Best Campgrounds near Lahaina, HI

Camping opportunities near Lahaina, Hawaii range from beachfront sites to mountain ridge settings at elevations of up to 7,000 feet. Camp Olowalu offers tent, RV, and glamping accommodations with ocean views, while Papalaua Wayside Park provides more rustic tent camping directly along the shoreline. Several campgrounds in the area feature both walk-in tent sites and designated RV parking areas, with some offering cabin rentals or prepared "tentalow" accommodations. The region includes camping options within Haleakalā National Park where both developed and primitive backcountry sites can be found.

Advance reservations are essential for most developed campgrounds, with permits required for camping at Papalaua Wayside Park and within Haleakalā National Park. Many campsites near Lahaina provide amenities such as running water and shower facilities, though primitive sites may offer only basic vault toilets. Weather conditions vary significantly based on elevation and location, with coastal sites experiencing warm temperatures year-round while higher-elevation campgrounds like Hosmer Grove can be windy and chilly even in summer. Rainfall is common in this tropical climate, particularly at higher elevations. A camper observed that "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."

Mixed-use campgrounds offering both tent and RV sites are concentrated along the coastline, providing easy beach access but sometimes limited privacy between sites. Developed campgrounds with amenities like outdoor showers and drinking water receive positive reviews, particularly Camp Olowalu, where one visitor noted the "outdoor shower is an AMAZING experience." The most popular spots combine natural beauty with practical facilities, though noise can be an issue at busier locations. Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area offers a different experience with its mountain forest setting that "doesn't even feel like Hawaii" according to visitor feedback. Many campgrounds near major attractions like Haleakalā crater provide strategic bases for exploring these areas before day visitors arrive, allowing campers to "wake up early, watch the sunrise, and get a start on your day's adventures."

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Best Camping Sites Near Lahaina, Hawaii (19)

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Recent Reviews near Lahaina, HI

98 Reviews of 19 Lahaina Campgrounds


  • Delphine B.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Cozy Meadows Campground

    Terrible place

    You definitely should avoid this place. The shower is a garden hose on the floor, the place was dirty and not welcoming AT ALL. Moreover the owner asked for money, saying that I broke the entrance... not worth the money!

  • Ryan W.
    Dec. 23, 2024

    Hosmer Grove Campground — Haleakalā National Park

    Camping vs Camground. Difficult to rate. Experience specific.

    Camping 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...

    • The campground is at the entrance to the Haleakalā National Park, allowing you to wake up and explore as opposed to make an early drive a couple miles up a windy road if you were doing a longer hike.
    • The campground is home to a nature trail through a Frankenstein'd woods where they planted numerous different trees after logging the area in the old days searching for a fast growing tree they could then log again. It's a little bit of the Pacific Northwest in Hawaii, but with all the Hawaiian plantlife as well.
    • 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.
    • Did I mention the location?

    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!

  • M
    Dec. 23, 2024

    Kīpahulu Campground — Haleakalā National Park

    Great campground

    This campground is located in the Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park. It offers very basic amenities, including cooking grills and vault toilets, with drinking water available only at the visitor center.  I can join activities such as playing slope game. Campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, featuring grassy areas that are unmarked except for the presence of grills and picnic tables. The atmosphere is peaceful, with the soothing sound of waves crashing against the rocky coastline below. At night, the stargazing is spectacular! We camped at Kipahulu National State Park in a camper van.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 6, 2024

    Cozy Meadows Campground

    Terrible experience

    Had a terrible experience with this campsite.  There was no address on the website, no directions provided, and only a pin on a google map was provided when I hit the "Get Directions" button.  Despite an hour of searching, could not find the campsite.  Talked to a number of people in the area, none of them had heard of the campsite.  Called the contact number provided, no response. It was already late, so we had to sleep (didn't really sleep) in our vehicle at the side of the road. The next day sent an -email to the address on the website, no response.  Asked for refund, no response.  Terrible

  • K
    May. 3, 2024

    Cozy Meadows Campground

    Nice if nothing else is available

    Shower : a poor garden hose at the entrance of the “camp”

    Toilet : ok

    Broken plastic table, Grill without any tank…

    It’s definitely not a cozy place, it look like more an unoccupied land

  • M
    Nov. 7, 2023

    Camp Olowalu

    Lovely, affordable accomodation

    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!

  • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Oct. 18, 2023

    Uka Hawaiian Native Camp

    A True Hawaiin Experience

    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!

  • V
    Apr. 4, 2023

    Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground

    Cabin rental. Great space!

    Two families, total of five people reserved a cabin. We had great space with one family in the bedroom (2 bunk beds) and the other using the bunk bed in the living space.   Unfortunately in the February rain we didn’t use the outdoor living space (covered deck) with picnic table as much as we would have liked but the kitchen had a long folding table that gives room for cooking, eating, and games.    A couch or other seating would have been nice.  It was very nice to have a full bathroom with hot water we showers. You do need to bring your own kitchen wares, bedding and towels.  

    The state park is beautiful to explore.  Definitely recommend an overnight stay over a day rip. The reservation is two night minimum unless there is a single day available.  A few of the cabins stayed empty despite full reservations prior so might be worth keeping an eye out for cancellations!

  • V
    Apr. 4, 2023

    Camp Olowalu

    Relaxing and clean camping spot!

    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.


Guide to Lahaina

Camping near Lahaina, Hawaii, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Snorkeling and Water Activities: Head to Camp Olowalu for easy access to the beach and water sports. One camper mentioned, "I was gone by 8 am and back after sunset, going snorkeling, hiking and exploring the island."
  • Hiking: The Hosmer Grove Campground is a great spot for hiking. A reviewer noted, "The short hike connected to the campground to see all the tree varieties is cool!"
  • Exploring Local Markets: Campers at Camp Olowalu enjoyed the nearby fruit stand market, saying, "Right across the main road you’ll find a huge fruit stand market with lots of options."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms and showers at Camp Olowalu. One reviewer said, "The shared bathrooms are great! Clean, flush toilets, and running water."
  • Affordable Rates: Campgrounds like Hosmer Grove offer budget-friendly camping. A camper shared, "The campsites are clustered into a small lawn area... very inexpensive ($5 per night)."
  • Beautiful Scenery: Campers rave about the views at Holua Primitive Wilderness Campsite. One camper described it as "absolutely stunning! Abutted next to the west-facing side of the crater wall."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Campers at Camp Olowalu noted that it can get noisy. One reviewer mentioned, "We found it to be noisy and distracting... bring earplugs!"
  • Limited Amenities: At Hosmer Grove, there are no showers, and the weather can be chilly. A camper warned, "Night time temperatures can be in the 30’s and 40’s... plan ahead!"
  • Permit Requirements: Some campgrounds, like Holua, require a backcountry camping permit. A reviewer advised, "A backcountry camping permit must be obtained from the visitor center to stay at Holua."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Camp Olowalu is a good option with amenities like picnic tables and clean facilities. One family shared, "The grounds and facilities are well maintained and clean."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a plan for daytime activities. A camper at Kipahulu Campground said, "We swam in the 7 sacred pools... and hiked the Pipiwai Trail."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Campers at Wai'anapanapa State Park noted the need to bring your own supplies, as "there are no eateries or shops... come prepared."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for Space Availability: RVers at Papalaua Wayside Park mentioned that it can be tricky to find spots. One camper said, "Due to rain and needing to drive around other vehicles, the site was hard to get in and out of."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: If you're parking near the highway, expect some noise. A reviewer noted, "We were worried about noise and privacy because we were tent camping on our car."
  • Bring Your Own Water: Many campgrounds, like Kipahulu, don’t have running water. A camper advised, "Come prepared with water jugs."

Camping near Lahaina, Hawaii, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors while soaking in the beauty of Maui. Just remember to plan ahead and be ready for a memorable adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Lahaina, HI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lahaina, HI is Camp Olowalu with a 4.7-star rating from 18 reviews.