About Haleakalā National Park (wilderness Tent Permit)
Number of accommodations: 10
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Sites & Availability
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Site Details
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10 Sites Available
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Reviews (217)
What Guests Are Saying
Haleakalā National Park offers stunning landscapes and a unique hiking experience, particularly at the Paliku and Holua campsites. Visitors praised the incredible views, starry nights, and helpful park rangers. However, many noted that the campgrounds could benefit from better signage and maintenance, especially regarding restroom facilities, and emphasized the importance of being well-prepared with water and warm clothing for the variable weather.
What Guests Are Saying
Haleakalā National Park offers stunning landscapes and a unique hiking experience, particularly at the Paliku and Holua campsites. Visitors praised the incredible views, starry nights, and helpful park rangers. However, many noted that the campgrounds could benefit from better signage and maintenance, especially regarding restroom facilities, and emphasized the importance of being well-prepared with water and warm clothing for the variable weather.
Review Summary
Meghan L
VerifiedApril 8, 2026 • Stayed at: Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū
The journey to the Paliku campsite is the most unique hike I have ever done. It was an amazing experience. We anticipated the night being cold, but it was eve colder than we had thought! We woke up to an ice-covered tent (March 30), so be prepared for the cold temps!
Kate F
VerifiedMarch 19, 2026 • Stayed at: Hōlua 5 (Group), Loop: Hōlua
Beautiful, other-worldly place. Everyone should bring water with them into the crater - I saw so many people walking with nothing back up Sliding Sands trail, from a far distance and with no water or snacks or extra sunscreen or anything. Please be prepared! It's not an easy trail... though it's easy to go down, it's not so easy to go back up!
Tucker D
VerifiedMarch 17, 2026 • Stayed at: Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua
Na
Christen Y
VerifiedMarch 12, 2026 • Stayed at: Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū
This is such a beautiful and unique park. The Rangers are so well informed and welcoming as well as provide critical advice to stay safe in the park. We tent camped at Paliku it was so beautiful and full of the sounds of birds, the site are soft with grass but it can be very wet so come prepared with waterproof gear and warm cloths of sleeping. The Nene were very interested in visiting and could be seen lots while on this far side of the volcano. The hike out to the campsite down sliding sands and out along the Eastern trails took us 4 1/2 hours with rests while the hike out through the paint pots and back up sliding sands took us 5 1/2 hours with stops. This is such a spectacularly beautiful park!
Josiah L
VerifiedMarch 10, 2026 • Stayed at: Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua
Great two nights in the crater! World class views. I enjoyed the unmaintained trials. Would recommend camping in the wilderness areas for experienced and knowledgeable hikers only. It is possible to park and do a short walk into and back out of the crater without camping overnight. Worth the trip from anywhere in the world, even if all you do is catch a sunrise from the crater rim and/or a short walk in and out after parking your car.
Lauren W
VerifiedFebruary 2, 2026 • Stayed at: Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua
We had an amazing time hiking and camping in Haleakala! We parked in the Halemau'u parking lot, then used the hitchhike pick up zone to catch a ride up to the summit. We started off by hiking down the sliding sands trail that starts near the summit, hiked down 4 miles until the trail split and took the left turn to get to the Holua campground (~7.5 miles). We had Holua tent campground 1 (though it was a little tough at first to figure out which campground was which!) but luckily there was only one other camper there that night so we had most of the area to ourselves. The tent campgrounds are up a path past the cabin, and has a separate outhouse from the cabin's outhouse. The water spigot is down near the cabin though, and it's non-potable water so bring a filter/boil it before you drink it!
We enjoyed the most beautiful sunset (it was even nicer than the sunrise) and the stars at night were unreal. It definitely gets chilly up there though so wear layers and bring a good jacket! The outhouse was well stocked with toilet paper.
We hiked out and up the Halemau'u trail (~4 miles uphill) to get back to our car. Would love to go back to camp at Paliku next time and get to spend more than a day in the crater!
Lindsey T
VerifiedJanuary 28, 2026 • Stayed at: Palikū 2, Loop: Palikū
We loved our visit to Haleakalā and would highly recommend backpacking to the backcountry sites if that is an option for you. We spent night one at Palikū and night two at Hōlua and are beyond happy we went to both because they are so different and the hike allows you to see so much of the park. The stars were amazing, the Ne-Ne were annoying, the terrain was otherworldly.
One of my biggest worries with the route was having to hitchhike to the starting trailhead - do not stress if you share this concern. There is a specific spot for hitchhikers to connect with cars - from there it is a quick 10 minute drive to the first trailhead.
