What you need to know about camping and hiking at Haleakala National Park: Maui, Hawaii
Haleakala National Park: Maui, Hawaii
Haleakalā National Park has been designated a national park for a reason: it’s easily one of the most spectacular wilderness areas in Maui, and even throughout the entire Hawaiian archipelago. No vacation to Maui can be considered complete without a visit to this national treasure. And for anyone seeking something a little different than your standard resort stay with group tours, Haleakalā National Park offers incredible hiking, backpacking, and camping for the perfect Maui adventure!
Spread over more than 33,000 acres, Haleakalā National Park includes two very different regions and multiple microclimates. It incorporates both the summit region of the dormant Haleakalā volcano and the coastal region of Kipahulu. Visitors to Haleakalā National Park can experience a hike through a rugged volcanic landscape and native bamboo forests and catch glimpses of rare native birds and wildlife. Yet most spectacular are the sunsets and sunrises, best viewed from designated lookouts. The best part of camping and backpacking right in the Park is ready access to these often-packed sights!
As you prepare for your hiking and camping experience in Haleakalā National Park, it’s important to note that the area is extremely remote and amenities are limited! There is no food, beverages, or gasoline available within the boundaries of the park, and not all areas have ready access to safe drinking water. Climate and temperature can vary widely, from hot and humid near the coast to dry and extremely chilly at the volcano summit. So it’s critical that you come forearmed with knowledge and prepared for a variety of contingencies.
Pro tip: Getting all your camping and hiking gear to our beautiful island can be tricky. So we have a better solution: rent all your hiking, backpacking, and camping gear right here on the island. By renting locally, you guarantee that you will have all the appropriate gear when you need it, at a price that won’t break the bank! Even better, we are local hiking and camping experts, so we can work with you in advance to ensure that you have what you need to make your Haleakalā National Park experience safe and spectacular!
Camping and Backpacking Options at Haleakalā National Park
Haleakalā National Park offers several different types of camping experiences, so there’s something for (almost) everyone! Whether you want the “ease” of car camping as the starting location for day hikes throughout the park or whether you are a skilled backpacker seeking a more rugged experience, Haleakalā National Park has it all. Whatever experience you choose, be sure you know the rules of the Park well in advance; all cars entering the Park are required to have a paid pass, and some camping areas require reservations while others are first-come, first-serve.
Haleakalā National Park offers two very different drive-in camping areas. Both have basic amenities such as picnic tables, BBQ grills, and pit toilets; however, neither has shower facilities and Kipahulu does not have access to drinking water.
Hosmer Grove is located at 7,000ft in the Summit region, half way between Kula and the Haleakalā summit. The camping area is composed of small clusters of trees and grass spread across the volcanic landscape. Due to the elevation, it can get extremely cold at night.
Hosmer Grove offers direct access to some of the most spectacular sunrise viewing; however, it is important to note that all visitors seeking access to the summit from 3am to 7am must have a “sunrise reservation” available through the National Park Service.
Kipahulu is in the coastal region and offers easy access to the “Seven Sacred Pools”. It’s a wonderful area for freshwater swimming and beautiful hiking trails perfect for viewing the coastal scenery.
As noted, Kipahulu does not have access to drinking water; water and basic supplies are available for purchase in Hana about 10 miles away.
Haleakalā National Park also offers two primitive camping areas that are only accessible by trail and appropriate for experienced backpackers. Visitors who planning to camp in these areas must get a free permit up to a day in advance; campsite space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Both camp areas have pit toilets and access to water; however, the water is non-potable and must be treated before drinking.
Hōlua campsite is located just shy of 7,000ft near Ko`olau Gap. It is accessible via the Halemau`u Trail (3.7 miles) or the Sliding Sands Trail (7.4 miles).
Palikū campsite is at 6,300ft at the east end of the wilderness valley. Its location near the rain forest makes it cool and exceptionally lush, with frequent rain and fog. It is accessible via a difficult hike on the Sliding Sands Trail (9.3 miles) or the Halemauʻu Trail (10.4 miles).
Both camping areas also offer rugged cabins with minimal amenities, including 12 bunks, a wood burning stove, cooking dishes and utensils, but no electricity. Space in the cabins is available with advance reservations.
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