Haleakala National Park

Haleakala National Park Photo Gallery

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Haleakala National Park encompasses the upper slopes of the volcano, with its subalpine cinder desert and rainforest areas, and stretches down the southeast flank to the Kipahulu coastline. Overnight facilities include two drive-in campgrounds, two wilderness campgrounds, and three wilderness cabins. The drive-in campgrounds are located at Hosmer Grove at 6,800 feet near Park Headquarters and on the coast in Kipahulu, 40 minutes south of Hana. Accessible only by trail are two primitive wilderness campgrounds at Paliku and Holua, and three primitive cabins at Paliku, Kapalaoa, and Holua, which were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

The wilderness area of Haleakala National Park is ecologically fragile. Paliku, located at the base of a rainforest cliff, is reached via a strenuous ten-mile hike. Kapalaoa is isolated in the cinder desert, six miles down the Sliding Sands Trail. Holua, the most accessible site, sits in a shrubland at the top of Ko'olau Gap, four miles down the Halemau'u Trail. Kipahulu Valley is a Scientific Reserve and is closed to public entry above 1,000 feet elevation. Temperatures often drop into the 30s at night; daytime highs may range 40 to 70 degrees F. Freezing rain, dense cloud cover, and high winds are common any month of the year, but especially in the winter and spring.

Campgrounds

Hosmer Grove Campground is often cool, windy, or rainy. There are a few tables and grills, potable water, and chemical toilets. Maximum occupancy is 50 people.

Kipahulu Campground can be warm, wet, and breezy with mosquitoes and passing showers. NO WATER is available; bring drinking water with you. There are a few tables and grills and chemical toilets. Maximum occupancy is 100 people.

Wilderness Campgrounds at Paliku and Holua have pit toilets, and a limited non-potable water supply. Water must be treated before drinking. You will have to carry your water in times of drought. No open fires are permitted. Maximum occupancy is 25 people at each campground.

Permits Camping is permitted on a first-come, first-served basis in designated areas only. There is no fee. Permits are required for the wilderness campgrounds and must be obtained the day of the trip at Park Headquarters between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. No permit is required for either Hosmer Grove or Kipahulu Campground.

Cabins

Each cabin has a wood burning stove, cooking utensils and dishes, 12 padded bunks, pit toilets, and limited water and firewood. There is no electricity. Water must be treated. In times of drought, all cookware will be removed and you will need to carry all your water in with you.

Lottery for Cabin Reservations: Since cabin requests far outnumber available spots, a monthly lottery is held for reservations. Cabins are rented to only one group per night. Only one request per group is accepted. To enter each monthly lottery, your legibly written request must be received two months prior to the first day of the month for which you are requesting a reservation. For example, to request any date in May, your request must be received before March 1. A separate request is needed for each month. Mail your entry early; we are not responsible for late or misdirected mail. No phone or fax requests are accepted.

To increase your chances of winning, be flexible with dates requested. Most requests are for weekend or holiday nights, and summer months are the busiest. You will be notified in writing only if you have won a reservation. A waiting list is not maintained. Calls regarding cabin cancellations and vacancies are ONLY accepted between 1 and 3 p.m. (HST) daily. A credit card (MasterCard or Visa) is required to secure a cancellation date by phone: 808-572-4400. You may also check on cancellations in person.

Cabin Fee System: Permits are paid for and issued in advance. Full payment must be received by the Park three weeks prior to your reservation or it will be canceled. No refunds or changes can be made to the permit after the three-week deadline. A signed Cabin Use Agreement must be submitted with your fees. Your permit will be mailed to you when your fees are received, or you can pick it up at Park Headquarters.

What to Bring

• Raingear
  
• Layered warm clothing (except for Kipahulu)
  
• Sturdy shoes or boots
  
• Hat and sunscreen
  
• Matches
  
• Flashlight
  
• Food
  
• Water filter or tablets
  
• First aid/bee sting kit
  
• Sleeping bag

In addition, campers should bring: tent, rain fly, ground cloth, and a small cook stove. Drive-in campers should bring: water, (Kipahulu) grill, and charcoal. Cabin users should bring fire starter/kindling candles.

Keep in Mind

When planning your trip, remember, the trails are rugged, strenuous, and at high elevation. Be prepared for self-rescue in the event of an emergency. No food, gasoline, supplies, showers, or electricity are available in the Park. Campers must be self-sufficient; cabins are for the exclusive use of reservation holders.

Park regulations protect the unique plants, animals, and insects that live here, while allowing visitors to experience the diversity, solitude, and beauty of the area. Hiking off-trail is prohibited as the flora and fauna of the Park are very fragile. All natural resources are protected; do not remove plants, rocks or flowers, or build rock cairns. Do not harass or feed the nene or other wildlife. Open fires are prohibited. Personal grills may be used at the Hosmer Grove and Kipahulu Campgrounds if raised off the grass/table. Bicycles and other vehicles are not allowed on trails or in the wilderness. You must pack out all trash, food, and personal gear. Possession of firearms and hunting are prohibited. Respect others' right to quiet and solitude.

Each person is limited to a maximum of three nights in the wilderness per month, camping and cabins combined, with no more than two nights at any site. In addition, a person may camp three nights per month in both Hosmer Grove and Kipahulu Campgrounds. Maximum group size for all facilities is 12 people. A larger group may not split into two smaller groups. A group may not occupy both the cabin and campground at any wilderness site. A guide, when paid to lead a hiking or overnight group, must have a commercial use license, obtainable in advance from the District Ranger. An adult age 18 or older must accompany each group using the cabins.

Pack animals are allowed overnight only at Paliku and Holua corrals. Only horses, mules, and donkeys may be used as pack animals. The Park does not lead or arrange horse trips. Pets are not permitted in the wilderness area or on trails. Pets are allowed at Hosmer Grove and Kipahulu campgrounds, but must be leashed when out of the vehicle.

Special Use Groups

Educational and scout groups may request advance reservations for the campgrounds. Educational institutions may request advance cabin reservations. Contact the Cabin Ranger for information.