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Best Campgrounds near Kahului, HI

97 Reviews

Campgrounds near Kahului, Hawaii range from basic tent sites to furnished tentalows, with several options located along Maui's coastline. Camp Olowalu in Lahaina offers a variety of accommodation types including tent camping, RV sites, cabins, and glamping experiences on a beachfront property. Hosmer Grove Campground in Haleakalā National Park provides tent and RV sites approximately 20 miles southeast of Kahului at higher elevations. Most campgrounds feature toilet facilities, though amenities vary significantly between developed sites and more primitive locations.

Permit requirements are common across Maui's camping areas, with several sites requiring advance reservations. "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," noted one visitor about Papalaua Wayside Park, though this appears to be an exception rather than the rule. Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly at higher elevations in Haleakalā National Park where temperatures drop significantly at night. Many beachfront camping areas experience strong winds that can affect tent stability, with reviewers mentioning collapsed tents due to high winds at some coastal sites. Cell service is limited in remote areas, especially within the national park boundaries.

The beach access available at several campgrounds represents a major draw for visitors to the area. Camp Olowalu receives particularly strong reviews for its combination of amenities and location, with one camper noting, "Gorgeous mature mango trees and bamboo. The most exquisite campground I've ever stayed at." By contrast, Cozy Meadows Campground has received negative feedback regarding its facilities and management. Kanaha Beach Park appears to no longer permit overnight camping according to recent reviews. Wildlife viewing opportunities vary by location, with whale watching possible from some coastal sites during migration seasons, while higher elevation campgrounds in Haleakalā offer different ecosystems and wildlife. Noise levels vary significantly, with roadside campgrounds experiencing traffic sounds while more remote sites offer greater tranquility.

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Best Camping Sites Near Kahului, Hawaii (18)

    1. Camp Olowalu

    18 Reviews
    Lahaina, HI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (808) 661-4303

    $24 - $1600 / night

    "Like most camping in Hawaii, bring your earplugs for the roosters."

    "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)."

    2. Hosmer Grove Campground — Haleakalā National Park

    19 Reviews
    Haleakala National Park, HI
    16 miles
    Website

    "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. "

    "Nearby trails through beautiful forests and with jaw-dropping views. Wake up early for the sunrise and pre-dawn birdsong."

    3. Papalaua Wayside Park

    4 Reviews
    Lahaina, HI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (808) 270-4315

    $10 / night

    "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."

    "We opted for van camping so we were close to the road so it was noisier than if we’d been closer to the beach."

    4. Aina Arks at IAO

    1 Review
    Wailuku, HI
    3 miles

    5. Kanaha Beach Park

    2 Reviews
    Kahului, HI
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (808) 270-7389

    6. Holua Primitive Wilderness Campsite — Haleakalā National Park

    7 Reviews
    Haleakala National Park, HI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (808) 572-4400

    "Dispersed campsites are a 3 minute hike up the trail to the left as you arrive to the Holua cabin and located throughout the flat land next to the horse stables."

    "The guys we talked to said it was constantly raining the night before, so they camped in a small lava cave near the campground."

    7. Maui Hawaii County Park Kanaha Beach Campground

    2 Reviews
    Kahului, HI
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (808) 270-7389

    "The white sand beach is surrounded by trees and bike paths. A lifeguard office is manned and equipped for rescue."

    8. Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area Camping

    3 Reviews
    Kihei, HI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (808) 984-8109

    $20 - $100 / night

    "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."

    "One thing I like about this park is that it is close by the town where you can walk to and get lunch. There are some really great restaurants with yummy local food."

    9. Cozy Meadows Campground

    3 Reviews
    Kahului, HI
    11 miles

    $40 - $60 / night

    10. Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Haleakala National Park, HI
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (808) 984-8109

    $12 - $90 / night

    "I was here in December, which is the rainy, rough season in Hawaii. The park is very large, and is the quintessential black sand beach of Maui."

    "Since the big resorts are on the opposite side of the island, most visitors to Maui travel the Hanna Highway as a day trip."

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Recent Camping Photos near Kahului, HI

37 Photos of 18 Kahului Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Kahului, HI

97 Reviews of 18 Kahului 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 Kahului

Camping near Kahului, HI, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a beachside retreat or a mountain escape, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the black sand beach: At Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground, visitors rave about the beautiful black sand beach. One reviewer said, "The black sand beach is lovely... 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."
  • Hike the Pipiwai Trail: This trail is a must-do for anyone camping at Kīpahulu Campground. A camper shared, "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."
  • Visit local fruit stands: The road to Hana is lined with fruit stands, making it easy to grab fresh snacks. One camper noted, "The road to the SP has at least 3 fruit stands and you’ll find another dozen on your way into Hana town."

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers at Camp Olowalu appreciate the beautiful surroundings. A reviewer mentioned, "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!"
  • Clean facilities: Many campers highlight the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One visitor at Camp Olowalu said, "The grounds and facilities are well maintained and clean."
  • Access to nature: Campers enjoy the proximity to hiking trails and natural beauty. A reviewer at Hosmer Grove Campground stated, "The campground has a covered picnic area, as well as 2 pit toilets with a handwashing sink outside."

What you should know:

  • Reservations are important: Many campgrounds, like Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground, require reservations. One camper advised, "You do need to bring your own kitchen wares, bedding and towels."
  • Weather can be unpredictable: Campers at Hosmer Grove Campground noted that temperatures can drop significantly at night. A visitor mentioned, "Night time temperatures can be in the 30’s and 40’s... plan ahead!"
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Kīpahulu Campground, do not have running water. A camper shared, "Note that there's no running water here, so come prepared with water jugs."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Camp Olowalu offers a variety of accommodations, including glamping options. A family camper said, "The tentalows are a far cry from roughing it, but they're also awesome."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to include activities like snorkeling and hiking. One camper mentioned, "I was gone by 8 am and back after sunset, going snorkeling, hiking and exploring the island."
  • Bring earplugs: Noise can be an issue, especially at busier campgrounds. A camper at Camp Olowalu noted, "Bring earplugs for the roosters."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for RV-friendly sites: Not all campgrounds accommodate RVs. A reviewer at Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground mentioned, "The current camping area isn’t much more than a big patch of grass."
  • Be prepared for limited hookups: Many campgrounds, like Kīpahulu Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A camper shared, "There’s no running water, but two small buildings with pit toilets inside."
  • Arrive early for the best spots: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly. A camper at Hosmer Grove Campground advised, "Get there early to grab the most level spots."

Camping near Kahului, HI, is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of Maui. With a little planning and the right campground, you're sure to have a memorable trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Kahului, HI?

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

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