Tent Sites
Benjamin G
VerifiedFebruary 11, 2022 Stayed at: Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua
excellent
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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
Tent
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Palikū 1, Loop: Palikū
Tent
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Palikū 2, Loop: Palikū
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Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū
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Palikū 4, Loop: Palikū
Tent
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Palikū 5 (Group), Loop: Palikū
Tent
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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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Brendon E
VerifiedFebruary 12, 2022 Stayed at: Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū
Best camping trip of my life (and there have been many)! The solitude and peace permeate the entire experience. Mahalo Haleakala.
Helpful
Kara G
VerifiedFebruary 15, 2022 Stayed at: Palikū 4, Loop: Palikū
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Kara G
VerifiedFebruary 15, 2022 Stayed at: Palikū 4, Loop: Palikū
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Kara G
VerifiedFebruary 15, 2022 Stayed at: Palikū 4, Loop: Palikū
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Patrick L
VerifiedFebruary 23, 2022 Stayed at: Hōlua 4, Loop: Hōlua
Just go! There’s no place on the planet like it.
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sally r
VerifiedFebruary 24, 2022 Stayed at: Hōlua 5 (Group), Loop: Hōlua
Great experience camping at Haleakala (Paliku and Holua). Very different experience to camp rather than doing just a day hike. Paliku - beautiful green area with trees flanked with pali and view out Kaupo Gap. Lots of birds. Campsites are in the vicinity of the cabin. Holua - campsites are further away from cabin and open area. Outhouse at Paliku is better than the one offered for campers at Holua, but both had TP! One picnic table for campers at Paliku, but it was placed in one tent site so not really available to other campers. Since no one was at the ranger cabin, we did use that picnic table. No table for campers at Holua. Website says each campsite holds two tents, but several campsites are quite small. Expect to have tent right next to tent. Paliku - Campsites are not clearly marked, sign turned around. Take copy of campsite layout from website. Holua campsite 1 has more room and views. Group campsite at Holua could hold 3 small tents close to each other. Campsites 3 and 4 really have only one tent site. Campsite 2 has rock wall surrounding it. Not sure if you can use the pack campsite at Holua if no one is there. Water source at Holua wasn't as nice as at Paliku. We knew to treat the water but coming from a spigot at Paliku felt better than the camper water source at Holua. Beware the nene at Paliku campers' water source who didn't want to share but left lots of poop. For $8/night, camping is the bargain way to stay within the 'crater'. Plus camping permits usually do not require the 6 month lead time to secure as do the cabins. You could check the weather forecast, looks good, and probably get a campsite. To NPS - I'm all for a light footprint but give the campers a bit more space and a couple of tables. You give the stock lots of room, that's a much bigger footprint than campers. Do better with water source and outhouse for campers at Holua. Mahalo
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Vicky R
VerifiedFebruary 28, 2022 Stayed at: Hōlua 4, Loop: Hōlua
Very scenic. the site is well maintained
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Lawrence L
VerifiedFebruary 28, 2022 Stayed at: Palikū 1, Loop: Palikū
The park is very well maintained. I wish that the cabins were easier to reserve, but we were glad the campsites were nice and level. The weather also cooperated on our trip.
Helpful
Arturo Alberto M
VerifiedMarch 1, 2022 Stayed at: Palikū 1, Loop: Palikū
It was a nice trail to Holua and Paliku. I have really enyojed my camping there.
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.
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Last updated: November 4, 2026
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