Going camping on Maui - the wilderness cabins in Haleakala crater
Maui is not really geared to the camping and backpacking crowd, like some other parts of the world, but there are a few places where you're welcome to camp. One of those places is inside the crater up at Haleakala National Park. That's the very top of the mountain over here! The park has 3 wilderness cabins which can be reserved in advance: Holua; Paliku; and Kapalaoa. Each one has it's own unique location and they are well separated, and can only be reached by footpath.
The cabins come equipped with the very basics, such as a wood stove, bunk beds with thin mattresses, water, outdoor toilets, a table and benches. They can sleep 12 people, and it's really quite cozy and fun. 2 of the cabins have camping areas outside, but the campers are instructed not to bother the people in the cabins.
It can be a strenuous hike due to the high altitude. While it seems easy hiking in because it's all downhill, when it's time to return it's uphill all the way. The parking lot is about 10,000 feet, and the cabins are around 7,000 feet in elevation... you can do the math. Hikers need be prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, good shoes and a hat.
This week I'm going in with some friends, for a one night stay at Kapalaoa cabin. (Am I crazy?) I'll be back with some pictures of the cabin and surroundings. And probably very tired and hungry. Next stop... the Kula Lodge. If you don't hear from me by next weekend, send in the search party. I don't think there's cell phone service inside the crater! Yikes.
Aloha from Maui...
I would love to visit Maui again... It's a beautiful island.. The video is great! Can't wait for the next one. Looks like good advice to stay on the trail! :)
Wow, sounds like an adventure! I love camping here in Oregon, the thought of camping in Hawaii never crossed my mind!
Thanks for the comments! I'm a little excited and nervous... haven't been camping in a long time.
Monday is my Happiness Day.
I visit as many blog posts as I can throughout the day
and spread happiness, which means I probably didn’t read this post.
I just stopped by to spread some happiness.
Feel free to delete this comment if it doesn’t make you happy.
I don't think I could sleep inside of a volcano crater! I don't think I could even go there!
Yellow Stone park is inside a huge crater and when I found out my desires to go and see Ole Faithful....went down the drain.
Hi Russel - thanks for the happy wishes!
Sussie - the volcano is not active. Yellowstone is way more acitve than any volcano on Maui!
Camping.......the last time I went camping, my 31 year old daughter was in the girl scouts and in elementary school................I need running water and facilities that flush............
Barb - there was running water, but no flush toilet, just an outhouse.