GLAMPING ON MAUI’S WEST COAST AT CAMP OLOWALU
On an island known for its all-inclusive resorts and celeb-approved luxury hotels, Camp Olowalu offers a much more authentic way to experience the Valley Isle.
Tucked away on a lush property between Ma’alaea Harbor and Lahaina, the campground is the perfect base for your Maui adventure—as a starting point for a West Maui road trip or a short drive from popular Kihei, Wailea, and Pa’ia. Though, we’re sure you’ll agree it’s hard to leave this dreamy enclave on the beach.
The camp was built in 1955 on sugar plantation land —originally serving as a church retreat—and it still has the same midcentury modern charm today. The current owners have restored the property, planting hundreds of native plants and fruit trees (don’t miss the free fruit up for grabs by the check-in counter).
Traditional camping in Hawaii is not always the easiest experience. Campgrounds are few and far between and usually require permits purchased far in advance, and rolling out a sleeping bag on the sand isn’t actually allowed. Not to mention, hauling gear on an interisland flight—and sometimes across a mountain range—can be a deal breaker. So, the idea of showing up sans supplies to overnight in this tropical oasis without paying exorbitant resort fees is a real treat.
The camp has plots for tent camping if roughing it is your jam, but we came for the tentalows. These glamping bungalows are heavy canvas tents set on wooden platforms decked out with twin beds, a private open-air sink and shower, and towels and bedding are provided. Each tentalow is set on its own area of the grassy lawn, with Adirondack chairs guarding the porch and a private picnic table. For big groups, Olowalu also has a cabin area complete with plantation-era A-frames, a mess hall and kitchen. It is all wonderfully Wes Anderson-esque and will fulfill all your sleepaway camp desires.
By day, explore the protected reef in front of the property, and by night, enjoy grilling by the open fire and watching the starry sky. Come bed time, your solar-powered bungalow will never seem more luxurious.
