21 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Kailua, Hawaii encompasses a mix of beachfront parks and inland sites across the Big Island, with options ranging from established county beach parks to more remote volcanic terrain. Kohanaiki Beach Park in Kailua Kona provides tent and RV camping with amenities including drinking water, showers, and toilets. Further north, Kiholo State Park Campground offers a more primitive experience with weekend-only camping by reservation. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on the eastern side of the island, provides a completely different camping environment with sites like Nāmakanipaio Campground where campers can experience higher elevation camping with views of volcanic activity. As one camper noted, "Ho'okena is a fun place to get a feel of local vibes with great and accommodating staff."
Most campgrounds in the Kailua area require reservations, with fees typically ranging from $10-20 per night. Weather conditions vary significantly by location and elevation, with coastal sites experiencing warm, humid conditions year-round while higher elevation sites like those in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park can be surprisingly cold and windy at night. Heavy rainfall can occur suddenly, particularly during winter months. Campers should be prepared with appropriate rain gear and secure tent setups. Cell service is generally reliable near populated areas but becomes limited in more remote locations. Many beach parks have potable water and restroom facilities, though some primitive sites require visitors to pack in all supplies including water.
The camping experiences around Kailua range from family-friendly beach parks to challenging backcountry sites. Spencer Beach Park offers calm waters suitable for families with children, while Waimanu Campsite requires a strenuous 9-mile hike with stream crossings that can become dangerous during heavy rains. Several private options like JoesNuts.com provide unique alternatives with amenities such as cabins and yurts alongside traditional tent sites. According to reviews, campers should be aware that some beach parks can become crowded, particularly during summer months and weekends. Wildlife encounters are common, with visitors frequently reporting sea turtle sightings at coastal campgrounds and even feral pigs at some inland sites.
"There was a coffee farm within walk distance, the church, peace gardens and just nice little area. Lots of pets, the cow! and baby goats. "
from $46 - $60 / night
Check Availability"The proximity to the ocean. Make sure to make a reservation and camping is available on weekends only."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"My favorite place to camp in Hawaii. A small and isolated beach well hidden from the average person it seems. Ho'okena is a fun place to get a feel of local vibes for sure."
"This is a nice little tucked away campground with beautiful views! Camping seemed pretty regulated (there’s a locked gate to get into the campsites) but we didn’t have any issues."
from $6 - $20 / night
Check Availability"It is located in a great spot. We got up early in the morning and did a hike nearby, then pretty much just sat our bums in the sand and water the rest of the day."
"Great access to the beach, a beautiful warm beach, nice hike access, cabana with gorgeous view, grills, tables, bathrooms, and showers."
"And if anyone knows rain in Hawaii is HARD - so make sure you are prepared if you decide to camp in Hawaii. This is a great way to be close to the volcano park to get an early start."
"Very quiet location with nearby access to incredible hiking. The higher altitude kept the temperatures in the low 60's and perfect for sleeping. Not very many campers so it was a peaceful evening."
"It is located in Honokaa. There are so many beautiful plants and trees, and the people who work there say that they are pretty rare plants. The hibiscus plants are amazing, and they are everywhere."
"Since this location is up in the mountains, it is cold at night. It rains often, and has a wonderfully magical mist that hangs around morning and evening."
from $20 - $70 / night
Check Availability
GuideThis is a nice little tucked away campground with beautiful views! Camping seemed pretty regulated (there’s a locked gate to get into the campsites) but we didn’t have any issues. Bathroom and outdoor showers were nice and clean. Highly recommend!
GuideWe actually just stumbled upon this campsite as we were trying to get a view of the coast line and wow! What a beautiful place! And it’s free!! Not many of those on the island. We didn’t actually end up staying here because we were headed up to Volcano but it was so nice that we considered changing our plans just to stay here. I’d highly recommend!
GuideThis was a great little campground! We showed up in the early afternoon and got the last spot available but only because the original person who got it had upgraded to a cabin. If you’re planning on staying here I’d definitely recommend getting here early! Once there though it was a great site. Super friendly people and beautiful area!
TravelerApparently this place is prone to high winds which we did not see in any review. Get here early to put your tent in a protected spot if you can find it.
ScoutThere was a coffee farm within walk distance, the church, peace gardens and just nice little area. Lots of pets, the cow! and baby goats. City of refuge and Captain Cook Monument are amazing to hang, and a few private beaches only for people who stay here
LegendDrove by and checked in to see if camping was available and got a super fast response that it’s not currently available. Couldn’t find the entrance but beautiful sweeping views from ocean view estates with market, food and gas nearby.
LegendDrove all around looking for something but nothing anywhere around that looked like Camping.
LegendRoddy efficient grass sites - big enough for a couple or snag multiple for a family. Little cabins you can rent too. Bbq at each site l, mowed grass, bathrooms and sinks. Grab dinner at volcano house and have all day and night to explore the NP
ScoutWe really enjoyed swimming in the pool under the Easter Island statue. The facilities were great, and the host was welcoming. Thanks for letting us stay on your beautiful property.
Camping near Kailua, Hawaii offers diverse experiences from low elevation beach sites to high volcanic terrain at 4,000 feet. Temperatures range dramatically between coastal and mountain sites, with highlands often dropping below 50°F at night while beach areas remain warm. Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly during winter months from November through March when campers should prepare for unexpected rain showers.
