Maui Camping Adventure: 5-Day Road Trip Itinerary

Last updated:

April 14, 2026

Maui was our first and favorite island on a two-week, three-island trip to Hawaii. We flew our camping gear across the Pacific and enjoyed the island’s beauty from dawn till dusk. This five-day itinerary packs the best activities on Maui while camping at stunning locations across the island.

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Day 1: Haleakalā National Park

Upon landing in Kahului airport, we started our island arrival travel routine: shuttle to the rental car facility, pick up the car, go grocery shopping and drive to ACE for propane gas. We reserved our rental car in Maui through Booking.com. The island welcomed us with heavy winds, a splash of tropical rain and a rainbow.

Promotional graphic for Booking.com featuring a search bar for rental cars with the text 'Your ideal rental car at a great price' and 'Working with over 900 rental companies worldwide'.

View of a highway with vehicles driving under a bright rainbow in a partly cloudy sky.

The curvy Haleakalā Highway transported us 7,000 feet high, into the cloud belt of Maui’s majestic volcano. Hosmer Grove Campground was cold and gloomy by the time we arrived. We put on our cold-weather clothes for the first and last time in Hawaii, and turned in for an early night. The next morning, our jet lag and cold toes helped us to wake up before dawn. At 10,000 feet, the Haleakalā Summit offers a stunning sunrise in return for a freezing morning.

A breathtaking view of a mountainous landscape at sunrise, with vibrant orange and yellow hues lighting up the sky above rolling hills and valleys.

Panoramic view of a mountainous landscape at sunset, showcasing rugged terrain and gentle slopes under a colorful sky.

After sunrise on the crater rim, we descended into the crater along the Sliding Sands Trail. The entire trail is 11 miles out and back, implying a downhill walk out and a strenuous climb back. We cut the trail in half and hiked close to 5 miles round trip, enough to take in the spectacular volcanic landscapes. Pictures don’t do justice to this unique hike above the clouds.

A panoramic view of a barren landscape featuring rugged mountains and a clear blue sky, with scattered rocks and a valley leading towards the horizon.

A panoramic view of a rugged mountain landscape with a clear blue sky and clouds visible in the distance.

A unique spiky plant on rocky terrain with a backdrop of brown volcanic hills under a clear blue sky.

A hiker walking along a dirt trail on a volcanic landscape with brown and gray tones, under a clear blue sky.

By noon, we had left the Summit District of Haleakalā National Park and were heading to sea level.

Entrance sign for Haleakalā National Park, featuring a colorful illustration and surrounded by natural scenery under a clear blue sky.

Campground: Hosmer Grove

Hosmer Grove Campground is located in the Summit District of Haleakalā National Park. There are six spots for tent campers only, with vault toilets but no showers. When the gloominess makes way for sunny skies, the campground becomes a birder’s paradise. Just a 30-minute drive from the Haleakalā summit, Hosmer Grove saves precious sleeping time ahead of a sunrise reservation. This reservation comes included with a stay at the campground.

An orange tent set up in a grassy campsite surrounded by trees, with a picnic table and a fire pit nearby under a clear blue sky.

A person standing at a picnic table in a grassy area surrounded by tall trees and clear blue sky.

Day 2: Road to Hana

The road to Hana is an incredibly scenic 64-mile drive from Kahului to Hana. With over 50 one-way bridges and many reasons to pull over – but little parking to do so – the drive can easily go from scenic to stressful.

Reserve a full-day tour of the Road to Hana

A scenic view of a winding road surrounded by lush greenery, palm trees, and colorful tropical plants under a cloudy blue sky.

Many points of interest were crowded and impossible to park at. After just a couple of miles, we decided to ignore the yellow stars on my Google Maps and let the road guide us instead. If we saw movement and room to pull over, we did. Without focussing on must-see stops, the road to Hana is an enchanting drive through lush rainforest.

Lush green foliage alongside a winding road on a sunny day, with tall trees and a clear blue sky in the background.

Close-up view of vibrant, multi-colored eucalyptus trees against a blue sky, surrounded by lush greenery.

We entered the Hana Highway at the zero marker of Route 360 around 12 p.m. The Ke’anae Peninsula marks the half-way to Hana, with stunning views all around.

A scenic view of a turquoise ocean surrounded by lush green hills under a partly cloudy sky.

A scenic view of a rocky beach with palm trees in the foreground, overlooking the ocean and lush green cliffs under a partly cloudy sky.

Coastal view with rocky shore, waves crashing against the rocks, and palm trees under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.

The Road to Hana is scattered with waterfalls, so we bypassed the ones that require a fee to enter or park. Many can even be seen from the road, one of the reasons that make this drive such a scenic one.

A scenic view of lush green hills with two waterfalls cascading down rocks under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.

Shortly before reaching Hana, the drive holds one more surprise. Waiʻānapanapa State Park is a stunning park along Maui’s eastern coast. The contrast between the black sand beaches and lush green vegetation is a sight to behold.

