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Activities

Established Camping

Mālaekahana State Recreation Area

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Mālaekahana State Recreation Area, near Kahuku, Hawaii, is a fantastic spot for those looking to soak up the sun and enjoy the great outdoors. With its stunning ocean views and clean facilities, it’s a popular choice for both families and solo travelers seeking a slice of paradise.

The campground offers a range of accommodations, including tent and RV sites, all equipped with picnic tables and fire pits for evening gatherings. Visitors have praised the tranquil environment, making it perfect for relaxation or adventure, whether you’re swimming, hiking, or just lounging on the beach. One camper noted, “Malaekahana Campgrounds in Hawaii offers an exceptional camping experience with stunning ocean views.”

You’ll find amenities like drinking water and showers, which help keep things comfortable during your stay. While some campers mentioned the rustic vibe and minimal amenities, many appreciated the charm and authenticity of the experience. As one reviewer put it, “This was a fun stop on Oahu,” highlighting the campground's unique character.

For those eager to explore, the area is rich with activities, from surfing beginner waves to hiking nearby trails. Just be ready for the local wildlife—those friendly campground chickens can be quite the morning alarm! Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer retreat, Mālaekahana State Recreation Area is a great place to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of Hawaii.

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Location

Mālaekahana State Recreation Area is located in Hawaii

Detail location of campground

Directions

Directions to Malaekahana (Kahuku Site) Campgrounds- From Honolulu Airport...Proceed WEST on (H1) Waianae to (H3) Kaneohe exit. This will take you over the Koolau mountains, through the tunnels, And then take the first exit to (83) Kahekili. Follow Kahekili and it becomes Kamehameha Hwy. Stay on that Hwy. and you will pass Polynesian Cultural Center and town of Laie. Proceed towards Kahuku and look for telphone pole #33 or (white & blue sign) that says ENTER. Follow driveway to the first building. This is the main office.

Address

56-335 Kamehameha Hwy
Kahuku, HI 96731

Coordinates

21.66974387 N
157.93883528 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Fair
  • T-Mobile
    Poor

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

25 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 28, 2024

Telegram cn

Telegram is full of travelers discussing hidden gems, and Mālaekahana is ideal for those craving both sun and adventure. Imagine a similar beachside escape in Hong Kong, where nature and ocean views make a refreshing getaway.

Reviewed Oct. 28, 2024

Telegram中文

Telegram groups in Hong Kong are buzzing about stunning camping spots, and Mālaekahana seems like the perfect inspiration. Hong Kong nature lovers would enjoy a similar beachside setup, bringing a slice of Hawaii closer to home.

Reviewed May. 18, 2024

Great Place

Malaekahana Campgrounds in Hawaii offers an exceptional camping tubidy experience with stunning ocean views, clean facilities, and a tranquil environment. The location is perfect for both relaxation and adventure, with plenty of activities like swimming mp3 juice, hiking, and exploring nearby attractions. It's y2mate an ideal spot for families and solo travelers alike to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of Hawaii.

Reviewed Dec. 15, 2021

Family friendly and affordable paradise

Hidden gem for those wanting a more authentic Oahu experience! I suppose we came "off-season" and post-pandemic, so we might be a bit fortunate; We felt like we were at our own little piece of paradise. We stayed in the Hale 14 which was great because it was close enough to walk to and hear the waves, but far enough that I felt like my son wouldn't wander off into the surf. My son is 5 and I feel this is the perfect age to stay off the beaten path. Our Hale was so affordable and exactly what I'd expect when paying less than $60 a night. You can only stay 10 days. There is a gate to keep random cars out of the camping area. The beautiful cove has great beginner waves for surfing. The "beds" are vinyl and not too thick, but of you're taking advantage of everything it shouldn't be a problem. This is not the Ritz (which I have frequented), however it's perfect for a single mom wanting to show her son the world on a budget. We will definitely be back. So grateful for this place having a family friendly, budget friendly Hale away from home! Be ready for roosters to wake you in the morning and cold showers. But I'll take Hawaii on a budget any day. If you really feel the need, get a hotel on your arrival and departure and just Live Aloha the rest of your stay!!!

SiteHale 14
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by A G., December 15, 2021
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by A G., December 15, 2021
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by A G., December 15, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Dec. 12, 2021

Wow

My Wife and I just moved here and had a hankering for camping. This place is definitely an amazing gem. Beach was beautiful and the camp ground was kept well.

Month of VisitDecember
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2021

Minimalist Beach Shack

This was a fun stop on Oahu. Keep expectations low as the amenities are few and far between. The beach shacks are pretty raw, but it's nice to have a place to keep stuff safe. There was no mattress on the bed, and the whole thing was crawling with ants. But it had electricity, a bit of privacy, and a porch to hang out on. Two-minute walk to the ocean from our site. They also had car/tent camping area for those with the gear. Outdoor shower with no privacy screen. Looking forward to staying here again.

