Haleakalā National Park Wilderness Tent Permit

About

Haleakalā National Park offers two primitive wilderness tent camping areas accessible only by trail within the crater. Hōlua, at 6,940 ft, is the closer option reached via a 3.7-mile hike down the Halemauʻu Trail or 7.4 miles from the Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) trailhead. The landscape supports native shrubland colonizing ancient lava flows. Palikū sits at 6,380 ft on the east end of the wilderness valley beneath a rainforest cliff, requiring a strenuous 9.3-mile hike on Sliding Sands or 10.4 miles via Halemauʻu. Both tent areas have pit toilets and non-potable water from rainwater catchment tanks that must be filtered or treated before drinking. There are no fire rings, tables, or other amenities. Open fires and firewood gathering are prohibited. All trash must be packed out. Pets are not allowed on any trails. Campers should prepare for temperatures ranging from 30-70°F, with potential for high winds exceeding 80 mph and freezing conditions during storms. Reservations are required through Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance. Each location has 4 individual sites (5 people, 2 tents max) and 1 group site (10 people, 4 tents max). Maximum stay is 3 consecutive nights and 3 nights total per 30-day period across all park campsites. Park entry before 7 am requires a separate sunrise reservation. Campers must watch the park's Leave No Trace video and carry a printed permit at all times.

Directions

From Kahului, take Hana Highway (SR36) 2.0 miles, turn right onto Haleakalā Highway (SR37) for 7.8 miles, left onto SR377 for 6 miles, left onto Crater Road for 11 miles to the park entrance. The Halemauʻu Trailhead is 3 switchbacks past Headquarters Visitor Center on the left. The Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trailhead is at the summit parking lot, 11 miles beyond the entrance station.