Over the past 3 years I’ve checked out or tented most of the official campgrounds on Kauai and Maui.
Despite being an outdoor tropical paradise, the campground situation on those 2 islands is a mess.
Your choices include National Campgrounds, State Campgrounds, County Campgrounds and a few private campgrounds.
Though inexpensive, the problem is actually getting a campsite permit for the State and County locations. You must find an administrative office and get there during office hours. You cannot simply show up at the campground at dusk.
Here are some signs I saw 2009 posted at the Waianapanapa State Park campground office on Maui.
Looks like morale is low. Budget tight.
In fact, the County of Maui has closed campgrounds recently: Baldwin and Rainbow.
The cabins at Waianapanapa are oft called the the best lodging deal on Maui, but they get mixed reviews.
=== Best for tenting – Kauai or Maui?
Kuaia is generally better and more relaxed than Maui. When I camped without a permit in Kauai I was awoken by a friendly officer who informed me that I needed to go to an administrative office, … then charged me $5 cash instead of the usual $3 permit fee. I was very happy with that compromise.
But both islands could and should offer far better tenting than they do now.
=== Dislaimer:
Before you leave an angry comment, I did find a few good campgrounds. Mostly in the National Parks.
I stayed 2 nights free at the superb Kipahulu Campground on Maui. Loved it … despite the fact that drinking water is not available.
Hosmer Grove I liked too. It’s also free. But why don’t they expand the tenting area?
The two wilderness campsites in the Halekala volcano are both great, especially Paluku.
The Kokee State Park campground on Kauai is superb.
I loved, too, the wilderness campground at the end of the Kalalau Trail on Kauai.
Most of the Kauai beach campgrounds, however, are filled with loud party animals. Locals use them as party sites 7 nights a week.
What Hawaii really needs is more private campgrounds. Camp Olowalu on Maui is the best private on the island. It would be great … except for the traffic roaring by all night long. And the big dogs running free that threatened while I was there.
=== Are things going to improve?
The Big Island finally has an online system for buying your Camping Permits. Nice.
Leave a comment if you have an opinion on Hawaiian campgrounds.
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