the future.

Cabin had basically no plates, cups, bowls, or utensils. Not a big deal if one planned for it, but one week before the trip, a park employe (via phone to visitor center) told us the cabins were now fully stocked with all of the above ... and so goes.

The tranquility of the crater always clear mind.

Beautiful as always. No water in cabin. Water tank near empty, level below sink. Still water from tap outside. Heavy use of this water = unknown how long it will last. Rangers came by and tried to fix water situation. No water in upper pasture watertrough. Must haul water up hill so bring something to carry water in. 2 pots in cabin. No plates/cups/ utensils. Cabin was clean. Propane stove worked. 3 pressed wood logs in locker.

The Cabin was a perfect basecamp for our trip into the crater.

We were provided plenty of firewood- I'd recommend bringing firestarter or cut your log into thin pieces so that it can light faster.

Haleakala was as awe inspiring as when I first hiked there 45 years ago. As a 71 yr old woman, I recommend not descending via the switchbacks to Holua cabin in the rain. Too slippery! Otherwise, it was beyond wonderful.

managed to click faster than thousands of other people/robots and GOT a PASS! cool

Kapalaoa cabin in great shape. Has pots and pans. New floor.

This was the quietest place we’ve ever been other that the sound of the nene and the wind. The cabin had a new wood floor and had a kitchen with a propane two burner stove and a sink which was a nice surprise. There are even dishes, silverware and pots!! The pressed logs do not light and even the chips do not light. If you want a fire haul in wood. Temps were mild in mid June so it was not a problem. There was non potable water from a rain catchment system but that is not a guarantee as it will eventually be empty. We found that hauling in four liters of water per person would have been sufficient. It was a steep hike out the Sliding Sands trail so we were glad to have started early. Disappointing to find loads of used TP behind several bushes and rocks. Pack it out…a baggie works. Keep this beautiful place pristine. Silverswords weren’t yet in bloom. Easily could have stayed longer if it had been possible. We have tried for YEARS to get this cabin!