Searching for a tent camping spot near Haleakala National Park? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Hawaii tent camping excursion.
There are two primitive wilderness tent camping areas which are accessible only by trail, Hōlua and Palikū. Reservations are required for both campsites through www.recreation.gov. The reservation system is live as of April 22, 2021 at 7 am HST.
Each single campsite allows a maximum of five people and two tents. Group campsites allow for a maximum of ten people. Hōlua and Palikū campsites have pit toilets and seasonally non-potable water available nearby. The water must be filtered or treated before drinking. In times of drought, all water must be carried in. Horses, mules, and donkeys are permitted as pack animals on the Keoneheʻeheʻe Trail, Halemauʻu Trail, and Supply Trail. All waste produced by pack animals must be removed from parking areas and trailheads. No group may have more than 12 pack animals. Riders, commerical operators, and owners are responsible for the removal of dead or injured stock within 72 hours. Pets of any other kind are prohibited on all trails.
Camping and lodging (one cabin) within the fog belt of the Kula Forest Reserve at 6200 foot elevation. Extensive trail system in the forest reserve, including through a forest reminiscent of the conifer forests of the Pacific Northwest coast.
Sweeping views of Central and West Maui, Kahoʻolawe, Molokaʻi and Lanaʻi in clear weather.
Pig and seasonal bird hunting. Hikers should wear bright colored clothing – hunters may be in the area. Nights are generally cold; winter nights frequently have below freezing temperatures. No campground showers. (10.0 acres). PLEASE NOTE: The Polipoli Cabin cannot be reserved through our online system. Visitors must walk-in or call the Maui District office for reservations.
$20 - $100 / night
A camping permit is required to camp in DPR parks. Permits are given on a first come, first served basis and are limited to the following parks: Papalaua Wayside Beach Park (West Maui): Closed weekly for maintenance on:Tuesday and Wednesday
$10 / night
Scout
I enjoyed my 5 night stay at a tent site here. The grounds and facilities are well maintained and clean. I used my site as a place to sleep and use the showers and bathroom facilities as needed. I was gone by 8 am and back after sunset, going snorkeling, hiking and exploring the island. I can't say what it would be like to lounge around all day at your site. Some sights looked like they may have a lack of shade during the day.
The beach is rocky and not one you'd likely want to spend your day on. For the price and if you like camping (with hot showers, flush toilets and a sinks to wash your dishes) this is a great place to stay!
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! The Uka Hawaiin Native camp is new to the Dyrt and we are happy to have them and the authentic hawaiin experience they provide to campers. Check them out and leave a review about your stay on the Dyrt!
Scout
We were disappointed as the campground didn't actually come through with a couple of things promised. One is that yoga classes are NOT available for campers. Another is that you have to provide your own toilet paper plus take your trash off site: very tricky when you're a visitor from off Island. The sites for tents were well built, but on the small side, so we had to go into Mcgiver mode to make our 2 man backpacking tent secure. It's windy so that's a critical feature for this location. I think if they added tie on bars on the side of the platforms that would probably fix the issue. It's a beautiful & secluded site, but I'm not sure how much experience the host has with actual real camping.
RangerOur first time here we tent camped. Some of the sites seemed close together but we stayed at the end and had good privacy with the trade off of a long trip to the bathrooms. The shared bathrooms are great! Clean, flush toilets, and running water. Showers and dishwashing stations also a plus. Free coffee for early risers. You can see the beach from a few campsites. Like most camping in Hawaii, bring your earplugs for the roosters.
Ranger
Im lucky enough that this is my second time staying here! Sad to say that both times there were empty sites even though they were all reserved. There is a nice sheltered area for a wind break for dinner, potable water and pit toilets with hand washing station. Plan for chilly and windy weather in the winter and spring. We stayed here once to save drive time to see the sunrise and the second time after hiking into the crater. Great location for both. The short hike connected to the campground to see all the tree varieties is cool!
Scout
The host was so kind, I enjoyed our stay.
ScoutMichelle could not have been more warm or welcoming, she made space for us at very short notice and could not do enough to look after us. We greatly appreciated the hot showers, towels, freshly brewed chai in the mornings and the beautiful scenery on her property. We cannot recommend Michelle enough!
Scout
I was kicked out for camping in designated area, by maui county parks and recreation as it does clearly state if you look well there is no overnight camping here
ScoutThis was a great place to round out my Maui trip! Everything was great! I would stay here again any day!
ScoutLoved staying in the tent! Michelle is warm and welcoming. Truly felt at home there! Would definitely stay there again!
ScoutThis was an amazingly peaceful location! I enjoyed staying there!