Renee B
VerifiedJanuary 28, 2026 • Stayed at: Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū
This has got to be one of the best campgrounds we have ever stayed at! Amazing views and amazing park staff!
Joshua S
VerifiedJanuary 5, 2026 • Stayed at: Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua
Wonderful spot to camp if there is water. There was water but there wasn't during the summer. The Rangers at the visitors center were almost always available by phone at the number on the website and were very helpful. We were sure to stop on the way up and confirm once and for all water was available. you really have to hunt for the spots. They are all there--I promise. But you have to seek them out. Silly people took our original spot because they couldn't find their spot. So we took theirs and it was better! Get to Holua early enough to figure it out. We got in at dark but we had the advantage of having done this hike exactly 20 years ago amazingly. If you are not an experienced backpacker then watch a bunch of videos and do not overpack. But be sure to bring clothes for warmth because the first night as at about freezing.
Pete R
VerifiedDecember 31, 2025 • Stayed at: Palikū 2, Loop: Palikū
Palikū is wahi pana, a special place
Location Haleakalā National Park (wilderness Tent Permit)
Address:
Po Box 369
Makawao, HI, 96768
United States
For maps of the island and the park visit https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/maps.htm
To the Summit District of Haleakalā National Park: There are brown information signs along the way. From Kahului, take Hana Highway (SR36) and travel 2.0 miles (toward Hana). Turn right onto Haleakalā Highway (SR37) and travel for 7.8 miles. Turn left onto State Highway 377 and travel for 6 miles. Turn left onto Crater Road (large brown wooden Haleakalā NP sign mounted in median) and travel for 1.2 miles. Continue on Crater Road for 9.9 miles to arrive at the park boundary/entrance station. The summit of Haleakalā (elevation 10,023ft 3055m) is 11 miles further and about an additional 30-minute drive, beyond the entrance station.
To Headquarters Visitor Center: The Headquarters visitor center will be the first building on the right hand side of the road past the entrance station. Here you can use flush toilets and fill up on water prior to starting your hike.
To Halemauʻu Trailhead: From the Headquarters visitor center, continue up 3 switchbacks to the first pull-off on the left hand side marked "Halemauʻu Trailhead". You may choose to begin your hike at this trailhead (3.7 mi (6 km) one way to Hōlua; 10.4 mi (17km) one way to Palikū).
To Keoneheʻeheʻe (sliding sands) Trailhead: From the Headquarters visitor center, drive 11 miles up several switchbacks (about a 30 minute drive) to the Haleakalā Visitor Center parking lot. Once you enter the lot, the trailhead is on the right hand side. You may choose to being your hike at this trailhead (7.4 mi (12 km) one way to Hōlua; 9.3 mi (15km) one way to Palikū).
Latitude & Longitude: 20.7399 / -156.218
Elevation: 2131 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
REQUIRED: Prior to their trip, all visitors MUST watch “Haleakalā NP’s Leave No Trace (LNT) Video ” to set expectations on how to recreate responsibly in Haleakalā National Park’s wilderness. www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/wilderness-camping.htm |
| General |
Reservation Permit. A printed copy of the reservation must be held by the reservation holder at all times. The reservation holder is legally responsible for the actions and safety of the group. Be prepared for weather extremes. Leave an itinerary and guest list with a friend. |
| General |
License Plate. 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. |
| General |
Water. There are non-potable water spigots located near the campsites. All water must be filtered or treated prior to consumption. Water is not guaranteed, bring enough water with you for your trip. In times of drought, all water must be carried in. |
| General |
Restrictions. NO pets, firearms or wheeled vehicles. NO feeding or harassment of wildlife. NO picking plants, disturbing rocks, building cairns. |
| General |
Stay On Trails. Haleakalā is an on-trail park. Please stay on all designated 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 |
NO Fires. Open fires or gathering firewood is NOT allowed. |
| General |
Wilderness. These campsites are located in federally designated wilderness. There is no cell service accessible within any part of the crater. |
| 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 |
Quiet Hours. Respect other visitors' right to quiet and solitude--quiet hours are 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. |
| General |
Trash. Pack out ALL trash that is brought into the crater. |
| General |
Visitor Cabins. There are cabins located nearby both campsites. A reservation for a campsite does NOT grant access to the cabins. All campers must respect cabin user privacy and will not be let in by those with a cabin permit. Cabin reservations may be made separately here. |
| General |
Visited Hawaii Island or Kauai recently? All gear, especially tent and 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 |
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. |
