The best camping near Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area adventure.

Discover Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area's high-elevation forest trails.  

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Community favorites near Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area

97%
(792)

Wahi Nanea Place of Relaxation

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Kula, HI
The property is located on Maui island in the Kula district on the drier side of Haleakala. In days before western contact the area was heavily forested with native plants and trees and rainfall was abundant. The native Hawaiian grew bananas, taro and sweet potato. After Western contact businessmen mostly from the United States developed huge tracts of land for ranching and farming which cleared the native forests and destroyed the eco system from the mountain to the sea. Many of the Hawaiian people moved away nearer to the towns and immigrant Chinese laborers from the ranches and plantations moved in. The Chinese brought in the Wattle tree to plant for firewood as these trees grew very fast. These are the majority of the trees that you see today. As part of the Chinese immigration, the founder of modern China, Sun Yat Sen lived here for a time and planned his revolution to overthrow the last Chinese Dynasty. There is a park dedicated to him nearby.We have picnic tables a propane grill, a fire pit and a covered gazebo that is shared with 3 cabins This site is located at the 2800 ft altitude and the temperature at night can range from mid 50 to mid 60 degrees F. If you are planning to go to Haleakala, we are about 45 -60 minutes to the summit. We are also on the south side approach to Hana. There is a great restaurant for breakfast and lunch about 10 minutes away in Keokea town called Grandma's Coffee house.
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
from 
$70
 / night
86%
(48)

Haiku Farm & Campground

8 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Haiku, HI
WE CAN ONLY ACCEPT ON-THE-GROUND TENT CAMPING RIGHT NOW. DUE TO NEIGHBORS, WE CANNOT ACCEPT VEHICLE CAMPERS/CAR-TOP TENTS. There is a place to park your vehicle away from the forest, where tents are set up. Full outdoor kitchen, WiFi, lit common space for evenings. WE ALSO OFFER LODGING IN OUR LIBRARY ROOM. MAUI FIRE UPDATE: WE ARE IN HAIKU, WHERE IT IS STILL GREEN AND BEAUTIFUL. WE STILL WELCOME GUESTS WHO ARE LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO ENJOY MAUI'S NATURE BEAUTY. Prayers to all Maui 'ohana suffering losses. Losing Lahaina and its people is devastating for us all. Please be generous in any way you can to help monetarily to our Lahaina Tree Fund. We have joined forces with a number of organizations and WE ARE PLANTING TREES!!! $150 gives the resources to plant 2 trees with enough water resources for one year to establish its deep root foundation. Volunteering with any number of organizations, including ours, contributes to helping Maui be whole again. Mahalo! WE HAVE MADE IMPROVEMENTS SINCE THIS SUMMER, WHEN WE FIRST OPENED. We hope you will find it delightful to camp here! SUMMER CHECK-IN IS AFTER 3 PM AND CHECK-OUT IS BY 10 AM. WE ARE RGHT ON THE WAY TO HANA! Super convenient location! You feel like you are far away in amongst trees, gardens and the sound of the wind. This is a beautiful property which features over 200 fruit trees, and an educational subtropical vegetable garden, perpetuating food security in Hawaii. The acreage gives the feeling of spaciousness, yet we are close to Haiku town and Community Center. CHECK-IN MUST BE BEFORE 8 PM UNLESS YOU CONTACT HOST AND REQUEST OTHER ARRANGEMENTS. NOTE: We may have other campers here, as well farm workers and student interns. YOU MAY BE CAMPING OR PREPARING FOOD IN OUR OUTDOOR KITCHEN WITH OTHER PEOPLE. This is an operational farm. The community kitchen is an OUTDOOR kitchen area that our farm interns and students use as well. There is produce washing, drying and packaging on harvest days Mondays-Thursdays during the day, and sometimes value-added products being made during the days as well. Evenings the area is less crowded and tables are clear for your use. BECAUSE THE COMMUNITY CAMPFIRE AND KITCHEN AND BATHROOM ARE AWAY FROM THE TENT SITES, YOU CAN KEEP TO YOURSELF IN YOUR TENT AREA AND/OR MEET FRIENDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD WHEN AROUND THE FIRE OR IN THE SHARED OUTDOOR KITCHEN AREA. WE DO OUR BEST TO HOLD A FEELING OF ALOHA HERE, AND HAVE FOUND THAT WHEN OUR GUESTS COME IN GRATITUDE, TOGETHER, WE ALL ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL VIBRATION OF MAUI! We are loving the special feeling everyone brings to our farm campground and to each other. E KOMO MAI :) We are about 15 minutes from Paia town, Ho'okipa and Baldwin beaches - that's where everyone likes to hang out! We are also about 15 minutes in the opposite direction from Twin Falls - a favorite swim hole and water fall spot! We can offer a clean pit toilet, outdoor shower, and a covered and lighted eating area with the basic equipment for cooking. You bring your tent and essentials. No hook-ups. There is an outlet in the outdoor kitchen area to charge devices and you may use wifi there. Check bulletin board for WiFi code. Haiku is not known for having great cell phone reception/wifi. However, most people can get connected in the community kitchen area. WEEKLY FARM PRODUCTS MAY BE AVAILABLE. PLEASE INQUIRE IF INTERESTED AND/OR CHECK THE BULLETIN BOARD IN THE PICNIC AREA. We specialize in Subtropic greens to add to salads and cooking greens and fresh herbs too. We often have fruit, like citrus, papaya, mango, starfruit. Please ask us about our value-added products such as pesto, fermented veggies, Hawaiian chile pepper water, tinctures, healing salves, and our specialty seeds and cuttings. Value added products are individually priced and available any day. Please inquire. PLEASE TAKE PICTURES OF YOUR CAMP SET-UP SO WE CAN GIVE PEOPLE A SENSE OF WHAT IT'S LIKE! Mahalo!!!!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$69
 / night

