Best Camping & Backpacking In Maui, Hawaii - Rent Equipment
See all of the rental gear we can prepare for your camping trip or hike.
On your next trip to Maui, escape the crowds of the lodges or nearby hotels and enjoy the outdoors as it was meant to be by camping in a nearby campground or backpacking into the wilderness. When you rent our backpacking or camping gear, you’ll see how much money you can save by renting rather than buying. Rental of backpacking and camping gear in Maui is easy. You can rent tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, hydration gear, lights, stoves – anything you need for a wonderful outdoor camping experience.
We’ll meet you in Maui before your trip to give you all the rental backpacking gear you need and will meet you at the same spot after your trip.
Best Camping in Hawaii
Maui - Hawaii camping is one great way to enjoy a Hawaii vacation without spending a lot of money. Of course, even people with a lot of disposable income would enjoy spending the night under the stars, high on the slopes of Haleakala, or on a great Hawaiian beach, waking to the sound of waves and Hawaiian birds. Frankly, if you really want to experience Aloha, camping is one of the best ways to do it.
Federal Campgrounds:
Hosmer Grove Campground
More information: https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/drive-up-camping.htm
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Hosmer Grove is the closest drive-up campground to the Haleakalā summit. Camping at 7,000 feet you should be prepared chill, fog, and rain during the evening and morning. Nighttime temperatures can drop close to freezing while daytime highs average around 50-60s.
No permit is needed at Hosmer Grove for camping, and it has a 50-person maximum. With the abundance of habitation, mornings here are active with animal and bird noises. Hosmer is a great place to get up for an early hike of the self-guided nature trail that begin and end at the campground.
Kipahulu Campground
More information: https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/kipahulu.htm
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Kipahulu is one of the favorite Maui Campgrounds by locals. Sitting on a grassy area just above the ocean, warm breezes bring the sounds of crashing waves to your campsite. This area offers one drive-up campground. Campers are advised that Kīpahulu is wet, remote, and far from most amenities. Come prepared - bring water, food, and a tent. There is no water available, but shared grills, picnic tables and pit-toilets are provided. Permits are not required, but campers must pay the $20 park entry fee. Camping is limited to 3 nights in any 30-day period. The campsites have pit toilets, non-potable water, and wild Hawaiian goose. There are no open fires allowed at either camp spot.
Holua Campsite
For the shortest hike to a wilderness campsite, Holua is a great option at 6,940 feet, near Koolau Gap. Located 3.7 miles down the Halemauu Trail, Holua is set in shrub land around lava flows. It is 7.4 miles from the Sliding Sand Trail, needed to get to Paliku.
Paliku Campsite
9.3 miles along the Sliding Sands Trail, and 10.4 miles on the Halemauu Trail, you'll find Paliku Campsite on the east end of the wilderness valley. Located 6,830 feet from sea level, Paliku is at the base of the rainforest cliffs. The hike is advised for the expert hiker, as it is very difficult and long. Paliku is lush and cool due to the frequent rains that come in with clouds and fog from over the cliff tops. This is one of the more beautiful spots on Maui.
State Parks and Campgrounds
Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area
More information: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/maui/polipoli-spring-state-recreation-area/
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Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area, an out-of-the-way forested spot with some of the island’s best hiking. Trails pass through old-growth redwoods, eucalyptus, ash, and pines. Be sure to wear bright colors, since hunters are frequently in the area. Polipoli is located 6200 feet elevation in Kula Forest Reserve. With trails weaving through the forest reserve, Polipoli camping is an incredible experience. Located 10 miles up from Kula, you'll find the views encompass all of Maui from the central valley, to the west Maui Mountains.
• Requires a 4 wheel drive, patience and plenty of warm clothing.
• Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area covers approximately 10 acres of the 21,000 acre Kula Forest Reserve.
• Nightime temperatures can reach below freezing, even in Summer.
