Join the fun near Lahaina. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Lahaina, reviewed by campers like you.
COVID-19 regulations: we are following all local, state and federal regulations regarding COVID-19, and recommend our guests to comply with current mandates and travel requirements to Hawaii and inter-island before making a reservation.
PRE-CHECK IS REQUIRED FOR ALL INTER-ISLAND AND OUT-OF-STATE RESERVATIONS! AS OF OCTOBER 15, 2020, all inter-island and out-of-state visitors must prove the completion of the quarantine requirement or provide validated Safe Travels Hawai’i/DOH quarantine exemption. Documentation must be submitted via email to reservations@campolowalu.com, before 2PM on check-in day. Guests in non-compliance with the pre-check requirement will not be able to enter the campground. CAMP OLOWALU IS NOT A QUARANTINE SITE.
Currently, reservations are open for tent sites, car camping, tentalows (no linens provided) and A-frame cabins. The camp store will remain closed until further notice; morning complimentary coffee is also discontinued.
Camp on one of the 35 sites. Alongside Maui’s Olowalu Beach enjoy our campground amenities.
Tent camping Tentalows Car Camping Cabins
COMMON AMENITIES
Bathrooms: toilet, sink, mirror, hand soap, paper towels & toilet paper
Instant hot water showers
Outdoor dishwashing station
Wifi internet hotspot at check-in area
Trash & recycling stations
Private parking
2 Charging stations
Fire pit
Picnic benches
BBQ grills$24 - $1600 / night
When it comes to camping locations in paradise, Waianapanapa State Park remains an unspoiled gem. Low, volcanic cliffs envelop the sparkling black sand lagoon below. Located at the end of Waiʻanapanapa Road off Hana Highway, this park offers a wide range of scenic views, tropical hikes, and tons of unique recreation opportunities. Those looking for solitude and respite from the day-to-day grind of modern life are sure to enjoy this secluded campground.
Waianapanapa is unique in that it’s one of the few places where you can enjoy dark, volcanic sand beaches. Even cooler, throughout the year the various tide pools throughout turn a deep shade of maroon-red. Scientists attribute this to the shrimp colonies that visit throughout the year. However, locals say it’s a due to a haunting from the blood of Popoaleae, a mythical princess who was killed by her husband Chief Kaakea in a cave nearby. We’ll let you decide what you want to believe.
The campsites here are spacious enough to accomodate any tent or van dweller, but RVers aren’t going to find much accomodation here. The campground includes bathrooms, drinking water, an outdoor beach shower, fire pits, and tons of hikes nearby. In addition, the park grants access to shore fishing, snorkelling and scuba destinations nearby. Waianapanapa is also known for it’s natural blow-holes scattered through the park, and its world-class sea-bird watching.
Waianapanapa State Park is massive, featuring over 122 acres of unspoiled volcanic terrain. However, parking is limited and the campground itself is on the small side. If you’re looking to camp here, reservations must be made at least 3 days prior to your check-in date. For HI residents, fees are $12 per night for up to 6 people, and $2 per night for every person thereafter. If you’re not a resident, fees are $18/night, with an addition charge of $3 per additional camper. Additionally, the park also offers Cabins on reservation at $60/night for residents, and $90/night for visitors. That being said, if you’re planning on camping in a cabin be aware there is a 2 day minimum. If you’re the type to procrastinate, definitely take care of your reservations in advance as they are strict about permitting here.
$12 - $90 / night
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!
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!
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.
The road to Hana is a Maui Island must-do. And lots of people try to do it in a day -- sure it can be done, but why would you want to? You’ll see so much and won’t take any of it in. So, slow down, take a minute between stops on your itinerary and stay a night or three in Wai’anapapa State Park. We stayed 3 nights and wished we'd had 1 more.
This park is known for its amazing black sand beach and offers visitors a 4-hour permit to experience the beach, the cove and coastal trail through rugged a’a lava fields. However, if you camp there your permit is good for the whole day and into the next to make the most of your visit. 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.
The current camping area isn’t much more than a big patch of grass with trees around the perimeter. Things might open up again once the pandemic regulations subside. A small area, perhaps 50 yards by 20 defines the camper van camping area and there are only 6 loosely defined sites. The bathrooms old and well used, showers are the outside beach variety with cold water and spectators. Potable water is available as well as a few Coke machines.
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 – this one got our hopes up because they have outlets which weren’t hot. So bring your solar panels! Plan ahead, or go to the coffee shop five miles back up the road.
