PALS Program
The PALS Program is a free summer day camp offered by Maui County's Department of Parks and Recreation, providing supervised activities for children ages 5-12.
▌ Editor's read The PALS Program is a summer day camp operated by the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation, offering free activities for children ages 5-12. The program runs at various community centers across Maui County, including Kahului, Wailuku, and Lahaina, typically from early June to late July. The website indicates that registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and requires proof of residency. There is no mention of ACA accreditation on the website, nor is it listed in the ACA directory. Google reviews for 'Maui County PALS Program' are not readily available as a distinct entity, but the Department of Parks and Recreation generally has positive community feedback. The program focuses on providing supervised recreational activities such as arts, crafts, games, and sports. The website does not specify staff-to-camper ratios or explicitly mention background checks for staff.
◍
Parks-department programPublic, often subsidized
Who thrives here Ages 5–12
PALS Program fits middle-elementary campers — old enough for skill-building to land, young enough that friend-group dynamics and counselor warmth still matter more than program rigor. Parents at this age band tend to prioritize a balanced rhythm of structured activity and unstructured play, which is the actual differentiator inside any given community/rec center program.
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Day camp
- ACA accredited
- Not verified
- Established
- Not listed
- Operator
- Municipal parks department
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Not listed
Details
- Category: Community/Rec Center
- Ages: 5–12
- Address: 700 Hali'a Nakoa St, Wailuku, HI 96793
- Phone: (808) 270-7980
- Cost notes: Contact PALS office for cost details. Registration online only from April 1, 2026 (8:00 a.m.) to April 15, 2026 (11:59 p.m.).
Logistics
- Lunch provided: No
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: mixed
Frequently asked about PALS Program
- What ages does PALS Program accept?
- PALS Program is open to children ages 5–12. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
- How much does PALS Program cost?
- PALS Program doesn't publish a flat per-week rate — pricing varies by session. Contact PALS office for cost details. Registration online only from April 1, 2026 (8:00 a.m.) to April 15, 2026 (11:59 p.m.). Contact the camp directly for the current schedule of fees.
- Who runs PALS Program?
- PALS Program is operated by the local parks department. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does PALS Program provide lunch?
- PALS Program does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare PALS Program with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- Summer camp pricing in 2026 · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.
- Summer camp safety and accreditation · Review licensing, supervision, and accreditation signals.