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Established Camping

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

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Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden offers camping near lush, tropical terrain on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Temperatures typically range from 70°F to 85°F throughout the year. Visitors can explore the nearby botanical gardens and enjoy the scenic views of the Ko'olau Mountains.

Description

County Land, HI

County Land Local Other or Unknown

The Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens are situated against the majestic Ko'olau Range and offer the only city campsites that are not on the beach. Set in a picturesque rainforest, the campgrounds offer distinctive camping among plants from India, Sri Lanka, Tropical America, Melanesia, Hawaii, Polynesia, and Africa. A permit is required to camp in this park. Camping is allowed Friday 9 AM through Monday at 4 PM.

Fee Info

Camping passes are sold as a 3-day pass

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Location

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is located in Hawaii

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

21.384851249057817 N
157.80702372461963 W

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Fires

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Feb. 24, 2025

Camping in Jurassic Park aka Kahua Kuou Campsite

If you need a break from the constant buzz of Honolulu, Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Gardens was my perfect getaway. Just a short 8-mile drive from Waikiki, this is a tropical paradise tucked beneath the Ko‘olau Mountain Range.

PROs:

-Views! Towering green cliffs in the misty jungle. 

-No City Noise, Just Nature - no honking, no sirens - just chirping birds, rustling leaves, and the occasional gecko. 

-Luxury (by camping standards). Plenty of bathrooms with running water, foot-washing stations, and dishwashing sinks. 

-Roomy, Level Campsites - Plenty of foliage to make your site private.

-Hiking Trails - I recommend going to the lake. Though I read beforehand that fishing was allowed, it was posted not allowed this past weekend.

-Cool Mountain Nights - Temps drop to a comfy 70°F.

Tips:

-You NEED a Permit - No permit, no camping. An attendant checks at the entrance gate. I recommend reserving 1-2 weeks in advance to guarantee your spot. I bought a 3-day permit to stay 1 night as that was the only option. Camping is only allowed on weekends, Friday through Monday.

-Bring Bug Spray - The biting gnats will eat you alive. Other than that, there were no other pests, besides the occasional chicken wanting my dinner.

-Expect a Little Rain - The Ko‘olau Range is basically a cloud magnet, so pack a rain jacket/poncho.

-Pack light - Parking is in a lot and you have to walk in to your site from there.

SiteKahua Kuou
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden by Saraj B., February 24, 2025
  • Review photo of Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden by Saraj B., February 24, 2025
  • Review photo of Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden by Saraj B., February 24, 2025
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Dec. 20, 2020

Unique

There are few sites on island that are not connected to the beach. This place offers different features that make for a fun stay. It can rain a lot in this area so keep that in mind.

  • Review photo of Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden by Sarah I., December 20, 2020
Reviewed Feb. 4, 2020

Easy camping, fishing, and hiking

Date of stay (Aug 19) Stay site (Kahua Kuou site #4)

Favorite Spot for family camping on Oahu! Free fishing (bring your own bread), easy hiking, and large spread out campsites make this a great spot to camp with little ones!

Each site at Kahua Kuou had a fire pit and the campsites are secluded enough where park goers are not traipsing through your site.

The park visitors center has a limited number of bamboo fishing poles available on a first come first serve basis. Or you can bring your own.

Recommendation: the hike with fishing gear, cooler, kids, is a little long..bring a wagon!

  • Review photo of Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden by Mike L., February 4, 2020
  • Review photo of Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden by Mike L., February 4, 2020
  • Review photo of Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden by Mike L., February 4, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden?

    Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is located at 201 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden?

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