Maui Camping at Campgrounds / Campsites
Those who love the great outdoors will not be disappointed on Maui, a haven for campers who want to experience a diverse range of terrains. Adventure is the name of the game, with options from camping inside a volcanic crater, in the lush rainforest, or on a tropical beach.
Maui has a variety of camping areas – state campsites, county campsites, national park campsites and other camp sites. If you plan to camp on Maui, you will need to obtain a camping permit in advance.
Camping at a Hawaii state park on Maui
All state camping areas are administered by the Hawaii DLNR, State Parks. They prefer that all reservations are made on their online portal, which is located at: www.hawaiistateparks.org/camping/maui.cfm (see the button “Online Reservations” in the top left corner on their website). You can make your reservation up to one year in advance.
Here is a list of all state campsites on Maui:
Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area
Waianapanapa State Park
Here is an overview of the state campsite fees:
Hawaii residents: $12 per campsite per night for up to 6 persons; $2 per night for each additional person*. Maximum fee per site: $20/night.
Non-residents: $18 per campsite per night for up to 6 persons; $3 per night for each additional person*. Maximum fee per site: $30/night.
*Children 2 and under free.
There is also a single cabin that can be rented at the Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area. The rate for Hawaii residents is $60 per cabin per night and for non-residents $90 per cabin per night.
The Waianapanapa State Park also has 12 cabins available that can be rented. Each cabin can accommodate up to 6 people. They are equipped with a kitchen-living room, one bedroom and one bathroom, as well as an electric 2-burner hotplate, refrigerator, hot shower, dishes and cooking utensils. There are no linens or towels. The rate for Hawaii residents is $60 per cabin per night and for non-residents $90 per cabin per night.
It is a good idea to make your reservation well in advance, at least a few months, because space is limited.
Camping at county campsites on Maui
There are two county campsites on Maui. To get a camping permit for one of the county campsites, contact the County of Maui Parks & Recreation. On their website you can download and print a camping permit request form and mail it in. The form is located here: www.co.maui.hi.us/index.aspx?NID=409
Here is a list of all county campsites on Maui:
Kanaha Beach Park
Papalaua Wayside Park
Here is an overview of the county campsite fees:
Hawaii residents:
Monday-Thursday
Adults: $3 per adult/per night
Minors: $1 per minor/per night
Friday-Sunday & Holidays
Adults: $5 per adult/per night
Minors: $2 per minor/per night
Non-residents:
Monday-Thursday
Adults: $5 per adult/per night
Minors: $2 per adult/per night
Friday-Sunday & Holidays
Adults: $8 per adult/per night
Minors: $3 per adult/per night
Camping within Haleakala National Park
Camping is also possible in several areas within Haleakala National Park. There are four tent campgrounds: Hosmer, Kipahulu, Paliku and Holua. The Paliku and Holua camp sites are located within the crater and are accessibly by hiking trail only. Trail maps can be downloaded at www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/maps.htm . The Hosmer and Kipahulu camp sites are accessible by car.
Permits are required for overnight camping at these four sites. Camping permits are free and no advance reservations are required. You apply in person at the Headquarters Visitor Center on the day you begin your trip.
Each person is limited to a maximum stay of 3 nights per 30-day period with no more than 2 nights at any one site. The Holua and Paliku camp sites have pit toilets and water available nearby. However, the water is non-potable and must be filtered or treated before drinking. In times of drought all water must be carried in.
There are also three wilderness cabins within Haleakala National Park. They are only accessible by trail. One is located at Holua, a 3.7-mile (5.9 km) hike, a second one is at Kapalaoa, a 5.5-mile (8.9 km) hike, and a third one is at Paliku, a 9.3-mile (15 km) hike.
Advance reservations are necessary for all three cabins. Each person is limited to a maximum of 3 nights per 30-day period, with no more than 2 nights at any one site. Each cabins sleeps up to 12 people.
The cabins have pit toilets and water is available near the cabin. The water is non-potable and must be filtered or treated before drinking. Each cabin is also equipped with a wood-burning stove (limited firewood is provided), a 2-burner propane stove, dishes, cooking utensils and 12 padded bunk beds. In times of drought, water must be carried in. There is no electricity. It is recommended to bring warm clothes and a sleeping bag because it gets chilly here at night. The cabins can be rented up to 90 days in advance, either by calling (808) 572-4400 or online here: https://fhnp.org/wcr
The rate for each cabin is $75 per night if you reserve more than 3 weeks in advance, and $60 per night if you reserve less than 3 weeks in advance. However, the cabins are very popular and are usually booked out months in advance.
Camping at Camp Keanae
There is a cabin on the Keanae Peninsula on Maui’s north shore that can be rented for $18 per person (cabins have 4 to 60 bunk beds), or you can stay at one of two cottages for $125 per night. Tent camping is $35 per family. Reservations can be made by calling (808) 248-8355. For more info, visit www.mauiymca.org/campk.htm
Camping at Camp Olowalu
There are 36 camp sites available at this campground 6 miles (10 km) southeast of Lahaina. Tent camping rates are $10 per person per night. Or you can rent a cabin for $20 per person per night. For more info, visit www.campolowalu.com
