Hawaii / Maui County / Haleakalā National Park / Haleakalā Wilderness

Haleakalā National Park Wilderness Tent Permit

Open — Open year-round for advance reservations through Recreation.gov. Backcountry users must enter the park no earlier than 7:00 a.m. unless they have obtained a separate sunrise reservation for 3:00-7:00 a.m. access. Limited to three nights maximum per month in the wilderness, with no more than two consecutive nights at any site.

About

Haleakalā National Park's wilderness tent camping provides an extraordinary backcountry experience within one of the world's quietest natural environments. Two primitive tent areas, Hōlua and Palikū, are accessible only by challenging trails that descend into the volcanic crater from trailheads at 7,000-10,000 feet elevation. Hōlua, the closer option, sits at 6,940 feet in native shrubland near Koʻolau Gap. Reach it via a 3.7-mile descent on the Halemauʻu Trail or a 7.4-mile trek from the Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trailhead. The landscape here showcases native plants colonizing ancient lava flows, with day hiking opportunities including the Silversword Loop and Halaliʻi cinder cone. Palikū occupies a dramatically different environment at 6,380 feet on the crater's eastern end, where clouds and fog roll over rain forest cliffs and moisture creates lush, cool conditions. This remote site requires a strenuous 9.3-mile one-way hike via Sliding Sands or 10.4 miles via Halemauʻu Trail. Both locations offer exceptional night sky viewing and potential wildlife encounters with nēnē (Hawaiian geese). The crater floor lacks shade and water sources, while terrain includes loose cinders, steep grades, and soft sandy trails that can double your exit time. Weather extremes are common, with temperatures ranging from 30-50°F at night to 40-70°F during the day, and storm conditions can bring winds exceeding 80 mph with below-freezing temperatures. Campers must be self-sufficient, carrying adequate water, sun protection, and layers for all conditions. Each person is limited to three nights maximum per month in the wilderness, with no more than two consecutive nights at any single site.

Directions

From Kahului, take Hana Highway (SR36) 2 miles toward Hana. Turn right onto Haleakalā Highway (SR37) for 7.8 miles, then left onto State Highway 377 for 6 miles. Turn left onto Crater Road and continue 11.1 miles to the park entrance station. For Halemauʻu Trailhead, turn left at the first pull-off after Headquarters Visitor Center (3 switchbacks past entrance). For Keoneheʻeheʻe Trailhead, continue 11 miles up switchbacks to Haleakalā Visitor Center parking lot; trailhead is on the right.

Nearby Campgrounds