OutReserve

Haleakalā National Park (wilderness Tent Permit)

two backpackers walk a narrow trail surrounded by lush greenery and mountain and clouds in distance
color cinders within a crater and mountain in the distance
orange tent in dirt patch with foggy cliff
tall cliffs overlook tent site with orange tent and camper
tall cliffs overlook tent site with orange tent and one camper

About Haleakalā National Park (wilderness Tent Permit)

There are two primitive wilderness tent areas which are accessible only by trail, Hōlua and Palikū. 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. Hōlua, the wilderness tent area reached by the shortest hike, lies at 6,940 ft (2,115m) in the shrubland near Koʻolau Gap. Hōlua is 3.7 mi (6 km) one way down the Halemauʻu trail or 7.4 mi one way (12km) 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.  At 6,380 ft (1,945m), Palikū is on the east end of the wilderness valley at the base of a rain forest cliff. This wilderness tent area is reached via a strenuous 9.3 mi (15km) one way hike on the Keoneheʻeheʻe (sliding sands) Trail or 10.4 mi (17km) 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.  

Number of accommodations: 10

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

10 Sites Available

Site
Price
Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua
4 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua
4 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Hōlua 3, Loop: Hōlua
4 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Hōlua 4, Loop: Hōlua
4 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Hōlua 5 (Group), Loop: Hōlua
10 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Palikū 1, Loop: Palikū
4 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Palikū 2, Loop: Palikū
4 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū
4 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Palikū 4, Loop: Palikū
4 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Palikū 5 (Group), Loop: Palikū
10 guests
$20.00
/ per night

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.

Review Summary

4.6
217 reviews
5
74.7%
162
4
13.8%
30
3
6.0%
13
2
3.7%
8
1
1.8%
4

Reuben F

Verified

February 13, 2023 Stayed at: Palikū 4, Loop: Palikū

4

Great hike, sites were great but hard to identify site numbers.

Daniel L

Verified

January 31, 2023 Stayed at: Hōlua 5 (Group), Loop: Hōlua

5

Someone stole my site so I used theirs, then a group of 8 drugged up people giggled all night 8' away from me in the site for 1-4 people. Book a group site if you are in a group to be away from those that want quiet.

Colleen C

Verified

January 31, 2023 Stayed at: Hōlua 3, Loop: Hōlua

5

We loved camping in the park. The stars were amazing and the campsites were nice. The water was clear and plentiful. We were able to treat it with a steripen. We used spf 30 and wore sunshade hoodies but still got sun exposure. We'd like to hike to the other campside next time.

Sheridan G

Verified

January 21, 2023 Stayed at: Palikū 4, Loop: Palikū

4

The sites here are not well-marked, and many of the flattened-grass areas are very bumpy and/or exposed to the wind--though not all, so it's worth exploring a bit to find a good spot. This'd be a great place to have some properly flattened, cleared areas to reduce the amount of trampling around and make camping comfier. Also, note that the water spigot is not potable, but it's fine if you filter it!

Myles L

Verified

January 19, 2023 Stayed at: Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū

5

Haleakala's wilderness sites are incredible. Haleakala is one of the quietest places I have ever been and the nightsky is absolutely out of this world.

Jeff T

Verified

January 19, 2023 Stayed at: Palikū 1, Loop: Palikū

5

The crater is beautiful, weather was cool and dry (January 11,2023) nice for hiking. Water was available at cabins but they said it wasn't guaranteed, I packed in 1.5 gallons, weight I could have done without.
Crater and vegetation was wonderful to observe. Had some other hikers but not overwhelming.

Lawrence H

Verified

January 17, 2023 Stayed at: Palikū 4, Loop: Palikū

5

great camping at Paliku - trails well maintained and marked

Luca R

Verified

January 16, 2023 Stayed at: Palikū 2, Loop: Palikū

5

Most beautiful thing I have ever seen. the park is amazing, the people too, rangers and everything else. Just keep in mind that the Paliku trail is 5 hours and not as easy as other parks! Definitely worth the visit to the park AT LEAST

Franklin D

Verified

January 15, 2023 Stayed at: Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua

4

Please ban the playing of music on phones and portable speakers within the park. Every visit I make to this most unique and beautiful place is marred by such noise. Visits to the park are perfect otherwise, thank you!

Francis S

Verified

January 10, 2023 Stayed at: Palikū 4, Loop: Palikū

5

The hike was very strenuous. There is minimal cover from the sun and no fresh water so prepare for that. The views were absolutely stunning, and so dramatically different from the rest of Maui. It was a hard hike, but definitely worth it!

Location Haleakalā National Park (wilderness Tent Permit)

Address:
Po Box 369
Makawao, HI, 96768
United States

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.

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