Cabin accommodations near Wailuku provide access to both coastal and mountainous terrain of Maui. Several locations within a 30-mile radius offer rustic to modern cabin facilities with varying amenities. Camp Olowalu provides cabins approximately 20 miles from Wailuku along the western coastline at near sea level, while Haleakala National Park's wilderness cabins sit at elevations exceeding 7,000 feet with temperatures that can drop below 40°F.
What to do
Beach activities: At Camp Olowalu, visitors can rent stand-up paddleboards and kayaks directly from the campground. "Can take relatively affordable kayaking tours from the campgrounds or rent SUP/kayaks for very affordable rates," notes Tracy Jo I., who found the beach access convenient for water activities.
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution at several cabin locations creates ideal nighttime viewing conditions. A camper at Camp Olowalu remarked on the "Little light pollution, great for star gazing" that made their evening experience memorable despite the proximity to developed areas.
Birdwatching: The eastern crater region near Paliku Backcountry Campsite offers rare bird watching opportunities unique to Hawaii. "I can't say that I've ever heard more interesting and diverse bird calls in my life that come from vividly colored native Hawaiian birds that live in this unique habitat," reports Bryce K., recommending visitors collect a bird brochure from the visitor center.
What campers like
Outdoor shower facilities: Camp Olowalu's distinctive shower setup receives consistent praise from visitors staying in cabins and tent accommodations alike. "The outdoor showers at Camp Olowalu resort are worth the stay in and of themselves. They are works of art, frankly," writes Shari G., noting they get genuinely hot water despite being outdoor facilities.
Contrast to hotel experiences: Many cabin visitors appreciate the nature-focused alternative to traditional resorts. One camper stated, "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."
Morning amenities: Sacred Garden Retreat and Camp Olowalu offer different morning experiences for cabin guests. At Camp Olowalu, multiple reviewers mentioned appreciation for "Free coffee in the morning!" which provides a welcome start to the day without leaving the grounds.
What you should know
Wind conditions: Cabins and tent sites at Camp Olowalu can experience significant wind due to their exposed location. "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," warns Tracy Jo I.
Morning noise levels: Roosters and early traffic create predictable noise patterns at several cabin locations near Wailuku. "Between 12am and 5am were the only hours that things seemed to die down... Then, about 5am, the feral roosters chime in to have their say, and the traffic begins. Long story short...bring earplugs!" advises a Camp Olowalu visitor.
Electrical limitations: Cabin facilities vary significantly in their electrical provisions. Camp Olowalu provides charging stations but they can become crowded. "Literally 8 plugs for a bajillion people causing a massive traffic jam in the mornings and evenings," notes one camper about the limited charging infrastructure.
Tips for camping with families
Shade considerations: When booking cabins at Wilderness Cabins — Haleakalā National Park, prepare for temperature variations and sun exposure. At Camp Olowalu, a visitor observed "Absolutely no shade at all on any sites, save for one campsite (campsite #1)," making sun protection essential for families with children.
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about maintaining food security around local wildlife. "Don't turn your back on the chickens. They'll get into your vehicle if given the chance," warns Stephanie, noting that even seemingly harmless wildlife can create challenges for unprepared families.
Bathroom proximity considerations: When selecting cabin locations with children, consider distance to facilities. "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," shares Valerie S., highlighting the potential night-time walking distance for children.
Tips from RVers
Campervans and small RVs: Camp Olowalu accommodates campervans in a dedicated area separate from cabin and tent sites. "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," reports Jordan T., who appreciated the convenient access to facilities.
Surface considerations: RV campers should prepare for dirt surfaces rather than paved pads. A visitor noted, "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," suggesting bringing appropriate cleaning supplies and floor coverings.
