Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits) Campground, Maui

Campgrounds in Hawaii

Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits)

Photo: JeanTessmer / CC BY 3.0

Campgrounds 6,712 ft Bortle 1 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)
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). Backcountry users must plan to enter the park entrance for their stay no earlier than 7 am unless they have also obtained a sunrise reservation granting access to the park between 3 and 7 am. Sunrise reservations can be made on recreation.gov.  Horses, mules, and donkeys are permitted as pack animals on the Keoneheʻeheʻe Trail, Halemauʻu Trail, and Supply Trail. If planning to travel by pack animal--please notify park staff upon making reservation. All waste produced by pack animals must be removed from parking areas and trailheads. No group may have more than 12 pack animals. Riders, commercial 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. 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 Kaupō 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 feeding 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. Extra wood logs are available for purchase at the park store.  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 14 days---$10.00 charge + partial refund 2) Cancellations within 14 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)

Near Hana, HI in Hawaii

What to Pack for Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits) Campground, Maui

Being properly equipped turns potential hazards into manageable situations.

This packing list is tailored to the Tropical environment and variable conditions at Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits).

Essential

  • Water (minimum 2L) — Dehydration impairs judgment and endurance long before you feel thirsty; 2L is the minimum for a moderate day hike.
  • Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Phone batteries die, cell service disappears, and trail signs get vandalized; a paper map and compass always work.
  • Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — UV exposure intensifies at elevation and near reflective surfaces like water and snow; sunburn can happen in under 30 minutes.
  • First aid kit — Blisters, cuts, and sprains happen on even the easiest trails; basic supplies let you treat problems before they force a retreat.
  • Extra food — A wrong turn or unexpected storm can extend any outing by hours; extra calories prevent fatigue and poor decision-making.
  • Headlamp with extra batteries — Trails that seem short in daylight can take twice as long with route-finding or elevation; a headlamp keeps you moving safely after dark.
  • Fire starter — Hypothermia can set in even during summer at higher elevations; a reliable fire starter provides warmth and a signal for rescuers.
  • Emergency shelter (space blanket) — A space blanket weighs under two ounces and reflects up to 90% of body heat, buying time in an unplanned overnight.
  • Knife or multi-tool — From cutting cord to preparing food to improvising gear repairs, a knife is the most versatile tool you can carry.
  • Extra clothing layer — Mountain weather can shift from sunshine to sleet within an hour; an extra layer prevents dangerous heat loss.

Terrain Gear

  • SPF50 lip balm — Lips lack melanin and burn faster than other skin; cracked, sunburned lips at altitude are painful and slow to heal.

Seasonal Gear

  • Winter: Microspikes/traction devices

Activities & Best Time to Visit Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits) Campground, Maui

The Tropical terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

The terrain here lends itself to backpacking, camping, glamping — activities that match the Tropical environment.

Photographers rate this area 35/100, with Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 1 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.

Activities

  • backpacking — Carry your gear into the backcountry for multi-day hiking adventures.
  • camping — Spend the night outdoors in a tent or campsite under open skies.
  • glamping — Enjoy nature with upgraded comforts like furnished tents or cabins.
  • horseback_riding — Explore trails and open landscapes from the saddle.
  • ice_fishing — Drill through frozen lakes to fish beneath the ice during winter.
  • ice_skating — Glide across frozen ponds or maintained outdoor rinks during winter months.
  • picnicking — Spread a blanket, unpack a meal, and enjoy food outdoors surrounded by fresh air and open views.
  • rv_camping — Travel with the comforts of home while staying in campgrounds or RV parks.
  • stargazing — Far from city lights, the night sky reveals constellations, planets, and meteor showers.
  • walking — A simple way to explore trails, shorelines, and park paths at your own pace while taking in the scenery.
  • wildlife_viewing — Observe animals in their natural habitats, from grazing deer to soaring raptors overhead.

Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Tropical — Tropical terrain features lush vegetation, high humidity, and year-round warmth.

Nature & Wildlife at Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits) Campground, Maui

The Tropical terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

The natural world around Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits) reflects its Tropical setting — thatch screwpine and African tulip tree overhead, fragrant evening-primrose at your feet, and wildlife throughout.

Trees (2)

  • thatch screwpine
    thatch screwpine — Large fruiting structures resemble segmented spheres.
  • African tulip tree
    African tulip tree — It thrives in frost-free climates.

Wildflowers (1)

  • fragrant evening-primrose
    fragrant evening-primrose — Large pale yellow four-petaled flowers.

Other Plants (5)

  • 'Āhinahina
  • Pūkiawe
  • Kūpaoa
  • 'ohelo 'ai
  • Māmane

Mammals (2)

  • Small Indian Mongoose
    Small Indian Mongoose — A slender brown mammal with pointed snout and long tail.
  • Domestic Cat
    Domestic Cat — A small carnivorous mammal with wide variation in coat color and pattern.

