Backcountry Permits
Hawaii Wilderness
& Backcountry Permits 2026
Reservation systems, lottery windows, permit fees, bear canister requirements, and fire permit rules for wilderness areas in Hawaii. Hawaii has limited federally designated wilderness but significant backcountry. Hawaii Volcanoes NP requires backcountry permits for designated campsites. Haleakala NP backcountry has a strict permit system with limited spaces. State forest reserves have separate permit systems managed by DLNR.
NPS / Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife
2026 Permit Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Permit Fee
$10
per person
Lottery?
No
Reservations / self-issue
Self-Issue?
No
Advance reservation required
Wilderness Acres
0.1M
3 designated areas
Permit System
Hawaii Permit & Reservation System
Details on how to obtain a wilderness permit in Hawaii, including reservation windows, lottery systems, and walk-up availability.
Managing Agency
NPS / Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife
— Official Site
Reservation System
Recreation.gov / State DLNR system
Book online →
Reservation Window
Up to 60 days in advance (approximately 2 months)
Lottery System
No Lottery — first-come reservations or self-issue
Daily Quota
12 persons per day (varies by entry point)
Self-Issue Permits
Not Available — advance reservation required for all entry
Popular Areas
Haleakala Wilderness (Maui), Hawaii Volcanoes NP Backcountry, Na Pali Coast (Kauai), Waimanu Valley (Big Island), Waipio Valley
Designated Areas
Permit Fees
Hawaii Wilderness Permit Fees
Per Person Fee
$10.00
Fee per person per entry or per night depending on area regulations.
Reservation Window
60d
How far in advance you can book on recreation.gov or equivalent system.
Safety & Leave No Trace
Bear Canister, Fire & Leave No Trace Requirements
Bear Canister
Not Mandated — approved food hang (PCT method, 10/4/4 rule) is generally sufficient. Verify specific area requirements as rules vary.
Fire Permit
Not Separately Required — fire restrictions still apply; always check current fire conditions before your trip at inciweb.nwcg.gov.
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace principles apply throughout all designated wilderness. Camp 200+ feet from water, trails, and other parties. Pack out all waste.
Hawaii Wilderness System
Total Designated Wilderness in Hawaii
Total Wilderness Acres
142,000
Total acres of federally and state designated wilderness in Hawaii.
Designated Areas
3
Number of separately designated wilderness areas in Hawaii.
Important Notes
Hawaii-Specific Wilderness Rules
Haleakala crater backcountry has 12 spaces per night — advance reservations on recreation.gov are essential. Hawaii Volcanoes NP backcountry permits are free but required. Na Pali Coast (Kalalau Trail) requires a state permit ($20/night) — very competitive reservations. No bears or dangerous mammals, but feral pigs and mosquitoes are concerns.
Source: NPS / Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife (www.nps.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Permit systems and quotas change frequently — always confirm current availability directly with the managing agency before your trip.