Haleakalā National Park (Wilderness Tent Permit)

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

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Water Hookup Water Hookup

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.  

Available sites

10 total sites

Activities & Attractions

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Hiking

Hiking

Year-round

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

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Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Water Hookup Water Hookup
RV Utilities and Hookups

RV Utilities and Hookups

  • Water Hookup
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
Safety and Security

Safety and Security

  • First Aid Kits
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see availability.

10 Sites Available

Site
Price
⛺ Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua Tent
⛺ Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua Tent
⛺ Hōlua 3, Loop: Hōlua Tent
⛺ Hōlua 4, Loop: Hōlua Tent
⛺ Hōlua 5 (Group), Loop: Hōlua Tent
⛺ Palikū 1, Loop: Palikū Tent
⛺ Palikū 2, Loop: Palikū Tent
⛺ Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū Tent
⛺ Palikū 4, Loop: Palikū Tent
⛺ Palikū 5 (Group), Loop: Palikū Tent

Reviews

237 reviews

Summary

AI generated

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

Write a review
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

jongmin l

Verified

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

It's been a fantastic experience.
I went to three different islands on my Hawaiian vacation and it was the most memorable.
I plan to visit Hawaii again to check out the national park campgrounds here.

Helpful

Anis S

Verified

May 15, 2023 Stayed at: Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū

- Camping sites are big enough for 2 tents (within the same group)

- Beautiful landscapes and views

- Get ready to be soaking wet (it's always raining up here)

- Gets cold at night (really humid), be prepared with warm clothes

Helpful

Jim M

Verified

May 23, 2023 Stayed at: Palikū 2, Loop: Palikū

Great camping experience. The pit toilets were pretty gross but can't expect much in such a remote location. The campsites were just big enough for two, two-man tents. The scenery was beautiful and the sun coming up over the mountains in the morning was surreal. This is a strenuous hike when carrying a full 30-35 lb. pack. Make sure that you are prepared for everything from hot afternoon hiking to cool or cold mornings. We also had a very misty, rainy third day that gave us a completely different experience. The switchbacks on the 3rd day getting back up to the park road were really neat. I highly recommend this hike. Hopefully you will have 2-3 sunny days as we did.

Helpful

Micah S

Verified

May 26, 2023 Stayed at: Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua

My experience at Haleakala was excellent. The campsites were nice and in great locations. The toilets and water were super convenient and made everything really easy. Would love to come back and do it again sometime.

Helpful

Chelsey Z

Verified

June 5, 2023 Stayed at: Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū

It was incredibly beautiful, with lots of birds and wildflowers.

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Aaron C

Verified

June 26, 2023 Stayed at: Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua

Absolutely amazing views!

Note for Summit Sunrise Viewing: We tried multiple times to book Summit Sunrise reservations when the tickets were released exactly at 7am, but were never able to get any (they always went from "not released yet" at 6:59am, to "not available" at 7:00am). We ended up cutting out camping experience short and packing up our Holua tent site at 1:30am to hike back to our car in time to drive to the summit and be there in time for first light. The hike in and out each took 2 hours (lots of photo stopping on the way in/down). Catching the sunrise at the summit was an absolutely unforgettable experience!

Helpful

Devin H

Verified

June 29, 2023 Stayed at: Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua

We were worried about updating and printing our reservation to include rental vehicle information and were relieved to find out that you can instead register with a ranger at the first Visitor Center.
We stayed in Holua 2 and Paliku 4 on June 20 and 21. Both nights were misty and windy. In Paliku, if the winds consistently come from the same direction, sites 2 and 3 might be best as vegetation would block the northerly winds.
We were able to filter water without issue. The privies were well used but adequate. Make sure to bring toilet paper.
Birds were active at both sites, on the cliffs above Holua at night and around the cabin at Paliku during the day.

Helpful

Marcia B

Verified

July 1, 2023 Stayed at: Hōlua 4, Loop: Hōlua

Camping in Haleakala Crater is an honor. I have stayed in the cabins before, but camping brings you so much closer to nature and the wonderful environment around you. Our first night was at Paliku campground in the lush lower part of the crater. Haleakala is actually a valley caused by erosion with secondary volcanic activity after the first mountain building phase, but we all call it a crater. At Paliku you can explore down the Kaupo Gap, or even hike out that way if you enjoy a 6 ft descent! It can be very wet and rainy there, so be prepared with a well sealed tent and rain gear! We spent our second two nights at Holua Campground. It was magical listening to the ua'u, or Hawaiian petrels, coming in after dark to feed their babies. We also took an 8 mi day hike to explore the center of the crater and check out the different cinder cones. Remember to stay on the trail. This is not a place to go cross-country, not because you can't, but out of respect for the 'aina, land, and also to protect the native plants that have shallow root systems. One set of footsteps will scar a field of cinder for many years. It's wonderful to be out of cell service for 3 days! Can't wait to return!

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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 (...

Nearest town

Makawao, HI - 25 mi

About 54 min to downtown

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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