Camping on Maui

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Hawaii’s second-largest island has it all—miles of powder-soft sands, soaring volcanic peaks, and spectacular sunrises. Throw in a scenic road trip, several national and state parks, a few waterfalls, and a windsurfing hot spot, and Maui is an obvious choice for adventurers. Campers can enjoy plenty of variety, from drive-in mountain campsites and beachside state campgrounds to hike-in wilderness cabins and primitive campsites in the heart of the rainforest. Maui’s tropical climate brings in the crowds year-round, whether you come for the balmy temperatures and calm waters in summer or make the most of the warm winter weather to go whale-watching. 

97% (710) 33 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Maui

Secluded Upcountry Maui Camping

1. Secluded Upcountry Maui Camping

94%
(17)
Makawao, HI · 1 site · Tent, RV
We are a 5th generation family farm on the slopes of Haleakala, just a 3 mile drive up from historic Makawao town. Our great grandfather purchased a 40 acre ranch in 1957 as his retirement, homestead dream. With rolling hills of pastures, our farm is the ideal location for a secluded camping getaway with ocean views and Maui. Sadly, our property was hit severely by the August 2023 fires caused by downed electric lines. Your support of camping on our family farm helps us recover little by little and help us maintain such a huge responsibility of weeding invasive trees and weeds, along with repairs and fence building after so much loss.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Wahi Nanea Place of Relaxation

2. Wahi Nanea Place of Relaxation

97%
(890)
Kula, HI · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The property is located on Maui island in the Kula district on the drier side of Haleakala. In days before western contact the area was heavily forested with native plants and trees and rainfall was abundant. The native Hawaiian grew bananas, taro and sweet potato. After Western contact businessmen mostly from the United States developed huge tracts of land for ranching and farming which cleared the native forests and destroyed the eco system from the mountain to the sea. Many of the Hawaiian people moved away nearer to the towns and immigrant Chinese laborers from the ranches and plantations moved in. The Chinese brought in the Wattle tree to plant for firewood as these trees grew very fast. These are the majority of the trees that you see today. As part of the Chinese immigration, the founder of modern China, Sun Yat Sen lived here for a time and planned his revolution to overthrow the last Chinese Dynasty. There is a park dedicated to him nearby.We have picnic tables a propane grill, a fire pit and a covered gazebo that is shared with 3 cabins This site is located at the 2800 ft altitude and the temperature at night can range from mid 50 to mid 60 degrees F. If you are planning to go to Haleakala, we are about 45 -60 minutes to the summit. We are also on the south side approach to Hana. There is a great restaurant for breakfast and lunch about 10 minutes away in Keokea town called Grandma's Coffee house.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
Lokalani Gardens

3. Lokalani Gardens

Hana, HI · 1 site
We are a remote, off-grid farm located in one of the most beautiful parts of the island, surrounded by wild, untamed land. Enjoy gorgeous sunrises and sweeping ocean views. We are a small community growing a variety of medicinal plants and herbs, and we also offer yoga and hula-inspired dance sessions to our guests for an additional fee. This is a true sanctuary for those seeking adventure. The farm sits at the top of a steep, mile-long 4-wheel-drive road. Guests can either pay for parking and a shuttle via quad with our neighbors or drive up the hill themselves in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. This property is best suited for adventurous souls, and we require a minimum stay of four nights. We are happy to host respectful, conscientious, and good-vibe guests who appreciate nature, community, and the slower pace of island life.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Haleakalā National Park

4. Haleakalā National Park

95%
(29)
National park in Hawaii · 4 sites
From the sea to a volcano summit, Haleakalā preserves spectacular Hawaiian wilderness.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Waiʻānapanapa State Park

5. Waiʻānapanapa State Park

100%
(3)
State park in Hawaii · 13 sites
Discover Waiʻānapanapa State Park's volcanic beauty and cultural heritage.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
The Hidden Food Forest

6. The Hidden Food Forest

Olowalu, HI · 5 sites
🌺 Off-Grid Ocean Oasis on a Regenerative Maui Farm 🌺 Welcome to our slice of paradise—where the mountains meet the sea, and wild abundance surrounds you. Tucked away on the lush west side of Maui, our off-grid regenerative orchard is more than a place to sleep—it’s an invitation into real island life. Wake up steps from the ocean in your cozy cabin, nestled among fruit trees and singing birds. Pick your breakfast papaya right off the tree. Watch wild deer wander past as you sip coffee under the mango trees. 🏄‍♀️ Crave adventure? Grab a kayak, surfboard, or fishing rod and hit the waves. 🥾 Prefer stillness? Hike to sacred petroglyphs or follow the nearby stream—one of the last running freshwater sources on the west side. 🌈 Curious soul? Learn regenerative agriculture from one of Maui’s most experienced land stewards. You’ll see firsthand how we’re rewilding the land and feeding the community. Back at basecamp, enjoy: ✅ Fast Wi-Fi and communal spaces to connect or chill ✅ BBQ grills and smokers to cook your farm-fresh meals ✅ Night skies full of stars and the sound of the ocean to lull you to sleep
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
James Cottage

