Best Campgrounds near Kihei, HI
Camping options near Kihei, Hawaii range from established campgrounds to primitive wilderness sites across the island of Maui. Camp Olowalu in Lahaina provides tent, RV, cabin and glamping accommodations with beach access approximately 15 miles northwest of Kihei. Haleakalā National Park offers multiple camping experiences including Hosmer Grove Campground with drive-in sites for tents and RVs, and backcountry options like Holua Primitive Wilderness Campsite accessible only by hiking trails. State parks including Waiʻanapanapa and Polipoli Spring Recreation Area supplement these options with additional tent camping areas.
Permits and reservations are required for most camping areas on Maui, with many sites booking quickly during peak travel seasons. Campgrounds like Waiʻanapanapa State Park require advance online reservations that must be printed and displayed at campsites. "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," noted one camper about Hosmer Grove's conditions. Elevation significantly affects camping conditions, with sites like Polipoli Spring and Hosmer Grove experiencing cooler temperatures and stronger winds than coastal locations. Road conditions vary considerably, with some campgrounds accessible by standard vehicles while others require high-clearance vehicles or hiking to reach.
Campers consistently rate the diverse environments as highlights of Maui camping experiences. Coastal campgrounds provide opportunities to fall asleep to ocean sounds and access black sand beaches, while upcountry sites offer completely different ecosystems. A review of Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area noted, "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." Facilities range from primitive sites with pit toilets to more developed campgrounds with showers and running water. Many campgrounds experience significant day visitor traffic, with campers reporting that early mornings and evenings provide the most peaceful experiences after day visitors depart. Wildlife viewing, especially bird watching at locations like Hosmer Grove, represents another frequently mentioned highlight in camper reviews.