Birds (30)

  • Red-footed Booby
    Red-footed Booby — White morph with black wings
  • Zebra Dove
    Zebra Dove — Brown with barred neck pattern
  • Orange-cheeked Waxbill
    Orange-cheeked Waxbill — Small gray body
  • Brown Booby
    Brown Booby — Brown upperparts
  • Red-billed Leiothrix
    Red-billed Leiothrix — Olive-green body

Reptiles (7)

  • Green Sea Turtle
    Green Sea Turtle — A large marine turtle with smooth olive-brown shell and paddle-like flippers.
  • Gold Dust Day Gecko
    Gold Dust Day Gecko — A bright green gecko with blue and gold speckling on the back.
  • Brown Anole
    Brown Anole — A small brown lizard with subtle darker patterning and a long tail.
  • Jackson's Chameleon
    Jackson's Chameleon — A bright green lizard with independently moving eyes and grasping tail.
  • Mourning Gecko
    Mourning Gecko — A small smooth-skinned gecko with mottled brown coloration.

Amphibians (1)

  • Cane Toad
    Cane Toad

Insects (3)

  • Monarch
    Monarch
  • Western Honey Bee
    Western Honey Bee
  • Gulf Fritillary
    Gulf Fritillary

Other Wildlife (15)

  • Hawaiian Garden Spider
  • Thin-shelled Rock Crab
  • African Giant Snail
  • Shingle Urchin
  • Indo-Pacific Rock-boring Urchin

Nature Bingo at Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits) Campground, Maui

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Botany Challenge

Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits) Campground, Maui Trip Planning & Access

Here's the practical side of visiting Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits).

Whether it's a day trip or weekend getaway from San Jose, here's what visiting Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits) involves.

Nearest city: San Jose (2350 mi)
Estimated fuel cost: $587.38 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)
Carbon footprint: 1898.4 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

This location rates likely_allowed for dogs, excellent for families, and highly_suitable for elderly visitors.

  • Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
  • Families: excellent
  • Elderly: highly_suitable
  • Strollers: excellent (100/100)
  • Beginners: Perfect for beginners (Moderate difficulty (+5), Good information available (+5))
  • Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Campground Details

  • Reservable

Places Near Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits) Campground, Maui

The area around Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits) has plenty more to offer.

The proximity of 15 other outdoor spots makes this area ideal for multi-day exploration.

Stargazing & Night Sky at Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits) Campground, Maui

After a day outdoors, the evening sky here is worth a look.

Under the Bortle class 1 skies at Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits), you can expect to see 1 major constellations and constellations and bright planets.

Bortle 1 Excellent dark-sky site

Constellations

From Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits), you can trace Ursa Minor across the sky on clear nights.

  • Ursa Minor
    Ursa Minor — Home to Polaris, the North Star, Ursa Minor forms a small dipper shape that circles the northern sky year-round.

Meteor Showers

Time your visit around December 13-14 for the Geminids, the strongest meteor shower visible from this latitude.

  • Geminids
    Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)

    One of the most reliable and active showers of the year; best viewed after 10 PM when Gemini rises higher in the sky.

  • Quadrantids
    Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (good)

    This brief but intense shower peaks before dawn; early morning hours offer the best chance to see multiple meteors.

  • Perseids
    Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (good)

    A summer favorite with warm nighttime viewing; look northeast after 10 PM.

  • Eta Aquariids
    Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)

    Best seen before dawn in the southeastern sky as Aquarius rises.

  • Delta Aquariids
    Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (good)

    Best viewed after midnight when Aquarius is higher in the southern sky.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

  • Venus
    Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
  • Jupiter
    Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
  • Saturn
    Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
  • Mars
    Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

  • Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
  • Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
  • Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

  • Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
  • Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
  • Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
  • Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
  • Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
  • Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

  • Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
  • Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits) Campground, Maui

The time of year you visit changes what you'll see and do.

Knowing what each season brings helps you plan the best possible visit to Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits).

Indigenous Land at Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits) Campground, Maui

Before planning your trip, it's worth recognizing the Indigenous peoples connected to this land.

For thousands of years, this land has been cared for by Nā moku ʻehā and their ancestors.

Territories

Languages

Indigenous languages connected to this territory include ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Hoailona ʻŌlelo o Hawaiʻi (Hawai’i Sign Language).

Data from Native Land Digital

Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits) Campground, Maui Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits) sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Endangered Species

Species at Risk
1780
ESA Endangered
149
ESA Threatened
2
Conservation Score
100/100

Temperature Records

Record High
132°F (2015-02-15)
Record Low
43°F (1906-03-09)

Watershed

Watershed
Maalaea Bay-Pacific Ocean

Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits) Campground, Maui Safety & Conditions

The weather data above tells you what's typical — these links tell you what's happening right now.

Safety starts with current information. These resources cover real-time conditions near Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits).

Coordinates: 20.709722, -156.164444

Packing List Star Guide ↑ Top
Haleakalā National Park (cabin Permits)
Hawaii · 6,712 ft · Campgrounds · 20.7097°N, -156.1644°W

Emergency Information

In case of emergency: Call 911

Nearest town: Hana, HI