Maui Campground Guide
Maui, also known as the Valley Isle, is a beautiful place to slow down and sleep under the stars. Whether you’re hoping to wake up steps from the shore, nestle into the cool mountain air, or find a cozy home base for waterfall hikes and coastal drives, there are some truly lovely camping spots across the island.
This guide rounds up the best camping experiences on Maui. Whether you’re in a campervan or a tent, we’ll point you to all the wonderful places where you can settle in, breathe deep, and enjoy island time.
State Campgrounds on Maui
Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area
A peaceful campground in Kula Forest Reserve at 6,200 feet elevation. Enjoy cool, scenic hiking trails, and sweeping views of Central and West Maui.
Waiʻānapanapa State Park
A breathtaking campground along Maui’s famous Road to Hana, known for its black sand beach, lava sea arches, hiking trails, and ocean views.
County Campgrounds on Maui
Pāpalaua Wayside Park
A quiet beachfront campground along West Maui’s Honoapiʻilani Highway, offering shaded campsites beneath kiawe trees, ocean views, and direct access to the beach for surfing, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Campgrounds within Haleakala National Park
Hosmer Grove Campground
Camp among native and exotic trees on the slopes of Haleakalā National Park. This peaceful tent-only campground offers cool mountain weather, scenic hiking, and excellent birdwatching at nearly 7,000 feet elevation.
Kīpahulu Campground
Camp near the scenic Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park, just steps from the famous Pīpīwai Trail and ʻOheʻo Gulch. Enjoy a peaceful setting surrounded by lush rainforest and dramatic coastal scenery.
Hōlua Group Campsite
Experience Haleakalā’s backcountry at this hike-in group campsite, located 3.7 miles from the trailhead. Set among volcanic landscapes and open grassy fields, Hōlua is perfect for groups seeking a true wilderness adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp anywhere on Maui?
No. Camping is only allowed in designated, permitted campgrounds (county parks, state parks, and Haleakalā National Park). Camping on beaches, roadsides, parking lots, or other unauthorized spots is illegal and can get you fined or removed.
Do I need a permit or reservation to camp on Maui?
Yes, for every option currently open. Haleakalā National Park’s two drive-up campgrounds, Hosmer Grove and Kīpahulu, both require advance reservations through Recreation.gov; neither is first-come, first-served anymore. Maui County park campgrounds require a permit from the county’s Parks and Recreation permit office. State-run camping on Maui (Waiʻānapanapa) runs through the state’s Explore Outdoor Hawaiʻi / gostateparks.hawaii.gov reservation system.
Can I camp in a campervan on Maui?
Only in specific spots, and right now that list is short. Kīpahulu Campground has no camper van or RV camping. Its drive-in sites are for tent camping only, with no water hookup. Waiʻānapanapa State Park’s camper van camping is suspended entirely from July 2026 through March 2027 while the park rebuilds its comfort station. If a campervan trip is part of your plan, confirm vehicle-camping rules directly with each campground before you book. Don’t assume a site takes vans just because it takes tents.
What is the best campground on Maui right now?
That depends on what you want, and on what’s actually open:
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- Hosmer Grove Campground: cool, foggy high-elevation camping at 7,000 feet in Haleakalā’s summit district, close to sunrise viewing. Reservation required.
- Kīpahulu Campground: coastal camping near ʻOheʻo Gulch on Haleakalā’s remote east side. Tent camping only, no water on site. Reservation required.
- Waiʻānapanapa State Park: black sand beach and dramatic coastline near Hana. Tent and cabin camping still operate; camper van camping is closed until March 2027.
Not currently an option: Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area. Camping and cabins there are closed until further notice. Kanaha Beach Park no longer permits overnight camping at all, despite older guides listing it.
When is the best time to camp on Maui?
Weather varies more by elevation than by season. Hosmer Grove is cold and often foggy year-round due to its elevation, regardless of what the coast is doing. Coastal sites like Kīpahulu and Waiʻānapanapa see more rain in winter. Check each site’s specific conditions rather than assuming an island-wide dry season applies evenly everywhere.
How far in advance should I reserve?
It depends on the system: Kīpahulu and Hosmer Grove open on rolling booking windows through Recreation.gov (Kīpahulu’s is 30 days out). Waiʻānapanapa’s state park reservation system allows booking further ahead. Popular dates (holidays, summer) fill fast, so book as early as each system allows rather than waiting.