Kīpahulu Campground, near Kahului, Hawaii, is a scenic location within Haleakalā National Park that offers a unique camping experience with stunning ocean views. This campground is perfect for those looking to unwind after a long drive along the Hana Highway, with clean facilities and a laid-back atmosphere.

The campground features picnic tables and fire pits, making it easy to enjoy meals outdoors while soaking in the beautiful surroundings. Visitors have noted the spacious grassy areas, which provide a comfortable setting for both tent and RV camping. As one camper mentioned, “We were able to grab a spot under a hala tree... it was so peaceful, and perfect to set up some hammocks.”

For adventure seekers, Kīpahulu is a gateway to the famous Pipiwai Trail, where you can hike through a bamboo forest to reach breathtaking waterfalls. The nearby Seven Sacred Pools are also a must-see, offering a refreshing spot to swim after a day of exploring. Just remember to stock up on supplies in Hana, as amenities are limited in the area.

While the campground can get lively on weekends, many campers appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the chance to connect with fellow outdoor lovers. Whether you're here for a night or planning a longer stay, Kīpahulu Campground is a fantastic base for exploring the natural beauty of Maui.

This area offers one drive-up campground. Campers are advised that Kīpahulu is wet, remote, and far from most amenities. Come prepared - bring water, food, and a tent. There is no water available, but shared grills, picnic tables and pit-toilets are provided. Permits are not required, but campers must pay the $20 park entry fee. Camping is limited to 3 nights in any 30-day period. The Kīpahulu campground is about 1/8 mile (.2km) south of the Kīpahulu Visitor Center. It overlooks ocean cliffs and is a short walk from ʻOheʻo Gulch. In the evenings, the sound of the ocean waves makes this a peaceful place. The campground has picnic tables, BBQ grills, and pit toilets. No water is available at Kīpahulu Campground; However, drinking water is available at the Kīpahulu Visitor Center restrooms. There are two general stores in the nearby town of Hāna (10 miles[16km] away) where you can purchase water and basic food supplies. Be prepared for rain, harsh sun, and mosquitoes.

Kīpahulu Campground — Haleakalā National Park

Located on Maui, some of the best camping in Hawaii is at Haleakala National Park. Campers can hike up Haleakala Crater. The dormant volcano towers over the island and offers an impressive view of the ocean and surrounding landscape. The park is near the city of Pukalani, HI, and it’s the ideal place to pick up supplies. RV drivers will want to fuel up for the drive to their campsites and to ensure they have plenty of gas for the trip up to the Haleakala Visitor Center. From the campgrounds, you can hike along the trails through the sub-tropical rain forests of Hawaii. Along with native wildlife, the area is also home to several endangered species.

Haleakala National Park

The Best Camping Near Haleakala National Park, Hawaii

I discovered this campground by accident when an avid camper/ bartender in Maui pointed me in this direction with a hand-drawn map (see photos) It was easily my favorite camping spot during my week in Maui.

The campground itself is nothing to speak of- it looks mostly like a big green field with sites designated by grills and parked cars.  From the parking/grill area however, you could wander off the path and find sites right on the cliffs under big trees with picnic tables. As a hammock camper, I found a tree to sleep under towards the edge of the cliff with a view of the ocean from my bed--and I was able to watch the sunrise over the Pacific without even getting out of my sleeping bag!

Amenities at the campground are basic- but you get what you pay for. There is no fee to camp here for up to 3 days as long as you've paid the Haleakala NP entrance fee --which of course everyone who makes it to the end of the Hana highway does anyway!

There's plenty of hiking around the campground in the national park- the most popular is the Waimoku falls that you reach by hiking through the bamboo forest up the Pipiwai trail.  Camping at Kipahulu means that you can hit the trail early before the resort /day visitors make it to this side of the island.  The campground is also very close to the Seven Sacred Pools (which were more mud than sacred looking during our visit). 

For sunset, there is an unmarked trail that begins in the South East corner of the campground and will take you up over the cliffs for a good evening view. You can also hike down to some pools to swim if the tide is low. 

Note that this campground is pretty far away from the closest town so you'll want to be sure you're all stocked up on fuel, water, and all the things you need when you pass through Hana.  There aren't any showers, but if you're driving back north, you can always pop into Waianapapana State Park and hit their outdoor shower.

Last stop on the Hana Highway

This is a first come first serve campground inside the National Park. There aren't any designated camping spots so pretty much you can setup camp anywhere you can pitch a tent. My family and I usually camp by the beach where you can fish or swim in the pools. 

I recommend this campground due to the location, easy access to waterfall hikes and beach front camping. 