A couple standing together on a rocky shoreline with ocean waves crashing in the background. Lush greenery and mountains are visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

Lush green plants growing among black volcanic rocks under a cloudy sky.

A view through a rocky cave opening onto a beach with waves crashing against black pebbles and a distant rock formation under a blue sky.

A scenic view of a coastline featuring black volcanic rocks, gentle waves, and lush green vegetation under a partly cloudy sky during sunset.

There is an easy trail along the coast that starts at the black sand beach. It offers amazing views of the coastline and the green mountains beyond.

A scenic view of a black sand beach bordered by lush green vegetation and rocky cliffs, set against a backdrop of mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Our arrival to Hana was celebrated with the first poke bowl of the trip. Poke Bob’s is one of several food trucks next to the church in Hana. From this day onwards, we sticked to a strict diet of camping meals and poke bowls in Hawaii.

A vibrant food truck named 'Poké Bobs' serving dishes, located in a tropical setting with palm trees. Customers are seated at colorful outdoor tables under umbrellas, while another person is ordering at the truck.

A close-up of a salad in a compostable bowl, topped with diced tomatoes, a creamy sauce, and sprinkled with sesame seeds, served on a bed of lettuce.

Campground: Waiʻānapanapa State Park

Since the pandemic, a reservation system is in place to visit Waiʻānapanapa State Park. The time slots run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Camping at Waiʻānapanapa gave us the privilege of sticking around in the park after sunset, when it is closed to visitors. Moreover, we got to witness a beautiful sunrise the next morning.

Sunset over the ocean with rocky shoreline and palm trees on the right.

The campground is an open grassfield without marked spots. With the ocean just steps away, picnic tables offer prime views. We used the outdoor rinse showers for a quick and refreshing wash. Even though the entrance to the black sand beach area is closed at night, there are plenty of spots to take in beautiful ocean views from dusk to dawn.

A man sitting beside an orange camping tent on green grass, with trees and a body of water in the background.

Outdoor picnic area with a green bench, surrounded by trees and palm foliage, overlooking a scenic landscape during sunset.

Day 3 – Kīpahulu & Back Road to Hana

The scenic drive does not end when reaching the town of Hana. On the contrary, we found the section between Hana and Kīpahulu even more enchanting. At 9 a.m., we only came across a handful of cars.

A scenic road winding through lush greenery and trees under a clear blue sky.

The tropical Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park is a world apart from the Summit District in central Maui. The road offers a bird’s eye view of ‘Ohe‘o Gulch Pools before reaching the park’s entrance. Inside the park, there is short trail leading up to the pools.

Scenic view of a lush green landscape with a stream flowing into the ocean, under a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds.

Scenic view of a lush landscape featuring a waterfall surrounded by tropical greenery, rocky terrain, and a blue sky with clouds.

We hiked the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoko Falls. The trail passes through a giant bamboo forest before reaching the impressive 400-foot waterfall.

A narrow pathway surrounded by tall bamboo stalks, with lush green foliage overhead, and a person walking in the distance.

A smiling woman standing on a wooden pathway surrounded by tall bamboo plants in a lush, green environment.

A wooden pathway surrounded by lush greenery leads to a waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff under a clear blue sky.

A stunning waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by lush greenery under a clear blue sky.

From Kīpahulu, the road continues along the coast to make a loop around the island. This section at the backside of the Haleakalā volcano is often referred to as the Back Road to Hana. The road is narrower, has unpaved sections and runs scarily close to the ocean at times. Nonetheless, we found it perfectly drivable in a regular sedan. The volcanic landscape created by Haleakalā is contrasted with vast ocean views for the duration of the drive.

Scenic view of a coastal landscape with a clear blue sky, lush greenery in the foreground, and a mountainous backdrop along the shoreline.

Scenic coastal landscape featuring rolling green hills dotted with rocks, overlooking a blue ocean under a clear sky.

When reaching Maui Wine, the adventurous Back Road to Hana is officially over. We intended to celebrate our safe passage with a pineapple wine tasting, but the three splashes of wine left something to be desired.

Three wine glasses filled with light-colored liquid, arranged near a tasting menu featuring descriptions of three different pineapple wines, on a wooden table.

Before setting up camp on Maui’s West Coast, we stopped at ʻĪao Needle State Monument. A short trail leads up to a scenic viewing platform of this sacred rock formation.

Lush green mountains surrounded by fog and clouds, showcasing a scenic landscape.

Campground: Camp Olowalu

Camp Olowalu is perfectly positioned to discover West Maui. We spent three nights at this private campground while venturing out along the West Coast. In addition to tent camping, there are several lodging options to pick from. Shared amenities include hot showers, restrooms and a garden to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

A camping scene featuring an orange REI tent, a person setting it up, and various other tents in a natural setting with mountains in the background.

View of a grassy area with wooden cabins surrounded by lush greenery and mountains in the background. Two people are lying on the grass, enjoying the scenery.

