Within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Keauhou Backcountry Campsite requires a challenging seven-mile hike to reach the oceanside shelter. The National Park Service manages this walk-in site, which sits near lava rock formations with direct ocean access. Campers must secure permits in advance and can stay a maximum of three nights.
The site provides drinking water through a permitted tank system, though hikers should carry ample supplies for the demanding access trail. The rough terrain and substantial distance make this campsite best suited for experienced backpackers prepared for extended hiking with full gear. Those seeking additional options can explore camping near Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
Description
Keauhou is located on the southern seacoast of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and is one of the favored destinations of hearty wilderness hikers. The campsite is 7.6 miles from the closest trailhead. The hike to Keauhou can be a grueling, hot hike through predominately non-native grasses to a small rocky bay where cold fresh water seeps to the surface and mixes with the ocean. Permitted campers may stay a maximum of 3 consecutive nights per site. A total of 16 hikers are allowed per night at Keauhou. The campsite may be accessed from several trailheads; Mau Loa o Maunaulu via the Keauhou Trail - 7.6 miles (accessed via Chain of Craters Road). Puʻuloa via the Puna Coast Trail - 9.7 miles (accessed via Chain of Craters Road). Hilina Pali Overlook (10+miles - not recommended)
Reservation Info
All eight backcountry campsites (Ka‘aha, Halapē, Keauhou, ‘Āpua Point, Nāpau, Pepeiao Cabin, Red Hill Cabin and Mauna Loa Cabin) require a permit. See the Backcountry Hiking page for instructions on how to obtain your permit. https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/hike_bc.htm
For backcountry camping, there is a non-refundable $10.00 fee per trip, in addition to the park entrance fee. The fee is good for up to 10 people and 7 nights per permit. Failure to obtain a backcountry permit is a violation of 36 CFR 2.10(b)(8). Violators may be subject to fines up to $1000 and/or 6 months in jail. All eight backcountry campsites (Ka‘aha, Halapē, Keauhou, ‘Āpua Point, Nāpau, Pepeiao Cabin, Red Hill Cabin and Mauna Loa Cabin) require a permit, with a stay limit of three consecutive nights at one site. Campers can move to another backcountry site for the fourth night, but no more than 7 consecutive nights per permit. Stays longer than 7 nights require purchasing an additional $10.00 permit. Sites may be reserved up to a week in advance and are reserved upon receipt of permit fees.
Location
Public CampgroundKeauhou Backcountry Campsite — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is located in Hawaii
Coordinates
19.26865092 N
155.23119075 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
