Haleakalā National Park (wilderness Tent Permit)

We hiked from the summit to the fartherest campsite and tented overnight. It was a long hike, start early in the day.
We came prepared with some rain protection which was good as once the sun went down all the moisture in the air dropped on top of us. It did rain a bit in the morning and overnight and our shoes got wet on the way out. We packed 3 pairs of socks each and we used them all. We tried to dry off a bit at the next cabin's picnic table but it was so worn down that the fiberglass shards ended up rubbing off right into my fancy compression fitness leggings and into my hind quarters. I changed my pants but it was an itchy and prickly hike the rest of the way out and for days after.
If I were to do it again I would pack less food and more water. We packed 3.5 litres each for 2 days (including overnight). Save a litre each for the beautiful yet grueling hike up to the summit at the end.
It was fairly warm for a couple of Canadians despite all the warnings of it being cold up there. Our sleeping bag, insulated mat, a hoodie and pants for the overnight was enough. Layers were quickly stripped off once we started hiking again.
If there is a next time we might try a different route in and out and perhaps do some hiking at night with head lamps as the night sky is fabulously clear and free of light pollution. The cool air at night would also be nice for hiking.
I did get some nasty blisters on my foot but was prepared with many bandaids.
Watch out for the Hawaiian version of Canadian "murder" geese, the Nene. They hiss and charge if you get too close. If they are in your path, just wait and give them some space. We shared our campsite with a cute little family of Nene.
All in all a great experience, or perhaps experience points LOL, which I will never forget. One off the bucket list.

It was a nice trail to Holua and Paliku. I have really enyojed my camping there.

The park is very well maintained. I wish that the cabins were easier to reserve, but we were glad the campsites were nice and level. The weather also cooperated on our trip.

Very scenic. the site is well maintained

Great experience camping at Haleakala (Paliku and Holua). Very different experience to camp rather than doing just a day hike. Paliku - beautiful green area with trees flanked with pali and view out Kaupo Gap. Lots of birds. Campsites are in the vicinity of the cabin. Holua - campsites are further away from cabin and open area. Outhouse at Paliku is better than the one offered for campers at Holua, but both had TP! One picnic table for campers at Paliku, but it was placed in one tent site so not really available to other campers. Since no one was at the ranger cabin, we did use that picnic table. No table for campers at Holua. Website says each campsite holds two tents, but several campsites are quite small. Expect to have tent right next to tent. Paliku - Campsites are not clearly marked, sign turned around. Take copy of campsite layout from website. Holua campsite 1 has more room and views. Group campsite at Holua could hold 3 small tents close to each other. Campsites 3 and 4 really have only one tent site. Campsite 2 has rock wall surrounding it. Not sure if you can use the pack campsite at Holua if no one is there. Water source at Holua wasn't as nice as at Paliku. We knew to treat the water but coming from a spigot at Paliku felt better than the camper water source at Holua. Beware the nene at Paliku campers' water source who didn't want to share but left lots of poop. For $8/night, camping is the bargain way to stay within the 'crater'. Plus camping permits usually do not require the 6 month lead time to secure as do the cabins. You could check the weather forecast, looks good, and probably get a campsite. To NPS - I'm all for a light footprint but give the campers a bit more space and a couple of tables. You give the stock lots of room, that's a much bigger footprint than campers. Do better with water source and outhouse for campers at Holua. Mahalo

Just go! There’s no place on the planet like it.

Best camping trip of my life (and there have been many)! The solitude and peace permeate the entire experience. Mahalo Haleakala.

excellent

Beautiful hike! The camp site was a little hard to find, but a great spot. Definitely the highlight of my entire Maui trip!!!