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
Nov
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

Ronna Z

Verified

December 7, 2021 Stayed at: Hōlua 5 (Group), Loop: Hōlua

5

Beautiful location for camping. I would have preferred to be nestled in the shrubs a bit for some added wind protection but we did ok where we were. Toilets are not maintained but so little use that they were fine for us. Great experience, hope to be back again but for longer next time!

Hartmut N

Verified

December 5, 2021 Stayed at: Palikū 1, Loop: Palikū

5

The hike through the park was excellent but the trail through the Kaupo gap through surrounding farmland was more difficult than I recalled it because it is not well maintained.

Rachel C

Verified

December 1, 2021 Stayed at: Hōlua 3, Loop: Hōlua

4

Awesome

Christopher B

Verified

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

5

I accidentally booked the wrong site, slept 2.5 hours in the cold rocky grass land near Hulō, and continued to hike to the peak at sunrise. I also didnt have a headlamp. More vacation death marches!

Amy B

Verified

November 28, 2021 Stayed at: Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū

5

Most beautiful place I’ve been 10/10!

Jeanne L

Verified

November 24, 2021 Stayed at: Hōlua 4, Loop: Hōlua

5

Sleeping out in Haleakala National Park was something I will never forget. My wilderness exerience was made simple by clear signage on the trails and at the campsites. Our National Parks are in my mind one of our greatest resources.

Neil F

Verified

November 23, 2021 Stayed at: Palikū 1, Loop: Palikū

5

I loved it. Probably not for everyone I was cold my first night with thermals, and sweats on, but that didnt stop me from enjoying every moment. Even though the campgrounds were fully booked I was still the only one camping. Great overall experience.

Hugh T

Verified

November 22, 2021 Stayed at: Hōlua 4, Loop: Hōlua

5

Cancelled my Spaceship order - don't need it anymore as I have already been to another planet:-). This is a great hike - down sliding sands, wandering around the trails in the crater (valley), camped at Holua and hiked out next day. Weather was mostly cloudy which was good as I would have been fried if it was sunny. Very windy and wet in the late afternoon but it died down overnight. Trails are in excellent condition - big thank you to those doing what must be very tough trail maintenance in that environment.

John H

Verified

November 19, 2021 Stayed at: Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū

5

Camp site signage doesn’t jive with the pic posted in the campground.

Zhili Z

Verified

November 17, 2021 Stayed at: Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua

5

trip of a lifetime. unforgettable hike. our highlight of the maui trip

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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Nearby destinations


Last updated: September 17, 2026

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