Camping in Maui

Maui offers campsites for auto-based camping around the island. Haleakala National Park has both vehicle campgrounds and hike-in campgrounds.

Please note that the County of Maui and State of Hawaii campgrounds require permits obtained in advance by mail or walk-in from their offices. No permits can be obtained at the campsites and you will be asked to leave if you don't have one. Making arrangements before your visit will help make your vacation more pleasant.

Camping is officially allowed only in campgrounds, however visitors and residents alike camp along any beach as long as there are no signs posted against camping. Camping on the beach is legal for fishing purposes, so put a fishing pole by the water and you're fine. No camping is allowed at Ahihi-Kina'u Natural Area Reserve, Honolua Bay Marine Reserve and Oneloa (Big Beach) state park.

Camping information is subject to change without notice. Please contact the applicable local office for current information.

Showers

Most beaches have outdoor showers and the public swimming pools have free hot indoor showers.

Haleakala National Park

Haleakala National Park, the "House of the Sun" has some of the best camping on the island. It reaches from Maui's highest peak 10,023 feet, all the way to the ocean at Kipahulu protecting unique and fragile ecosystems and many rare and endangered species. The park has two vehicle accesible sections: the Summit area and Kipahulu ('Seven Sacred Pools') area located near Hana.

The drive to either one is an experience in itself. The summit drive provides spectacular views of Maui, Lanai, Molokini, Kaho'olawe and Moloka'i. On clear days from the summit, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii can also be seen.

No permits are needed to camp at Hosmer Grove or Kipahulu campgrounds. The entrance fee to the National Park costs $10 for three days per vehicle. Camping is free with the entrance fee to the park.

Hosmer Grove Campground

This campground is located just passed the entrance to the National Park in the summit area at around 7000 feet elevation in a forested location. Facilities include picnic tables, BBQ grils, toilets and drinking water. Temperatures on the mountain range from 26-77 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be cold, wet or windy at any time here so come prepared. This campground is a great spot to spend the night and reach the summit early in the morning to see some amazing sunrises. Also a good spot for sunsets.

Kipahulu Campground

Located 10 miles past Hana, near the pools at Ohe'o (Seven Sacred Pools), close to the ocean. It has picnic tables, BBQ grills and outdoot pit toilets. No drinking water so bring your own. The road to Hana with its countless waterfalls, the windy narrow roads and greenery is an attraction in itself.
Kipahulu offers a series of waterfalls forming about 20 separate pools to swim and play in. There is also a great hike here along the stream, pass waterfalls and through a great bamboo forest.

Waianapanapa State Park

This campground requires permits from Hawaii State Parks office. Their contact information is to the right. Office hours are from 8 AM to 3 PM excluding weekends and State hollidays. Permits can be obtained in advance by phone or writing.

This campsite is located on the ocean, off the Hana Hwy 360 right before Hana. Camping fee is $5 per day for up to 10 campers. Maximum stay is 5 consecutive days.

The campsite is in a beautiful coastal setting. It has some freshwater caves to explore and a rare black sand beach as well as interesting hiking trails along the ocean. Facilities include picnic tables, grills, restrooms, outdoor showers and drinking water.

County of Maui Campgrounds

Maui County offers camping at Kanaha Beach Park and Papalaua Wayside. Both require permits aquired from the offices listed below or online through the County website at http://www.co.maui.hi.us Office hours are 8 AM to 1 PM and 2.30 PM to 4 PM (HST) Monday to Friday. Closed on State holidays.

Maximum length of stay 3 consecutive nights at each campsite. Cost is $3 per day per adult. 50 cents per day for child under 18.

Kahana Beach Park

Located along a beach popular for kite surfing and windsurfing near the airport in Central Maui. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday for maintenance. Facilities include restrooms, showers and picnic tables.

Papalaua Wayside

The park lies along Honoapiilani Hwy # 30 on the way to Lahaina along a sandy beach with excellent snorkeling. Shade is provided by kiawe trees. No water supply available. Portable toilets and BBQ grills. Closed Wednesday and Thursday.

Private Campgrounds

Camp Olowalu

Recently renovated, the camp is on the ocean along Hwy 30 about 6 miles south of Lahaina at Olowalu. It is in a grove of mature trees with picnic tables, drinking water, fire pit, showers and toilets. Swimming and snorkeling are good and in the winter months a nice place to watch whales. Fees are $7 per person, under age of 4 is free. Maximum stay is 7 consecutive nights.

YMCA Camp Ke'anae

The camp is located on Hana Hwy 360 about 34 miles from Kahului. It has both tent and cabin facilities. Camping fee is $17 per person per night or $35 per family. Children 4 years and under are free. Reservations required.