Tent Sites
Tucker D
VerifiedMarch 17, 2026 Stayed at: Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua
Na
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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.
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10 Sites Available
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Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua
Tent
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Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua
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Hōlua 3, Loop: Hōlua
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Hōlua 4, Loop: Hōlua
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Hōlua 5 (Group), Loop: Hōlua
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Palikū 1, Loop: Palikū
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Palikū 2, Loop: Palikū
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Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū
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Palikū 4, Loop: Palikū
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Palikū 5 (Group), Loop: Palikū
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10 Sites Available
Site
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Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua
Tent
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Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua
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Hōlua 3, Loop: Hōlua
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Hōlua 4, Loop: Hōlua
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Hōlua 5 (Group), Loop: Hōlua
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Palikū 1, Loop: Palikū
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Palikū 2, Loop: Palikū
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Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū
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Palikū 4, Loop: Palikū
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Palikū 5 (Group), Loop: Palikū
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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
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Kate F
VerifiedMarch 19, 2026 Stayed at: Hōlua 5 (Group), Loop: Hōlua
Beautiful, other-worldly place. Everyone should bring water with them into the crater - I saw so many people walking with nothing back up Sliding Sands trail, from a far distance and with no water or snacks or extra sunscreen or anything. Please be prepared! It's not an easy trail... though it's easy to go down, it's not so easy to go back up!
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Meghan L
VerifiedApril 8, 2026 Stayed at: Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū
The journey to the Paliku campsite is the most unique hike I have ever done. It was an amazing experience. We anticipated the night being cold, but it was eve colder than we had thought! We woke up to an ice-covered tent (March 30), so be prepared for the cold temps!
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Kamahao L
VerifiedApril 25, 2026 Stayed at: Palikū 4, Loop: Palikū
We had an amazing trip at Paliku campsite. We were at campsite 4 which had plenty of space for the 3 of us. There was great clear water from the faucet (after heavy rains). We saw pueo, i’iwi, amakihi, and loads of nene. I would highly recommend this trip. Just beware of the altitude and volatile weather conditions. Make sure to plan ahead.
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Nina K
VerifiedMay 16, 2026 Stayed at: Hōlua 5 (Group), Loop: Hōlua
This was one of the greatest experiences of my whole life.
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Keith S
VerifiedMay 17, 2026 Stayed at: Palikū 4, Loop: Palikū
Great experience and fantastic sunrise.
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RYAN H
VerifiedJune 9, 2026 Stayed at: Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua
Foggy and rainy hike down, but breathtaking sunrise from our tent and a clear morning. Absolutely amazing experience.
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Ian N
VerifiedJune 18, 2026 Stayed at: Hōlua 5 (Group), Loop: Hōlua
Great experience. It was colder than expected. Prepare accordingly. The outhouses did not have toilet paper. Expect to bring your own.
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Cheryl B
VerifiedJune 24, 2026 Stayed at: Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua
The trek though the misty and sometimes rainy terrain with a full backpack was long. We carried 1.5 gallons of water and all the gear required. Our stay was in Camp #2, a spectacular spot.
We are California and thought this to be a beautiful hike, although we couldn’t see too far.
The hike into the crater was surreal and should be on every hiker’s bucket list.
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Michael K
VerifiedJuly 2, 2026 Stayed at: Palikū 1, Loop: Palikū
Beautiful & serene. Did the standard circuit, starting from the Keonehe'ehe'e trailhead near the summit and exiting through the Halemau'u trail. Parked at the lot next to the Halemau'u trailhead then hitchhiked to the summit. Took a while, but was eventually picked up by a really nice couple. Spent the first night at Paliku, the second at Holua.
Seeing the transition in terrain & climates throughout the crater is striking. Lots of Nene throughout the park.
Be prepared for rain at Paliku. Had to set up my tent in a driving rain which lasted all night. At Holua, the native 'Ua'u were were milling around most of the evening.
Really great place to connect with & enjoy nature, but have to be prepared for the isolation.
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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.
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Last updated: November 4, 2026
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