ScoutThis place is a real gem on Maui. Secluded and very relaxed tent. The tent is on a platform that also serves as a little deck area to sit out and enjoy nature. The host was very friendly and helpful. Although rustic (which I enjoyed), I would highly recommend this place even if camping is not your thing. I will definitely stay here again if I ever come back to Maui
TravelerThis is such a naturally beautiful space. It is the perfect blend of picturesque nature and modern living without any of the day to day stress you’d find in other places. I’ve stayed several times and with each visit have been new upgrades and features. That being said this is not for the high maintenance. Jungle rains are a likely visitor. There is dirt - and peace. I love the outdoor shower which offers an unreal jungle shower experience. There was a some privacy, but not complete - be prepared to let your skin hit the air here. This is definitely a space for those who desire the simplicity of natural surroundings. The birds offer a cacophony of songs throughout the day. You will feel like you are in the middle of jungle heaven. The raised platform and tent are a step up, literally - and rain or shine this is a pretty sweet sleep setup. There are real mattresses and box springs and nice bedding- you will sleep unbelievably well, surrounded by so many shades of green. There is a cool gazebo for hanging out and talking story, BBQ grill, occasional bonfires when weather and conditions permit, lots of accessible destinations within range and a vibe so sweet you won’t want to leave. Macadamia nut trees scatter the property as do a wide range of flora and fauna. It’s a slice of heaven off the beaten path and unlike anything else you can find. I love spending time in this hidden gem.
ScoutA unique location. Not for the trendy type, or those not wanting to rub elbows with the tourists, but those wanting privacy in bamboo forest, and macadamia trees for cool shades any time of the day. Beach and/or mountains less than 10 minutes away. Even though the site is ultra private all your shopping needs only minutes away as well. This site will not only make you happy while on Maui, but will leave you with memories of your trip to Hawaii.
ScoutSensational OLD Maui away from the crowded resorts, yet close to the beach and easy to get into town. Peaceful, tropical place to camp with Iao Mountain views. Easy to get to, very close to town and Whole Foods, but it seems like it's miles away. Lots of fruit and avocado trees everywhere, and quick easy hike up to a swimming hole.
LegendThe outdoor showers at Camp Olowalu resort are worth the stay in and of themselves. They are works of art, frankly. The tent sites are amazing, though perhaps spaced a little close together between the main camp and the shoreline, but with beach access so close, and the surrounding environment so beautiful it’s easy to forget. The glamping tents, complete with fresh pineapple upon arrival, are something to behold.
However, we stayed in the camper van area, and while there was plenty of room and a nice picnic table, but it was exactly like camping on the perimeter of a large parking lot. Since all the tent sites are walk-in, those guests frequently return to their vehicles to retrieve belongings, luggage, or drive off to a restaurant at all hours. We found it to be noisy and distracting.
The location for the camp is beautiful, and it is close to the busy road on the west side of Maui. Between 12am and 5am were the only hours that things seemed to die down– this isn’t the campground’s fault of course, just be aware of this. Then, about 5am, the feral roosters chime in to have their say, and the traffic begins. Long story short...bring earplugs!
Right across the main road you’ll find a huge fruit stand market with lots of options, and within a few short miles there are dozens of restaurant options, and grocery stores. This part of the island is heavily residential so there are many services which cater to the locals. The camp store has a few touristy items for sale, ice, sunscreen, firewood and marshmallows in case you forget these.
LegendThe 6 sites in the only developed camping area in the park offer a great place to stage your morning sunrise experience in Haleakala. They are popular and very inexpensive($5 per night). The campsites are clustered into a small lawn area on a gently sloping hillside. While each tent platform is level, the parking lot definitely is not. So, if you plan to bring a camping vehicle, van, platform tent truck, or small camper, get there early to grab the most level spots (there are 2). And if your tent platform folds out to the side of the truck- please don’t take up two parking spots, figure it out so that others can also enjoy a good night’s sleep. Yes, this happened to us– ugggh!
Night time temperatures can be in the 30’s and 40’s and we found that the bedding provided in our rental camper was not enough. Fortunately, we brought along our down sleeping bag and puffy jackets(they were definitely needed during January), but could be needed at any time of year as the campground is at 6K above sea level. Also, temperatures at the summit for sunrise and sunset are cold- at any time of year. We wore multiple layers, hats, gloves, and winter coats and still froze up at the summit. The wind was gusting over 30 knots, and the wind chill was in the teens. So, plan ahead! The campground has a covered picnic area, as well as 2 pit toilets with a handwashing sink outside. There are also water spigots in the campground which have potable water.