Snorkeling with sea turtles: Spencer Beach Park provides calm waters ideal for wildlife viewing. "It's known to be a place where you can swim with green sea turtles," reports Janekim A., who recommends weekday visits when "beaches are teeming with local families" on weekends.
Explore volcanic landscapes: Nāmakanipaio Campground offers unique proximity to active volcanic features. "The all time highlight is that when it got dark we made the 15-20 minute hike up to the Jagger Museum overlook/observatory to see the glowing lava in the crater," shares Sharon N., noting the campground is "technically outside the national park."
Experience local agriculture: JoesNuts.com provides access to nearby farms. "There was a coffee farm within walk distance, the church, peace gardens and just nice little area. Lots of pets, the cow! and baby goats," writes camper T.T., mentioning that "City of refuge and Captain Cook Monument are amazing to hang."
White sand beaches: Kohanaiki Beach Park offers direct oceanfront camping. "This is the place to go if you like nice faculties. Better than most parks here the bathrooms can be a trek but they are clean and well tended to," notes Bryce H., adding that "it always fairly packed out so plan fairly early especially on holiday weekends."
Clean facilities: Ho'okena Beach Park maintains well-kept grounds. "Bathroom and outdoor showers were nice and clean. Highly recommend!" reports Brittany R., who found camping "pretty regulated" with a locked gate to access the campsites.
Unique overnight locations: Weekend-only camping at Kiholo State Park Campground requires advance booking. "There are sooo many things to live about this park. The hiking. The proximity to the ocean. Make sure to make a reservation and camping is available on weekends only," advises Jake C.
Reservation requirements: Most campsites require advance bookings, particularly during peak season (June-August). The Spencer Beach Park camper Jessica F. warns: "I got yelled at in the morning for not having a permit. I tried to explain that as a bike tourist, I didn't know where I would end up at night, but they were not impressed."
Weather challenges: High winds affect certain locations. "Apparently this place is prone to high winds which we did not see in any review. Get here early to put your tent in a protected spot if you can find it," cautions a Spencer Beach Park visitor named Sar.
Gate closures: Pay attention to access hours for beach parks. At Kohanaiki Beach Park, "The one negative is gates close at 9pm," mentions Raquel M., which limits nighttime activities.
Water access: Mahukona Beach Park offers limited facilities. "It's super peaceful with very few people, but they don't currently have the facilities open. Make sure you bring snorkel gear as well," advises Jake C., noting it's good for snorkeling and potential winter whale watching.
Protected swimming areas: Spencer Beach Park provides ideal conditions for children. "This is such a serene park, lots of parking, trails to hike up to the heiau, beautiful open ocean to swim in, basketball court, bathrooms, a pavilion with outlets," writes Kela W., who adds "Kids really enjoyed this location and we had no issues staying."
Early arrival recommended: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during school breaks. "We showed up in the early afternoon and got the last spot available but only because the original person who got it had upgraded to a cabin," reports Brittany R. about Nāmakanipaio Campground.
Multiple amenities: Look for sites with additional activities beyond beach access. "There was a walking path just up from the beach that we saw a ton of people walking on, roller blading on and running," notes Sasha W. about Spencer Beach Park, which also offers yoga sessions and hammock spots.
Limited hookup options: Few campgrounds offer full RV services, so come prepared with water and power. Hawaii County Park Miloli'i Beach Campground accommodates RVs but has limited facilities. "This is more geared for a day used area rather than a camping stay. No drinking water here. If you decided to camp here its little to no privacy," cautions Miles G.
Roadside considerations: Main roads to campgrounds are generally paved, but interior roads vary. Jennifer H. describes Nāmakanipaio as having "Roddy efficient grass sites - big enough for a couple or snag multiple for a family," which may present challenges for larger rigs during wet conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping in Kailua compared to Kona?
While Kailua-Kona (often simply called Kona) has more camping options than Kailua proper, the greater Kona region offers excellent coastal camping. Near Kona, Ho'okena Beach Park provides a secluded beach camping experience with local vibes. For those seeking camping closer to Kailua, Kohanaiki Beach Park offers convenient beach access with drive-in camping. Most of the established campgrounds are located within a 30-60 minute drive from either town, with the Kona coast offering more beachside options.
What amenities are available at camping sites in Kailua vs Kona?
Camping sites around both areas typically offer basic amenities with some variations. Near Kona, Punalu`u Beach Park provides grassy camping areas adjacent to a black sand beach with access to tide pools and swimming. The site includes basic restroom facilities. For a different experience, Kapa'a Beach Park offers more comprehensive amenities including showers and restrooms with beachfront camping opportunities. Most campgrounds in both regions provide at minimum toilets and water access, though amenities can vary significantly between locations.
What camping is available near Kailua, HI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Kailua, HI offers a wide range of camping options, with 21 campgrounds and RV parks near Kailua, HI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Kailua, HI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kailua, HI is Kohanaiki Beach Park with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kailua, HI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Kailua, HI.
What parks are near Kailua, HI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Kailua, HI that allow camping, notably Pu'u O Umi Natural Area Reserve and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
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