Maui Camping Permits Made Easy And Best Camping Spots

Hawaii is one of the states in the US that offers the most varied camping experiences. You can sleep in the middle of the tropical forests, wake up on the beach, or gaze up at the stars from the top of a dormant volcano. This activity appeals to more than just true camping enthusiasts and nature lovers. In recent years, we have seen a drastic increase in camping offers in the Polynesian archipelago. While it wasn’t the case in the late 2010s, campervans dominate Maui’s more affordable Airbnb offers. If you start researching Maui camping opportunities, you’ll quickly see that it’s more complex than you might have initially thought. I quickly discovered that my dream of camping for 1 week on Haleakala was sadly impossible… I took the time to gather all the information available on the different Maui camping sites so you didn’t have to.

key takeaways

• It is not legal to camp anywhere in Maui. Camping is only permitted in designated campgrounds and parks.
• Maui has many campgrounds all around the island. These campgrounds can be split into 4 categories : Haleakalā National Park, county-run, state-run, and privately-owned campgrounds.
• Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area is the only location where camping in Maui is free.

Can you go camping in Maui on the beach ?

You can’t camp anywhere but you can actually sleep on a number of beaches in Maui. Camp Olowalu and Papalaua Wayside Park both have tent sites located on beaches. The Waianapanapa State Park has beach access and campsites. No camping is allowed at Ahihi-Kina’u Natural Area Reserve, Honolua Bay Marine Reserve, and Big Beach State Park.

Where to get a camping permit on Maui?

Permits are required for locations without campgrounds. You’ll need one if you want to camp at these spots: Hōlua Campsites, Palikū Campsites, Papalaua Wayside Park, Waianapanapa State Park, and Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area.

There is no centralized place to obtain a camping permit in Maui. Each location has a different way of operating. For Polipoli Spring Area and the Waianapanapa State Park contact Maui State Parks at (808)-984-8109. Papalaua Wayside Park only gives permit in person. You can obtain a Haleakala National Park wilderness camping permit online. (Website)

Will I need a car to camp in Maui?

If you’re camping out in Maui, it’s for your love of sleeping under the stars. It does reduce your travel expenses but doesn’t automatically make it a cheap trip. You will absolutely need a car to visit the island from where you sleep since none of the campgrounds are on the Maui bus route.

Where to go camping in Maui?

Camp Olowalu

The Classic Maui Camping Spot

Cell Phone Reception	Electric Hookups	Potable Water	Fire	Toilets	Showers	Laundry
Spotty reception But Wi-Fi at Check-in Area	Yes	Yes	Fire Pit available	Yes	Yes	Yes

Camp Olowalu is a private campsite by the beach in West Maui. Considering its numerous camping sites and convenient location, it is in fact one of the first places you should consider staying in Maui. On the other hand, its closeness to the road also means you will hear cars passing by during your time there. Camp Olowalu, on the other hand, offers several amenities you won’t find elsewhere on the island. Tent camping is only one of the options: Apart from around 30 tent sites, this huge campground has about twenty tentalows in addition to a few car camping spaces. If you’re on the island from November to May, also known as whale watching season, this place is ideally located for enjoying the best oceanic spectacle. The beach is, however, also great for kayaking and snorkeling.

Reservation: As accommodation is scarce on the island, be sure to reserve well in advance. The campground nonetheless takes walk-ins as long as there is availability.

Location: Located on the side of the Honoapiilani Highway, the road between Kihei and Lahaina, Camp Olowalu is at the entrance to West Maui. Although it is on the Lahaina Islander bus route, the bus doesn’t stop near Olowalu. Therefore, this location is only accessible by car.

Weather: Located in one of the driest on Maui, there are no special precautions.

Cost: $30 USD per night for tent camping, $30 for car camping, $175 for tentalow and 235$ for family tentalow

Restrictions: No maximum number of nights.

To book: Website (You must sign up to see what’s available.)

Hosmer Grove Campground in Haleakala National Park

Camping the night before the sunrise

Cell Phone Reception	Electric Hookups	Potable Water	Fire	Toilets	Showers	Laundry
Yes	No	Potable Water	Only permitted in designated barbeque grills. Gas stoves are permitted. No ground fires allowed.	Vault Toilets	No	No

The most “tame” and least remote of the campsites inside Haleakala National Park, this campsite is the best option for people who want to experience the volcano without being too far from civilization. Hosmer Grove Campground allows tent camping only and is open year-round; Camping trailers or pop-up campers are allowed only in authorized parking spaces. As long as you’ve packed for a possible 30-degree range temperature, this peaceful camping area (with only 6 tent spots) is one of the best in Maui.

