Getting out into nature is what exploring the islands of Hawaii is all about. People come from all over the world, to relax, take in breathtaking sunrises, snorkel, and surf to their heart’s content. Hawaii can be even more magical when seen during a truly amazing camping experience, spending the night under the starry sky and falling asleep to the sound of the crashing waves. From oceanside state parks and drive-in campsites to secluded spots requiring a hike to reach, there are a wide variety of options for visitors and locals alike to choose from for camping in Hawaii.
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the state’s Big Island and is a place to go for anyone wanting to say hello to Mother Nature for the seventy million years of volcanism, as well as what it has given to the planet. The park was established to preserve the nature of Mauna Loa and Kilauea and to provide a refuge for native animals and plants.
The Wilderness area of the Hawai?i Volcanoes National Park, which makes more than half the park, offers a variety of unusual and intriguing camping and hiking adventures, along with two drive-in, more developed campgrounds.
Address: Hawaii National Park, HI 96718 , Phone: 808-985-6101
Bellows Field Beach Park
Located in Waimanalo, Hawaii, the Bellows Field Beach Park is an oceanfront lush park with mountain views, beach access, and tree-shaded campsites. The park is situated along a stunning stretch of the windward beach and offers a total of fifty campsites in its campground.
The campground at Bellows Field Beach Park isn’t available until after 12:00pm on Fridays and open for the weekends. Amenities at Bellows Field include limited parking, two lifeguard towers, outdoor showers, and two comfort stations. Since the park isn’t open between 8:00pm and 6:00am, campers must remain in the camping area during this time.
Address: Bellows Field Beach Park, 41-43 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI 96795, Phone: 808-768-2267
Camp Mokule'ia
Camp Mokule'ia is a unique campground in the state of Hawaii, as it is an “Episcopal Camp and Retreat Center.” Situated on the island of Oahu’s North Shore, the camp is a place committed to providing a destination for renewal, recreation, and rest.
Campers can pitch their tents in one of the many designated spots that range from beachfront, wide-open spaces to secluded wooded glades. Along with campsites, Camp Mokule'ia also offers Tentalos, which are comfortable and room fabric and wood tents on raised platforms that sleep four people. The campground provides warm-water showers and flush toilets as well.
Address: Camp Mokule'ia, 68-729 Farrington Hwy, Waialua, HI 96791, Phone: 808-637-6241
Haena Beach Park
Haena Beach Park is a gorgeous golden-sand beach that is popular for several reasons, including surfing, camping, abundant water activities, and beautiful views. All of these reasons make the park a great destination for fun adventures or simply relaxing on the famed North Shore of Kauai.
Amenities at Haena Beach Park include picnic tables, showers, comfort stations, and a pavilion. The small park closes at 10:00am every Monday for maintenance and then reopens on Tuesday at noon. There are also lifeguards on duty every day from 9:00am until 5:00pm, although swimming during high surf seasons can be unsafe.
Address: Haena Beach Park, HI-560, Kapa'a, HI 96746, Phone: 808-274-3444
Halape
A favorite destination for fans of wilderness hiking, Halape is situated along the southern shore of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The campsite is certainly off the beaten path at 7.7 miles from the nearest trailhead, requiring quite a bit of a challenging hike to get there.
A backcountry permit, which doesn’t cost anything, is also required to camp in the Halape Campground. The hike to the campground traverses through mostly non-native grasses in order to reach the sandy small beach where campers can pitch a tent near swaying coconut trees and are rewarded with expansive views.
, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718, Phone: 808-985-6101
Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park is an ideal camping destination for anyone looking for an overnight escape but don’t want the backcountry trek to get there. Haleakala offers two campgrounds accessible by car: the Hosmer Grove campground within the park’s coastal district and the Kipahulu campground within the summit district.
Both campgrounds provide pit toilets, barbeque grills, and picnic tables. Hosmer Grove also offers drinking water, however, drinking water can also be found at the Kipahulu Visitor Center. In addition to these two developed campgrounds, visitors to the national park can also choose the more adventurous Haleakala Backcountry for a primitive camping experience
Address: Haleakala National Park, Makawao, HI 96768 , Phone: 808-572-4400
Holua Campground
The Holua Campground is reached by way of a difficult hike, however, those who make the challenging trek are rewarded with a primitive wilderness campground well known for its striking sunsets and views. Located near the Ko?olau Gap, the campsite can be reached from the Sliding Sand Trailhead for a 7.4-mile hike or from the Halemau?u Trail for a 3.7-mile hike.
Campsites at Holua are offered to the general public on a first-come, first-served availability, with special accommodations made for groups. Campers choosing the Holua Campground should not that there is no potable water provided here and a permit is required.
