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.

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.

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

Join the fun near Kaneohe. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Kaneohe is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Kaneohe

The Best Camping Near Kaneohe, Hawaii

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! 



Easy camping, fishing, and hiking 

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.

Unique 

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.

Photos of Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

Real photos from real campers