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Michael , July 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Michael , July 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Michael , July 8, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2021

Fantastic North Shore Camping - with a curfew

This is a giant and pretty fantastic campground on the eastern side of Oahu’s North Shore with that has access to so much! The campground itself is super reasonably priced at 10$ pp per day. 

Each site has a table and fire pit. The sites across the different loops are super variable. There are sand sites super close to the beach that you walk into(parking is not far away) with almost no windbreak at all, and there are also sites that are in much more dense tree areas that you can easily drive into for car camping. The campground also has some bunk cabins. 

On the weekends it’s much harder to get a site and the camping areas are a bit of party central for the locals. I was here during Covid when sites were limited to 5 people per site– and it was still even a little loud and crazy then. 

There are also very friendly campground chickens (do not leave your food unattended) The bathrooms were a short walk away and mostly clean, and the staff at the office were really helpful. There isn’t electricity besides one plug in outside of the reception area. 

There is nighttime security on the property and they actually do patrol the grounds in a golf cart. There is a gate to get in with a code and a property curfew. When I visited you could not get in after 7pm or out before 6am. This was actually a bit challenging for logistics if you wanted to have dinner in Haliewa, stay late on sunset beach to watch the sunset, or get up for an early start for a hike. We wound up parking near reception outside of the gate a few times to make it work- but if your site is a long walk this might be a challenge.

Site5A
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Stephanie Z., July 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Stephanie Z., July 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Stephanie Z., July 1, 2021
  • (18) View All
Reviewed May. 30, 2021

Felt like I had a private beach

The campground is rustic and noisy because of the chickens wandering around. It is beyond gorgeous by a surf break and a great sunrise spot. Very windy when I was there. Select a spot with some mangrove cover if you can.

Site2-C iirc
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Christine  S., May 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Christine  S., May 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Christine  S., May 30, 2021
Reviewed May. 20, 2021

Best campground on North Shore Oahu

One of the best campgrounds on Oahu because it is private and very well maintained! There are day use parking areas for people to use the beach but the campsites themselves are blocked off by a gate with a keypad entry so there aren't random cars driving by your campsite ever. Initially I was bummed I didn't get a beach front campsite, ours was only a 30 second walk to the beach. But because it's the windward side, it was sooo windy and we really appreciated our campsite set a little farther back from the beach and protected by trees. I personally think we chose the site well because of all the trees. Almost all the Area 1 sites have lots of trees to set up hammocks and for the much appreciated shade from the sun. Each campsite has a picnic table and a firepit. 

The bathrooms have flush toilets and are very clean! Bring your own roll of TP to share. There are outdoor beach showers and outdoor sinks throughout the campground to get water, wash dishes and brush your teeth. So convenient. There are actually several options for camping.. Drive up tent sites, vehicle campsites for vans, hales or houses that sleep 4 with no electricity for $58 and larger suite hales or cabins that have electricity and their own bathroom inside for around $120. The beach is really nice white sand though a bit windy and they have surf board rentals and some small surf breaks. The camp store is convenient for ice or marshmallows or any small needs. Lots of fun things to do and see nearby. Overall a wonderful time camping here!

Site1B
Month of VisitMay
  • Short video showing the picnic table, firepit and general tent campsite.
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Laura H., May 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Laura H., May 20, 2021
  • (11) View All
Reviewed May. 5, 2021

Large Secluded Campground

The campsites are spacious and very spread out. There were a handful of other people camping, but I only briefly saw them while I was there. The bathroom and shower facilities were nice and well maintained. I was able to pitch my tent close to the beach and had ocean views from my tent. 

I had a bit of a walk to my campsite from the parking area, which wasn't terrible, but good to keep in mind depending on how much you bring! 

I didn't see or talk to any staff while staying there, but also didn't have any issues.

SiteA10
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Brittany B., May 5, 2021
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Brittany B., May 5, 2021
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Brittany B., May 5, 2021
Reviewed Feb. 18, 2021

Best Beach Camping on Oahu!!!

Clean, well run private campground on Da North Shore. Fairly convenient (20 minutes) to Polynesian Cultural Center which offers a great opportunity to experience a luau. Proximity to a white sand beach second-to-none. Watch for humpback whales December through March...

  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Ron G., February 18, 2021
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Ron G., February 18, 2021
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Ron G., February 18, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2019

Fantastic beach

I would recommend the beach camping spots. We had a site a ways back and in the trees. It was private and nice. Gates close at 7:00 pm. Watch out for centipedes; I got bit and it was extremely painful. Outdoor showers by the beach. There are toilets. Beach beach in all of Oahu!

  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Crystal C., October 6, 2019
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Crystal C., October 6, 2019
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Crystal C., October 6, 2019
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2019

Incredible Beach

We lived in nearby Hauula Oahu for five years and this campsite was one of our favorites. The campsite is on Malaekahana Beach one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii. The site is just north of Laie on Kamehameha Highway. The campground was recently put under new management and has invested in new cabins and facilities. You may not find a better site on Oahu. You will need to make a reservations for the cabins which are very popular with local residents. You can find supplies in nearby Laie or Kahuku. The cabins are very basic with screen and bunk bed setups. The site has an automatic gate for security and helpful resident staff. You can ride horses across the highway. The camp store has some basic items as well. This is a great choice for students or other visitors looking for a low cost option in a beautiful location.