Address: Holua Campground, Kula, HI 96790, Phone: 808-572-4400
Hosmer Grove Campground
The Hosmer Grove Campground is located within the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, situated in Haleakala’s cloud belt in the park’s summit area. Located at an elevation of almost seven thousand feet, campers here should be prepared for cold weather and rain. Amenities at the campground include pit toilets, barbeque grills, drinking water, and picnic tables.
Campsites spaced close together within a grassy open area near the shrubland and forest of Hosmer Grove. For campers wanting to go to one of the designated sunrise viewing areas, they will still need to obtain a sunrise reservation.
Kula, HI 96790, Phone: 808-572-4400
Keokea Beach Park
The Keokea Beach Park is situated on the Big Island’s northern shore in Niuli’i. A man-made boulder wall protects this small cove, and even though the water conditions are predominantly rough and there’s a rocky coastline, fishing and surfing enthusiasts often find it ideal.
The area a great spot for camping for anyone seeking seclusion as well, since the campsites aren’t used too often. Amenities at the Keokea Beach Park campground include showers, restrooms, electric lights, an area for dishwashing, fire pits, barbeque grills, drinking water, and covered picnic tables. The park is also close to the town of Kapaau.
Address: Keokea Beach Park, 52-128 Keokea Park Road, Kapaau, HI 96755, Phone: 808-961-8311
Kipahulu Campground
Set on a spacious, grassy spot above the Pacific Ocean, the Kipahulu Campground is a favorite among locals in the Makawao area of Hawaii. Here, campers can fall asleep at night to the sound of the crashing waves.
While this is certainly a highlight of camping at Kipahulu, the best part is considered to be waking up and campers having the Seven Sacred Pools of Oheo to themselves, just a short walk from the campground and incredibly peaceful before the main visitor rush happens. The downside to the campground is that it doesn’t offer as many amenities as other places.
Haleakala National Park, Makawao, HI 96768, Phone: 808-572-4400
Kulanaokuaiki Campground
Located within the Haleakala National Park, the Kulanaokuaiki Campground sits at an elevation of 2,700 feet. Reserving a campsite here isn’t usually a problem, as not too many tourists venture out this far.
Nin designated campsites feature tent pads and picnic tables, and are available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Not many other amenities are offered at the Kulanaokuaiki Campground. There is no water provided and fire aren’t permitted, there is a vault toilet though. The landscape surrounding the campground, however, is perfect for campers who prefer a landscape the seems virtually untouched.
Hawaii National Park, HI 96718, Phone: 808-985-6101
Kumu Camp Beach Retreat In Anahola
The Kumu Camp Beach Retreat at Anahola Bay is located on Kauai island, offering a more comfortable camping experience with its rustic Tentalows, which feature twin-size or queen-size beds. Standard campsites are offered as throughout the property with access to bathroom facilities and showers.
Guests also have access to water sports, beach volleyball, a yurt-style conference room, party tents, outdoor pavilions, and even yoga classes and massage services. The Kumu Camp Beach Retreat also hosts youth camps, retreats, and more throughout the year as well, subject to availability. Most people come here for the starry night skies and the gorgeous rural setting.
Address: Kumu Camp Beach Retreat In Anahola, 4275 Poha Rd, Anahola, HI 96703, Phone: 808-631-9082
Laupahoehoe Beach Park
The Laupahoehoe Beach Park another ideal camping destination in Hawaii for outdoor enthusiasts who prefer privacy and solitude, as well as excellent opportunities for fishing. Situated along the northern coast of the island of Hawaii, the park offers a spectacularly scenic beach, however it isn’t exactly what comes to mind when people think of a beach.
Instead of a sandy beach, Laupahoehoe is covered by black lava. What the park lacks in sandy beach, it more than makes up in incredible views. Camping is possible in several shaded spots with picnic tables close to the ocean or in the large field.
Address: HI-19, Laupahoehoe, HI 96764, Phone: 808-961-8311
Malaekahana Beach Campground
Located on the North Shore of the island of Oahu, the Malaekahana Beach Campground offers some of the state’s best camping accommodations, as well as activities and amenities. Whether guests prefer to sleep beneath the starry sky in a tent or in a suite or plantation hut for comfort and style, the campgrounds provides camping accommodations for anyone. There are more than 74 sites at Malaekahana Beach, offering an array of spacious campsites, as well as open areas with fire pits, water spouts, picnic tables, and restrooms. Activities include surfing, body surfing, stand-up paddling, kayaking, and swimming.
Address: Malaekahana Beach Campground, 56-335 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI 96731, Phone: 808-674-7715
Namakanipaio Campground
Operated by the Hawaii Volcanoes Lodge Company, the Namakanipaio Campground is located a little more than thirty miles from Hilo, Hawaii in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The campground is an open, spacious grassy area complete with tall 'ohi'a and eucalyptus trees.
