Hawaii / Maui County / Haleakalā National Park / Haleakalā Wilderness

Wilderness Cabins

Open — Open year-round with advance reservations required through Recreation.gov. There is no water at Hōlua Cabin due to extremely dry conditions. Palikū and Kapalaoa have non-potable water that must be treated. Limited to 3 nights total for all park areas in a 30-day period.

About

Located deep within Haleakalā Crater on Maui, these three wilderness cabins provide unique backcountry lodging in one of Hawaii's most remote and sacred landscapes. Hōlua Cabin sits at 6,940 feet in native shrubland near Koʻolau Gap (3.7 miles from the nearest trailhead), Kapalaoa Cabin perches at 7,250 feet near Kaupō Gap (5.6 miles), and Palikū Cabin rests at 6,380 feet beneath lush rainforest cliffs on the crater's east end (9.3 miles). Each cabin accommodates up to 12 guests in padded bunks and features both wood-burning and propane stoves. The park provides three logs per reservation night in coded lockers. Campers must be prepared for extreme weather variability, with daytime temperatures ranging from 40-70°F and nighttime lows of 30-50°F. Winds can exceed 80 mph during storms. The hiking terrain includes loose cinders, steep grades, and significant elevation changes. Due to soft sandy trails, plan twice as long for the hike out as the hike in. These cabins offer unparalleled opportunities for stargazing, wildlife viewing (including nēnē), and experiencing profound natural quiet in a landscape held sacred by Native Hawaiian culture.

Directions

Cabins are accessed by trail only from the Summit District of Haleakalā National Park. From Kahului, take Hana Highway (SR36) for 2.0 miles, turn right onto Haleakalā Highway (SR37) for 7.8 miles, turn left onto SR377 for 6 miles, then left onto Crater Road. The park entrance is 9.9 miles up Crater Road. Trailheads are located at Halemauʻu (10 minutes from entrance) or Keoneheʻeheʻe/Sliding Sands (30 minutes from entrance, near the summit at 9,780 feet).

Nearby Campgrounds