Tent Sites
Tim S
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2024 Stayed at: Hōlua 3, Loop: Hōlua
Beautiful spot.
Helpful
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 sitesActivities & Attractions
Nearby
Hiking
Year-round
Year-round
Hiking
Nearby
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
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Water Hookup
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Water Hookup
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Safety and Security
- First Aid Kits
Missing information?
Rates, Sites & Availability
Select check-in and check-out dates to see availability.
10 Sites Available
⛺
Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua
Tent
Select dates to check availability
⛺
Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua
Tent
Select dates to check availability
⛺
Hōlua 3, Loop: Hōlua
Tent
Select dates to check availability
⛺
Hōlua 4, Loop: Hōlua
Tent
Select dates to check availability
⛺
Hōlua 5 (Group), Loop: Hōlua
Tent
Select dates to check availability
⛺
Palikū 1, Loop: Palikū
Tent
Select dates to check availability
⛺
Palikū 2, Loop: Palikū
Tent
Select dates to check availability
⛺
Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū
Tent
Select dates to check availability
⛺
Palikū 4, Loop: Palikū
Tent
Select dates to check availability
⛺
Palikū 5 (Group), Loop: Palikū
Tent
Select dates to check availability
No sites found matching your criteria.
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
0 more sites below
Site Details
Select a site to view details
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
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
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
Verified Only
Sort by: Oldest First
Mary B
VerifiedOctober 2, 2024 Stayed at: Palikū 5 (Group), Loop: Palikū
It’s a perfect camp area for a night under the stars!
Helpful
Michael J
VerifiedOctober 13, 2024 Stayed at: Hōlua 5 (Group), Loop: Hōlua
Haleakala is a must see while on Maui
Helpful
Amanda F
VerifiedOctober 20, 2024 Stayed at: Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua
Amazing views! Definitely harder than anticipated.
Helpful
Tanner K
VerifiedOctober 24, 2024 Stayed at: Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua
First day that I hiked in was beautiful. Clouds rolling in and out but mostly sunny afternoon. Clear amazing sky all through the night. Second day and hike out was all in the clouds. Great trip
Helpful
James G
VerifiedOctober 29, 2024 Stayed at: Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua
Gate attendant (chubby female) was extremely rude and condescending for sunrise October 26. As a local, I’ve heard her spiel multiple times in the past, and she became upset when I didn’t want to have a conversation with her. In fact, she stated that I was rude for not wanting to engage in “conversation” with her. Then, when I explained that I was merely trying to be efficient and not make the early morning vehicles behind me wait in line, she claimed I was lying and restated that I was “just rude.” Finally, when I attempted to de-escalate by wishing her a nice day, she responded with “you have the kind of day you deserve.” That’s a fireable offense. What a nasty person you have in your employ. Ick. Clearly she needs a change in her life, starting with her place of employment. One suggestion, if she’s going to hold visitors hostage while she lectures them, I recommend having her hold on to ID’s until after she’s done. That way folks won’t be so eager to drive away. Really, truly a nasty person and control freak who came close to ruining our visit. I will warn others to beware of her. 🤮
Helpful
Matthew M
VerifiedNovember 27, 2024 Stayed at: Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua
Amazing experience. Campsite was clean, comfortable, and easy to find. The views are 10/10, highly recommend a sunrise hike!
Helpful
Jonathan G
VerifiedDecember 17, 2024 Stayed at: Hōlua 3, Loop: Hōlua
Many camping areas are in loose dirt. Be prepared with a ground cover for your tent. The camping areas should be farther apart. This is supposed to be backcountry camping. Hopefully the park service will plan to move the areas farther apart one day.
Helpful
Jason R
VerifiedDecember 20, 2024 Stayed at: Palikū 2, Loop: Palikū
Great camping experience in a unique and breathtaking place. Take advantage of (and heed) all the info and resources on the website, especially regarding the weather and water.
Kaupo Gap is not for novices or the unprepared and the most difficult part is not US Park jurisdiction. I recommend consulting a hiking resource (like AllTrails) and you CANNOT underestimate your water requirement.
Helpful
David M
VerifiedDecember 23, 2024 Stayed at: Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua
Great views. Rangers were totally positive!
Helpful
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: November 4, 2026
Need help?
Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Message us
Replies within minutes
Makawao, HI
Weather & Conditions
Loading destination weather
From our Travel Guides
Managed by the National Park Service