Halape Shelter

Keauhou Shelter

Kaaha Shelter

Apua Point

Pepeiao Cabin

Kulanaokuaiki camping area is free and is available on a first-come basis. No reservations and No permits are necessary. Stays are limited to 7 days in a month and cannot exceed 30 days per year.

Kulanaokuaiki 

Far from the Big Island’s sandy beaches and crowded hotels, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park showcases the living, breathing power of Pele, the Goddess of Fire, and her striking processes of creation and destruction. Designated a national park in 1916, and a World Heritage Site in 1987, the park encompasses more than 330,000 acres, and ranges from the Pacific Ocean to the 13,677-foot summit of Mauna Loa. This vast area contains a striking variety of ecosystems, from low-elevation tropical rainforests to high-elevation volcanic deserts. The park’s most active volcano, Kīlauea, has experienced intermittent periods of eruption since the 1980s. These eruptions have enlarged the island by more than 500 acres. The most recent eruption occurred in 2018, when thermal explosions and lava flows temporarily closed the park. Some facilities and trails remain closed, but the majority of the park has reopened.  

Just west of the park, about 45 minutes west of Hilo, Nāmakanipaio Campground is situated on the lower flank of Mauna Loa, near the Kīlauea Caldera. The campground offers 26 grassy campsites and 10 camper cabins shaded by tall eucalyptus and ōhi’a trees. Campsites have picnic tables and fire pits, and the campground has drinking water and flush restrooms; showers are available to cabin guests. The campground sits on the lower slope of Mauna Loa, at an elevation of 4,000 feet. Evenings can get cool, and rain—often heavy—is common. Good rain gear and, for campers, a durable, water-repellent tent fly is recommended. For those not packing camping gear on their Hawaiian vacations, the Volcano House rents camping packages that include a tent, sleeping pads, linens, a cooler, lantern and two camp chairs. Dogs are permitted in the campground, but not in cabins. Campsites are first-come, first-served for $15/night for two people; cabins are reservable for $80/night; park entrance fee required.

Camping at Nāmakanipaio is ideal for spending a few days exploring all the natural wonders in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The best place to start is the Kīlauea Visitor Center for the latest park info, trail maps, and volcanic activity updates. Park staff and volunteers offer a variety of interpretive programs on Hawaiian food, art, and culture, as well as volcanism and geology. A drive down the Chain of Craters Road reveals a variety of dramatic and colorful lava formations, craters, vents, and cinder cones. Many can be seen from viewpoints or short nature trails. There are several hiking trails that explore some of the older lava flows, and visit the Hōlei Sea Arch and Pu’u Loa Petroglyph sites. Hikers are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes, and pack along plenty of drinking water and sun protection. While the park is safe for visiting and exploring, guests should heed all safety warnings and stay out of closed areas.  

Namakanipaio Campground

The Artist Cottage

Nightly rates:

 Adult: $5 for residents, $20 for non-residents.
 Junior: $2 for residents, $20 for non-residents.
 Child: $1 for residents, $20 for non-residents.



Punalu`u Beach Park

Whittington Beach Park

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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.

Halape Shelter

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About This Campground

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2021 Explorer Giveaway

love it

Great overnight backpacking trip

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Nearby Campgrounds

Keauhou Shelter

Kaaha Shelter

Apua Point

Pepeiao Cabin

Kulanaokuaiki

Namakanipaio Campground

The Artist Cottage

Punalu`u Beach Park

Whittington Beach Park

Is This Your Campground?

About This Campground

Features

Access

Report Content

Report Content

Report Content

Location

Coordinates

Nearby Campgrounds

Keauhou Shelter

Kaaha Shelter

Apua Point

Pepeiao Cabin

Kulanaokuaiki

Namakanipaio Campground

The Artist Cottage

Punalu`u Beach Park

Whittington Beach Park