Paliku Backcountry Campsite

## Overview

Located on the island of Maui, Haleakalā National Park maintains three wilderness cabins for visitor use-- Hōlua, Palikū, and Kapalaoa. All cabins are accessible only by trail from the summit area and require you to hike a minimum of 3.7 mi (5.9 km). 

Hōlua Cabin, located at 6,940 ft (2,115 m) is nestled at the base of the crater wall in the shrubland near Koʻolau Gap. This is the cabin reached by the shortest hike. Hōlua is 3.7 mi (6 km) one way down the Halemauʻu trail or 7.4 mi one way (12 km) from the Keoneheʻeheʻe (sliding sands) trailhead. Visitors staying at Hōlua can enjoy day hikes further into the crater. The landscape around Hōlua supports a native shrubland which colonizes the lava flows. A wilderness tent camp area is located nearby.

Palikū Cabin located at 6,380 ft (1,945 m) is on the east end of the wilderness valley at the base of a rain forest cliff. This cabin is reached via a strenuous 9.3 mi (15 km) one way hike on the Keoneheʻeheʻe (sliding sands) Trail or 10.4 mi (17 km) one way hike on the Halemauʻu Trail. Clouds and fog often roll over the top of the cliffs behind Palikū, and rain is common. The extra moisture makes this spot exceptionally cool and lush. A wilderness tent camp area is located nearby.

Kapalaoa Cabin located at 7,250 ft (2,210 m) is perched near the Kaupo Gap on the southern end of the wilderness valley. This cabin is reached via a 5.6 mi (2.7 km) hike via Keoneheʻeheʻe (sliding sands) Trail or 7.2 mi (11.6 km) hike on the Halemauʻu Trail. Kapalaoa is located in a grass field and is not accompanied by a wilderness tent area. 

  
Message of Cultural Sensitivity: Upon entering Haleakalā National Park, you are a guest of the Hawaiian culture, which considers the entire area sacred. Each person should behave as if entering a temple or reverent place in his or her own culture or belief system. The rocks, the plants and even the silence are part of the sacredness and should not be disturbed. For Native Hawaiians, Haleakalā represents an important place within their culture. 

## Recreation

All cabins are wonderful opportunities for night sky viewing in what's considered one of the quietest natural places on earth! Visitors to the crater may even come across native species such as the Nēnē (Hawaiian goose). Please remember to keep your distance from any wildlife and refrain from freeding them. 

While staying in the crater, cabin users have the option to day hike on trail through the crater. Locations to enjoy from Hōlua may be the Silversword loop or the loop around Halaliʻi cinder cone. Locations to enjoy from Palikū may be a loop hike toward Kapalaoa or toward Kaupo Gap and back. Visit https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/maps.htm to plan your day hikes from any cabin. Please stay on designated trails throughout your crater journey and pack out everything with you!

## Facilities

There are no food establishments, stores, showers, or laundry facilities in the park.

One pit toilet is located nearby each visitor cabin. A non-potable water spigot is located outside of the wilderness visitor cabins which is adjacent to the wilderness tent areas (Palikū and Hōlua).

Each of the park’s three wilderness cabins are equipped with 18 lockers; each locker contains three logs and is assigned to each reservation night. Your locker number(s) and combination(s) will be issued by park staff via email from the hale_interpretation@nps.gov account prior to reservation date. Bring a lighter or matches to start the wood and propane stoves. The park cannot guarantee that propane or wood will be available. 

## Natural Features

Cabins are located inside Haleakalā crater and involve a strenuous hike around distinctive cinder cones. Campers should prepare for hot, sunny, cold, wet, and windy conditions as weather can change rapidly. There is no shade or water on the crater floor, and temperatures can vary from 40-70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 30-50 degrees Fahrenheit at night, so pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and layers. If it is stormy, winds can exceed 80 miles per hour with temperatures dropping well below freezing. 

Hiking trails may be steep. Terrain may include loose cinders and/or rocks. Change in altitude can be from a high of 9,780ft to a low of 6,380ft. Due to the soft sandy nature of the trails, plan on spending twice as much time to hike out as to hike in. 

## contact_info

For facility specific information, please call (808) 572-4400. 

## Nearby Attractions

Visitor cabins are located near the wilderness tent areas. A wilderness tent permit does not grant access to any wilderness cabin within the crater and vice versa. Wilderness tent sites can be reserved through rec.gov.

## Charges & Cancellations

Reservations are non-transferable.

1) Cancellations prior to 21 days---$10.00 charge + partial refund  
2) Cancellations within 20 days of arrival---No refund  
3) $10.00 change fee per reservation night prior to 7 days. No changes within 7 days (not counting arrival day)

Haleakala National Park (cabin Permits)

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 - Haleakala National Park - Maui

Haleakalā Volcano, on the Hawaiian island of Maui, is a massive shield volcano that rises more than 10,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean, and makes up more than 75% of the island’s land mass. Its name, Haleakalā, is Hawaiian for “House of the Sun,” and is steeped in Hawaiian legend. More modern references attribute it to the spectacular sunrises observed from the rim of the summit crater. In an effort to preserve and protect the volcano’s spectacular summit crater, as well as the Kipahulu Valley rainforest on the volcano’s eastern slope, Haleakalā National Park was established in 1961. The majority of visitors to the park drive the long, winding road to the summit viewpoints and visitor center. The small number of adventurers who descend into the crater can explore an otherworldly landscape of colorful cinder cones, lava flows and other volcanic features.   