7. James Cottage

100%
(9)
Waimea, HI · 1 site
James Cottage is a historic plantation home on a private ranch on Hawaii Island just 2 miles south of Hawi town. You need a car to get to us from Kona Airport. The cottage has a kitchenette and a private bathhouse, washer/dryer and a private hot tub. There is a swimming pool for all of our guests to enjoy just a short walk from your cottage.
Toilets
Showers
Hot Tub
Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area

8. Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area

State park in Hawaii · 2 sites
Discover Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area's high-elevation forest trails.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water

Hawaii’s second-largest island has it all—miles of powder-soft sands, soaring volcanic peaks, and spectacular sunrises. Throw in a scenic road trip, several national and state parks, a few waterfalls, and a windsurfing hot spot, and Maui is an obvious choice for adventurers. Campers can enjoy plenty of variety, from drive-in mountain campsites and beachside state campgrounds to hike-in wilderness cabins and primitive campsites in the heart of the rainforest. Maui’s tropical climate brings in the crowds year-round, whether you come for the balmy temperatures and calm waters in summer or make the most of the warm winter weather to go whale-watching. 

97% (710) 33 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Maui

Secluded Upcountry Maui Camping

1. Secluded Upcountry Maui Camping

94%
(17)
Makawao, HI · 1 site · Tent, RV
We are a 5th generation family farm on the slopes of Haleakala, just a 3 mile drive up from historic Makawao town. Our great grandfather purchased a 40 acre ranch in 1957 as his retirement, homestead dream. With rolling hills of pastures, our farm is the ideal location for a secluded camping getaway with ocean views and Maui. Sadly, our property was hit severely by the August 2023 fires caused by downed electric lines. Your support of camping on our family farm helps us recover little by little and help us maintain such a huge responsibility of weeding invasive trees and weeds, along with repairs and fence building after so much loss.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Wahi Nanea Place of Relaxation

2. Wahi Nanea Place of Relaxation

97%
(890)
Kula, HI · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The property is located on Maui island in the Kula district on the drier side of Haleakala. In days before western contact the area was heavily forested with native plants and trees and rainfall was abundant. The native Hawaiian grew bananas, taro and sweet potato. After Western contact businessmen mostly from the United States developed huge tracts of land for ranching and farming which cleared the native forests and destroyed the eco system from the mountain to the sea. Many of the Hawaiian people moved away nearer to the towns and immigrant Chinese laborers from the ranches and plantations moved in. The Chinese brought in the Wattle tree to plant for firewood as these trees grew very fast. These are the majority of the trees that you see today. As part of the Chinese immigration, the founder of modern China, Sun Yat Sen lived here for a time and planned his revolution to overthrow the last Chinese Dynasty. There is a park dedicated to him nearby.We have picnic tables a propane grill, a fire pit and a covered gazebo that is shared with 3 cabins This site is located at the 2800 ft altitude and the temperature at night can range from mid 50 to mid 60 degrees F. If you are planning to go to Haleakala, we are about 45 -60 minutes to the summit. We are also on the south side approach to Hana. There is a great restaurant for breakfast and lunch about 10 minutes away in Keokea town called Grandma's Coffee house.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
Lokalani Gardens

3. Lokalani Gardens

Hana, HI · 1 site
We are a remote, off-grid farm located in one of the most beautiful parts of the island, surrounded by wild, untamed land. Enjoy gorgeous sunrises and sweeping ocean views. We are a small community growing a variety of medicinal plants and herbs, and we also offer yoga and hula-inspired dance sessions to our guests for an additional fee. This is a true sanctuary for those seeking adventure. The farm sits at the top of a steep, mile-long 4-wheel-drive road. Guests can either pay for parking and a shuttle via quad with our neighbors or drive up the hill themselves in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. This property is best suited for adventurous souls, and we require a minimum stay of four nights. We are happy to host respectful, conscientious, and good-vibe guests who appreciate nature, community, and the slower pace of island life.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Haleakalā National Park

4. Haleakalā National Park

95%
(29)
National park in Hawaii · 4 sites
From the sea to a volcano summit, Haleakalā preserves spectacular Hawaiian wilderness.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Waiʻānapanapa State Park

5. Waiʻānapanapa State Park

100%
(3)
State park in Hawaii · 13 sites
Discover Waiʻānapanapa State Park's volcanic beauty and cultural heritage.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
The Hidden Food Forest

