Maui is a Hawaiian island located in the Central Pacific and is one of the few places in America where you can camp on a black-sand beach or inside a volcano. There is a reason why Maui is known as the island of extremes. For instance, the weather outside can be hot and dry one moment, then cold and wet the other. It is, therefore, advisable that as you plan a camping trip to Maui, to take time and research the weather around the island to know how the climate at each spot is like.
It is worth noting that you cannot camp anywhere on the island without a camping permit. So, make sure you get one before heading out. Once you have gotten your permit and have done your research, it is time to head out into the stunning beauty that is Maui’s diverse landscape and pitch your tent. If you are yet to find the ideal location, here is a list of the three top spots to go camping on the Island. Many consider Maui camping na ka io meaning Maui camping is the best!
Waianapanapa State Park
Waianapanapa State Park is one of the best camping spots in Maui. The park is home to the famous Pailoa, one of the island’s black-sand beaches. This is one destination every visitor needs to visit – camping here is a one-of-a-kind experience. Explore tide pools, freshwater lava tube caves, hidden swimming holes, and paths build for ancient Hawaiian royalty and wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the island’s jet-black beach. The park has 12 furnished cabins and a grassy tent camping area for those who like to spend their nights outdoors. Campsite amenities like outdoor showers, restrooms, and picnic tables are available. Cabins go for $90 a night while tent camping is $18 a night. Children under the age of 2 go in free.
Camp Olowalu
The privately-owned Camp Olowalu is one of the most comfortable, highest-rated, and cleanest camping spots on the island. Since it is a privately-owned campsite, the facilities and amenities are kept up better than those at public campgrounds. Furthermore, there is an equipment rental on hand where you get everything you need to go kayaking, snorkeling, or stand-up paddle boarding in the nearby reefs. The campsite has several cabins that go for anywhere between $750 and $1,100 a night,’ tentalows’ that cost between $80 to $110 a night, and beachside tenting sites that cost $20 a night (tent not included.) If you want to camp in a car or RV, you will be glad to know that there are spaces for RV or car camping for only $20 a night.
Camp Keanae
Camp Keanae is a YMCA-run campsite with magnificent views of the beautiful, rocky Keanae Peninsula. The camping site is also a short walk away from an old Hawaiian village and the Keanae Arboretum. You can rent tent space (tents aren’t offered) or a bunk at the cabin for $25 pp per night. The campsite’s cabins can sleep as many as twelve to sixty people. Alternatively, you could stay at one of the campsite’s fully equipped cottages with ocean views for $165 a night. RV and van parking are also available. Some of the on-site facilities available include fire pits, two bathhouses, an excellent pond for swimming, a fitness center, and a gym.
