Oahu is Hawai'i's most populous island, best known as the home of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor, the site of the infamous 1941 bombing attack that spurred America's entry into World War II. Though resort hotels line the island's shorelines, many beachfront areas also offer camping throughout the year for visitors looking for more basic accommodations. All campsites are overseen by the Hawai'i DLNR State Parks system and require advance permits for overnight stay.
Best for History Buffs: Ahupuaa O Kahana State Park
Ahupuaa O Kahana State Park also known as Kahana Valley State Park, is Hawai'i's only public ahupua'a, stretching from O'ahu's windward Pacific Ocean coastline to the tip of Pu'u Pauao.
The park, which is accessible just uphill from Kahana Bay, serves as a center of Hawai'ian culture and education, detailing the history of the area's use as a taro-growing agricultural center, World War II jungle warfare training center, and plantation estate. Following the death of estate owner Mary E. Foster at the turn of the 20th century, the land was transferred to the care of the state and converted into a state park. Today, visitors can enjoy opportunities for hiking along the Kapa'ele'ele Ko'a and Keaniani Lookout and Nakoa Trails, which showcase beautiful tropical rainforest landscapes. 10 campsites are located along the park's beaches, available with advance permits.
52-222 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaaawa, HI 96730, Phone: 808-237-7766
If You Prefer to Rent a Cabin, Head to Camp Palehua
Camp Palehua, also known as Camp Timberline, is a gorgeous campground located within 1,600 acres of conservation lands overseen by Gill 'Ewa Lands. The campground is located on the southern slopes of the Wai'nae Mountains, showcasing stunning views of O'ahu's western and southern coastlines. Visitors can stay overnight at a variety of rental campsites and cabins on the facility's property, including tent camping areas equipped with fire pits and modern restrooms. Rental properties include Hale Mahaholokai, constructed in the 1930s, and Hale 'Ohana, built in the 1940s. Four Mauka-style bunkhouses are also offered, along with a group bunkhouse sleeping up to 48.
1 Palehua Rd, Kapolei, HI 96707, Phone: 808-347-0736
Best for a Summer Vacation: Hau'ula Beach Park
Hau'ula Beach Park is a popular campsite on O'ahu's windward coastline, located along a narrow beach near a shallow nearshore reef. Though reef conditions make swimming difficult on the park's coastline, it serves as a popular spot for snorkeling and surfing during calmer ocean conditions. It is named in honor of the Hawai'ian word hau'ula, a name for the islands' native Hibiscus tiliaceus flowers. Its distance from Honolulu's business district makes it a great choice for area visitors looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of area nightlife. Eight campsites are available with permits, featuring modern amenities like comfort stations, outdoor showers, and picnic pavilions.
54-135 Kamehameha Hwy, Hauula, HI 96717
For Surfers: Kalaeloa Beach Park
Kalaeloa Beach Park is a lovely beachfront park located in a remote area of Ewa Beach, offering a great alternative to some of the O'ahu region's more crowded tourist destinations. The beach is also frequently referred to as Eisenhower Beach, due to its location along Eisenhower Road. Excellent surfing and fishing conditions throughout the year make it a great choice for visitors looking to hit the waves or catch local fish species. Printed permits are required to camp at the beach, which is home to 13 campsites offering comfort stations and outdoor showers. White Plains Beach, located on the park's eastern end, is home to lifeguard towers and dedicated swimming and surfing lanes.
Eisenhower Rd, Ewa Beach, HI 96706
Kualoa Regional Park
Kualoa Regional Park is located along gorgeous Kane'ohe Bay, stretching for 153 acres along the O'ahu coastline. The beautiful white sand beach is located adjacent to the stunning Pali-ku cliffs of the Ko'olau Range and is a popular destination for wildlife watchers throughout the year. Populations of native birds flock to the beachfront throughout the year, including species like Japanese white-eyes, white-rumped shamas, black-crowned night herons, nutmeg mannikins, and wedge-tailed shearwaters. Just offshore, the small basalt island of Mokoli'i, or "Chinaman's Hat," is a popular spot for nature photography. Seven campsites are open to visitors with permits, including one ADA-accessible campsite.
49-479 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744, Phone: 808-237-8525
Malaekahana Beach Campground, Oahu
Malaekahana Beach Campground offers some of the best camping opportunities on O'ahu's northern shores, located in the lovely town of Kahuku. Over 70 campsites are offered at the beachfront campground, including both tent camping sites and vehicle camping areas for up to four campers per site. Outdoor beach showers and restrooms are accessible throughout the campground. For an additional fee, all campers can enjoy use of a private campfire ring at their site. Plantation huts located on the campsite's grounds can be rented throughout the year, sleeping up to four guests. All guests can enjoy opportunities for a variety of recreational activities at the beach, including chances for swimming, kayaking, and body surfing.
56-335 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI 96731, Phone: 808-674-7715
Sand Island State Recreation Area Campground
Sand Island State Recreation Area Campground is a popular weekend-only shoreline camping destination, located very close to Honolulu's urban core and the runways of Honolulu International Airport. The park is adjacent to the city's Sand Island Off-Highway Vehicle day-use riding area, which offers excellent opportunities for motorized off-highway vehicles and non-motorized BMX bikes. A plethora of recreational opportunities are popular at the park throughout the year, including chances for shore fishing, board surfing, beachwalking, and picnicking. Gorgeous views of Honolulu Harbor are offered from the beachfront, a popular spot for watching ocean sunsets. Campsite amenities include picnic pavilions, modern restrooms, and outdoor showers.
