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

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Water Hookup Water Hookup

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

10 total sites

Tent Sites

10 sites

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

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Hiking

Hiking

Year-round

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
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Dec

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 real-time availability for each site.

10 Sites Available

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

Reviews (231)

What Guests Are Saying

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.

Review Summary

4.6
231 reviews
5
74.9%
173
4
14.3%
33
3
5.6%
13
2
3.5%
8
1
1.7%
4

Brendon E

Verified

February 12, 2022 Stayed at: Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū

5

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

Benjamin G

Verified

February 11, 2022 Stayed at: Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua

5

excellent

Regan H

Verified

February 10, 2022 Stayed at: Hōlua 5 (Group), Loop: Hōlua

5

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

Ethan W

Verified

February 9, 2022 Stayed at: Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū

5

👍👍👍

Patrick B

Verified

February 8, 2022 Stayed at: Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua

5

There. Are. No. Words. Stunning hike down into the crater. Stargazing like you wouldn't believe. Quietest place I've ever been in my life. The only things that made noise were the man-made things I brought down with me. Met some cool people at the campground, including a young couple from Portland and a group of four kids who packed in from Paliku. Slept above the clouds and watched the sun rise over the rim of the crater. Once in a lifetime. If you have the opportunity, don't hesitate.

Alec B

Verified

February 3, 2022 Stayed at: Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū

5

Hike in was slower than anticipated (steep, rocky descent) so I had to finish the trip in the dark - give yourself plenty of time if starting in the afternoon. Great location though.

Matt C

Verified

January 29, 2022 Stayed at: Palikū 2, Loop: Palikū

5

We hiked Sliding Sands to Paliku, overnighted there and then another overnight a Holua before coming out. It was amazing and we highly recommend the camping sites. There was water at all of the cabin sites in late January 2022.

Ehren K

Verified

January 27, 2022 Stayed at: Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua

5

Great site!

Ian O

Verified

January 25, 2022 Stayed at: Hōlua 4, Loop: Hōlua

5

Can't get a better view for a cheaper price! Definitely a moderate hike to get to, but worth it!

Hailey C

Verified

January 24, 2022 Stayed at: Hōlua 5 (Group), Loop: Hōlua

5

The campground was beautifully located and the park was super helpful about communicating access to water and other resources.

Location Haleakalā National Park (Wilderness Tent Permit)

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

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.

Elevation: 2131 feet

Distance to downtown

25 mi drive to downtown Makawao (about 54 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: September 17, 2026

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