Reservation: You must reserve in advance to sleep at Hosmer Grove Campground. You can book up to 30 days in advance, so you’ll have to be on the lookout and remember to check the Recreation.gov website long after booking your flight.

Location: The campground is on the way to Haleakala National Park’s visitor center, not far off inside Maui’s Upcountry. Even if it is accessible by car, be prepared to walk to your tent site with your stuff, as you must park in the paved lot.

Weather: At 7,000 feet (2134m) in elevation, Hosmer Grove is nested in the cloud belt of the East Maui mountain. Be prepared for mist, rain, and cold weather at any time of the day! It gets even wetter in the afternoons and during the winter months.

Cost: Campsites cost $5 per night + $30 per vehicle (You must purchase a 3-day Entrance Pass at the Entrance Gate upon arrival in the park.)

Restrictions: If you thought you could enjoy the mountain for as long as you wanted, I have to tell you that, unfortunately, you can’t. You can camp here for a maximum of three nights per 30-day period. Each campsite allows a maximum of six people and two tents. Make sure you have the printed confirmation email with you at all times.

To book: Website

Kipahulu Campground in Haleakala National Park

Camping in Maui’s most magical location

Cell Phone Reception	Electric Hookups	Potable Water	Fire	Toilets	Showers	Laundry
Some Coverage	No	No water. Drinking water is available at the Kīpahulu Visitor Center restrooms.	Fires permitted only in provided grills. Gas stoves are permitted. No ground fires allowed.	Vault Toilets	No	No

This seaside campsite is the only one in the National Park, besides Hosmer Grove, that is not a wilderness campsite. It has no beach access but has the advantage of overlooking ocean cliffs. Kipahulu Campground is open year round and allows tent camping and camping trailers in its glorious 21 sites.

Reservation: Similar to Hosmer Grove, you must book in advance to sleep in Kipahulu Campground. Reservations are also only made up as soon as 30 days in advance.

Location: Located deep within East Maui (10.6 miles past Hana) and just off ʻOheʻo Gulch, this campsite is accessible by car.

Weather: Being smack dab in the middle of Maui’s rainforest, it’s no wonder this campground is often hot and humid. Here alternate intense showers and sun, a perfect mix for mosquitoes.

Cost: Campsites cost $8 per night + $30 per vehicle (You must purchase a 3-day Entrance Pass at the Entrance Gate upon arrival to the park.)

Restrictions: You can camp here for a maximum of three nights per 30-day period. Each campsite allows a maximum of six people and two tents. Make sure you have the printed confirmation email with you at all times.

To book: Website

Haleakala National Park’s wilderness camping

The Ultimate Camping in Hawaii Experience

Cell Phone Reception	Electric Hookups	Potable Water	Fire	Toilets	Showers	Laundry
No	No	Non-Potable Water, when available	No open fires are allowed. Come prepared with a small backpacking stove to prepare the food.	Vault Toilets	No	No

Seasoned hikers and wilderness lovers will be happy to learn Maui’s wildest experience can be found in Haleakala Crater. Put on your hiking boots and go into the park’s depths. Sleep under the light of the night sky and wake up to the views of the desertic landscape. There are a total of 10 wilderness tent sites open year-round. Besides the campsites, wilderness cabins can be booked in ​​Palikū, Kapalaoa, and Holua. (Book those here.)

Location: As you would expect, both camping areas are solely accessible by trail and are only accessible through Haleakala National Park’s official entrances. 

Reservation: Unlike the two previous campgrounds, wilderness campgrounds can be booked several months ahead of time. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance.

Weather: Temperatures can vary significantly on the mountain. Hot and sunny in the day, it can turn cold, wet, and windy quite quickly. This part of the park doesn’t have ample greenery and, therefore, offers no shade. Bring the necessary equipment to withstand temperatures ranging from 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day that can plummet down to 30 Fahrenheit at night.

Cost: Campsites are free, but there is an online services fee amounting to $8-9 per reservation + $30 per vehicle (Like for the other national park campsites, you will need to purchase a 3-day Entrance Pass at the Entrance Gate upon arrival to the park.)