The best camping near Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Standing 6,200 feet high in the fog belt in the Kula Forest Reserve, Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area may remind you of the conifer forests on the shorelines of the Pacific Northwest. The extensive trail systems here reward trekkers with sweeping views of Central and West Maui, Kahoʻolawe, Molokaʻi, and Lanaʻi (in clear conditions). You’ll definitely want to pack comfortable shoes and some musubi for some serious island snacking. Mountain bikers may particularly enjoy the Redwood Trail which offers a look at an old ranger’s station. We recommend four-wheel drive vehicles, extra warm clothing, and donning your brightest threads. Seasonal bird, wild boar, and feral goat hunting is permitted. Drinking water is not supplied in the park so be prepared to provide your own. Stores are available about 10 miles out in Kula. Many longtime locals prefer to live here over the more touristy area so it’s an excellent opportunity for conversation.

Notable campgrounds

  • Residents Campsite - At $20 per night, this campsite offers residents a chance to sleep under the stars in a unique high-elevation setting.
  • Non-Residents Campsite - For $30 per night, non-residents can enjoy the same serene camping experience, surrounded by the park's natural beauty.
  • Polipoli Cabin - A rustic retreat at $70 per night for residents and $100 for non-residents, offering a cozy escape amid the forest's tranquility.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early to secure your spot, as the unique high-elevation campsites at Polipoli Spring are in high demand.
  • Ensure your vehicle is 4-wheel drive capable to access the campgrounds, as required by park regulations.
  • For cabin stays, call the Maui District office at (808) 984-8109 or visit the counter at 54 S. High Street #101, Wailuku, HI for reservations.
  • Explore nearby camping options if Polipoli Spring is fully booked, to ensure you don't miss out on the region's natural wonders.

When to go

The best time to visit Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area is during the warmer months when the trails are most accessible. However, be prepared for cooler temperatures, as nights can dip below freezing. Clear weather offers stunning views, but always check for park notices before planning your trip.

Know before you go

  • Wear bright clothing while hiking, as the area is shared with hunters during pig and seasonal bird hunting seasons.
  • Prepare for cold nights, especially in winter, when temperatures can fall below freezing.
  • No showers are available at the campground, so plan accordingly for your stay.
  • Check the latest park notices for updates on access and any temporary closures.
  • Remember, the Polipoli Cabin requires reservations via walk-in or phone, not available online.

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