The road to the SP has at least 3 fruit stands and you’ll find another dozen on your way into Hana town. There is a small grocer as well as a handful of good restaurants associated with the local inns or guest houses. Gas is also easy to find in town as well as a small hospital. There is also a spouting hole in the lava which erupts with the incoming waves very close to the main beach -- this is fun for the whole family. Snorkeling is pretty good in the cove, especially on calmer days. Body surfing is fun when it’s less calm as this beach has a black sand break rather than reef.
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. The trail is strenuous and footing can be tricky in places, but the views, especially on a south eastern swell are amazing. Give yourself some time to check it out.
The 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.
While in HI, for a travel job we got to experience this beautiful island. Molokai is not only beautiful, but it has the full range of landscapes, from beach to mountains, from desert-like atmosphere to rain forest. The beaches are not only full of beautiful white sand, but lacking crowds of people! It is the most laidback of all of the islands, and probably has the most Hawaiians still living there. The people are so nice and friendly. There is so much history on such a small island. If you want a truly relaxing vacation, this is the spot!
There is no park entrance fee but there is a cost to some. The views here are amazing and Molokai is a very uninhabited island, so this place is very peaceful.
Staying in the tentalows for a week and I do not want to go! The royal palm entrance is a beautiful indicator of what’s ahead at camp Olowalu! Fully enclosed yurt like cabins with a sink, mirror, towels, linens, hooks, lights, outdoor shower, and keyed entry CLEAN bathrooms near every tentalow. Across the path is the beach and across the street is Olowalu general store with ono poke, great gifts, fresh pineapple market, butterfly farm, etc. gorgeous mature mango trees and bamboo. The most exquisite campground I’ve ever stayed at.
This is the only place I will stay when I come back to Maui. Tentalos are a far cry from roughing it, but they're also awesome. Much cheaper than a hotel. Well-kept grounds are similar to a city park. Close access to the beach and water activities. You can rent surfboards, paddle boards, kayaks. Saw whales surfacing at sundown.
Glamp it up.
We were lucky enough to get a cabin for one night at Waiʻanapanapa State Park, allowing us to spend more time hiking at this end of the island without worrying about driving back to the other side the same day. The black sand beach is lovely, but when we went in February, it was a bit too dangerous to enter the ocean. There are definitely rocks all around, and it's the side of Maui where the waves are larger, so be careful. The high surf did let us see the blowhole in action - great fun to watch the wind carry the sea spray for yards into the park.
Campground: The campsites we saw don't really have vegetation between them, but you're here for the location and the beach, and there aren't any other economical overnight options in the area, so that is neither here not there. Would definitely recommend staying at the park if you'd like to spend more time in this corner of the island.
Cabins: We stayed in a cabin, which are usually two-night minimum, but we planned our trip around a 1-night only availability to get around this rule (~$100/night). Our cabin (#9), didn't have a direct ocean view, but it did sit a bit above the tree line and nevertheless had a great view. It was also intermittently pouring, so a cabin was ideal for our February stay. For tourists, there are some hurdles to booking the cabins (you need to bring your own sheets, towels and soaps, which many folks don't fly to the island with). The cabins have 3 sets of bunks (4 beds total in a bedroom and 2 beds in the living room). We slept in the living room as the mattress condition was better and the mosquito nets on the windows in that room didn't have holes. The cabin has water and electricity, but no AC, so we just slept with the windows open and it was comfortable. No window coverings. To avoid ripping the mattress covers or scratching the floors, there is no moving the mattresses or the beds. There was a bit of a smell (maybe the drain, maybe oxidizing steel sink and hotplate) when we arrived, so I did a thorough clean and blocked the drain with a towel. The cabin will be pretty much the way the last guests left it so I'm sure conditions will vary - our bathroom and floors were clean for cabin conditions. No complaints there. The bathroom has a shower, sink and toilet. the kitchen has a fridge/freezer, microwave, hotplate?, and sink. There is a table and 4 folding chairs inside and a built-in picnic table on the porch, and a grill for each cabin.
That all may not sound luxurious, but we really enjoyed our night here! The porch was large and each porch is designed to face away from other porches and towards the view. It was beautiful watching the sky change at sunset and sunrise. Staying here was much more economical than our other options in Hana. Most importantly, staying over night removed the time stress of doing the road to Hana. We were able to stop, hike, picnic, etc. as often as we wanted on the way out without worrying about a time crunch. We checked out the town of Hana after checking into our cabin and had a relaxed meal across the street from the entrance. We were able to add a 3-hour hike in Haleakala national park (Pipiwei Trail - recommend!) the following day and since that was a hot day, it was nice to start before the sun was too high and the parking lot was too full.
Tried 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.
The Tentalow was clean and in nice condition. Little light pollution, great for star gazing.
