Maui Campgrounds / Sites and Hiking Trails
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.
Maui State Camp Sites:
Polipoli State Park
Once a dense forest of Koa, mamane, and ʻohiʻa lehua the Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area is composed of 10 acres of the Kula Forest Reserve. When the park was established many of the native trees were removed. However, in the 1930s the the area was reforested with pines, eucalyptus, tropical ash, cypress, China-fir, and redwood.
Due to the elevation (6,200 feet), Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area can actually get pretty cold (temperatures can reach freezing at night).
There are four hiking trails in Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area – each offering a unique experience.
Camping in Polipoli State Park:
Camping and lodging within the fog belt of the Kula Forest Reserve at 6200 foot elevation. Extensive trail system in the forest reserve, including through a forest reminiscent of the conifer forests of the Pacific Northwest coast. Sweeping views of Central and West Maui, Kaho'olawe, Moloka'i and Lana'i in clear weather. Pig and seasonal bird hunting. Hikers should wear bright colored clothing – hunters may be in the area. Nights are generally cold; winter nights frequently have below freezing temperatures. No campground showers.
Polipoli has a single cabin for rent.
Cabin Rate:
Hawaii Residents: $60 per cabin per night.
Non-residents: $90 per cabin per night.
Reservations for the single cabin at Polipoli are not available online. Please contact Maui State Parks to book this cabin reservation at (808) 984-8109.
Camping Rates:
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.
*chlidren 2 and under free
See more camping information here.
Hiking Trails at Polipoli State Park:
Haleakala Ridge Trail
Trail starts above Polipoli Springs State Recreation Area on the Skyline switchback at 6,500′ elevation and works down the crest of the southwest rift of Haleakala past the Plum Trail junction to the lower forest reserve boundary at 5,600′ elevation. Spectacular views extend in all directions. The trail passes alternatively through rough cinders, native scrub brush, grassy swales and a planted forest of pines, eucalyptus and other tree species. The trail joins the end of the Polipoli Trail leading back to the park 0.3 mile from the top. At 1.2 mile the trail joins the Plum Trail.
Trail Length: 1.6 miles
Activity: Pedestrian
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Mountain Forests, Elevated Climbs
Elevation Gain: 850 ft
Plum Trail
Numerous plum trees bearing fruit during the summer can be found along the trail. Trail begins at the old Civilian Conservation Corps area and climbs gradually across the mountain through a planted forest of ash, redwood, sugi, and other species until it joins the Haleakala Ridge Trail.
The Plum, Redwood, Haleakala Ridge and Polipoli Trails form a loop trail worth hiking (3.5 miles).
Trail Length: 1.7 miles
Activity: Pedestrian
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Forest
Elevation Gain: 600 ft
Polipoli Trail
The Polipoli Trail, which starts features various conifers. Trail begins at Polipoli Springs State Recreation Area and crosses on the contour of the Haleakala Ridge Trail. It passes through dense stands of cypress, cedars, and pines. It ends in an open grassy swale.
Trail Length: 0.6 miles
Activity: Pedestrian
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Mountain Forest
Elevation Gain: 200 ft
Redwood Trail
The Redwood Trail has redwoods and an old ranger’s cabin. Trail starts at Polipoli Springs State Recreation Area at 6,200′ elevation, winds through stands of redwood and other conifers, past Tie Trail junction and down to the old ranger’s cabin at 5,300′. At the trail’s end is the old Civilian Conservation Corps camp and a three-way junction, the beginning point for both the Plum Trail and the Boundary Trail. Several plum and other fruit trees can be found in this old camp area.
Trail Length: 1.7 miles
Activity: Pedestrian, Bicycle
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Mountain Forest
Elevation Gain: 900 ft
WAIʻĀNAPANAPA State Park
Remote, wild, low-cliffed volcanic coastline offering solitude and respite from urban life. Lodging, camping, picnicking, shore fishing and hardy family hiking along an ancient Hawaiian coastal trail which leads to Hana. Excellent opportunity to view a seabird colony and anchialine pools. Other features include native hala forest, legendary cave, heiau (religious temple), natural stone arch, sea stacks, blow holes and small black sand beach. (122.1 acres)
ACCEPTABLE CAMPER VEHICLES:
Vehciles that have been modified and equipped for camping/sleeping are approved for use in the camper vehicle sections. Vehicles that have not been modified for camping/sleeping are PROHIBITED WITHIN THE CAMPER VAN AREA.
