Wilderness Cabins
The Quick Take
These are not campgrounds in any traditional sense -- they are three rustic cabins scattered across the volcanic crater of Haleakala, each requiring a serious hike just to reach the front door. Holua is the closest at nearly four miles in, Kapalaoa sits deeper in the crater's heart, and Paliku is a full-day trek to the far eastern wall where the landscape turns surprisingly green. Each cabin sleeps a small group and comes with a wood-burning stove, bunks, and essentially nothing else. There is no potable water, no electricity, and no cell service. At thirty dollars a night, you are paying for the privilege of sleeping inside a volcanic crater that most visitors only glimpse from the summit overlook. This is for experienced backcountry hikers who want to wake up at ten thousand feet in one of the most otherworldly landscapes in the national park system.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 3 sites are reservable.
Book at Haleakalā LodgesWhat You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. No electrical hookups.
Accessibility
Accessible restrooms available. No wheelchair access. No Roads
Pro Tips
Only three cabins exist in the entire crater, and they book out fast on recreation.gov -- set alerts and check frequently for cancellations, especially for weekend slots. The lottery-style demand means flexibility on dates is your biggest advantage.
Paliku cabin sits on the wet side of the crater and gets significantly more rain than Holua or Kapalaoa. If you want the classic Mars-like volcanic landscape, book Holua or Kapalaoa. If you want lush greenery and the chance to see nene geese wandering past your door, Paliku is the pick.
Pack in every drop of water you will need -- there is no treated water at any cabin. Plan for at least four liters per person per day, more if you are hiking between cabins. A good water filter is essential as a backup since rainfall collection is unreliable, and temperatures inside the crater swing wildly from scorching midday sun to near-freezing nights.
Photos
NPS Photo
NPS Photo
NPS PhotoGetting There
Directions
Kapalaoa, Palikū, and Hōlua cabins are located in designated Wilderness. To reach the cabins, you must hike a minimum of 3.7 miles (5.9km) to Hōlua, 5.5 miles (8.9km) to Kapalaoa, and 9.3 miles (15km) to Palikū. All sites are located in the crater of Haleakalā and are accessible from either the Halemauʻu Trailhead (10 minute drive from entrance to the park) or the Keoneheʻeheʻe Trailhead (30 minute drive from entrance to the park).
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