Tent Sites
Jared M
VerifiedJanuary 9, 2022 Stayed at: Palikū 1, Loop: Palikū
Great. Pack it in…pack it out. Please keep this place a special place for all to enjoy.
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
Troy M
VerifiedJanuary 19, 2022 Stayed at: Hōlua 4, Loop: Hōlua
The hike to get to the campsite is not easy - it's about 4.5 mi in total, but about 2 mi of it is a very steep switchback route that drops about 1,000 ft in elevation. The trail is a lot of large loose rocks, easy to turn an ankle on if you aren't paying attention or wearing the right boots. Having said that, it's more than worth it. Camping in the crater was incredible - the scenery is beautiful and its absolutely dead silent down there. You'll get to watch the sunset above the clouds, and the night (or early morning) sky is super dark with innumerable stars. My wife and I woke well before sunrise (nenes were walking around our campsite and woke us up), and watched as shooting stars painted the sky above the crater. One of the most unique camping experiences we've ever had.
Helpful
Hailey C
VerifiedJanuary 24, 2022 Stayed at: Hōlua 5 (Group), Loop: Hōlua
The campground was beautifully located and the park was super helpful about communicating access to water and other resources.
Helpful
Ian O
VerifiedJanuary 25, 2022 Stayed at: Hōlua 4, Loop: Hōlua
Can't get a better view for a cheaper price! Definitely a moderate hike to get to, but worth it!
Helpful
Ehren K
VerifiedJanuary 27, 2022 Stayed at: Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua
Great site!
Helpful
Matt C
VerifiedJanuary 29, 2022 Stayed at: Palikū 2, Loop: Palikū
We hiked Sliding Sands to Paliku, overnighted there and then another overnight a Holua before coming out. It was amazing and we highly recommend the camping sites. There was water at all of the cabin sites in late January 2022.
Helpful
Alec B
VerifiedFebruary 3, 2022 Stayed at: Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū
Hike in was slower than anticipated (steep, rocky descent) so I had to finish the trip in the dark - give yourself plenty of time if starting in the afternoon. Great location though.
Helpful
Patrick B
VerifiedFebruary 8, 2022 Stayed at: Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua
There. Are. No. Words. Stunning hike down into the crater. Stargazing like you wouldn't believe. Quietest place I've ever been in my life. The only things that made noise were the man-made things I brought down with me. Met some cool people at the campground, including a young couple from Portland and a group of four kids who packed in from Paliku. Slept above the clouds and watched the sun rise over the rim of the crater. Once in a lifetime. If you have the opportunity, don't hesitate.
Helpful
Ethan W
VerifiedFebruary 9, 2022 Stayed at: Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū
👍👍👍
Helpful
Regan H
VerifiedFebruary 10, 2022 Stayed at: Hōlua 5 (Group), Loop: Hōlua
Beautiful hike! The camp site was a little hard to find, but a great spot. Definitely the highlight of my entire Maui trip!!!
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