Manuka State Wayside is located near Captain Cook, Hawaii, featuring rugged volcanic terrain and dense forest areas. Temperatures typically range from 60°F to 80°F, with variations depending on the season. Nearby attractions include the Manuka Natural Area Reserve and the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, offering opportunities for exploration and cultural experiences.

Manuka State Wayside

On the Big Island, you can experience some of the best camping adventures near Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. The park is the home of two active volcanoes, along with several lava tubes. Hikers can explore a few of them, including the Thurston Lava Tube. Take a car or your RV and drive up Crater Rim Drive to see the Jaggar Museum’s volcano exhibit. There’s also a lookout point with a stunning view of the Halaema’uma’u Crater. Some campgrounds put campers close to extinct lava fields, while other campsites offer cabins and yurts. You can also take advantage of the nearby lagoon.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The Best Camping Near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

I guerrilla camped here in 2007, on a bike tour, but there were no obvious camping areas, and the locals having a picnic didn't think there was any camping there. As a biker, I didn't have many other choices, so I pitched a tent in a nook not visible from the road or parking lot, and it was fine for the evening. 

I did hear a feral pig rustling in the bushes nearby, and spent the night wondering if I was going to be attacked by a feral pig looking for the empty baked bean can in my tent. To think I was smug when I thought at least I didn't have to worry about bears in Hawaii. 

Camping not really encouraged here, best I could tell

Went during the day to explore. Anywhere is Hawaii is pretty amazing!

Daytime use

My husband and I really liked Manuka State Wayside. One thing we really loved about this place was that there was an awesome place to scuba dive close by. It was a company that took us out pretty far, and we were able to scuba dive with some turtles, and even saw some shark. I can't remember the name of the business, but it was right next to Manuka. The scuba diving took about 4hrs total, because of the boat ride plus dive. When we came back we played on the beach and did some people watching. We went to an ice cream shop up the road, and came back to the beach and watched the sunset. This area was pretty busy, but I think thats because it was during the summer. There is a walking/running path that goes along the beach that was nice as well. We walked along here in the evenings after dinner.

Photos of Manuka State Wayside

Real photos from real campers