OutReserve

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

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

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

Sites & Availability

10 Sites Available

Site
Price
Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua
4 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua
4 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Hōlua 3, Loop: Hōlua
4 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Hōlua 4, Loop: Hōlua
4 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Hōlua 5 (Group), Loop: Hōlua
10 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Palikū 1, Loop: Palikū
4 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Palikū 2, Loop: Palikū
4 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Palikū 3, Loop: Palikū
4 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Palikū 4, Loop: Palikū
4 guests
$20.00
/ per night
Palikū 5 (Group), Loop: Palikū
10 guests
$20.00
/ per night

Reviews (217)

What Guests Are Saying

Haleakalā National Park offers stunning landscapes and a unique hiking experience, particularly at the Paliku and Holua campsites. Visitors praised the incredible views, starry nights, and helpful park rangers. However, many noted that the campgrounds could benefit from better signage and maintenance, especially regarding restroom facilities, and emphasized the importance of being well-prepared with water and warm clothing for the variable weather.

Review Summary

4.6
217 reviews
5
74.7%
162
4
13.8%
30
3
6.0%
13
2
3.7%
8
1
1.8%
4

Marco G

Verified

December 4, 2023 Stayed at: Palikū 1, Loop: Palikū

5

Communication was good (drought, bring enough water (though we carried way to much)). Sites are basic, yes, but beautiful. And Nene everywhere : )

Donald S

Verified

November 23, 2023 Stayed at: Palikū 4, Loop: Palikū

5

Very beautiful, unique setting, highly reccommended

Brian G

Verified

November 20, 2023 Stayed at: Palikū 2, Loop: Palikū

5

Permit process was easy and no issues. Rangers were helpful. Hike was beautiful and campsite also. Be prepared for very high winds and wet conditions despite how the high down from the crater is. I had quite an adventure and will remember for a long time.

Emily S

Verified

November 19, 2023 Stayed at: Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua

5

Beautiful and spiritual experience.

Whitney N

Verified

November 11, 2023 Stayed at: Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua

5

Absolutely beautiful place to camp. The stars at night were an incredible sight. We had to pack in all of our water but everything else was perfect. We hiked across the crater during the day and it was such a unique experience

Martha S

Verified

October 23, 2023 Stayed at: Hōlua 2, Loop: Hōlua

5

The campsites were spacious, private, and easy to find. The trails were well marked and maintained with mileage to destinations. At the camp there was easy access to the water drum and plenty of water. I had forgot to buy fuel for my stove and the nice people who were renting the cabin said there were plenty of fuel canisters left behind from previous campers that I was able to take and use.

Thomas P

Verified

October 15, 2023 Stayed at: Palikū 1, Loop: Palikū

5

Amazing. Great camping place after the beautiful hike. Very recommended. If you have a reservation and don’t plan to go then make sure you cancel it. It’s sad to see that it’s fully booked and then nobody shows up at the cabins and tent spaces. I’d recommend a 100$ no show fee instead of 20$. Many outdoor lovers would like to camp there but don’t get the chance because of unresponsible bookers…

Emily G

Verified

August 10, 2023 Stayed at: Hōlua 4, Loop: Hōlua

5

My sister and I hiked into the crater at night with a full moon and it was beautiful! We woke up and felt like we were on Mars. The glow of the morning on the redish mountain rock was incredible. I highly recommend this experience!

John M

Verified

August 3, 2023 Stayed at: Hōlua 1, Loop: Hōlua

5

Nice backcountry campsites and beautiful park.

Roberta H

Verified

July 31, 2023 Stayed at: Hōlua 3, Loop: Hōlua

4

Beautiful stars at night Amazing sunrise.

Location Haleakalā National Park (wilderness Tent Permit)

Address:
Po Box 369
Makawao, HI, 96768
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 20.7399 / -156.218

Elevation: 2131 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
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

General

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.

General

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. 

General

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.

General

Restrictions. NO pets, firearms or wheeled vehicles. NO feeding or harassment of wildlife. NO picking plants, disturbing rocks, building cairns.

General

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.

General

NO Fires. Open fires or gathering firewood is NOT allowed.

General

Wilderness. These campsites are located in federally designated wilderness. There is no cell service accessible within any part of the crater. 

General

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

General

Quiet Hours. Respect other visitors' right to quiet and solitude--quiet hours are 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.

General

Trash. Pack out ALL trash that is brought into the crater. 

General

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.

General

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.

General

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.

General

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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