Restrictions: You can sleep for 3 nights in the park per 30-day period. Each campsite allows a maximum of five people and two tents. Make sure you have the printed confirmation email with you at all times. You must have reserved your permit in advance: there is no in-person permit reservation or pick-up available

To book: Website

Papalaua Wayside Park

The Low-Key Camping Option

Cell Phone Reception	Electric Hookups	Potable Water	Fire	Toilets	Showers	Laundry
No	No	No	BBQ pits	Portable Restrooms	No	No

Although it has some nice features (namely a swimming area and picnic tables), Papalaua Wayside Park wouldn’t be my first choice for camping in Maui for several reasons. The location suffers from a lot of traffic noise since it’s on the side of a main road. Its other main disadvantage is the inability to book in advance. However, this can benefit people who’ll decide on a whim to go camping.

Location: Located just like Camp Olowalu on the Honoapiilani Highway, this camping location is perfect for those who want to explore Maui from a central point. It’s also easily accessible as you can drive your vehicle to its dirt parking lot.

Reservation: Must be made in person in Maui.

Weather: Just like Camp Olowalu, you can expect a pretty much perfect weather here.

Cost: Monday and Thursday: $50 per adult/per night, Friday through Sunday (+ on holidays): $100 per adult/per night

Restriction: You have the right to sleep in this park for a maximum of 4 consecutive days. The beach park campground is also closed for maintenance on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

To book: You must go in person to one of the five District Offices during business hours. Although it is “first come, first served,” don’t worry. It is not difficult to obtain a permit.

Waianapanapa State Park

Camping on the Road to Hana

Cell Phone Reception	Electric Hookups	Potable Water	Fire	Toilets	Showers	Laundry
No	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No

Maui’s Black Sand Beach is a must-see on the Road to Hana. You probably didn’t know sleeping at this state park was possible. You can enjoy its majesty and incredible views early in the morning without the crowds that break there during the rest of the day. (Some say the sunrise here is even better than the one in Haleakala!) Although the camping area is well maintained, it lacks (a bit of) organization and can become crowded. If you hate tent camping but want to experience the magnificence of Waianapanapa State Park at night, campervan permit and cabin stays are also available.

Location: Located at the city limits of Hana in East Maui, Waianapanapa and its campsite are accessible by car.

Reservation: Reservations for permit can be made up to 90 days in advance

e but must be obtained 7 days in advance of occupancy date.

Weather: Rain often comes to this part of the rainforest, and the conditions here can be unpredictable; you must be ready for anything. 

Cost: $30 per night for a permit

Restrictions: All campers must absolutely be listed on the camping permit at the time of booking. Each permit allows up to 10 people to camp at the state park. Ensure you have a printed copy of your permit and display it on your tent.

To book: For any reservation, contact Maui State Parks at (808)-984-8109 or write to the following email address: maui-sp@reefparking.com. Ask for an “Undesignated Campground” permit.

To purchase an entry to the park, visit Waianapanapa State Park’s Website.

Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area

The Remote Forrest Camping Spot

Cell Phone Reception	Electric Hookups	Potable Water	Fire	Toilets	Showers	Laundry
Spotty	No	No	Campfire Allowed	Yes	No	No

The Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area is nestled deep in the Kula Forest Reserve. The tent campsites and the many conifers found here call to mind the Pacific Northwest coast. A single cabin can also be rented at this remote 6200-foot in altitude location.

Location: The Recreation Area is 9.7 miles upland from Kula on Waipoli Road. Reaching the campground can be tricky: A 4-wheel drive vehicle is, in fact, required. Although some locals say they could make it with a 2wd car, getting there without a 4wd depends on how you feel about your rental car and getting a ticket from a ranger!

Reservation: Must be made in person in Maui or by phone.

Weather:  Covered in a fog belt, the nights in the Polipoli Spring Area are usually cold. In the winter, it is frequent to see below-freezing temperatures at night.

Cost: $30 per campsite per night for up to 10 persons

Restrictions: Make sure you always have the printed confirmation email with you. Permits are also not transferrable.  

To book: For any reservation, contact Maui State Parks at (808)-984-8109. You can try to walk in; the permits are “first come, first served” just like in Papalaua Wayside Park.

As of March 2023, Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area was closed due to storm damage. 

What tent do I need for camping in Maui?

Tent suggestion: The North Face Homestead Roomy 2
Sleeping bag suggestion: TETON Sports LEEF Lightweight Mummy Sleeping Bag
Tent stakes for camping on the beach: Orange Screw: The Ultimate Ground Anchor
For camping gear rental, check out the Maui Camping Company

In Summary