"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."
-Henry David Thoreau

A lone tent at Holua campsite. NPS Photo.There are two primitive wilderness campsites, at Paliku and Holua, which are accessible only by trail. Permits are required for overnight camping at these sites. Camping permits are free, require a 10-minute orientation, and can be obtained at any Visitor Center.

  • Campsite space is available on a first-come, first-served basis for the general public. Special accommodation is made for educational groups and boy-scout groups which may reserve space up to 6 months in advance.

  • Each person is limited to a maximum of 3 nights per 30 day period in the wilderness campsites with no more than 2 nights at any one site.

  • Holua and Paliku campsites have a maximum limit of 25 people each with a 12-person group limit.

  • Holua and Paliku campsites have pit toilets and water available nearby. The water is non-potable and must be filtered or treated before drinking. In times of drought all water must be carried in.

  • Please look over our suggested packing list for a wilderness camping adventure.

  • Trail maps are available by mail or online.

Holua Campsite
Holua, the wilderness campsite reached by the shortest hike, lies at 6,940 feet (2,115 meters) in the shrubland near Koolau Gap. Holua is 3.7 miles (6km) down the Halemauu Trail or 7.4 miles (12km) from the Sliding Sand Trailhead. Visitors staying at Holua can enjoy day hikes into the central Wilderness Area. The landscape around Holua supports a native shrubland which colonizes the lava flows.

Paliku Campsite
At 6,380 feet (1,945 meters), Paliku is on the east end of the wilderness valley at the base of a rain forest cliff. The campsite is reached via a strenuous 9.3 mile (15km) hike on the Sliding Sands Trail or 10.4 (17km) on Halemauu Trail. Clouds and fog often roll over the top of the cliffs behind Paliku, and rain is common. The extra moisture makes this spot exceptionally cool and lush.

Also Available
Drive-up car camping available in both the summit and the Kipahulu areas of the park.

Visiting the Haleakala Wilderness is a wonderful opportunity to see native Hawaiian wildlife. Nene (Hawaiian goose) are often see at both campsites. For the well-being of the animals please enjoy watching wildlife from a distance.