Wilderness Tent Sites
The Quick Take
Sleeping inside a volcanic crater at ten thousand feet is not something most campgrounds can offer, but Haleakala's two wilderness tent areas — Holua and Paliku — deliver exactly that. These are backcountry sites in the truest sense: no running water, no toilets worth mentioning, and a hike of four to nearly ten miles just to reach your spot. With only ten sites split between two locations, you are essentially sharing a martian landscape with a handful of other people who were committed enough to carry everything on their backs. Holua sits in the arid, exposed crater floor with sweeping views of cinder cones, while Paliku tucks against the lush eastern wall where clouds roll in and the vegetation turns unexpectedly green. The thirty-dollar fee feels steep for what amounts to a patch of volcanic dirt, but you are paying for solitude most people only see from the summit overlook. This is for experienced backpackers who want a night they will genuinely never forget.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 10 sites are reservable.
Book at Haleakalā LodgesWhat You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. No electrical hookups.
Accessibility
Accessible restrooms available. No wheelchair accessibility. No Roads
Pro Tips
Paliku books up faster because of its sheltered location and greener scenery, but Holua offers better sunset and sunrise views from inside the crater — if you want the iconic Haleakala light show from your tent, choose Holua and book at least two weeks ahead on recreation.gov.
The Halemau'u Trailhead route to Holua is about four miles with a steep descent of roughly 1,400 feet through switchbacks — manageable for most fit hikers, but remember you have to climb back out. Start early to avoid afternoon clouds that roll into the crater.
There is no potable water at either site, so pack at least four liters per person per day. Temperatures inside the crater can swing forty degrees between afternoon and predawn, so bring layers rated for near-freezing even in summer — many first-timers underpack for warmth and regret it by midnight.
Photos
NPS Photo
NPS Photo
NPS PhotoGetting There
Directions
Palikū and Hōlua Wilderness tent sites can be accessed from the Halemauʻu Trailhead (about 10 minutes from the entrance) or the Keoneheʻeheʻe Trailhead (about 30 minutes from the entrance).
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