Haleakala Wilderness

We had a fantastic backpacking experience here. I almost didn’t want to even write a review because it would attract more people to a blissfully remote location. In December we stayed two nights at the Paliku cabin wilderness campground area (the tent sites, but the cabins are available to book too). It was amazing to hike from high volcano, cinder hills, lava beds, and then end up against a lush rain cliff with so many birds. The bird sounds were unreal and so cool!

On our middle day we chose to hang out at camp and watch the clouds. It was stunning. Iykyk…but when we come again we want to do a day hike to the southeast to explore that area.
Starting to hike out before sunrise and watching the sun light everything up was truly one of the most stunning experiences I’ve ever had. We loved it here and highly recommend it for prepared travelers.

Camp was sunny and there’s not much shade in the heat of the day.
Rainwater feeds the water pump seasonally but is non potable so needs treatment to use.
Be sure to watch for the nenes (geese) as they are territorial and will charge at you aggressively. They were all around the campground and the pit toilet.

😯