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

Nimai W

Verified

November 15, 2021 Stayed at: Hōlua 3, Loop: Hōlua

4

I reserved campsite #3 for two nights, after one amazing night at Palikū. My friends and I walked around for a good 20 minutes, we seriously could not find it! Only saw signs for sites 1 and 2. So we found a nice open spot down a path, and set up camp. The next morning we were approached by a ranger saying we were not suppose to be there and they had intended on writing us a ticket! But when we explained the situation she was very understanding and just asked us to move to a different site. To be fair, it was a well established site, flat, and solid ground. We had not trampled or disturbed any plants or wildlife. So we moved as we were asked, no problem.

Despite the circumstances it was a pleasant surprise seeing a ranger in the back country taking care of our public lands. Nearby we found a big pile of garbage, old aluminum cook set, clothes, a liquor bottle, hidden in some Pukiawe. That was a real bummer. It added 5lbs to my pack on the hike out. But this place is worth keeping clean.

Sites are cozy, and the water spigot is a bit of a trek…. But if you can handle the freezing temps, the sunrise here is second to none.

Jeana M

Verified

November 12, 2021 Stayed at: Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua

5

Haleakala has some of the worlds most spectacular scenery. Hiking into the crater can feel somewhat other worldly, especially as I did not see anyone all day on my second day there, while hiking from Holua to Paliku. It was quiet and spectacular.
I tent camped as the cabins are few and almost impossible to secure for shelter. The trails seem well maintained and the tent site's were by permit. they were clean and provided some nice flat spots. They were also located in beautiful spots.
The outhouses were pretty rank, but apparently not being fully maintained due to covid and staff cutbacks as explained by signs hung in outhouse.
Seeing the sunrise through the Koolau gap over the clouds will be a memory of a lifetime!

Dennis N

Verified

November 6, 2021 Stayed at: Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua

5

Great hike!!!!!

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

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.

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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