Maui Jeep Camping: a Unique Adventure and Tips to Enjoy the Experience

Each person plans their trip to Maui differently, from the accommodations to the rental car. We did a Maui Jeep rental with Aloha Glamp and it served as both out transportation and our lodging during our time on the island. I know that camping doesn’t strike an exciting note for everyone when they’re planning a trip to Hawaii, but if you’re into it and can make it happen, a camping Jeep is a great options.

We’ve got the full scoop on what it’s like to do a camping Jeep on Maui, from Aloha Glamp specifically, and tips for planning your stays and itinerary. If you have any questions about Jeep camping on Maui or putting together an itinerary, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help YOU plan a wonderful Aloha trip!

Highlights of Jeep Camping on Maui

The fewer the moving pieces of a trip, the better, so being able to tackle two elements at once (transportation and lodging) can be awesome. I don’t mind roughing it or having a less than 5 star hotel bed when I travel. Jeep camping on Maui is great because it offers you the ability to sleep in the great outdoors and have a truly unique Hawaii experience, all while not needing to worry about gear.

I like Jeep camping with a vehicle from Aloha Glamp because first off, it’s a jeep, and secondly everything I would normally pack at home is provided in the rental. When we picked up our Jeep in Paia we received instruction in how to operate the rooftop sleeper, did inventory of all the necessary camping gear and were sent on our way ready to have a successful Maui Jeep camping experience.

One of the perks of the Jeep camping setup is that you bring all your gear with you whenever you drive somewhere. For us this meant that we had our camp stove ready to go when we wanted coffee with sunrise on Haleakala and we could whip up lunch when we stopped at Olowalu Beach for a snorkeling afternoon. The convenience of not having to find a lunch spot or waiting on the flow of tourists made our Maui Jeep camping experience low-stress and easy.

Book a Maui Camping Jeep with Aloha Glamp here!

Tips for Maui Jeep Camping

Doing a Maui Jeep camping rental from Aloha Glamp doesn’t mean that you don’t have to plan. Indeed camping in Hawaii is dependent on being able to plan. There are not many camping areas so you do have to reserve your spot in advance. You can’t just pull up into a beach park and set up camp. You must stay in designated camping areas or campgrounds. You can reserve these in advance and need to do so!

It’s also helpful to plan your meals in advance. I like Maui Jeep camping because you can head out away from the more developed parts of the island and enjoy the quiet and fewer people easily. That does mean that you have limited access to services though, so you’ll need to do your food shopping thoughtfully. A combination of meal ingredients and easy pre-made meal pieces keeps the cooking side of Jeep camping uncomplicated.

For us, our first night of camping on Maui was at the Hosmer Grove in Haleakala National Park, so we were able to stop at Foodland on the way up the mountain. Our shopping list included fruit, coffee, chips, cheese, musubi, easy breakfast snacks, drinks and ICE FOR THE COOLER. Yes, ice is important when you’re camping and it’s not easily picked up just anywhere.

Being Prepared for Jeep Camping on Maui

Like I said, doing a Maui camping Jeep rental through Aloha Glamp is easy because they outfit the vehicle with all the camping gear. The Aloha Glamp Jeep comes with: rooftop sleeper (mattress), bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows), camp stove w/ propane, lantern, cooler, dishes and pots/pans, All you need to bring is your clothes, beach towels and sense of fun. If you’re camping just off the beach, such as the Kipahulu Campground at Haleakala NP or Waianapanapa State Park, you’ll have a much more warm experience than if you’re up the mountain on Haleakala where the temperature drops drastically in the night.

For sea level camping, you can pack just like any other Hawaii trip. Jeep camping on Maui near the beach is easy breezy. For camping up where the trade winds bring in cooler weather you will get cold at night and need to have very warm sleeping clothes. It’s like if you’re planning on doing sunrise on Haleakala you have to know that it’s legit 35 degrees F and windy when the sun comes up, and it’s not much better if you’re camping halfway down the mountain. Just be prepared so you’re not regretting the decision to go Jeep camping on Maui.

Renting a Maui Camping Jeep from Aloha Glamp

Maui Jeep Camping is different from standard camping because there is a hard-cased rooftop tent instead of a standard soft tent. Aloha Glamp Jeeps have a great setup where you can release the latch on the hard container and then the top lifts to reveal a zipper door for access. You get up to the tent using a collapsible ladder and each morning when you break camp to continue your adventure, you can leave your bedding and pillows in the rooftop tent for easy set up the next time.

All the gear provided by Aloha Glamp on Maui is securely stored in the truck bed of the Jeep. There are locks and a heavy duty cable lock to secure the camp chairs, ladder and gear bins. There is enough storage space in the bins and truck bed that you can add your own gear or suitcases if you want, or you can keep it in the cabin of the Jeep.

Renting a camping Jeep on Maui from Aloha Glamp is good for two people, but there isn’t enough space in the rooftop tent for any more, and there is not an additional tent provided.

Where to Go Camping on Maui

I wish I could say that there are tons of option for Jeep camping on Maui, but it’s rather limited. Camping itself is limited, but there are a few great spots. Some require reservations and some are first come first served.

• Hosmer Grove at Haleakala National Park
• Kipahulu Campground at Haleakala National Park
• Campground at Wai’anapanapa State Park, Road to Hana
• Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area – tent camping only, pop up tent may not be allowed
• Ke’anae Uka – kind of a campground resort space
• Papalaua Wayside Beach Park – no camping on Tuesdays and Wednesdays