Map showing campground location near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

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Halape Shelter — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Halape Shelter provides backcountry camping on a remote black sand beach accessible only by hiking trails ranging from 8 to 11 miles. The National Park Service manages this dispersed camping area on a first-come, first-served permit basis, requiring campers to visit the backcountry office the day before or morning of their trip.

The coastal site sits on an isolated stretch where campers often have the beach entirely to themselves. Water is typically available at the location, though park rangers recommend bringing purification tablets or filters. The rocky shoreline supports foraging opportunities, with reviewers noting success harvesting mussels and opihi from the rocks. Coconut palms and wild lilikoi growing on nearby hillsides add to the foraging potential.

Trail options vary based on elevation gain and knee impact when carrying full packs. Laura H. advises to "check with the backcountry office when you get your permits about the water supply there" and suggests bringing fishing gear for additional food sources. A short walk leads to Halape Iki, another small beach cove.

Rangers brief campers on the area's earthquake and tsunami history during permit pickup. For those seeking additional backcountry options, Keauhou Backcountry Campsite — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park lies 1.7 miles east along the coast.

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Location

Dispersed Camping

Halape Shelter — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is located in Hawaii

Coordinates

19.27499376 N
155.25640875 W

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Access

Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Drinking Water
Toilets

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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4 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted this remote beach camping destination as a stunning isolated paradise requiring 8-11 mile backcountry hikes. Many mentioned excellent foraging opportunities and breathtaking scenery, though water treatment is essential.

DarylSingh

Scout

Reviewed Apr. 4, 2024

Great place

The scenery is so beautiful. I discovered a lot of cool things from this place and I will probably never forget getting over it in my mind.

Jordan B.

Scout

Reviewed Apr. 16, 2021

Top-3 camping site

Halape is one of the most amazing places I've ever camped. Spent 3 nights there in January 2013 after about 15 miles hiking in from the west. Didn't see a soul the whole time, and we were in the national park for 5 days. The highlight of the trip was harvesting mussels off the rocks, climbing up the coconut palms to get fruit, and cooking up the mussels in coconut water with some curry powder we brought in. Most incredible foraged meal I've ever had. The lilikoi that grows on the hillsides just up from the beach are delicious too. It's hard to get to but worth the trip!

Month of VisitJanuary

Leah P.

Ranger

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2016

love it

love the view

Laura H.

Ranger

Reviewed Aug. 28, 2016

Great overnight backpacking trip

Who doesn't love camping on an isolated beach! Halape is a backcountry backpacking trip in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You have to go the day before or the morning of to get camping permits from the backcountry office on a first com first served basis. There are a few trails to take to get to Halape ranging from 8-11 miles - people choose them based on elevation gain and how bad it is on your knees when hiking with a full pack on. Check with the backcountry office when you get your permits about the water supply there. There is generally plenty of water available at the beach site but bring your water filter or purification tablets! Bring fishing gear or a knife to collect opihi to eat. Be aware of the earthquake/tsunami history of the campsite in the past - the park rangers are good about telling you what to do in case of anything! Overall it's a mini paradise with a gorgeous beach to yourself. Walk over to Halape Iki for another perfect little beach cove.