Tent Sites
Amber F
VerifiedDecember 11, 2022 Stayed at: Palikū 1, Loop: Palikū
Great location!! Well maintained and beautiful landscape
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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 6.9 ft (2,115m) in the shrubland near Koʻolau Gap. 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.
At 6.4 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 (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.
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10 Sites Available
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Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua
Tent
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Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua
Tent
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Hōlua 3, Loop: Hōlua
Tent
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Hōlua 4, Loop: Hōlua
Tent
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Hōlua 5 (Group), Loop: Hōlua
Tent
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Palikū 1, Loop: Palikū
Tent
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Palikū 2, Loop: Palikū
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Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū
Tent
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Palikū 4, Loop: Palikū
Tent
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Palikū 5 (Group), Loop: Palikū
Tent
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10 Sites Available
Site
Price
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Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua
Tent
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Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua
Tent
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Hōlua 3, Loop: Hōlua
Tent
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Hōlua 4, Loop: Hōlua
Tent
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Hōlua 5 (Group), Loop: Hōlua
Tent
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Palikū 1, Loop: Palikū
Tent
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Palikū 2, Loop: Palikū
Tent
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Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū
Tent
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Palikū 4, Loop: Palikū
Tent
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Palikū 5 (Group), Loop: Palikū
Tent
No available sites
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Reviews
237 reviews
Summary
Haleakalā National Park offers stunning and diverse landscapes, making it a memorable destination for backpackers and nature lovers. Reviewers praised the well-maintained trails, breathtaking views, and the unique experience of camping in the crater, particularly at the Paliku and Holua campsites. While some noted challenges such as weather conditions, campsite maintenance issues, and the need for better signage, the overall experience was described as incredible, with many recommending it as a must-do for hikers.
Based on guest feedback
4.6
Overall rating
Based on 237 reviews
5 stars
75.1% (178)
4 stars
14.3% (34)
3 stars
5.5% (13)
2 stars
3.4% (8)
1 star
1.7% (4)
Showing 237 reviews
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Lacey B
VerifiedDecember 1, 2022 Stayed at: Palikū 2, Loop: Palikū
The sign at the trail head of the Kaupo Gap is incorrect. It says 3.5 mi to park boundary which is correct but then it says 5.5 mi to paliku campsites. But then when u get to paliku campsites it says 7 mi to trail head. 7 mi is correct. The 5.5 is extremely misleading and should be changed
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Caroline W
VerifiedNovember 30, 2022 Stayed at: Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua
Overnighting in the remote areas of Haleakala is the best way to experience this park. I recommend doing a loop, though it requires some logistical skills, but is probably more satisfying than an out-and-back course.
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Ryan M
VerifiedNovember 27, 2022 Stayed at: Hōlua 4, Loop: Hōlua
Beautiful spot. Nene have food aggression, it is obvious people have been feeding them and they have been crapping all around the campground. Please don't feed them, according to NPS it is problematic to do so
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Damien W
VerifiedNovember 24, 2022 Stayed at: Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū
Nice campsite location, well maintained, good access to water and toilet.
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Shane W
VerifiedNovember 24, 2022 Stayed at: Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua
Unreal location. Quietest, clearest night sky I've ever seen. Can't recommend enough. Previous campers have kept Holua spotless, please do your part as well!
Sites can be a bit hard to identify; there's a map posted on the second outhouse along the trail branch (the one near the camp sites) as well as on a stake on the side of said trail. As of Nov 2022 the water spigot is inop but a sign directs you to the water tank behind the cabin.
If you can't update your pass with rental car info (our reservation was locked out as we arrived on island that morning), go to the visitors center and register with the staff there.
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Angela W
VerifiedNovember 18, 2022 Stayed at: Palikū 4, Loop: Palikū
Be sure to book well in advance - or check the day before! Of the five tent spots in Palikū, we were the only group who showed up - despite the permits being completely booked for all five sites at least a month beforehand. The terrain is incredible, and changes significantly every couple miles. Make sure you’re in good hiking shape, especially if you’re carrying big packs. Bring something to filter water. Poles were helpful. Watch out for the nene with the “Ari” tag…not thrilled with visitors to the Palikū campsites…😂
Enjoy the amazing views!
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Matthew S
VerifiedNovember 16, 2022 Stayed at: Hōlua 3, Loop: Hōlua
Beautiful weather on the hike (Halemau'u Trail) down as well as when we sat and chatted at Holua Backcountry Tent Campsite. At night, the stars lit the sky until the clouds rolled in and it started to rain. Cloudy morning as we hiked out the same way. Enjoyable experience no matter what nature brings you.
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Patrick S
VerifiedNovember 16, 2022 Stayed at: Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua
Simply magnificent!
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Krystal G
VerifiedNovember 16, 2022 Stayed at: Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua
Other than showing up and finding someone in our reserved spot and they did not have a reservation, this experience was AMAZING! It has to be one of the top experiences of my life. It's so magical, beautiful and peaceful out there. Every turn on the hike brought new views into the crater that we had to stop to take photos. Seeing into the massiveness of Halekala is something like none other. I highly recommend bringing alot of water. The water source is open season to whatever will fall into it, including the local nene around.
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Location & Directions for Haleakalā National Park (Wilderness Tent Permit)
Po Box 369, Makawao, HI 96768 United States
Elevation: 2,131 ft
Getting There
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 mi (...
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 mi (toward Hana). Turn right onto Haleakalā Highway (SR37) and travel for 7.8 mi. Turn left onto State Highway 377 and travel for 6 mi. Turn left onto Crater Road (large brown wooden Haleakalā NP sign mounted in median) and travel for 1.2 mi. Continue on Crater Road for 9.9 mi to arrive at the park boundary/entrance station. The summit of Haleakalā (elevation 10 ft 3055m) is 11 mi 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 (3.7 mi) one way to Hōlua; 10.4 mi (10.6 mi) one way to Palikū).
To Keoneheʻeheʻe (sliding sands) Trailhead: From the Headquarters visitor center, drive 11 mi 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 (7.5 mi) one way to Hōlua; 9.3 mi (9.3 mi) one way to Palikū).
Highway access
Hōlua Campground is accessible via Hana Highway (SR36), Haleakalā Highway (SR37), and State Highway 377, all of which connect to the park and provide access to the surrounding areas.
Near Haleakalā National Park
The closest entrance is: Summit District Entrance Station
Approximate drive: 3.1 mi · 5 min
Policies & Rules
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Restrictions. NO pets, firearms or wheeled vehicles. NO feeding or harassment of wildlife. NO picking plants, disturbing rocks, building cairns.
- 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.
- NO Fires. Open fires or gathering firewood is NOT allowed.
- Wilderness. These campsites are located in federally designated wilderness. There is no cell service accessible within any part of the crater.
- 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
- Respect other visitors' right to quiet and solitude--;
- Trash. Pack out ALL trash that is brought into the crater.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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