These 12 Amazing Camping Spots In Hawaii Are An Absolute Must-See
By Megan Shute|Updated on April 24, 2023(Originally published April 19, 2023)
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
With endless summer weather comes endless opportunities for summer activities: swimming, surfing, hiking, and perhaps our favorite – camping trips. Now camping in Hawaii is a little bit different than your traditional forest camping. From campgrounds in Hawaii nestled along the coast to campsites tucked away deep in the rainforest and accessible only via hiking trail, these twelve campsites are sure to provide a sense of adventure. With so much diversity, you’re bound to find the ideal Hawaii campsites for your family here in the Aloha State.
1. Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kauai
N? Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kauai County, HI, USA
If you’re up for a hike, the gorgeous eleven-mile Kalalau trail ends with a wonderful little spot to go camping. However, if you are unable to make it in one day, there is a spot six miles in where you are allowed to set up camp for the night, but only if you have the valid permits. This sounds amazing, but only if you are able to pack light!
2. Bellows Field Beach Park, Oahu
Bellows Field Beach Park, 41-43 Kalaniana?ole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI 96795, USA
During the week, this beautiful beach is used as a military training area, but on weekends, fifty campsites open up for residents to enjoy splashing in the ocean during the day and listening to the waves crash against the shore at night.
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3. Kiholo State Park Reserve, Big Island
K?holo State Park Reserve, 2000 96740, 71-2000 Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
The stark, coastal, lava-covered park offers camping off an unimproved gravel access road, with no amenities, and no water — recommended only for those serious campers who prefer isolation over large, close together campsites.
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4. Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area, Maui
Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area, Kula, HI 96790, USA
For an experience unlike any you will find in Hawaii, visit Polipoli. A park at 6,200-feet of elevation, winter nights can reach freezing temperatures, and the forests will remind you of America’s Pacific Northwest, rather than tropical Hawaii. This is one place you'll truly feel as though you're a million miles away from it all.
With seven different hiking trails and tent camping along the rim of Waimea Canyon, Koke’e is a picturesque spot for a great weekend camping trip spent sightseeing, hiking, and exploring — if you don’t mind sleeping at 4,000-feet of elevation.
If you’re living on Oahu and want to go camping spur of the moment, this might be your best bet. Oceanfront campsites tend to book quickly, and it's much easier to secure a permit at this oasis. Plus, you'll love being surrounded by beautiful flora and the Ko'olau Mountains.
If you aren’t into sleeping in a tent, consider renting a duplex cabin at Kalopa State Recreation Area. These eight-person cabins feature bunk beds, toilet facilities, hot showers, and a recreational dining hall for shared cooking.
8. Pala’au State Park, Molokai
P?l?'au State Park, Kalae Hwy, Kualapuu, HI 96757, USA
A favorite camping spot for locals, this beachside camping is perfect for a weekend getaway. But be sure to have a durable tent, as it rains frequently, and can get pretty windy here too. There's truly nothing better than waking up for the day and jumping straight into the ocean!
10. Kea’au Beach Park, Oahu
Kea?au Beach Park, 83-431 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792, USA
Located past Waianae on Oahu’s west shore lies Kea’au Beach Park, a popular camping destination for those who enjoy beautiful blue water, stunning sunsets, and the simplicity of nature.
A 25,000-acre park on the flank of Leeward Mauna Loa, this reserve encompasses a wide range of habitats — including subalpine shrublands and forests, wet montane forests, lowland mesic forests, and mesic montane kipuka forests. Recent lava flows have resulted in uncharacterized and unsurveyed lava tubes.
With cozy cabins and tent camping via permit in a remote, wild, low-cliff volcanic coastline, you'll love spending the weekend at Waianapanapa State Park. Shore fishing and hiking are popular activities at this one-of-a-kind state park that will make you feel as though you've entered a fairytale.
So, where are you planning to go camping in Hawaii during your next weekend away? Did your favorite places to camp in Hawaii make the list? If not, let us know in the comments what your favorite places to go camping in Hawaii are – and if you happen to be someone who would prefer not to rough it, you might just want to check out these 10 Campgrounds In Hawaii Perfect For Those Who Hate Camping.
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Megan Shute|October 26, 2020
What are the best beach camping destinations in Hawaii?
When you think of camping in Hawaii, you imagine pitching your tent in the sand, where you can fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves, and jump into the ocean the moment you wake up. From secluded beaches you can only reach via an arduous hike to easily accessible campsites nestled along the coast, here are 11 phenomenal beach camping spots throughout the Aloha State — from a remote campsite in Polihale State Park to Malaekahana Beach Campground.
Can you go camping in any parks in Hawaii?
Of course, you can! While you will find campgrounds scattered across the Hawaiian Islands — from beachfront parks to botanical gardens and everywhere in between — our favorites are found within Hawaii’s state parks. These 12 state parks and recreation areas offer some of the Aloha State’s best campgrounds, and we can’t wait to escape into the wilderness for a weekend.
Where are the best places to go glamping in Hawaii?
If you’ve never been camping — let alone know which gear to purchase or borrow for a stress-free camping trip — pitching a tent and sleeping on the ground can seem a little daunting. Luckily, there’s a secluded paradise hiding in Maui that is a “glamping," — you know, glamorous camping — paradise. Though located just six miles southeast of Lahaina, you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away from it all at Camp Olowalu.
