Unauthorized Road
Camp Kaenae (YMCA)
*Reservation Required
(Book in advance because there isn't cell reception in the area)
Camp Keanae is located on the North Shore, about half way to Hana. A seemingly abandoned military compound with hot showers, a basketball court and eery industrial facilities. There is a nice grass camping area where you can park and enjoy a cool breeze and a perfect view of the rugged coastline.
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Ice machine
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Fire Pits
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Gymnasium
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Playing Field
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Clifftop ocean views
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Hot showers
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Filtered water
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Flushable Toilets
Camping fees are $30 per person / per night!
Wainapanapa State Park
*Reservation Required (Strictly Enforced)
(Book in advance because there isn't cell reception in the area)
You'll see a sign for Waianapanapa a few minutes before you get to Hana. The busy park is usually loaded with tourists. The property features a blowhole, a black sand beach, a lava tube and a short hike to magical freshwater caves.
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Picnic tables
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Grills
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Restrooms
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Outdoor showers
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Ocean views
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Drinking water
Camping fee is $18 per camper van ($12 for Hawaii residents with valid ID.)
+1 (808) 984-8109 – camping.ehawaii.gov/camping
Kipahulu "7 Sacred Pools" - Haleakala State Park
Campground is OPEN! - Only the lower pools are closed for swimming
*No Reservations - Pay as you Come or Go
The Kipahulu Campground is about 10 miles past Hana, near the pools at ‘Ohe’o (Seven Sacred Pools), within the Haleakala National Park. It overlooks the ocean, facing sunrise, and is a prime spot to start the Pipiwai Trail hike (free guided hikes on Sunday mornings).
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Picnic tables
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Grills
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Pit toilets - (Restrooms w/ running water toilets and sinks are in the upper lot, a short walk from the van-camping)
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Ocean views
Camping fee is included in the park entrance ticket. $25 per vehicle, valid for 3 days (keep your receipt)
*If the ranger station is closed upon arrival, you may pay on your way out.
+1 (808) 248-7375 – www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/kipahulu.html
Papalaua Campground
*No Reservations - Pay as you Come or Go
Heading west to Lahaiana, Papalaua Beach Park / Campground will be on your left, shortly after you pass through a tunnel. It's just a few minutes west of Ma’alaea Harbor and boasts a long, sandy beach with excellent snorkeling and long-board surfing. There are shady parking spots galore. A great place to wake up, take 10 steps and dive into the cool, blue Pacific ocean.
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Picnic tables
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Grills
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Portable toilets
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Ocean views
Camping fee is $5 per person per night on week days, $8 on weekends and holidays.
+1 (808) 661-4685 – www.co.maui.hi.us
Camp Olowalu
*No Reservations required - Pay as you Come or Go
(Popular camping, so reservations recommended!)
Nicest campground on the southwest shore! Camp Olowalu is a private campground / retreat center located about 6 miles south of Lahaina. It is near Lahaina and some of the best snorkeling / beginner surfing areas on the island.
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Picnic tables
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Grills
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WiFi
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Restrooms w/ sinks
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Hot Showers
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Laundry
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Ocean views
Open Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM. After hours check-in available (instructions at the check-in window).
Camping fee is $20 per person per night
+1 (808) 661-4303 – www.campolowalu.com
Hosmer Grove / Haleakala National Park
*No Reservations - Pay as you Come or Go
Located just below 7,000ft. The road to Hosmer Grove Campground is a very long & arduous climb through the "up-country" cattle ranches. Plan on taking a few hours to get there from anywhere near sea-level. This is not a recommended van camping area because of the angled parking spots, and freezing cold temperatures at night.
*If you decide to camp here, bring clothing for potential rain, snow and very chilly nights.
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Picnic tables
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Grills
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Pit toilets
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Views
Sunrise on Haleakala's summit is beautiful, but we don't recommend it: Why?
1. It is EXTREMELY crowded! Picture huge tour buses + hundreds of people standing shoulder to shoulder, shivering.
2. Going up there in the dark means potentially driving into a dense cloud where you will see no sunrise at all.
3. The 10,00ft summit is extremely cold, especially at sunrise (sometimes below freezing).
If you plan to drive the 40+ miles uphill to Haleakala's summit, give yourself a few hours to get there and consider staying for sunset instead: Why?
1. It's not nearly as crowded as sunrise.
2. The setting sun shines into the volcano crater, enhancing views of the colorful volcanic landscape.
2. Great star-gazing after the sun goes down.
4. Temperatures at sunset are typically much warmer than at sunrise.
*Please remember to put the van in Second Gear when driving the steep road back down the mountain or you'll cook the brakes!
Camping fee is included in the park entrance ticket. $25 per vehicle, valid for 3 days (keep your receipt)
*If the ranger station is closed upon arrival, you may pay on your way out.
+1 (808) 248-7375 – www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/kipahulu.html