Amenities at Namakanipaio include fire pits, picnic tables, water, and restroom facilities, and fires are only allowed inside the barbeque pits. In addition to twenty-six campsites, there are also ten rustic cabins available for reservation at the Namakanipaio Campground, each one able to accommodate up to four people with two bunk-style beds and one double bed.
Address: Namakanipaio Campground, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718, Phone: 808-985-6101
Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area
Formerly a dense forest of ohi'a lehua, mamane, and Koa, the PPolipoli Spring State Recreation Area comprises ten acres of Hawaii’s Kula Forest Reserve. Many of the area’s native trees were removed when establishing the park. In the 1930’s, however, it was reforested with redwood, China-fir, cypress, tropical ash, eucalyptus, and pines.
There are numerous campsites and amenities at the campground include restroom facilities, trash cans, and picnic tables. Along with opportunities for camping, the Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area also provides great hiking experiences. Each of the recreation area’s four hiking trails offers its own unique adventure.
Address: Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area, Kula, HI 96790, Phone: 808-984-8109
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach camping
Camping at the Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is a unique option for campers who want to be near the ocean, as there are no other beaches in the Mountain View area of Hawaii. Situated between the little town of Naalehu and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Punaluu is one of the most beautiful and largest black sand beaches in all of Hawaii.
All of the necessary amenities, as well as a snack vendor, are available during the days, including showers and restrooms. The beach itself isn’t the best for swimming, but is fine for snorkeling or a dip when the waters are calm.
Address: Punalu'u Black Sand Beach camping, 96-884 Government Rd, Mountain View, HI 96771
Spencer Beach Park
Situated just south of the Kawaihae Harbor, the Spencer Beach Park is on the Big Island’s northwestern coast, and is one of only a handful of white sand beaches on this island.
The park is particularly great for visitors who simply want to lounge about and bathe in the warm rays of the Hawaiian sunshine. For more active visitors, there are several other recreation activities possible at the park, such as diving, snorkeling, and swimming thanks to the ideal conditions at Spencer Beach. The campground offers several amenities, including pavilions with electric outlets, grassy lawns, showers, restrooms, and more.
Address: Spencer Beach Par, 62-3461 Kawaihae Rd, Waimea, HI 96743k, Phone: 808-961-8311
Waianapanapa State Park
Waianapanapa State Park boasts volcanic, rocky coastline contrasting with green lush fields, providing an ideal hideaway escape from the Road to Hana’s two-lane trek on Maui.
Many people drive both directions of the Road to Hana drive in a single day, which leaves not much time for hiking and sightseeing. Pitching a tent along one of the oldest trekking trails on the island is the perfect way to slow down and truly see the area, including its blowhole, lava fields, sea arches, and black sand beach. Campers will need to get an overnight permit in advance to camp in the park.
Address: Waianapanapa State Park, Waianapanapa, Hana, HI 96713
Whittington Beach Park
Located in the small town of Naalehu, the Whittington Beach Park is a small park on the Big Island’s south side. The weather here is nearly always sunny, making it an ideal place for camping with pleasant weather. The park also offers beautiful tidal, cliff, and ocean views, some of the best on the island.
Whittington Beach isn’t ideal for swimming due to the water’s strong currents, however, the ponds are popular among locals for fishing and swimming. For the most part, the park is fairly empty during the week, but busy on the weekends with locals, including families visiting for a picnic.
Polihale State Park
Polihale State Park is an extremely secluded beach located on the island of Kauai’s west side, the spot where the island’s Na Pali Coast start and is often called a “beach camper’s dream.” Situated down a rutted, long rock and dirt road, travelers are finally welcomed by seventeen miles of sand dunes and wild beach.
Camping enthusiasts can grab a permit and pitch their tent anywhere they want among dunes up to 100 feet tall. Popular activities at Polihale State park are shore fishing, sunset watching, beachcombing, and shelling. Amenities include outdoor showers, picnic shelters, toilets, and cold running water.
Address: Polihale State Park, Lower Saki Mana Rd, Waimea, HI 96796
Apua Point
Apua Point is about a 6.6-mile hike from the Puna Coast trailhead in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Located at the Pu‘u Loa Petroglyphs, the area is found on the park’s south-facing shore.
Apua Point features many coconut trees that campers may pitch their tent underneath, and there are some tent sites with stone walls to provide shelter from the wind. The campsites can be reached by way of two trailheads, the Pu?u Loa Petroglyphs and Mau Loa o Mauna Ulu. Backpacking campers choosing Apua Point need to be physically fit and adequately equipped, and have experience with wilderness trekking.
Address: Hawaii National Park, HI 96718, Phone: 808-985-6101
