• Cindercones dot the landscape in the Wilderness Area

    Haleakalā

    National Park Hawai'i

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • Water shortage at summit

    The visitor center nearest the summit is very low on water. Please use the toilets at Headquarters Visitor Center near the park entrance if possible.

  • Drive cautiously - Endangered birds land on roadway

    Nene (Hawaiian geese) and 'ua'u (Hawaiian petrels) are nesting in the park and may land on or frequent park roads and parking lots. Drivers are reminded to drive at the posted speed limits and exercise caution.

  • Construction Traffic - May 20

    On May 20, from 6:30am to 11:00am, construction trucks will be using the park road. The road will remain open to staff and visitors.

  • Summit District Parking Lot Rehabilitation In Progress

    During construction, parking spaces at Haleakala Visitor Center (near the summit) will be reduced by at least 50%. Construction is scheduled for May 22 through June 6. Visitors and tour operators may experience delays. More »

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 on the day you begin your trip. 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.

  • Wilderness Cabins Wilderness Cabins

    Fees and Reservations Read More

Did You Know?

Photograph of a seagulls white face with yellow bill

Haleakalā National Park has more endangered species than any other park in the NPS, including species that are listed as endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service but not native to the park.