Best Campgrounds near Wailuku, HI

Camping areas around Wailuku, Hawaii range from established campgrounds to more primitive sites across the island of Maui. Camp Olowalu near Lahaina provides tent, RV, and cabin camping with beach access, while Hosmer Grove Campground in Haleakalā National Park offers a completely different experience at higher elevation. The region includes several mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate various camping styles, from basic tent sites at Papalaua Wayside Park to glamping options at Camp Olowalu. Most campgrounds are within a 30-minute drive of Wailuku, making them accessible for visitors based in town.

Permits and reservations are required for many developed campgrounds in the area, with some sites booking up months in advance. Campgrounds like Waiʻanapanapa State Park require printed permits that staff check nightly. "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," noted one camper about Waiʻanapanapa. Weather conditions vary significantly across the island, with higher elevation sites like Hosmer Grove experiencing temperatures as much as 40 degrees cooler than coastal areas. Facilities range from basic pit toilets at more remote locations to developed campgrounds with showers, running water, and dishwashing stations at places like Camp Olowalu.

Campers consistently mention the diverse environments available within short distances. Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area provides a forest camping experience that "doesn't even feel like Hawaii" according to visitor feedback, while coastal campgrounds offer black sand beaches and ocean views. Several visitors highlighted the benefit of camping at Kipahulu and Waiʻanapanapa to experience popular attractions before day tourists arrive. Noise levels vary considerably, with some campgrounds described as peaceful retreats and others noted for weekend parties or early morning rooster calls. Most developed campgrounds provide basic amenities like toilets and picnic tables, though availability of potable water, showers, and electrical outlets differs significantly between locations. Cell service is generally available at campgrounds closer to towns but may be limited in more remote areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Wailuku, Hawaii (19)

    1. Camp Olowalu

    18 Reviews
    Lahaina, HI
    9 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
    19 miles
    Website

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

    "* 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"

    3. Papalaua Wayside Park

    4 Reviews
    Lahaina, HI
    8 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."

    5. Kanaha Beach Park

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

    6. Maui Hawaii County Park Kanaha Beach Campground

    2 Reviews
    Kahului, HI
    3 miles
    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."

    7. Holua Primitive Wilderness Campsite — Haleakalā National Park

    7 Reviews
    Haleakala National Park, HI
    20 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."

    8. Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area Camping

    3 Reviews
    Kihei, HI
    19 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
    14 miles

    $40 - $60 / night

    10. Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Haleakala National Park, HI
    33 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 Reviews near Wailuku, HI

98 Reviews of 19 Wailuku 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 Wailuku

Camping spots near Wailuku, Hawaii range across elevation zones from sea level to over 7,000 feet, creating drastically different camping environments within short driving distances. Temperature differences between coastal and mountain sites can reach 40°F, with Hosmer Grove often requiring winter clothing despite being on a tropical island. Most campgrounds require advance permits with specific check-in procedures that vary by location.

What to do

Night photography sessions: At Hosmer Grove Campground, the high elevation creates exceptional stargazing conditions. "Sleeping in the clouds. 7,000 feet above sea level, you are literally up in the clouds. Amazing panoramic views of the pacific ocean and the crater right around the corner," notes camper Megan B.

Explore rare ecosystems: The unique forest at Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area offers hiking through unusual terrain. "Polipoli does not even feel like you're in Hawaii! I mean this in the best way possible! The hike from the recreational area leads you to two abandoned ranger stations which are super cool! It also starts out by bringing you past these crazy caves!" reports Savannah G.

Early morning beach access: When staying at Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground, campers can enjoy the black sand beach before day visitors arrive. "Campers can come and go and feel like you have the place all to yourself at sunrise just before the early permit holders arrive," explains Shari G.

What campers like

Diverse forest environments: Campers appreciate the contrast of Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area from typical Hawaiian landscapes. "Hawaii is amazing with all the beaches, ocean views, and sunshine. Polipoli is high upcountry tucked in the clouds and forests," writes Savannah G.

Hot outdoor showers: At Camp Olowalu, the shower facilities 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. Another camper adds, "Showers and dishwashing stations also a plus. Free coffee for early risers."

Crater hiking access: The strategic location of Hosmer Grove provides convenient access to Haleakala crater trails. "Perfect location to wake up early and drove up to the summit for sunrise or for stargazing. There are many trails the branch from the campground too," notes Jackie R.

What you should know

Permit requirements vary: Each camping area has different reservation systems and check-in procedures. At Waiʻanapanapa, "Someone comes around each night to check your permit so do not try and squeeze in here last minute!" warns Jessica E.

Wind protection essential: Open campsites can experience strong winds that collapse tents. One camper at Camp Olowalu reported: "Beware the wind!!! Because it's open air with no shielding trees, sooo many people evacuated to sleep in cars or resigned to/woke up to collapsed tents because of high winds."

Limited electrical access: Power outlets are scarce at most campgrounds. At Waiʻanapanapa State Park, "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."

Morning wildlife noise: Roosters are common at many coastal campsites. "Like most camping in Hawaii, bring your earplugs for the roosters," advises Valerie S. from Camp Olowalu.

Tips for camping with families

Pack appropriate clothing: Temperatures at higher elevations require winter-weight sleeping gear. "It was August and I don't know what the temperature was, but I know I could see my breath when I exhaled!" reports Whitney M. about Holua Primitive Wilderness Campsite.

Secure food from wildlife: At some campgrounds, local animals may investigate unsecured provisions. "Don't turn your back on the chickens. They'll get into your vehicle if given the chance," warns Stephanie from Camp Olowalu.

Consider cabin options: For families not prepared for tent camping, cabins provide a practical alternative. "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)," explains Raphaela H. about Waiʻanapanapa's accommodations.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV camping options: True RV sites are scarce near Wailuku. At Camp Olowalu, "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," reports Shari G.

Van camping alternatives: For those with smaller vehicles, Papalaua Wayside Park offers basic oceanfront spaces. "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. 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," notes Stephanie.

Utility hookups minimal: Most RV spots lack traditional hookups. At Papalaua Wayside Park, there's "no water access" and limited facilities, making it suitable only for self-contained vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Wailuku, HI?

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