Maui's campgrounds near Kahului range from sea level beaches to elevations reaching 7,000 feet at Hosmer Grove in Haleakalā National Park. The island's camping areas experience significant climate variations, with upcountry sites requiring cold-weather gear while coastal locations face strong trade winds that can collapse tents. Most camping areas require advance reservations and have limited power access for charging devices.
What to do
Beach activities at dawn: Head to Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground for early morning beach time. "Stay a night or three in Wai'anapapa State Park. The park closes at sunset for all the other visitors, but campers can come and go and feel like you have the place all to yourself at sunrise just before the early permit holders arrive," advises Shari G.
Water sports rentals: Located near Lahaina, camping areas offer affordable equipment rentals. "Can take relatively affordable kayaking tours from the campgrounds or rent SUP/kayaks for very affordable rates," notes Tracy Jo I. about the coastal camping options.
Forest exploration: Visit the unique tree collections at Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area Camping for hiking in a completely different ecosystem. "Polipoli does not even feel like you're in Hawaii! Hawaii is amazing with all the beaches, ocean views, and sunshine. Polipoli is high upcountry tucked in the clouds and forests," explains Savannah G.
What campers like
Hot outdoor showers: Many campers appreciate clean bathing facilities. "The outdoor showers at Camp Olowalu resort are worth the stay in and of themselves. They are works of art, frankly," writes Shari G., while another camper at the same location mentions "Showers and toilets available... showers are enclosed, they have benches and hooks to put your things down on and they have hot and cold water."
Black sand beaches: Holua Primitive Wilderness Campsite offers unique volcanic landscapes. "Camping on lava flows is like nothing else. Gets chilly all times of year due to the elevation," notes Amber A. The campsite requires a 4-6 mile hike in and offers a backcountry experience.
Night sky viewing: Clear skies provide excellent stargazing opportunities away from city lights. "Little light pollution, great for star gazing," reports Esther L. about her tentalow experience, while Jordan H. mentions the "perfect temperatures for a good night of snuggles under the stars."
What you should know
Wildlife considerations: Morning noise is common at many sites. "Bring your earplugs for the roosters," advises Valerie S., while another camper notes, "Don't turn your back on the chickens. They'll get into your vehicle if given the chance."
Electrical access limitations: Plan for limited charging options at Camp Olowalu. "Literally 8 plugs for a bajillion people causing a massive traffic jam in the mornings and evenings. On the side of the ice house only (not even near campgrounds)," reports Tracy Jo I.
Terrain challenges: Many camping areas have challenging ground conditions. "The tent sites are amazing, though perhaps spaced a little close together between the main camp and the shoreline," observes one camper, while another notes that "both the campervan area and the tent area are pretty much just dirt, rather than grass, which especially in the tent area makes you and your things quite dirty."
Tips for camping with families
Weather preparation: Pack for temperature extremes, especially at higher elevations. "It was August and I don't know what the temperature was, but I know I could see my breath when I exhaled!" reports Whitney M. about camping at Holua, while campers at coastal sites note that even tropical locations can get uncomfortably cool.
Pack strategically: Remember crucial items that aren't available at many sites. At Hosmer Grove Campground, a camper advises: "Be prepared with a warm sleeping bag, long sleeves, long pants, socks and maybe a warm hat. The next morning, when we woke up and hitched a ride up to see the sunrise, it was still COLD."
Check permit requirements: Many campgrounds have strict reservation systems. "Someone comes around each night to check your permit so do not try and squeeze in here last minute!" warns Jessica E., while another notes, "Camping permits can be obtained at the Headquarters Visitor Center between 8:00am and 3:00pm up to one day in advance."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose camping locations based on amenities and accessibility. "We ended up camping in our campervan for our first night here, and it was just what we needed. The campervan site is just a dirt lot, but it's pretty big and right next to the showers and toilets," shares Jordan T. about Papalaua Wayside Park.
Vehicle security: Beach camping presents unique challenges. "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," observes Shari G.
Wind protection: Coastal areas experience strong winds that can damage equipment. "We 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," notes Stephanie about beach camping logistics.
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