There are two primitive wilderness tent camping areas which are accessible only by trail, Hōlua and Palikū. Reservations are required for both campsites through www.recreation.gov. The reservation system is live as of April 22, 2021 at 7 am HST.

Each single campsite allows a maximum of five people and two tents.
Group campsites allow for a maximum of ten people.
Hōlua and Palikū campsites have pit toilets and seasonally non-potable water available nearby. The water must be filtered or treated before drinking. In times of drought, all water must be carried in.
Horses, mules, and donkeys are permitted as pack animals on the Keoneheʻeheʻe Trail, Halemauʻu Trail, and Supply Trail. All waste produced by pack animals must be removed from parking areas and trailheads. No group may have more than 12 pack animals. Riders, commerical operators, and owners are responsible for the removal of dead or injured stock within 72 hours. Pets of any other kind are prohibited on all trails.

Holua Primitive Wilderness Campsite — Haleakalā National Park

Holua is one of two dispersed backcountry camping sites within the crater district of Haleakala National Park. A backcountry camping permit must be obtained from the visitor center to stay at Holua. Depending on where you start, it is a 4-6 mile hike into the site. Dispersed campsites are a 3 minute hike up the trail to the left as you arrive to the Holua cabin and located throughout the flat land next to the horse stables. The scenery here is absolutely stunning! Abutted next to the west-facing side of the crater wall, the magnificent color contrasts in the crater are on display at this campsite. We were lucky to be the only ones camping here. It was amazing to experience the ruggedness and purity of this beautiful part of Maui, untouched by society. 

Things to note: as with all of the backcountry campsites and cabins of Haleakala, a water filter is necessary to filter the non-potable water. Bring layers and warm rated sleeping bags as it will easily get down to sub 40’s at night. And of course sun protection during the day. 

A stunning and secluded backcountry campsite 

Had an amazing time hiking into the crater!  When we got to the camp sites we were the only people camping.   The camp sites offer tons of privacy  and it really feels like your group is the only people in the crater.  The views are magnificent and the temperatures are perfect for a good night of snuggles under the stars.  Another plus is you don't need to worry about very many poisonous or dangerous animals just some friendly nene (people must feed them despite the signs saying not to).   There is also a water source and an outhouse neer the campsites.  The water does need to be filtered though. Best part about it is if you are exploring Maui you are guaranteed to escape the huge crowds of tourists ruining the peaceful views with selfie sticks and kids screaming .

Quiet and untouched by tourism 

We hiked through here on a day hike through the crater, and stopped here to rest and chat with some campers. The campground has one cabin available to reserve online (but reservations fill up fast) and then a grassy area to camp with a tent in. The guys we talked to said it was constantly raining the night before, so they camped in a small lava cave near the campground. It was a beautiful area of the crater to be in - truly 'in the clouds' - but it was misting the whole time we were there and I'm not sure I'd want to spend a night there if it was in a tent. The cabin seemed well maintained. There's an outhouse/toilet there, as well as water that must be treated/filtered. It was about 6-7 miles in, starting from the Sliding Sands Trail, or about 4 miles from Halemau'u Trailhead.

beautiful but rainy campground in the clouds

Unreal! It’s like your on the moon. O! Watch for a NeNe, this bird is very rare and lives on at the top of this mountain . Beware the road it going up is all twists and turns. Be careful if you get carsick or are severely hungover 🤢