“The black volcanic sand beach is a highlight at this state park in Maui, Hawaii, but there’s plenty more to see, including freshwater caves, water tubes, anchialine pools, and a natural stone arch. Wildlife is abundant, and on any given day you might see an incredible seabird colony or watch the park’s tide pools turn crimson with the arrival of thousands of tiny shrimp.” – National Geographic
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County Camp Sites:
Papalaua Wayside Park ("Thousand Peaks")
Overview:
Located immediately at the base of the pali (the cliffy section of road wit the tunnel), Papalaua Beach Park is where West Maui officially “begins.” Although it definitely isn't the best beach on Maui, Papalaua (which locals refer to as “Thousand Peaks”) is a popular spot with surfers, campers, and anyone looking for an impromptu dip in the ocean. The swimming here is murky and poor, and although you might notice some snorkeling boats at nearby “Coral Gardens,” snorkeling from shore is generally poor, except for the calmest of days. Given the difficulty, it’s best to snorkel somewhere else and leave this for beach chairs and longboards.
Good For:
Surfing, camping, kayaking, standup paddling and cooling off with an unscheduled dip in the water.
Not So Good For:
Snorkeling, swimming, public facilities, walking without stepping on thorns.
Click Here for Camping Fees and Permitting
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Haleakala Camp Sites
For those who need an overnight escape without a backpack trip, the park offers two car accessible campgrounds: Kīpahulu and Hosmer Grove. The Kīpahulu campground is located in the coastal district of Haleakalā National Park (near Hāna). The Hosmer Grove campground is located in the summit district of Haleakalā National Park, high on the windy slopes of Haleakalā.
At both campgrounds, space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. No permits or reservations are required or accepted. A person may spend up to three nights per month in Haleakalā National Park between all of our campgrounds and cabins. Kīpahulu Grove campground has a maximum capacity of 50 campers and Hosmer Grove has a maximum capacity of 25 campers.
Hosmer Grove Campground
Hosmer Grove lies in the cloud belt of Haleakalā, at nearly 7,000-feet (2134m) in elevation in the summit area. Be prepared for rain and cold weather. Nighttime temperatures can drop into the to near freezing range (32°F, 0°C); daytime highs average 50-65°F (10-18°C). The campground has picnic tables, BBQ grills, drinking water, and pit toilets. Sites are close together in an open, grassy area near the forest and shrubland of Hosmer Grove. A self-guided nature trail begins and ends at the campground. The forest comes to life in the early dawn with the many native birds in the area, making this a beautiful early morning hike.
Camping in Hosmer Grove does not void the need for a sunrise reservation. In order to drive from Hosmer Grove to any of the sunrise viewing areas between 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m, campers must a valid sunrise reservation. Sunrise reservations can be obatined on recreation.gov. Campers who attempt to drive from the campground to the sunrise viewing areas without a valid sunrise reservation will be turned away and may be subject to a citation.
Kipahulu Campgound
The Kīpahulu campground is about 1/8 mile (.2km) south of the Kīpahulu Visitor Center. It overlooks ocean cliffs and is a short walk from ʻOheʻo Gulch. In the evenings, the sound of the ocean waves makes this a peaceful place. The campground has picnic tables, BBQ grills, and pit toilets. No water is available at Kīpahulu Campground. However, drinking water is available at the Kīpahulu Visitor Center restrooms. There are two general stores in the nearby town of Hāna (10 miles [16km] away) where you can purchase water and basic food supplies. Be prepared for rain, harsh sun, and mosquitoes.