The location of Camp Olowalu really can’t be beat. The campground is oceanfront, with Hawaii’s landmark green ridges as a backdrop. Our tent spot (21) was just steps away from the beach. We went to sleep and woke up with ocean views and the sound of gentle waves (and some roosters and kids running around too).

A serene beach view at sunset, with gentle waves lapping on a pebbly shore and mountains in the background under a clear sky.

A serene beach scene at sunset with calm waves lapping at a shoreline of dark sand. A single dog stands near the water's edge, with a few rocks visible in the shallow water. A twisted tree branch leans over the beach, and clouds are scattered in the sky.

Day 4 – West Maui

We reserved a sailing and snorkeling trip with Sail Maui to the Lana’i Coast. The five-hour trip departs from Lahaina Harbor and includes breakfast, lunch and an open bar.

Book a snorkeling tour to Lana’i with Sail Maui

A woman wearing a yellow and maroon swimsuit and denim shorts stands on a boat, holding a drink and smiling. The background features mountains and a blue sky with clouds.

Even though strong winds got in the way of any snorkeling, we enjoyed every minute of the trip. The crew made many attempts to anker down for snorkeling, but had to take us sailing on the catamaran instead. They made sure our mimosas and Mai Tai’s were never empty. On top of the spectacular ridge views from the water, we spotted several whales.

Scenic view of mountains and ocean under a partly cloudy sky.

A group of people enjoying a sailing trip on a catamaran, with a scenic view of the mountains and blue sky in the background.

A whale breaching the surface of the ocean under a cloudy sky.

After docking at Lahaina Harbor, we drove further north to Kapalua Bay. The Kapalua Coastal Trail has stunning views of the coastline and the luxury resorts that line it. We took our very first dip in Hawaiian waters in beautiful Kapalua Bay.

A scenic pathway winding through lush green grass and palm trees, leading towards a coastline with ocean views under a partly cloudy sky.

A picturesque beach scene featuring palm trees, gentle waves, and visitors enjoying the sun. Sun loungers and umbrellas line the sandy shore, with lush greenery in the foreground and clear blue skies above.

Day 5 – South Maui

After four days in Maui, we had yet to explore what attracts most visitors to the island: world-class beaches. South Maui is home to some of the best beaches in Hawaii, and in turn houses several luxury resorts. The first season of HBO’s White Lotus was filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Maui in Wailea on South Maui.

A sunny beach scene with people enjoying the water and shoreline, surrounded by palm trees and greenery.

We started our day with a not so beach-proof breakfast at Kihei Caffe. Loco Moco is a traditional Hawaiian plate made of white rice, topped with a hamburger, a fried egg and brown gravy. From Kihei Caffe, it’s only a 15-minute drive to Maluaka Beach. This stunning beach is known as Turtle Town, one of the best snorkeling spots in Maui. The water is crystal-clear and calm because the beach is located in a bay.

A plate of rice topped with a fried egg, covered in brown gravy, and garnished with chopped green onions, alongside a colorful coffee mug.

A sunny beach scene with clear blue water, golden sand, and a few people swimming and enjoying the shoreline. Lush green trees are visible in the background against a bright blue sky.

A sunny beach scene with people enjoying the sand and water, surrounded by palm trees and colorful umbrellas.

We spent the afternoon on another beautiful beach in South Maui. Makena Beach is an undeveloped, 1.5-mile stretch of white sand and turquoise water. With waves crashing on the shore, this beach is more suited for surfing than snorkeling.

A serene beach scene featuring golden sand, rocky shorelines, and lush greenery with palm trees under a bright blue sky adorned with fluffy clouds.

A scenic beach with soft sand, people walking along the shore, and others enjoying the water. Colorful umbrellas dot the beach, and the sky is partly cloudy.

A visit to Maui is not complete without enjoying a lūʻau, a traditional Hawaiian feast of delicious food, drinks and dance. We attended the Feast at Lele, a lūʻau right on the beach in Lahaina. It’s a unique experience in Hawaii and well worth the splurge.

Compare Hawaiian luaus in Maui

A man and a woman sitting at a beachside restaurant table, both wearing floral leis, with drinks and dishes in front of them. The background features palm trees and diners enjoying the view of the ocean.

A lively outdoor dining scene by the beach, with numerous guests seated at tables, enjoying meals and drinks. Palm trees and a clear sky are visible in the background.

The Feast at Lele offers a different take on a traditional lūʻau. The menu of food and dance is a royal tour through Polynesia. Each of the five courses originates from a different Polynesian island, and is paired with traditional dance from the same region.

A lively traditional dance performance featuring five dancers in vibrant costumes with feather headdresses and grass skirts, set against a blue-lit background.

Four dancers perform a traditional Hawaiian dance on stage, wearing colorful grass skirts and holding yellow pom-poms, with a wooden backdrop.

The setting on the beach is stunning and comes with a sunset in the ocean. Topped off with an open bar and delicious cocktails, our last night in Maui was one to be remembered. Unfortunately, the Feast at Lele was destroyed by the devastating Lahaina wildfires in 2023 and has not reopened since.