Seven sacred pools and bamboo forest. 

Kipahulu Campground is part of the coastal district of Haleakala National Park and although there is a fee to enter the park, camping is free and on a first come first serve basis. Camp sites are located all along the lollipop of the road that leads into the campground as well as some more spots along the shore. Road to get to the campsite runs along the right of the overflow parking lot of the park. Filtered water and nice public bathrooms are available at the visitor center, however there is no shower at the park. Make sure to get all necessary food items in Hana as this is the last big town on the Hana Highway before the park. 

The campground has great spots for whatever you are looking for in your camping trip. The options include open areas to set up next for other people for large groups or along the shore under your own personal hala tree for seclusion and serenity. We were able to grab a spot under a hala tree our second night that was just a walk away from the shore and was so peaceful, and perfect to set up some hammocks. If you hope to get a site along the shore I recommend you arrive to the park early. And if you hope to explore the gems of this district such as the Pipiwai trail, bamboo forest, and seven sacred pools - get up early and do them before the tons of tourists arrive for the day. 

Beautiful open dispersed campground along the coast

This campground was the largest by far we saw on Maui - it was a large grassy area down a road past the visitor's center for Kipahulu. The area is for both tent and car camping, and there's no separate parking lot for tent campers since it is a bit of a walk from the visitor's parking lot. There's no running water, but two small buildings with pit toilets inside and hand sanitizer. There's also a group area that I believe needs to be reserved ahead of time and is at the back of the main camping area, as well as a trail off the campground that leads to shady tent camping spots (you definitely couldn't get a car in there) under large trees. We liked the campground a lot, especially how grassy it was (rather than dirt, like at Olowalu) but unfortunately we stayed on a Friday and Saturday night - and boy did the other people there like to party. We spent the first night stuck next to a HUGE party that didn't quiet down til late at night. Even after moving our van to a spot farther away from them, we realized that there were quite a number of groups partying til late at the site. I bet this wouldn't be the same case on a weekday night, but it's good to know that this campground is popular with the locals/residents on Maui and from other islands - probably because it's so cheap and accessible ($25 for 3 nights, which is essentially your entrance fee to get into the 7 sacred pools and hike the Pipiwai Trail). 

  

As for Kipahulu itself, it's a beautiful place. we swam in the 7 sacred pools (which get pretty crowded in the afternoon from day tourists) and hiked the Pipiwai Trail. We LOVED Pipiwai - it's a bit grueling, and is 4 miles there and back, but the 100 foot waterfall at the end of it is incredible and a must-see. For the price, Kipahulu is a great place to camp at, and to make the most of your money, I'd suggest spending a night or two here and then heading to Hosmer Grove on your way to the summit. Note that there's no running water here, so come prepared with water jugs. While there's running water in the bathrooms at the service center, as well as a water fountain to fill up your water bottle there, there's no faucet or anything that you could use to fill up a big water jug. One of the major downsides to the site, in addition to the noise.

Pretty nice campground in Haleakala state park

Loved the location fantastic but we did get hit with atoms each night. 

Camp with a ocean view 

Solid drive in campground with toilets and beautiful ocean views. Mostly car campers at this one. The grounds were clean but very exposed to sight and the elements. Highly recommend stay here if you're planning on taking a trip to Hana. It's a perfect place to rest your feet after being in the car for multiple hours before returning to the other side - a single day trip is doable but probably exhausting. Actually the Pipiwai Trail hike is a must do on the Hana side- cannot go wrong with bamboo forests and a good waterfall. 

Note: that a National Park pass ($30) here is good for 3 days of camping including sites at Haleakala.



Solid campground

This campground is located in the Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park. It offers very basic amenities, including cooking grills and vault toilets, with drinking water available only at the visitor center.  I can join activities such as playing [slope game](https://slope3.com). Campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, featuring grassy areas that are unmarked except for the presence of grills and picnic tables. The atmosphere is peaceful, with the soothing sound of waves crashing against the rocky coastline below. At night, the stargazing is spectacular! We camped at Kipahulu National State Park in a camper van.

Great campground

We camped at site 20, which was large and secluded.  The sea was beautiful day and night. The restroom was about 10 minutes walk or 3 minutes drive. There was no shower facilities.

  

 The campsite was close to the Pipiwai Trail. We had a great hike in the morning along scenic bamboo forests to the Waimoku Falls.

  

Important note for car campers: sites 18-20 are only accessible on foot and won't accommodate car campers. For the best experience, try to reserve sites 16-17, though sites 1-15 all allow car camping as well.

Photos of Kīpahulu Campground — Haleakalā National Park

Real photos from real campers