6. The Hidden Food Forest

Olowalu, HI · 5 sites
🌺 Off-Grid Ocean Oasis on a Regenerative Maui Farm 🌺 Welcome to our slice of paradise—where the mountains meet the sea, and wild abundance surrounds you. Tucked away on the lush west side of Maui, our off-grid regenerative orchard is more than a place to sleep—it’s an invitation into real island life. Wake up steps from the ocean in your cozy cabin, nestled among fruit trees and singing birds. Pick your breakfast papaya right off the tree. Watch wild deer wander past as you sip coffee under the mango trees. 🏄‍♀️ Crave adventure? Grab a kayak, surfboard, or fishing rod and hit the waves. 🥾 Prefer stillness? Hike to sacred petroglyphs or follow the nearby stream—one of the last running freshwater sources on the west side. 🌈 Curious soul? Learn regenerative agriculture from one of Maui’s most experienced land stewards. You’ll see firsthand how we’re rewilding the land and feeding the community. Back at basecamp, enjoy: ✅ Fast Wi-Fi and communal spaces to connect or chill ✅ BBQ grills and smokers to cook your farm-fresh meals ✅ Night skies full of stars and the sound of the ocean to lull you to sleep
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
James Cottage

7. James Cottage

100%
(9)
Waimea, HI · 1 site
James Cottage is a historic plantation home on a private ranch on Hawaii Island just 2 miles south of Hawi town. You need a car to get to us from Kona Airport. The cottage has a kitchenette and a private bathhouse, washer/dryer and a private hot tub. There is a swimming pool for all of our guests to enjoy just a short walk from your cottage.
Toilets
Showers
Hot Tub
Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area

8. Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area

State park in Hawaii · 2 sites
Discover Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area's high-elevation forest trails.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Maui camping guide

Where to go

West Maui

Maui’s sunkissed northwest coast is peppered with sandy beaches, luxe resorts, and golf courses, but you can hop between beaches along the Honoapiilani Highway, tuck into farm-to-table cuisine in Kaanapali and Kapalua, or head inland to marvel over the natural wonders of the Iao Valley State Park. Winter campers take note—Maui’s west coast is Hawaii’s most renowned whale-watching destination, and the annual migration takes place from December through April.

North Shore

Maui’s windy North Shore is a hotspot for windsurfing, with rugged cliffs and undeveloped beaches providing a dramatic backdrop. Head to Hookipa, Kanaha, and Spreckelsville beaches to watch the pros in action, check out the surfers at the notorious "Jaws" surf spot, or soak up the laid-back surf town vibes in Paia.

Upcountry

Rolling hills lead inland from Maui’s sandy shores, climbing up to the 10,023-foot Haleakala volcano, the island’s highest peak. This mountainous region is a hiker’s paradise, and Haleakala National Park has a network of trails, along with hike-in wilderness cabins and tent sites. Set your alarm early to avoid missing the legendary sunrise over the Haleakala crater.

East Maui

The Road to Hana (Highway 360) winds its way from Kahului along the northeast coast to Hana, a thrilling road trip complete with hairpin bends, rainforest-cloaked mountains, and cascading waterfalls. Stop along the way to see Wailua Falls, camp by the black-sand beaches of Waianapanapa State Park, or relax on the shores of Hamoa Beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not legal to camp anywhere in Maui. Camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds and parks. Maui has various public and private camping options, including county, state, and national parks. Some popular options include Wai'anapanapa State Park, Hosmer Grove in Haleakalā National Park, and Kīpahulu Campground. It is essential to follow the rules and regulations and obtain any necessary permits for camping in these locations.

Free camping options on Maui are limited, as most campgrounds require a fee or permit. However, there is one option for free camping on the island: Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area. This campground is located at a high elevation in the Kula Forest Reserve and offers a unique experience. Keep in mind that the campground is at an elevation of 6,200 feet, and weather can be unpredictable. Also, facilities are limited, so come prepared for a more primitive camping experience.

For more camping options on Maui, you can explore Hipcamp.

In Maui, beach camping is allowed in designated campgrounds and state parks, but camping directly on the sand is generally not permitted. There are a few campgrounds where you can camp close to the beach, such as:

  • Mokuleia Beach Park - A county park with facilities and camping close to the beach.
  • Wailea Beach - Located in the southern part of Maui, it has nearby campgrounds where you can stay.
  • Kahului Beach - There are campgrounds in the area that are close to the beach but not directly on the sand.

It's important to note that you should always camp in designated areas and follow the rules and regulations of the specific campground or state park. For more beach camping options in Maui, check out Hipcamp.

In Maui, camping permit fees vary depending on the campsite and whether you're a resident or non-resident. For non-residents, the cost is typically around $20 per night, while residents pay a lower fee of around $12 per night. Some campsites may also charge an additional vehicle fee. Keep in mind that prices are subject to change, and it's always a good idea to check the latest information and fees on the Maui County website.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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