OutReserve

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

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

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

Sites & Availability

10 Sites Available

Site
Price
Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua
4 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua
4 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Hōlua 3, Loop: Hōlua
4 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Hōlua 4, Loop: Hōlua
4 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Hōlua 5 (Group), Loop: Hōlua
10 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Palikū 1, Loop: Palikū
4 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Palikū 2, Loop: Palikū
4 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū
4 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Palikū 4, Loop: Palikū
4 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Palikū 5 (Group), Loop: Palikū
10 guests
$20.00
/ per night

Reviews (217)

What Guests Are Saying

Haleakalā National Park offers stunning landscapes and a unique hiking experience, particularly at the Paliku and Holua campsites. Visitors praised the incredible views, starry nights, and helpful park rangers. However, many noted that the campgrounds could benefit from better signage and maintenance, especially regarding restroom facilities, and emphasized the importance of being well-prepared with water and warm clothing for the variable weather.

Review Summary

4.6
217 reviews
5
74.7%
162
4
13.8%
30
3
6.0%
13
2
3.7%
8
1
1.8%
4

Pete R

Verified

October 27, 2021 Stayed at: Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū

5

I love Palikū!

Jean Y

Verified

October 20, 2021 Stayed at: Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua

5

Teresa W

Verified

October 16, 2021 Stayed at: Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū

3

Heavy winds and rain all night at Paliku, followed by rain the second afternoon. For this reason we had to cut our trip short. Mt Haleakala services were just fine and we plan to return. However next time we'll stay in cabins. :)

Ryan G

Verified

September 30, 2021 Stayed at: Palikū 2, Loop: Palikū

5

Had an amazing time in the park.. got to meet some of the park workers and had some great conversations with them along the way.. It’s a def great workout and see multiple climates… can’t wait to come back and tent camp again

Brie D

Verified

August 23, 2021 Stayed at: Hōlua 4, Loop: Hōlua

2

The reservation system is insufficient and there needs to be more people working up there. There needs to be a way that people can cancel their reservation and see new openings daily. The campsite was completely empty except for us but the online booking said it was completely full. I'm sure more people would like to enjoy camping if it was made available.

Mark Y

Verified

August 19, 2021 Stayed at: Palikū 2, Loop: Palikū

5

The location is spectacular. The campsite is clearly marked, well maintained, and level. Nighttime temperature was around 40 F in August.

Connor R

Verified

August 18, 2021 Stayed at: Palikū 4, Loop: Palikū

5

My time at Haleakala national park was quite confusion to say the least. My stay started driving a brand new 1997 Toyota up this beautiful grand volcano. As we arrived I was flabbergasted to see there was no lighter attendant at the gate. As we descended the sliding sands trail the view made it all worth while. We arrived at the campsite early. People were amazed at our pure speed and agility. My travelling companion had pushed us so fast and strong. What a leader. As we arrived at the top I was disturbed to find out our headlight had been smashed in without a note of apology. Loved the trip

Linda K

Verified

July 28, 2021 Stayed at: Palikū 2, Loop: Palikū

5

Paliku is a magical place. To people who have never been here, it can be very wet and cold. Remember to plan accordingly. The weather can change quickly and that is part of the magic. Clouds swirl over the cliff bringing rainbows. Keep an eye out for native birds like 'amakihi and i'iwi darting through the trees. Campsites are comfortable in the grasses. Hike down the Kaupo gap a little for some spectacular views of the native forest. Such a special place!

Chris M

Verified

July 16, 2021 Stayed at: Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū

4

Beautiful spot. Great star gazing.

Kelton H

Verified

July 15, 2021 Stayed at: Hōlua 5 (Group), Loop: Hōlua

3

Haleakalā park is stunning. If you can, go!
I’m giving the park an over all experience of 3 out of 5 stars because of the following. When searching for tent permits I was lucky to get one several weeks in advance. And then later by chance I got another two dates, the day before as the late releases opened up. Each of these camping areas have a limit of 5 camp sights. Each night I was the only person utilizing any of the sights in the camp. Having some kind of confirmation process would allow more people to actually visit the back country. It seems like people reserve these sites and then rarely show up. The sunrise ticket release that happens 48 hours ahead of time sold out in less time than it took to add the tickets to the basket after waiting to the second for them to become available. That might just be due to demand but also seems crazy. The only other negative is the current condition of the Kalpo Gap trail. It is not in great condition once you pass the Paliku Cabin and once you leave the park and enter the Kalpo Ranch it becomes completely impassible in places, yet there is not readably available information / warning on the condition of the trail. I do understand that we are still in the throws of the pandemic but I would hope these things can be improved for future visitors.

The park service staff I met were incredibly friendly and helpful which was very much appreciated!

Location Haleakalā National Park (wilderness Tent Permit)

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

Latitude & Longitude: 20.7399 / -156.218

Elevation: 2131 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
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

General

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.

General

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. 

General

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.

General

Restrictions. NO pets, firearms or wheeled vehicles. NO feeding or harassment of wildlife. NO picking plants, disturbing rocks, building cairns.

General

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.

General

NO Fires. Open fires or gathering firewood is NOT allowed.

General

Wilderness. These campsites are located in federally designated wilderness. There is no cell service accessible within any part of the crater. 

General

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

General

Quiet Hours. Respect other visitors' right to quiet and solitude--quiet hours are 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.

General

Trash. Pack out ALL trash that is brought into the crater. 

General

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.

General

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.

General

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.

General

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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