Map showing campground location near Haleakala National Park, Hawaii

Camper submitted image from Paliku Backcountry Campsite — Haleakalā National Park

Paliku Backcountry Campsite — Haleakalā National Park

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Wildlife viewing draws many campers to Paliku, one of two backcountry campsites in Haleakala's summit district, where native Hawaiian birds inhabit a dense, largely native plant community on the crater's wetter eastern side. Reaching the site requires a hike of roughly 10 miles from the visitor center across 'a'a lava fields. The campsite area features grass-covered ground, dispersed sites along braided paths, picnic tables, and toilets. Water is available on-site but requires filtering. Cold-weather gear is necessary, as temperatures regularly drop below 40°F. Campers exploring campsites near Haleakala National Park will find that Paliku suits fit, self-sufficient backpackers prepared for a full day of hiking with overnight gear.

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Map & DirectionsPaliku Backcountry Campsite is located in Hawaii near Haleakala National Park

Public Campground

Coordinates

20.71761408 N
156.14081482 W

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Access

Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Group
Cabins

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Drinking Water
Toilets

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2 hrs 45 min from Kahului, HI

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Reviews1 Camper Review - Paliku Backcountry Campsite

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5.0

out of 5

1 Review

Bryce K.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 3, 2019

Gorgeous backcountry campground

This was the first place that we camped at on our Hawaii trip and it was by far our favorite. Paliku is one of two backcountry campsites in the Haleakala National Park summit district. Paliku lies along the eastern side of the crater and will take your breath away. The beauty of this campground is even more apparent after hiking through the barren landscape of the lava fields to get here.

After trekking nearly 10 miles from the visitor center to get here, you’ll be welcomed to take your boots off and step on the lush grass that grows all over the campsite, quite the contrast from all of the ‘a’a lava you’ve just been walking through. This rainy side of the crater features rich, thick, and best of all - almost completely native Hawaiian plants and animals. I can’t say that I’ve ever heard more interesting and diverse bird calls in my life that come from vividly colored native Hawaiian birds that live in this unique habitat. Be sure to collect a bird brochure at the visitor center when you pick up your permit to identify some of these unique birds you may never get the chance to see again in your life.

Campsites are tucked away and hidden along braided paths and tall grass of the dispersed camping area. Not one of them has a bad view.

Being so secluded, this backcountry campground takes preparation and work to get to. Campers must be fit enough to hike to and carry gear necessary to stay at this site. Water filters are a necessity as the water here is non-potable. Cold weather clothes and gear are also needed as temperatures often drop to sub-40.