Makawao, Hawaii Top RV Parks and Campgrounds
Kīpahulu Campground
Situated approximately 1/8 mile (.2 km) south of the Kīpahulu Visitor Center, the Kīpahulu campground offers a captivating vista of ocean cliffs and a convenient proximity to the renowned ʻOheʻo Gulch. Boasting a total of 20 sites, the campground features 5 walk-in sites, 15 drive-in sites, and an exclusive group drive-in site. Those opting for camping trailers or pop-up campers must secure a reservation for a designated campsite, ensuring access to amenities like picnic tables and grills, and are restricted to parking spaces allocated for such accommodations. Immerse yourself in the essence of Hawaiian ahupuaʻa times at Kīpahulu, where historic rock walls and archaeological sites envelop the campground. Additionally, a respectful approach to the natural surroundings involves avoiding wandering in tall grass off established trails, preserving the tranquility of archaeological sites in their resting state.
Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area
Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area is in the mountains off Maui’s south coast. You can go hunting in this park, and hiking trails are also available. In addition, Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area is the perfect place to launch a paraglider.
Hosmer Grove Campground
Hosmer Grove Campground is in the center of Maui. It is at the end of a winding mountain road, and it features drive-up spots. A low-intensity ture trail begins right at the edge of Hosmer Grove Campground.
Holua Campground
Holua Campground is a high-altitude campground in Haleakala National Forest. This campground offers incredible views, and running water is available. Also, group camping is offered at this campground.
Wai’apapa State Park
Waiʻapapa State Park is a large park on Maui’s western tip. Unlike many Maui campgrounds, Waiʻapapa State Park offers ADA-accessible sites, and it is right next to the beach. This campground is minutes away from Ha Airport, and it features drive-up sites.
Haleakalā National Park (Wilderness Tent Permit)
Overview There are two primitive wilderness tent areas which are accessible only by trail, Hōlua and Palikū. Backcountry users must plan to enter the park entrance for their stay no earlier than 7 am unless they have also obtained a sunrise reservation granting access to the park between 3 and 7 am. Sunrise reservations can be made on recreation.gov. Hōlua, the wilderness tent area reached by the shortest hike, lies at 6,940 ft (2,115m) in the shrubland near Koʻolau Gap. Hōlua is 3.7 mi (6 km) one way down the Halemauʻu trail or 7.4 mi one way (12km) from the Keoneheʻeheʻe (sliding sands) trailhead. Visitors staying at Hōlua can enjoy day hikes further into the crater. The landscape around Hōlua supports a native shrubland which colonizes the lava flows. At 6,380 ft (1,945m), Palikū is on the east end of the wilderness valley at the base of a rain forest cliff. This wilderness tent area is reached via a strenuous 9.3 mi (15km) one way hike on the Keoneheʻeheʻe (sliding sands) Trail or 10.4 mi (17km) one way hike on the 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. Recreation Both tent areas are wonderful opportunities for night sky viewing in what's considered one of the quietest natural places on earth! Campers may even come across native species such as the Nēnē (Hawaiian goose). Please remember to keep your distance from any wildlife and refrain from freeding them. From both Hōlua and Palikū campsites, campers have the option to day hike on trail through the crater. Locations to enjoy from Hōlua may be the Silversword loop or the loop around Halaliʻi cinder cone. Locations to enjoy from Palikū may be a loop hike toward Kapaloa or toward Kaupo Gap and back. Visit https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/maps.htm to plan your day hikes from either campsite. Please stay on designated trails throughout your crater journey and pack out everything with you! Facilities Both tent areas are wonderful opportunities for night sky viewing in what's considered one of the quietest natural places on earth! Campers may even come across native species such as the Nēnē (Hawaiian goose). Please remember to keep your distance from any wildlife and refrain from freeding them. From both Hōlua and Palikū campsites, campers have the option to day hike on trail through the crater. Locations to enjoy from Hōlua may be the Silversword loop or the loop around Halaliʻi cinder cone. Locations to enjoy from Palikū may be a loop hike toward Kapaloa or toward Kaupo Gap and back. Visit https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/maps.htm to plan your day hikes from either campsite. Please stay on designated trails throughout your crater journey and pack out everything with you! Natural Features Sites are located inside Haleakalā crater and involve a strenuous hike. Campers should prepare for hot, sunny, cold, wet, and windy conditions as weather can change rapidly. There is no shade or water on the crater floor, and temperatures can vary from 40-70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 30-50 degrees Fahrenheit at night, so pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and layers. If it is stormy, winds can exceed 80 miles per hour with temperatures dropping well below freezing. Hiking trails may be steep. Terrain may include loose cinders and/or rocks. Change in altitude can be from a high of 9,780ft to a low of 6,380ft. Due to the soft sandy nature of the trails, plan on spending twice as much time to hike out as to hike in. contact_info This location has limited staffing. Please call (808) 572-4400 for general information. Nearby Attractions Campsites are located near the wilderness visitor cabins. A wilderness tent permit does not grant access to any wilderness cabin within the crater. Wilderness cabins can be reserved through rec.gov. Charges & Cancellations Do not print your permit until you have confirmed you will be completing your backcountry trip. Once the permit has been printed you can not cancel or modify the reservation. Changes/Modifications Changes may be made prior to the day the reservation begins. If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee. There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date. Cancellations Customers may cancel their reservation prior to day of arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 cancellation fee will be withheld from any refund due back the customer. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation (see below). Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will have a $10.00 cancellation fee withheld from their refund AND will forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.
Paliku Campsite
Paliku Campsite is a remote campground in Haleakala National Park. The campsites at are offered on a first come, first serve basis, and stays are limited to three nights. Since Paliku Campsite is high in the mountains, it offers some truly incredible views.
YMCA Camp Keanae
YMCA Camp Keanae is a privately owned campground in Haiku, Hawaii. It is a popular spot for group camping, and there are spacious fields for group events. YMCA Camp Keanae also includes a covered pavilion for meals and nighttime activities.
Pāpalaua State Wayside Park
Pāpalaua State Wayside Park is operated by the County of Maui. This park covers 6.7 acres of oceanfront, and drive-up campsites are available. In addition, Pāpalaua State Wayside Park includes picnic tables and BBQ pits.
Camp Maluhia
Camp Maluhia is owned by the Boy Scouts of America. This campground is on Maui’s north coast, and it is a perfect location for group camping. This campground does not rent out to private individuals for single reservations. Rentals are limited to larger groups that include other non-profits ie church or youth groups, schools, and or other community groups or private organizations. Camp Maluhia includes a huge dining hall, and there is a kitchen on-site.
Camp Olowalu
Camp Olowalu is on Maui’s southwest coast. This campground offers beach access, and the sites are right on the beach. In addition, this campground features multiple dishwashing stations.