Wilderness Tent Sites
Open year-round with required reservations through Recreation.gov. There is no potable water at either wilderness tent area; non-potable water spigots are seasonally available but not guaranteed, so pack all the water you need. The Hōlua area has been experiencing particularly dry conditions. Overnight stays limited to 3 nights total per 30-day period.
Fire Ban in Hosmer Campground
Due to severe fire danger, all open fires (including grills) are banned in Hosmer Campground until further notice.
Expect Long Waits at the Summit Entrance Station Before Sunset
Due to a high volume of traffic, cars may be temporarily turned around at the gate when capacity is reached. Purchasing a pass online does not guarantee entry at sunset. To ensure timely access, arrive 3 hours before sunset.
No Water in the Hōlua Area
As of August 8, 2025, there is NO water in the Hōlua area (Patrol and Visitor Cabins). This is the result of an extremely dry summer season. All backcountry travelers should plan to pack in all needed water when traveling through the Hōlua Area.
Hosmer Grove Water Fountain
As of August 15, 2025, the water fountain at Hosmer Grove is offline. There is potable water available at the spigots in the campground area.
Paving on Crater Road (Route 378)
Paving has begun on the road to the Summit District. Work will be done in sections between Mile Post 0 in Kula and Haleakalā entrance through October. Expect delays and leave extra time Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Drive Cautiously - Endangered Birds on Roadway
Nēnē (Hawaiian geese) and ʻuaʻu (Hawaiian petrel) are nesting in the park and may land on or frequent park roads, parking lots, and road leading up to the park. Drivers are reminded to drive at the posted speed limits and exercise caution.
About
The Wilderness Tent Sites at Haleakalā National Park provide a true backcountry experience inside one of the world's largest volcanic craters. Two primitive camping areas are available: Hōlua, situated at 6,940 feet in the shrubland near Koʻolau Gap, and Palikū, located at 6,380 feet on the eastern edge of the crater near the base of a rainforest cliff where clouds and fog frequently roll over the cliffs and rain is common. Hōlua is the more accessible of the two, reached via a 3.7-mile hike down the Halemauʻu Trail or 7.4 miles from the Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trailhead. Palikū requires a strenuous 9.3-mile one-way hike on the Keoneheʻeheʻe Trail or 10.4 miles via Halemauʻu Trail. Both areas have pit toilets and seasonally available non-potable water spigots, though water must be filtered or treated and is not guaranteed. Weather in the crater is unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from 40-70°F during the day and 30-50°F at night. Storms can bring winds exceeding 80 mph and temperatures well below freezing. No fires are permitted; campers must use backpacking stoves. Pets are prohibited on all trails. Overnight stays are limited to three consecutive nights and three nights total within any 30-day period across all park camping areas.
Directions
Palikū and Hōlua Wilderness tent sites are accessed from the Halemauʻu Trailhead (about 10 minutes from the park entrance) or the Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trailhead (about 30 minutes from the entrance). Hōlua is 3.7 miles via Halemauʻu Trail or 7.4 miles from Keoneheʻeheʻe. Palikū is 9.3 miles via Keoneheʻeheʻe or 10.4 miles via Halemauʻu.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $8 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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