How to Get a Camping Permit in Maui
To get a camping permit on Maui, you’ll first need to determine whether your campground is managed by Maui County, the Hawaii Division of State Parks, or Haleakalā National Park. Once you know which system applies to your site, you can figure out how to book.
Camping at all public campgrounds on Maui requires a valid permit before you arrive, and overnight camping outside designated campgrounds is not allowed.
Choose the option below to find the correct booking process, current permit fees, and what to expect before you reserve.
Where Do You Want to Camp?
Start by choosing the type of campground you’re staying at. Maui splits across three public permit systems.
Where to book: Unlike Oahu, there’s no online booking system. Permits are issued in person or by mail through the Maui County Parks Permit Office in Wailuku.
When to book: Since there’s no online release time, plan ahead — mail applications should go in well before your trip, and in-person permits depend on office hours and availability.
Current permit fees: Rates vary by day of the week; weekday camping runs cheaper than weekend and holiday dates. Confirm current pricing directly with the Permit Office before you go.
Good to know: Payment is by money order or certified check only — no credit cards, no personal checks. Vehicles are restricted to the designated parking lot, and permits are capped at 4 consecutive nights.
Where to book: Reserve through camping.ehawaii.gov, the state’s online camping reservation system.
When to book: Reserve as early as your dates allow — Waiʻānapanapa in particular fills fast given its popularity along the Road to Hana.
Current permit fees: Fees vary by campground and residency status. Check the reservation system for current pricing.
Good to know: Waiʻānapanapa distinguishes between a standard tent permit and a separate Campervan Permit — you need the campervan-specific permit if you plan to sleep in your vehicle there. Some campgrounds have had temporary closures for construction or maintenance; confirm current status before booking.
Where to book: Reserve through recreation.gov, the National Park Service’s reservation system.
When to book: Drive-up sites like Hosmer Grove can fill during peak season; wilderness cabins inside the crater require advance planning and a separate permit process.
Current permit fees: Entrance fees apply in addition to any camping or cabin fees. Check recreation.gov for current rates.
Good to know: Kīpahulu and the wilderness cabins (Kapalaoa, Palikū, Hōlua) are only reachable by hiking in — there’s no vehicle access at those sites.
Not Sure Which Permit You Need?
Check this map, all campgrounds are labeled based on their agency. Click the menu on the left of the map so you can see available campgrounds or the desired campground you want to book or visit.
Still deciding where to camp? Explore our Maui Campground Guide to compare campgrounds, amenities, locations, and reservation links.
Camping Maui by Campervan
Many travelers rent a campervan to get around Maui and haul their gear, then camp at whichever site fits their plans. Vehicle sleeping rules aren’t the same everywhere on Maui.
If you’re planning a campervan trip, browse our recommended Maui rentals, then use our current Outdoorsy discount code here at lemondropcampers.com/outdoorsy-discount for 10% off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a camping permit for every campground on Maui?
Yes, for all public campgrounds on Maui. Whether you’re staying at Pāpalaua, a Hawaii State Park campground, or inside Haleakalā National Park, you’ll need to reserve your site and get the required permit before you arrive. Camping outside designated campgrounds is not allowed.
If you’re staying at a private campground, like Camp Olowalu or Keʻanae Uka, you won’t need a government-issued permit, but you’ll still need to book directly with the campground. Every legal campground on Maui requires some kind of advance reservation, whether that’s a government permit or a private booking.
What's the difference between a County, State Park, and National Park camping permit on Maui?
Each is managed by a different agency with its own process.
County camping requires an in-person or mailed application with payment by money order or certified check, there’s no online system.
State Park camping books online through camping.ehawaii.gov.
National Park camping (Hosmer Grove, Kīpahulu, wilderness cabins) books online through recreation.gov and includes park entrance fees. Fees, booking windows, and rules differ across all three.
Can I sleep in my campervan at any Maui campground?
It depends on the specific park. Waiʻānapanapa State Park allows vehicle sleeping, but only with a separate Campervan Permit — the standard tent permit doesn’t cover it. At Pāpalaua and inside Haleakalā National Park, don’t assume vehicle sleeping is allowed without confirming directly with that agency first. Sleeping in a vehicle without the correct permit is enforced and can result in fines.
Can I get a same-day Maui camping permit?
It depends on the agency. County permits (Pāpalaua) require in-person or mailed applications, so same-day isn’t reliable — plan ahead. State Park and National Park permits are booked online and availability depends on how far in advance sites are released and how quickly they fill, particularly at popular spots like Waiʻānapanapa.
Can I camp anywhere on Maui?
No. Camping is only allowed at designated, permitted campgrounds — county, state, or national park. Overnight camping or sleeping in a vehicle outside those designated areas is not allowed and is enforced.
How far in advance should I reserve a permit?
This varies by agency. County permits have no fixed release window since there’s no online system, so apply as early as you can. State Park permits, especially for Waiʻānapanapa, are worth booking as soon as your travel dates are confirmed given demand. National Park camping and wilderness cabins should also be booked early, particularly for peak season.