Searching for a tent camping spot near Kahului? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Kahului, including sites, reviews, and tips. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
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.
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
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
Ranger
Our 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.
GuideIt was breath taking. Grounds were so nice, the place was so clean. The outdoor shower was perfect. Easy check-in. It was my first time cot camping. It was the perfect place to cot camp at a tent site.
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.
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.
ScoutI 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!
RangerOkay, this place is incredible and the best "camping" I have ever done. My husband and I went to Maui for our honeymoon and decided to stay here for a few nights to save some money and we also really wanted to camp. The cost is way cheaper than a hotel, and you get the outdoor/nature vibes. It seriously is a win-win. They also give you resources for snorkeling, scuba diving, hikes, and whale watching nearby. At this point in our lives, this was our first time visiting Maui (we have been back a few times since), so getting all the extra resources of things nearby was a plus. There are a few options you can choose from to stay:
Our experience was incredible, and we would definitely recommend this place. We did some hikes nearby that were awesome, played at the beach, and did some snorkeling. It doesn't get any better than this in paradise.
Guide
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.
Legend
The 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.
RangerAbsolutely beautiful camp site above the clouds. Nearby trails through beautiful forests and with jaw-dropping views. Wake up early for the sunrise and pre-dawn birdsong. Even if you can't see too far due to clouds, it's a lovely once-in-a-lifetime campsite. Make sure you have a good tent! It is windy up here and the campsite is very exposed. I watched so many people with cheap dome tents struggle and/or have their poles snap or invert. A good guide for if your tent will survive is if it has aluminum (instead of fiberglass) poles and has a ranfly that goes down to the ground with lots of guyline points. Chilly all year due to the elevation. Like much of Hawaii, expect to experience at least a brief rain shower. Nice clean facilities live up to National Park standards.
GuideThis campsite would be amazing for wedding parties! For tent and car campers, it’s nothing super special. ALTHOUGH! The outdoor shower is an AMAZING experience. To look up at the stars and trees and smell the fresh air while showering outside in an enclosed area was incredible. The beach is underaverage in my opinion (not the typical Hawaii experience). Close to local shops and fairly close to Lahaina!
Guide
Polipoli does not even feel like you’re in Hawaii! I mean this in the best way possible! Hawaii is amazing with all the beaches, ocean views, and sunshine. Polipoli is high upcountry tucked in the clouds and forests. The hike from the recreational area leads you to two abandoned ranger stations which are super cool! It also starts out by bringing you past these crazy caves! Definitely a must see while in Maui!
Scout
This 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
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.
GuideI read seriously conflicting reviews about this place before coming here, so I was super on the fence. 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. The amenities are GREAT. The showers are enclosed, they have benches and hooks to put your things down on and they have hot and cold water. The bathrooms are REAL bathrooms, with flushing toilets, running water sinks, toilet paper, mirrors, hooks and a ledge to put your things down on. Really well maintained too. In addition, there's also a cell phone charging station, and large sinks to wash your pots and pans. We came back here after camping on the East side of Maui in the state parks, and had an even deeper appreciation for it. Our second time around we camped in the tent area. Each tent spot has its own grill and picnic table, and is close to garbage bins, the beach and showers/toilets. My only complaint is 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. The wood chips that line the pathways in the tent area are also pretty sharp, and my foot actually got cut on one even when I was wearing shoes - so be careful. Overall it was a great campground, and while it's expensive for adults ($20/person), let's just say that the people that run this place aren't that interested in checking that your party is actually the size you say it is or that you have the correct number of adults vs. kids (kids are $5)..compared to Papalaua Park ($10/person on weekdays, $20 on weekends and no amenities except for porta potties) this place blows that one out of the water.
ScoutLoved staying in the tent! Michelle is warm and welcoming. Truly felt at home there! Would definitely stay there again!
LegendMaui is such a beautiful place to visit, but when you are close to nature it is even better! This place was absolutely incredible. I rather stay here than stay in a fancy hotel. They are like cute little bungaloo houses next to the beach- highly recommend! Its like your own paradise! My husband and I opted for the Mountain View Tentalows, so basically a tent area next to the beach. You can also rent a small cabin, or camp with your own tent beachside. We rented a the Tentalow with 2 beds, and had plenty of room for my husband and I. There was a picnic table, chairs, and showers available to us. There was also some solar lightning inside the tent. It was $95 per night, and we stayed here for 3 nights. You honestly cant beat that. I would highly recommend bringing bug spray and lots of water. The only downside is that it did get hot during the night. HIGHLY RECOMMEND this place, loved it!!
