Wilderness Camping

There are two primitive wilderness campsites, at Palikū and Hōlua, which are accessible only by trail. Permits are required for overnight camping at these sites. Camping permits are free, require photo identification and an 8-minute orientation, and can be obtained at the Headquarters Visitor Center by 3:00pm up to one day in advance. Campsite space is available on a first-come, first-served basis for the general public. Special accommodation is made for educational groups and civic groups which may reserve camping 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.
  
• Hōlua and Palikū campsites have a maximum limit of 25 people each with a 12-person group limit. Groups larger than 12 may not split into smaller groups and utilize the wilderness at the same time. Larger groups MAY split into smaller groups with 12 in the wilderness, 12 at Hosmer, and 12 at Kīpahulu.
  
• Hōlua and Palikū 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.

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

Palikū Campsite
At 6,380 feet (1,945m), Palikū 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 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.

Also Available
Drive-up car camping available in both the summit and the Kīpahulu areas of the park and Wilderness Cabins are available up to 90-days in advance by online reservation.