Camping at Haleakala
Waking up in Paradise
Imagine waking up to the sounds of waves crashing and the golden sunlight warming your skin through your tent window all while sitting on a cliff overlooking Maui's ocean. Let me tell you: it's true paradise. While in Maui, after driving the Road to Hana our plan was to camp at Haleakala National Park. I orginally got this idea from saving money rather than staying at the Hana Hotel. Once we arrived in Maui our shuttle driver told me that same "imagine..." and I was so excited for my camping experience!
Once you arrive at the National Park, the cost to camp is $10 per car and this pass will last you three days! (I wish I would have known that before hand). At the National Park you have access to tons of hiking trails, waterfalls galore, and the seven sacred pools. I really wanted to swim there but unfortunately it was muddy and flash flood warnings, so one day I'll be back! But it is absolutely something you should see in Maui. Here is more in depth info on camping at the park.
The camp site is great! Full of plenty of camp spots (First come first serve). We first set up right ocean side (obviously) but quickly found the side opposite the ocean is best because right by the ocean is very windy! The camp grounds have plenty of outhouse bathrooms and tons of grills! Another thing I wish I would have known, we were stuck eating hot cheetos and ramen :) But next time will defiantly bring a cooler full of grilling goodies!
After the long day of driving the Road to Hana and setting up our tent we were rewarded with the most beautiful golden hour! The sun setting over the cliff down to the ocean was so stunning, I really appreciated every sunset and rise on Maui. The sunset and sunrise are the real two special parts of the experience. I mean the view is just so surreal and to think of the drive that lead you to that spot is just a really cool moment to take in.
I got this tent for a really good deal on a local Facebook By, Sell, Trade page. If I can offer any cheep travel tips that is defiantly one! Look for outlets to getting the supplies you need, that money spent on name brand backpacks, tents, and supplies can be spent on food, car rentals, and other life long experiences! Similar tents can be found here and here!
Check the weather before camping too so that you can come equipped with accurate supplies. I did not expect to rain so much or so hard throughout the night so we were left with a very fun night! It was actually Rashawns first camping experience...and he ended up in the car all night. Ha! The rain kind of took over our tent and our rain blocker kinda blew off!! But I was a trooper and stuck the night out in the tent, I was not giving up this experience! It was completely worth it too.
In the morning we enjoyed the beautiful sunrise over the water, cleaned up our campsite, kissed our East side Maui views away, and headed for the Pillani Highway. This is totally something you should do when driving the Road to Hana because there is so much to see after Hana and sleeping under the stars for a night is such a fun rewarding experience <3