What 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.
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Overall
4.5/5. Absolutely worth it. LOOOOOVE.
It 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.
Stayed here during the week and this is absolute best place to camp. Has cell reception, bathrooms, showers, ocean access, and overall great campground. I did a camp site which is in dirt which kinda sucks but that’s is only complaint but won’t rate it down for this. Food and drink access is close by too!
great open area camping spot. only thing is staff is not always around but awesome views and beach.
I 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.
This was probably our favorite campground in a state park on Maui. We camped in a campervan, and there's a separate section for RV/campervans and tents. Campervans park in a mostly dirt (so it does get a bit muddy when it rains) lot adjacent to the bathrooms/beach shower and the grassy area for tent camping. The black sand beach is small and has rough waves but it is absolutely beautiful, and there's an incredibly lava tube (a cave, basically) that you'll have to do a little searching for (when you walk down the stairs that lead to the beach, look to your right when you get to the bottom and search along the rocks for an opening. You'll have to duck in, but once in the lava tube opens up far above your head and leads to an opening that touches the ocean).
You *definitely* need to get a reservation ahead of time for the park - it's easy to reserve online, but you must do it as soon as possible and print out your reservation to show once you're camping - they do have people come around and check.
The campsite for campervans has no picnic tables and just one old grill made out of bricks that looked a bit gross, but there's picnic tables near the parking lot where day visitors park, and near the trail along the coastline. There's a bathroom building at the center of the campground that includes separate women's & men's rooms with running water toilets (2 stalls in the women's), a changing area (basically just a bench) and 1 sink (with no soap or mirror). Outside of the restroom are soda machines and an open-air shower. The shower has multiple showerheads so 2-3 people can shower at a time, but they're all connected to one main rod so it is a bit awkward to be showering so close to strangers. During the day, day visitors use it a lot to shower off after the beach, but once evening comes around we saw a lot of campers use it just like a regular shower, just keeping bathing suits on. Considering the other state parks on Maui (like Kipahulu) even the beach shower was pretty nice to have to be able to shower off. There's also a water fountain next to the bathrooms and another very low-to-the-ground water faucet that many use to wash their pots and pans, and we used to fill up a large water jug.
The beach was great, as were the hikes along lava rocks - though they were definitely not super well maintained, and at times you were kind of guessing whether you were still on the same path. Overall a great place to camp!
Located along the Hana Highway this campground is located within Waianapanapa State Park. This is an open campground, easy to access (very short walk from parking lot). Bathrooms and an outdoor shower are located just a hundred yards from campsite. Don’t forget to get your permit in advance online otherwise I’m sure you can get it from park office. And post it on your tent while you’re there, I heard they checked for them.
I think this campground is best suited for people who are hoping to hang around Waianapanapa State Park all day, and there is no shortage of things to do at the park. Park offers black sand beach, hiking trail, blowhole, tidepooling but also lots of tourists too. I wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving tent and belongings alone with as many people that come back and forth. Altogether, this site suited our needs, had good amenities, and offered beautiful scenery with many things to do.
This was really amazing campgroung but we stayed only for one night because it was raining a lot in this part of Maui in February. I definitely loved the beach,we have seen the whales while swimming. We really loved it
Some of the best scuba diving I have ever done is right next to this State Park. We scuba dived in the morning and then hung out on the beach at this park afterward. We had a late dinner/early dinner and enjoyed people watching and relaxing by the beach. We ate lunch at the picnic area in the park, enjoying some fish and chips we bought at a restaurant nearby. The picnic area was really nice, and had about 12 different tables. Some were under cover and some were not. There is a big grass area too where we saw some people laying on towels and others playing frisbee. We ate our lunch, grabbed our chairs and stayed by the water for awhile. We actually stayed longer than we thought we were because we caught the beautiful sunset. The park was pretty busy, but as the day went on there were less people. Highly recommend scuba diving, that was the highlight of my trip. This was adjacent to the park entrance. Had a blast here, and the weather was perfect.
Okay, 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.
There is a variety of sites available. Showers and toilets available. There is a group section.
Maui 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!!
Awesome!! Would definitely stay there again!
I enjoyed the views, hike down to the black sand beach.
This campground has nearby bathrooms and outdoor showers. It is located with a beautiful view of the black rock beach and the nearby blowhole. Lots of grassy areas for tents. A very family friendly location.
Remember, if you book online, which you should, you need to print out your permit and display your permit on your tent. Rangers come around daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Lahaina, HI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Lahaina, HI is Camp Olowalu with a 4.7-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Lahaina, HI?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 glamping camping locations near Lahaina, HI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
