Camping opportunities near Kihei, Hawaii range from ocean-front sites to cloud-forest experiences at elevations up to 7,000 feet above sea level. Temperatures vary dramatically by location, with coastal areas remaining warm year-round while higher elevation sites can drop below 40°F at night. Many campsites require advance reservations, and some camping areas close seasonal roads during winter months or adverse weather conditions.
What to do
Black sand beach exploration: At Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground, campers can access the iconic black sand beach before day visitors arrive. "Reservations can only be made online. Plenty of short hikes in the area easy to medium skill level," notes camper Emmanuel M. Early morning provides the best opportunity for photography and swimming.
Bird watching: Seek out native Hawaiian birds in the morning hours. "The bird watching is wild. The confluence of water and mixed plants makes this a perfect spot for bird watching, including some rare and endangered birds," mentions one camper about Hosmer Grove. Many species are most active shortly after sunrise.
Coastal hiking: Follow the trail system along the shoreline at Waiʻanapanapa State Park. "Hiking in the park is totally worth it. The trail winds along the coastline high above the water, allowing amazing views of the lava structures, arches, tubes, coves and caves that the sea has shaped," writes Shari G. The trail requires sturdy footwear due to sharp lava rock surfaces.
What campers like
Outdoor showers: Camp Olowalu offers distinctive shower facilities that receive consistent praise. "The outdoor showers at Camp Olowalu resort are worth the stay in and of themselves. They are works of art, frankly," shares Shari G. These open-air showers provide hot water, a luxury often unavailable at other camping areas.
Diverse ecosystems: Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area Camping presents an entirely different environment than coastal campsites. "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," explains Savannah G. The area contains abandoned ranger stations and cave formations.
Overnight access: Staying at state parks provides after-hours experiences unavailable to day visitors. "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," notes a camper about Waiʻanapanapa State Park. This timing advantage allows for uncrowded beach and trail access.
What you should know
Tent conditions: Hosmer Grove Campground — Haleakalā National Park experiences significant weather variations due to its elevation. "We were there in June, and by nightfall it got to about 30 degrees (probably dropped even more by midnight). Be prepared with a warm sleeping bag, long sleeves, long pants, socks and maybe a warm hat," advises a camper. Wind-resistant tent stakes are essential.
Reservation systems: Each camping area uses different reservation platforms and timelines. Camp Olowalu accepts online reservations for various accommodation types with rates varying by season. Waiʻanapanapa State Park requires online reservations printed and displayed at campsites, with separate systems for cabins versus tent sites.
Limited charging options: Power access is scarce at most campsites. "We had a problem charging up our electronics and assumed that we might find electricity at the state park just like back on the mainland -- we were wrong. There wasn't an outlet to be found either in the park or even in the beach park down in Hana," reports Shari G. Solar chargers are recommended for multi-day stays.
Tips for camping with families
Prepare for roosters: Camp Olowalu and other coastal sites have resident feral chickens that serve as natural alarm clocks. "Then, about 5am, the feral roosters chime in to have their say, and the traffic begins. Long story short...bring earplugs!" advises Shari G. Earplugs for children who are light sleepers are particularly helpful.
Campsite selection: At Camp Olowalu, site location significantly impacts the experience. "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," explains Valerie S. Corner sites typically offer more space for families with multiple tents.
Avoid thorny areas: Watch for kiawe plants at beach campsites. "Infested with kiave (extreme thorn plants)," warns Tracy Jo I. about Papalaua Wayside Park. These thorns can puncture tent floors, shoes, and inflatable sleeping pads, causing particular problems for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Limited maneuvering space: Papalaua Wayside Park has tight access for larger vehicles. "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," reports Stephanie. Sites closest to the highway provide easier access but more road noise.
Dirt surfaces: Many campgrounds lack paved parking areas. "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," notes Jordan T. about Camp Olowalu. Bring leveling blocks as most parking areas aren't graded flat.
Overnight parking enforcement: Campground managers verify permits even after dark. "Checking happened only once and it was in the middle of the night which is terrifying for a woman solo camping," mentions Tracy Jo I. Display permits prominently on dashboards to avoid late-night disturbances.