Reviewed Aug. 10, 2018

Remote, relaxing

Malaekahana State Recreation Campground & Malaekahana Beach Campground are 2 separate campgrounds run by 2 different “owners” on the Island of Oahu-Hawaii. They are only a few miles apart.

The State Campground is State run requiring a permit (on line). No fires, no pets, tent camping. Reasonable pricing.

Malaekahana Beach Campground is privately owned. Tents sites are $9.00 per person per night with maximums based on site size. They also have Rustic cabins with one queen bed and a bunk. ($50+). No electric or water. Water nearby. Then they have the larger cabins with 2 queen beds, flush toilet and electric for approx $120. a night. All sites have fire rings and a picnic table. No pets.Outdoor showers and flush toilets various locations around campground. Very dark at night-bring flashlights, lanterns. Employees there have always been very friendly and helpful. Gate locked 7p-7a. Must call for assistance if emergency arises or you’re out late! I’ve camped here many times and love having the beach so close! Last time I camped there was in Feb. There was a big storm that Sat & Sun and on Monday-the campers were all out trying to clean up the beach!

SiteArea A
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by JoAnn C B., August 10, 2018
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by JoAnn C B., August 10, 2018
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by JoAnn C B., August 10, 2018
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 28, 2018

Great beach stay!

Had two cabins right next to each other. The only bad things about this camping stay: was only one table with bench seats between the two cabins the tent campIng there seemed lIke the tents were rIght on top of each other but then again we dId not tent camp and the flies, so many flies! Bring an electric fly swatter and let the kids go to town! The great things about this stay : great view, beds to sleep in, toilet in the cabin, water spicket to clean stuff, hidden shower in the trees, fire pit and literally a min walk from the beach. I would definitely go camping there again!

  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Kenny H., July 28, 2018
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Kenny H., July 28, 2018
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Kenny H., July 28, 2018
Reviewed May. 3, 2018

Great spot to camp!

I had a great time at this camp ground. Bathrooms were clean and they were flushies! Tons of families but very quiet at night. The only issue was the “locked gate” hours. They literally lock the front from 7 pm - 7 am and charge a fee if you need to go in late or leave early. During the day I wandered and hiked and stressed to get back to my site by 7 pm. They have fire rings, steps from the ocean and offer surf lessons (which I didn’t do but looked very popular). Make sure to bring big spray as their were mosquitos at night, tons of roosters so you will be woken up early but who really wants to sleep in when you have a big beautiful ocean to play in! I suggest this campground to anyone who is eaither camping solo like myself of bringing the entire family.

Site1H
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by April R., May 3, 2018
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by April R., May 3, 2018
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2017

Perfect escape from the city life

Really chill place to stay for few night. There is restrooms, showers, breakfast trailer, and of course the beach. I love it.

SiteI don't remember
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Renato S., August 23, 2017
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Renato S., August 23, 2017
Reviewed Jul. 20, 2017

Beautiful location

We had a perfect camp site right on the beach to pitch our hammocks. Wonderful stay! Only complaint is the smell from the pot smoking sites next to ours

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Jonathan H., July 20, 2017
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Jonathan H., July 20, 2017
  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Jonathan H., July 20, 2017
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2016

great view

if you are looking for a campsite next to the beach this is the one to see. it is lovely waking up to the sound of the waves hitting the beach

  • Review photo of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area by Leah P., August 31, 2016
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2016

Empty

We started camping on a Friday and probably because it is far from town it was empty the Friday night. Saturday night the campsite exploded with other campers and activities. Beach is great, a little windy but the campsites are blocked well by trees.

Reviewed Jun. 14, 2016

Camping. Hawaiian Style.

Two nights for a birthday weekend. Location: The location is great. Far from the hustle and bustle of Oahu's main tourist sites, Malaekahana is situated on the north shore of the island. Dark skies and large stretches of nearly empty beach make this campground fairly unique. Facilities: It feels a little cramped compared to mainland campgrounds. When you can look over and see directly into your neighboring site's tent is a little awkward. Site placement or more trees or barriers might help in adding to a little bit more privacy. Cost: This is what got me. A tent site is $9 per person, up to 6 people. Nearly $60 a night for a larger group is a little steep, especially when we paid $10 a night for a group of 7 at some of America's greatest national parks this summer. Overall: It's a nice way to get away from the mundane cycle of work and bills and responsibilities. Not too far away but a good distance away from civilization.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Mālaekahana State Recreation Area?

    Mālaekahana State Recreation Area is located at 11 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Mālaekahana State Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Mālaekahana State Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Mālaekahana State Recreation Area have wifi?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Mālaekahana State Recreation Area does have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Mālaekahana State Recreation Area?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is fair, and T-Mobile is poor.