Maui – everyone’s dream vacation destination… and it’s no wonder. We have it all- miles and miles of beautiful beaches with your choice of colors of sand, volcanic mountains with breathtaking sunsets, rainforest with trees right off a Dr.Seuss storybook page (See: Rainbow Eucalyptus), and some of the most friendly locals you’ll ever meet!
If you’ve traveled to Maui in the past, you are already aware of just how expensive it can be just to lay your head somewhere at night. One trend to cut cost and experience the true beauty of our lush landscape is camping in either a converted van or a camping car, complete with a easy to set up tent right on top. While space can get tight if it’s more than a few people, this is a great way to truly enjoy all that Maui has to offer without skimping too much on comfort.
While Camping on the island is a magical experience, it can be difficult to know exactly where you can set up for the night. You will need to plan ahead a little in order to enjoy a stress free vacation in your hotel on wheels.
Luckily, we’ve taken the guesswork out of it- here’s our list of top spots to park and camp here on our island.
This beach is closest to the Airport- so expect to hear jets taking off and landing, but aside from that it’s a wonderful little beach to enjoy a bite of local Maui. It’s a family friendly beach where you’ll see people out kitesurfing, paddle boarding, canoeing or just enjoying the sandy shore. You can camp here with a permit from the city (more info here) , and there’s restrooms as well as BBQ grills to enjoy.
To get there, follow Alamaha Place east to the last two parking lot entries. East: The parking lot closest to the airport barricade. Center: The parking lot last.
Cost: Monday – Thursday Adults $5/Night ; Children (18 and under) $2/Night
Friday-Sunday & Holidays – Adults $8/Night ; Children (18 and under) $3/Night
CLOSED Mondays and Tuesdays
Papalaua wayside park
This little gem is a great spot to pull in and camp for the evening – it’s literally right off the road so it’s easy to find and you’ll be right on the ocean! The only downside is it can be a bit noisy with traffic on the road right beside the camp area, but with the ocean sounds it’s pretty easy to tune out. You’ll need a permit to camp from Maui county, you can find details here.
Monday – Thursday
Adults $10.00 per adult/per night
Minors $6.00 per minor/per night
Pet $6.00 per pet/per night
Friday – Sunday & Holidays
Adults $20.00 per adult/per night
Minors $12.00 per minor/per night
Pet $12.00 per pet/per night
Camp Keanae – Maui YMCA
Located on the famous Road to Hana, this is a great spot to plan on camping while enjoying the sites. We suggested starting the road early (by 8am) and taking your time on the way to enjoy all the scenery, waterfalls, rainforest and beaches. When you get to the YMCA campground, settle in for the night before making your way into Hana.
This place offers tent or Ocean View RV/Camper van camping OR splurge for a night in a cabin or suite. Either way, it’s a peaceful campground offering hot showers, ice machines , fire pits, charcoal grills, a game field and an indoor gymnasium where the kids can play.
Cost: Van camping spaces: $25/nt single, $40/nt family (2 adults + minor children)
See website for additional details on accommodations.
Wainapanapa State Park
This state park is a must see on the Road to Hana, and a great place to stop for an evening on the trip. Once you get here, Hana is just around the corner so settle in for the night and then plan on spending the next day enjoying Hana beaches before you hit the back side to Hana (some rental car agencies DO NOT allow their vehicles to go to the back side of Hana– if you aren’t renting with us, we highly suggest you check with your rental car agency before you attempt it.). This park has it all – a beautiful black sand beach, a blow hole and plenty of space for the family to play. They offer tent camping as well as Camper Van parking, make sure you get a permit before you take the Road to Hana as cell service rarely works on the way and you’ll need to print out your permit for the rangers when you get there.
Cost: $18 per campsite per night for up to 6 persons; $3 per night for each additional person*.
Maximum fee per site: $30/night.
You can register and reserve a spot here.
Located a short walk from the ʻOheʻo Gulch ( Seven sacred pools), this campground overlooks ocean cliffs and offers picnic tables, grills and toilets. It’s close to Hana, so you can easily run into town and grab snacks and water. You’ll likely get some rain here, and then some sun, and then rain… just come prepared. It’s a really nice spot with great ocean sounds to fall asleep to.
No permit or reservation required or accepted, first come first serve.
Located on Haleakala, right below 7,000-foot summit, this campground offers drive up camper parking that’s only first come first serve- so you may or may not find a spot and if you do, you’ll want to keep your vehicle parked. That’s okay, though, there’s plenty to get out and explore on Haleakala, lot’s of trails and even a visitor center where you can pick up some souvenirs and snacks. You’ll find picnic tables, grills, safe drinking water and toilets along with a self-guided nature trail close by. Be prepared for freezing temperatures at night, bring plenty of blankets or a nice warm sleeping bag to cozy up in for this site.
No permit or reservation required or accepted, first come first serve.
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