For those interested in a little primitive camping on the flank of this sleeping giant, the Hosmer Grove Campground provides close access to the summit’s viewing areas and hiking trails. The campground is located partway up the mountain, just 0.5 mile past the park’s entrance station. From Kahului, it’s only about 28 miles, but the winding road makes the drive pretty slow. Hosmer Grove offers 10 campsites in a large, grassy area surrounded by foreign and native woods. Campsites have picnic tables and cooking grills, and vault toilets are available. Campfires are not permitted, but contained camp stoves are allowed. The campground is situated at 7,000 feet above sea level, right in Haleakalā’s “cloud belt,” so it’s often cool and foggy, and overnight temps can plummet below freezing. Free camping is first-come, first-served, with a three-night limit..  

Taking in Haleakalā’s summit sunrise show requires making a long, slow, winding drive up the mountain in the blackness of night to reach the viewing areas before sunrise. In efforts to alleviate road and parking congestion at the summit, the national park has implemented a permit requirement to access the viewing areas. These can be obtained up to 60 days in advance from the recreation.gov website. Permits are only required for driving up the mountain between 3am and 7am. Dress warmly, as it is cold on the summit rim. Hikers will find more than 30 miles of trails that journey down into the crater for exploring its many features. There is no shade or water on the crater floor, and temperatures can vary significantly, so pack along plenty of water and sunscreen. Also, due to the soft, sandy nature of the trails, plan on spending twice as much time to hike out as to hike in.


Hosmer Grove  - Haleakala National Park

This area offers one drive-up campground. Campers are advised that Kīpahulu is wet, remote, and far from most amenities. Come prepared - bring water, food, and a tent. There is no water available, but shared grills, picnic tables and pit-toilets are provided. Permits are not required, but campers must pay the $20 park entry fee. Camping is limited to 3 nights in any 30-day period.

The Kīpahulu campground is about 1/8 mile (.2km) south of the Kīpahulu Visitor Center. It overlooks ocean cliffs and is a short walk from ʻOheʻo Gulch. In the evenings, the sound of the ocean waves makes this a peaceful place. The campground has picnic tables, BBQ grills, and pit toilets. No water is available at Kīpahulu Campground; However, drinking water is available at the Kīpahulu Visitor Center restrooms. There are two general stores in the nearby town of Hāna (10 miles[16km] away) where you can purchase water and basic food supplies. Be prepared for rain, harsh sun, and mosquitoes.

Kīpahulu Campground

When it comes to camping locations in paradise, Waianapanapa State Park remains an unspoiled gem.  Low, volcanic cliffs envelop the sparkling black sand lagoon below. Located at the end of Waiʻanapanapa Road off Hana Highway, this park offers a wide range of scenic views, tropical hikes, and tons of unique recreation opportunities. Those looking for solitude and respite from the day-to-day grind of modern life are sure to enjoy this secluded campground. 

Waianapanapa is unique in that it’s one of the few places where you can enjoy dark, volcanic sand beaches. Even cooler, throughout the year the various tide pools throughout turn a deep shade of maroon-red. Scientists attribute this to the shrimp colonies that visit throughout the year. However, locals say it’s a due to a haunting from the blood of Popoaleae, a mythical princess who was killed by her husband Chief Kaakea in a cave nearby. We’ll let you decide what you want to believe. 

The campsites here are spacious enough to accomodate any tent or van dweller, but RVers aren’t going to find much accomodation here. The campground includes bathrooms, drinking water, an outdoor beach shower, fire pits, and tons of hikes nearby. In addition, the park grants access to shore fishing, snorkelling and scuba destinations nearby. Waianapanapa is also known for it’s natural blow-holes scattered through the park, and its world-class sea-bird watching.

Waianapanapa State Park is massive, featuring over 122 acres of unspoiled volcanic terrain. However, parking is limited and the campground itself is on the small side. If you’re looking to camp here, reservations must be made at least 3 days prior to your check-in date. For HI residents, fees are $12 per night for up to 6 people, and $2 per night for every person thereafter. If you’re not a resident, fees are $18/night, with an addition charge of $3 per additional camper. Additionally, the park also offers Cabins on reservation at $60/night for residents, and $90/night for visitors. That being said, if you’re planning on camping in a cabin be aware there is a 2 day minimum. If you’re the type to procrastinate, definitely take care of your reservations in advance as they are strict about permitting here. 

Waiʻanapanapa State Park

Camping and lodging (one cabin) within the fog belt of the Kula Forest Reserve at 6200 foot elevation. Extensive trail system in the forest reserve, including through a forest reminiscent of the conifer forests of the Pacific Northwest coast.

Sweeping views of Central and West Maui, Kahoʻolawe, Molokaʻi and Lanaʻi in clear weather.

Pig and seasonal bird hunting. Hikers should wear bright colored clothing – hunters may be in the area. Nights are generally cold; winter nights frequently have below freezing temperatures. No campground showers. (10.0 acres).  PLEASE NOTE:  The Polipoli Cabin cannot be reserved through our online system.  Visitors must walk-in or call the Maui District office for reservations.

Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area Camping

Sacred Garden Retreat

Kanaha Beach Park

Maui Hawaii County Park Kanaha Beach Campground

Papalaua Wayside Park

National Park

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.

Paliku Backcountry Campsite

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