Guide
We hiked through here on a day hike through the crater, and stopped here to rest and chat with some campers. The campground has one cabin available to reserve online (but reservations fill up fast) and then a grassy area to camp with a tent in. The guys we talked to said it was constantly raining the night before, so they camped in a small lava cave near the campground. It was a beautiful area of the crater to be in - truly 'in the clouds' - but it was misting the whole time we were there and I'm not sure I'd want to spend a night there if it was in a tent. The cabin seemed well maintained. There's an outhouse/toilet there, as well as water that must be treated/filtered. It was about 6-7 miles in, starting from the Sliding Sands Trail, or about 4 miles from Halemau'u Trailhead.
Ranger
Is saw a few tents here so it definitely looks like you can camp. There are showers and water available. Tons of places to hang out under the trees or set up hammock. Water is a little silty here so not the best for swimming or snorkeling.
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.
TravelerThis 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.
GuideHosmer Grove campground is located just within Haleakala National Park, the first left turn after the pay station. The campground sports several charcoal grills, a picnic space, bathrooms, water bottle filling station, parking lot with ample space, and a large open space that fits upwards of 10 sports for tents. The campground was easy to access and use as it was the first place we stayed before entering the crater on our 4-day backpacking trip.
TravelerInfested with kiave (extreme thorn plants). Difficult to get in and out of because it’s literally ten feet off a major highway. No fire access. No water access. Getting permits are a huge pain. Checking happened only once and it was in the middle of the night which is terrifying for a woman solo camping.
Attention Worst of all: a serious theft problem. Tent stolen. Umbrella stolen. Ladies before me had all their passports stolen.
The only pros are that it’s on a beautiful beach and the permitted spot is absolutely massive. Too bad tons of non-permitted campers decided to join me in the spot 🙄
Ranger
My family and I had a blast at Kanaha Beach Park. We went scuba diving with a company that was right down the road from this park. We actually went scuba diving in the morning, and then in the afternoon we hung by the beach. We ate dinner on the beach and watched the sunset, it was pretty magical to say the least. The scuba diving was incredible, with amazing underwater life. We got so many great pictures of fish, turtles, and other plant life. We didnt see any sharks on this trip, though. The park was pretty busy when we got there in the afternoon. I assume the park was pretty busy all day, though. We did see some tents and homeless people as the sun went down. Honestly, not sure if I would stay here at night because of this. It was nice during the day, though. Highly recommend checking out the scuba diving business because they were amazing there.
LegendCamping at Hosmer is like camping in a neighbor's nice grassy yard with everyone from the HOA's kids and conversations. The campground is just a square patch of soft green grass with some grills and potable water spouts. There is a nice enclosed pit toilet and a covered grill area for bad weather.
There would be no appeal here except...
They offer reservations of up to 3 days per month, which offers ample opportunity to explore the park and the volcano crater fully, but it is not wilderness camping or amenable to any sort of RV. Know that at camp, if there is an a-hole (or group of a-holes), they are going to be part of your stay. Similarly, if there is an expert on local birds, they become part of the group too!
Guide
This was the first place that we camped at on our Hawaii trip and it was by far our favorite. Paliku is one of two backcountry campsites in the Haleakala National Park summit district. Paliku lies along the eastern side of the crater and will take your breath away. The beauty of this campground is even more apparent after hiking through the barren landscape of the lava fields to get here.
After trekking nearly 10 miles from the visitor center to get here, you’ll be welcomed to take your boots off and step on the lush grass that grows all over the campsite, quite the contrast from all of the ‘a’a lava you’ve just been walking through. This rainy side of the crater features rich, thick, and best of all - almost completely native Hawaiian plants and animals. I can’t say that I’ve ever heard more interesting and diverse bird calls in my life that come from vividly colored native Hawaiian birds that live in this unique habitat. Be sure to collect a bird brochure at the visitor center when you pick up your permit to identify some of these unique birds you may never get the chance to see again in your life.
Campsites are tucked away and hidden along braided paths and tall grass of the dispersed camping area. Not one of them has a bad view.
Being so secluded, this backcountry campground takes preparation and work to get to. Campers must be fit enough to hike to and carry gear necessary to stay at this site. Water filters are a necessity as the water here is non-potable. Cold weather clothes and gear are also needed as temperatures often drop to sub-40.
TravelerWhat a darling little spot. Would return in a heartbeat, and honestly probably will before the month is up. Had two glorious nights there and now I don't want to camp anywhere else in Maui because I was so spoiled.
Pros
Cons
Overall
4.5/5. Absolutely worth it. LOOOOOVE.
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.
Kahului, Hawaii, offers a variety of tent camping options that allow you to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the island. From lush landscapes to breathtaking views, these campgrounds provide unique experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kahului, HI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kahului, HI 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 Kahului, HI?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Kahului, HI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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