Hōlua Wilderness Campground

From Halemauʻu, the trail drops 3.7 miles to camp. The longer route from Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) is 7.4 miles one way. Soft sandy trail can make the hike out take twice as long as the hike in, so leave extra time for the climb back to Halemauʻu. No road reaches the campground; start from one of the trailheads.

The four individual sites allow up to five people and two tents each; the group site allows up to ten people and four tents. Follow the brown stake with arrows to find your reserved area, then pitch on ground that’s already been trampled rather than right beside the marker. A pit toilet is nearby. Seasonal, non-potable water comes from a spigot outside the separate Hōlua Cabin: treat it before drinking, and carry all your water if the source is dry. A tent permit doesn’t include cabin access. There’s no camp store, open fires are prohibited, and pets aren’t allowed, so pack meals and a backpacking stove.

From camp, marked trails lead to the Silversword Loop and a loop around Halaliʻi cinder cone. Hōlua sits beside Koʻolau Gap, one of two large valleys that joined to form the summit feature commonly called Haleakalā’s crater. The gap was shaped over tens of thousands of years by repeated small landslides and stream erosion, rather than one giant collapse. The trail toward Palikū crosses a lava flow dated to about 870 years ago.

There’s little shade on the crater floor and no cell service. Rain is possible in any season, and storm winds can exceed 80 mph; typical planning ranges are roughly 40–70°F by day and 30–50°F at night. Bring warm layers, rain protection, extra food, navigation and lighting, and plan for 3–4 liters of water per person each day. Don’t count on the seasonal spigot being available.