• 4 Hiking Trails: Haleakala Ridge Trail, Plum Trail, Polopoli and Redwood Trail
Polipoli has a a campground and one cabin available by permit. Here you can see the work that has been done to clear the area of fallen and burned trees. This area is popular with hikers, hunters, campers, and mountain bikers.
Wai'anapanapa State Park
More information: https://camping.ehawaii.gov/camping/all,details,1684.html
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Wai'anapanapa State Park is often listed as one of the many stops on the road to Hana but it warrants more than just an afternoon. Camping at Wai'anapanapa allows more time to explore the lava fields, sea arches, black sand beaches, and witness the fiery sunrises and sunsets.
Wai'anapanapa State Park is located at mile marker 32 on the Hana Highway. The park has limited parking, but many of the tourists are making quick stops on their journey to Hana and the turnover for parking is fast. Once parked, check in at the office to obtain your overnight permit (must be ordered online ahead of time) and stake out a camping spot on the lawn.
After your camp is set up you can begin exploring Wai'anapanapa. The park is incredibly scenic and has much to offer: a beautiful black sand beach, sea arches, cliff jumping for the brave, hikes through lava fields, and a blow hole.
Maui County Camping
More information: https://www.mauimapp.com/information/campingcounty.htm
Kanaha Beach Park
Five days a week (CLOSED Mondays and Tuesdays).
Next to the Kahului airport, Kanaha Beach Park is one of the last Maui County Parks that offer camping. Amenities include drinking water, chemical toilets, picnic tables, bbq pits, outdoor showers, 3 volleyball courts, lifeguards, payphones, and a great beach. It allows for 15-20 people at one time, and a 3-day maximum is enforced.
Papalaua Wayside Park
More information: https://www.mauicounty.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/146
Five days a week (CLOSED Wednesdays and Thursdays).
Papalaua is the most easily accessible campground on the list. You can literally pull off the main road and onto a campsite.
Aside from its convenience, Papalaua has much to offer. It sits on a stretch of water called “Thousand Peaks” that is popular with beginner surfers in the summertime. It’s also a popular spot for fishing, body surfing, and snorkeling. Papalaua is literally right on the water. Make sure you take rising tides into account when setting up your tent, so you don’t wake up to a wave crashing on you in your sleep!
One Alii Beach Park – Molokai
More information: https://www.mauicounty.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/186
There’s a lot to like about camping at One Alii Beach Park, not least of which is its close proximity to downtown Kaunakakai. No toilet paper? No problem—Friendly Supermarket is a short drive away. And when you’re on an island that already has fewer of the creature comforts you may take for granted, it’s nice to be close to the island’s biggest town. Beach access is nearby, but the shallow water is best for wading and relaxing. The park offers lots of open space for outdoor games and activities. Also in the vicinity is a fish pond.
Facilities: restrooms, showers, pavilion
Amenities: picnic tables, parking, drinking water, beach access, fish pond
Papohaku Beach Park – Molokai
More information: https://www.mauicounty.gov/facilities/facility/details/papohakubeachpark-193
Located 20 miles west of Kaunakakai, Papohaku Beach Park is a great spot to pitch a tent if you want to feel like you’re camping at the edge of the world. Its 3-mile, white sand beach—one of the longest in Hawaii—will put you in the front row for some of the most gorgeous sunsets. If you enjoy an early morning walk or jog, there may not be a better beach in the Islands to get the blood going. However, it’s best not to get in the water, as the current tends to be strong and the waves big. The campground is set back from the beach in the shade of kiawe trees, which also helps block the wind. Covered restrooms and showers are available but they aren’t lit after sunset. If you need to buy something, there’s a small convenience store near the condos at Ke Nani Kai.
Facilities: restrooms, showers (indoor and outdoor)
Amenities: picnic tables, barbecue pits, parking, drinking water, beach access
Contact Maui Camping Company Today to Rent Camping, Backpacking & Hiking Gear In Maui, Hawaii. See gear rental pricing. Call us at 808-397-3967 or click here to contact us.