Hosmer Grove Campground

We had reservations for two nights with our camper van. We were aware that it was a "walk-in" campsite close to the parking area and planned to use the picnic table for meal prep but sleep in our vehicle. When we arrived just at check-in time, all parking spaces were taken by a large group that had reserved one site but was using all parking. We left and returned several hours later after viewing the sunset from atop Haleakala. The group was still there, with all parking spots still taken. We had reserved the last sites available for both our nights, but it appeared other campers had encountered the same situation as us, for it looked like only one or two other sites were being utilized in addition to the large group. Since we were unable to stay there, we camped in the visitor center parking and as expected were asked to leave by the park ranger. We explained our situation and he suggested we stay in the parking next to the handicap restroom that was near but not at the campground. While this gave us access to a restroom it did not provide us with a picnic table or our reserved site. We opted to leave before our second night's reservation and found another campground with available space elsewhere on the island. Obviously we had to pay at the new campground in addition to what we had already paid at reservation.gov. Not happy.

This campground is amazing. The birds are magical--I got a recording of the songs of the birds in the evening so I can remember how special it was. The stargazing was also awesome. The only downside was the water wasn't working at the campground, which was inconvenient. It would have been better to know in advance so we would bring more water along for brushing teeth, etc. But overall it was a fantastic experience staying at Hosmer Grove and I'd highly recommend it to anyone visiting Maui!

Love seeing the Nene birds to greet your arrival at the park. The water wasn't working when we camped. Thanks for the hand sanitizer outside the bathrooms.

top!

Nice small campground in NP. There was no water!

A beautiful drive up & down to the campsite, located right behind the entrance. Smaller camp site for ground tent, and limited spots for rooftop camping/car camp. There's a pit toilet near by & a short hike through the tall pine trees. My favorite part is the short drive up to the summit for sunrise & sunset. No need for summit reservations/pass because we camp here. There are nice flushing toilet at both visitor center: Head quarter at foot of mountain & one at the top for sunrise. Lots of switch back so take your time & be careful! The views from the top & along the drive are unreal!

Hosmer Grove is an extremely small campground. We car camped in the smaller parking lot closest to the entrance and next to the second set of (cleaner) bathrooms. We were glad we did because it wasn’t pleasant to be downwind of the primary set of bathrooms closest to the campground.

A word of caution if you are planning to car camp: DO NOT try to drive onto the campsite. Keep your vehicle in the parking spots and camp there. The waterline was broken by a presumably selfish and idiotic group two nights before we arrived because they drove their car into the campground and damaged the water line. I hope they were fined to the fullest extent possible for not following the rules. The enjoyment of our national parks relies on all of us to be aware of and respect the rules.

Thankfully there was a covered area with two picnic tables as it was raining. A pleasant surprise was being able to do the Haleakala sunrise without a permit - thanks to the ranger for telling me.

Great hiking loop and informative signs on the endemic birds of Haleakala. We enjoyed seeing many of them! The campground didn’t have any water. Luckily we had : gallons, The pit toilet was clean. Met friendly people at the other campsites and birding. The sunset at the summit was phenomenal! Come on up it’s worth it!

Very basic campsite with limited facilities. There was not water on site when we came, with nearest water available at the visitor center. No sinks to wash dishes, too. Toilets were clean, and overally the campsite was well maintained. Ideal base for leaving early for sunrise/sunset viewing from the mountains. There is a nice walk to Hosmer Grove next to the campground, however it is a but annoying many visitors of this walk park at the campsite carpark.