Paliku & Holua Primitive Campsites
There are two primitive Wilderness campsites which are accessible only by trail. Permits are required for camping at these sites. Campsite space is available on a first-come, first-served basis for the general public. Special accommodation is made for educational groups and civic groups which may reserve camping space up to six (6) months in advance.
Each person is limited to a maximum of three (3) nights per 30-day period in the Wilderness Area with no more than two (2) nights at any one campsite. Hōlua and Palikū campsites have a maximum limit of 25 people each with a 12-person group limit. Groups larger than 12 may not split into smaller groups and utilize the Wilderness at the same time. Larger groups MAY split into smaller groups with 12 in the Wilderness, 12 at Hosmer, and 12 at Kīpahulu. Hōlua and Palikū campsites have pit toilets and water available nearby. The water is non-potable and must be filtered or treated before drinking. In times of drought, all water must be carried in.
Kapalaoa
Hiking & Backpacking
Haleakalā National Park is home to a large Wilderness Area with a variety of backpacking experiences available.
Volcanic, geologic, and erosional forces have made the Haleakalā Wilderness what it is today, a place of extreme contrasts in terrain, ecology, climate, and scenery. In geologic terms, this rough and varied landscape is a relatively new landform. Over 81 million years ago molten lava began to ooze from beneath the ocean floor at what is called the “Hawaiian hot spot,” an area in the Pacific Plate where the Earth’s upper mantle melts to produce magma. As the hot spot changed location with the movement of the Pacific Plate, the Hawaiian Island Chain formed above the ocean surface along the northwest trajectory of plate movement as a series of shield volcanoes. In its entirety, the chain consists of 132 islands, reefs, and shoals stretching 1,500 miles from the youngest of the islands – the “Big Island” of Hawai’i in the southeast – to the oldest – Kure Atoll in the northwest. In some areas more than 30,000 feet of cooled lava rise from the ocean floor, with the majority of the chain’s landmass lying below sea level. As a whole, the Hawaiian Island Chain demonstrates nearly all life stages of a shield volcano, clearly demonstrating both the building and erosional processes that continue to transform these islands and their underwater counterparts. The island of Maui, as the second youngest island in the chain, is currently in the “renewed volcanism” stage as the Haleakalā Volcano returns to activity after over several hundred thousand years of dormancy and erosion. The Haleakalā Volcano is thought to have last erupted in the 18th century with at least ten eruptions occurring over the past 1,000 years. From this intricate volcanic past, the Haleakalā Wilderness was born. Two distinct ecological environments comprise the Haleakalā Wilderness: the Haleakalā Crater and the upper Kīpahulu Valley. Although formed by the same volcanic forces and elemental cycles, slight differences in aspect, topography, volcanic history, and trade wind influence have resulted in drastic differences between these neighboring areas of wilderness.
Hōlua Campsite
Hōlua, the Wilderness campsite reached by the shortest hike, lies at 6,940 feet (2,115m) in the shrubland near Ko`olau Gap. Hōlua is 3.7 miles (6km) down the Halemau`u Trail or 7.4 miles (12km) from the Sliding Sands Trailhead. Visitors staying at Hōlua can enjoy day hikes into the central Wilderness Area. The landscape around Hōlua supports a native shrubland which colonizes the lava flows.
Palikū Campsite
At 6,380 feet (1,945m), Palikū is on the east end of the Wilderness valley at the base of a rain forest cliff. The campsite is reached via a strenuous 9.3 mile (15km) hike on the Sliding Sands Trail or 10.4 (17km) on Halemauʻu Trail. Clouds and fog often roll over the top of the cliffs behind Palikū, and rain is common. The extra moisture makes this spot exceptionally cool and lush.
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Other Camp Sites
YMCA Camp Keanae
Experience the most beautiful spot on Maui. Set along the northern coastline in the "Heart of Paradise." YMCA Camp Keanae is a peaceful way to experience untouched Hawaii.
Camp Olowalu
TENT CAMPING: Camp on one of the 35 sites. Alongside Maui’s Olowalu Beach enjoy our campground amenities.
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.