One thing we didn’t know is that if you have a reservation for Hosmer Grove you don’t need a reservation for sunrise, because you are already in the park and past the entrance station. It’s still a long drive (around 30 minutes), up to the summit but it’s a bigger head start than most people who are coming from hotels and such farther away. But the rising and setting of the sun shouldn’t be the only thing you hope to experience while in this amazing park. Hiking and backpacking through the crater are spectacular. Some of the most unique and long range views we’ve ever experienced!
There are a few neighborhood markets nearby, gas station, restaurants and a farmer’s market, but the larger grocery stores are located down the mountain in Kahului. There are no eateries or shops, other than the summit gift shop(which offers very limited snacks) in the park so come prepared.
LegendThis is a lovely piece of property on the north side of the Big Island. The land owner runs a small yoga retreat center and offers this small camping area as an alternative lodging. She is very sweet. Overall, the camping area is a good start, but needs a bit of improvement to make it workable for more than 2 people.
The approach to the camping area is through the retreat property and can be a bit slippery during the rainy season, so be careful with those rental cars, but ours made it up with a bit of luck. The campsites are down a short but steep walk from the ridgeline. There are 6 tent platforms which keep you level and off the ground, nice during any part of the year. We also saw a camper van parked up top, so that is an option if you are camping in a vehicle.
There is a very small kitchen area with running water and a biogas stove. It's big enough for 1 person at a time to cook, not at all a group kitchen. The biogas comes from the toilet digesting tank and is a pretty cool idea. When we were there the tank wasn’t producing enough so they also had some small propane canisters and a burner for our cooking. The toilet and shower were functioning, but were pretty basic with very cold water and an exposed roof. Don’t expect luxury here…as we said, it’s a good start.
The nearby town of Hawi, which is the turn around for the bike leg of the Ironman Triathlon, offers grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants and some amazing hiking areas along the north coast. It is a stunning area with lots of things to do. Since we were busy each day, we didn’t mind that our lodging was a little rough– all we needed was a flat place to pitch our tent and lay down for the night.
Scout
You don’t need a permit right now which is nice. My friends and I came in late and were still able to find a spot, we parked next to the port-a-potty’s and some guys came around 3 am to grab the trash and spooked us, so avoid that if possible. Thorns on the ground, so wear shoes. Really close to the highway so we were worried about noise and privacy because we were tent camping on our car, so not so much of an issue if you’re in a tent or hammock on the beach. Overall a nice experience.
Guide
It’s super peaceful with very few people, but they don’t currently have the facilities open. Make sure you bring snorkel gear as well. great place for snorkeling and in the “winter” months, there’s a chance you will see whales.
ScoutStaying in the tentalows for a week and I do not want to go! The royal palm entrance is a beautiful indicator of what’s ahead at camp Olowalu! Fully enclosed yurt like cabins with a sink, mirror, towels, linens, hooks, lights, outdoor shower, and keyed entry CLEAN bathrooms near every tentalow. Across the path is the beach and across the street is Olowalu general store with ono poke, great gifts, fresh pineapple market, butterfly farm, etc. gorgeous mature mango trees and bamboo. The most exquisite campground I’ve ever stayed at.
Guide
Great facilities. Shower, restrooms, etc. You can camp right on the beach. And wake up to the ocean. Definitely stay here when you go to Hawaii
RangerThis is the only place I will stay when I come back to Maui. Tentalos are a far cry from roughing it, but they're also awesome. Much cheaper than a hotel. Well-kept grounds are similar to a city park. Close access to the beach and water activities. You can rent surfboards, paddle boards, kayaks. Saw whales surfacing at sundown.
Glamp it up.
Scouta beautiful campground unfortunately the park is only open to day trippers at the moment. I was keen on hiking into the park and packing it all in with me and the park rangers are serious about giving the land some time to rehab and relax until they again feel comfortable with thru hikers and campers
ScoutYou would not think about cold weather gear when camping on Maui, but we used it here. It was cold and wet both nights. We were prepared and had a great time; camping here made it much easier to drive up for the sunrises and sunsets each day.
We will camp here again!!
GuideTried setting up a tent in a windstorm, gave up and slept in the van instead. Check in after hours was easy enough, didn’t noticed as the parking lot filled up overnight.
Don’t turn your back on the chickens. They’ll get into your vehicle if given the chance.
If camping on Maui, definitely worth it for the last night of the trip for a good shower before flying home.
GuideWe opted for van camping so we were close to the road so it was noisier than if we’d been closer to the beach. Due to rain and needing to drive around other vehicles, the site was hard to get in and out of but we really enjoyed the location and ease.
Tent camping near Haleakalā National Park offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Maui, with options ranging from secluded backcountry sites to more accessible areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Haleakala National Park?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Haleakala National Park is Holua Primitive Wilderness Campsite — Haleakalā National Park with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Haleakala National Park?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Haleakala National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.