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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Kailua, HI

67 Reviews

Kohanaiki Beach Park offers designated tent and RV camping sites where pets are allowed under supervision. Located right on the beach in Kailua Kona, this park provides clean facilities with showers, toilets, and trash collection, making it convenient for campers traveling with animals. Drinking water is available, though electric hookups are not. The park's campsites sit directly on the white sand, where morning views include watching surfers from your tent while keeping your pet comfortable in the shade. Gates close at 9pm, requiring campers to plan evening activities accordingly. Other pet-friendly options include Nāmakanipaio Campground in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, which offers tent sites, cabins, and glamping accommodations where pets are welcome.

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park contains several pet-friendly camping locations with varying amenities. Kulanaokuaiki Campground allows pets and provides picnic tables and trash collection, though no drinking water is available—campers must bring their own supply. The primitive camping area has 9 designated sites and features an ADA accessible paved path to many camping spots. Wildlife and temperature variations require pet owners to prepare accordingly, as nighttime temperatures can drop significantly. The campground offers expansive views of Mauna Loa and nighttime viewing of the volcano glow. Hiking across lava flows with pets requires careful attention to the regularly spaced stone cairns marking trails, as the landscape provides little natural shade or water sources. For camping closer to services, JoesNuts.com near Captain Cook permits pets at their tent, RV, cabin and yurt sites, with a coffee farm and the painted church within walking distance.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Kailua, Hawaii (8)

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Kailua, HI

67 Reviews of 8 Kailua Campgrounds

  • Bryce H.
    Jul. 2, 2018

    Ho'okena Beach Park

    Wake up on a historic and pristine salt and pepper beach

    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. Great and very accommodating staff. Real bathrooms as well as fairly clean port-o-poties they provide closer to the actual camp sites. Some really amazing snorkeling too!

  • Christy K.
    Jul. 25, 2015

    Nāmakanipaio Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

    Nice grassy open area and very clean

    We stayed here Thanksgiving night prior to spending a day in Volcanoes national park. Given the holiday, everything was closed in town so make sure you bring some food and supplies. It was also pretty quiet and felt very safe.

    In the middle of the night we woke up to RAIN! 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.

    There is a paystation on site and restrooms, firepits and picnic tables.

  • t
    May. 28, 2024

    JoesNuts.com

    Nice and easy driveway, walk to painted church and a few cool things

    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.  City of refuge and Captain Cook Monument are amazing to  hang, and a few private beaches only for people who stay here

  • Dave G.
    Jun. 5, 2017

    Punalu`u Beach Park

    Wonderful Introduction to Hawaiin Camping

    We stayed here for two nights and greatly enjoyed quiet and near solitude of the beach park. We arrived in the dark to several locals who call the park home. We were hesitant about the situation, but after chatting with some of them, we discovered that they were very friendly and down to earth. After waking up and exploring the park, we found some sea turtles on the beach and continued walking around the various trails. We felt very comfortable here and will gladly return when we come visit Hawaii again!

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 26, 2022

    Kulanaokuaiki Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

    Away from the crowds

    If getting away from the crowds is on your list at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, then this primitive camping area is one of the places to do it. This lovely primitive camping area has 9 designated sites, 1 pit toilet that was kept clean and well-stocked, and an ADA accessible paved path that accesses many of the camping sites. The sites are a short walk from the parking area so you have to carry your gear to the site. There is no water available at the campground so be prepared. Water is available at the visitor’s center up the hill about 7 miles away.  

    The campground offers expansive views of Mauna Loa and the surrounding area including some pretty cool night-time glow of the eruption in Kilauea crater. One of the great benefits of camping in the park is the proximity to many hiking trails, but also to some of the better night time viewing. The popular Kilauea overlook is packed like a rock concert as soon as the sun goes down. Parking is a disaster, and the overlook is simply too crowded. If you can wait until around 9-10pm until you arrive you can have a much easier time finding parking at the trailhead and space along the overlook. Then it’s just a short drive back to your tent, and not an hour’s drive back to your hotel in Hilo. Just outside the park is Volcano Village with a small market and gasoline station for groceries and limited camping supplies. For something specialized like camping gas we had to drive to a hardware store outside of Hilo. The Volcano House Lodge near the park visitor’s center offers two restaurants with the same menu, one is more of a bar and grill, the other a sit down style. 

    Hiking is extensive in the park, and many trails will carry you far from the crowded center of the park, but be sure to be prepared with layers, water and snacks. Hiking across the lava flows offers no discernable trail except for the regularly spaced ahu stone piles(cairns) which are the only way to navigate. Should the weather turn or fog roll in, visibility can be greatly reduced. Cycling is also a great activity along the park roads, but be ready for a great deal of elevation change.

    Note:  This campsite is NOT free. It was $10 per night.

  • SwitchbackKids
    Jul. 3, 2017

    Kulanaokuaiki Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

    Unique camping experience on the Big Island

    For a chance to camp among the unique lava landscape of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Kulanaokuaiki Campground is a great opportunity.

    Although most people visit Hawaii for the luxury and relaxing beach setting, Hawai’i Volcanoes shows a very different side of the Big Island. Camping at Kulanaokuaiki allowed us to immerse ourselves into the park and access some of its greatest sights.

    The most important thing to note about this campground is that there is no water here. They do offer pit toilets, but you’ll have to be prepared with food, water, and supplies. Also remember that this small campground (only 9 sites) is first-come, first-served only, so arriving early will be important in securing a site for the night. Although the campground used to be free, there is now a $10 fee per night (as of November 2016)

    The campground itself is a very unique setting: you’ll walk among old lava flows to get to your site. The sites are spaced out nicely, offering great sunset views and quiet wake-ups.

    Other highlights from our time in the park include: learning about the myths and legends surrounding the volcanoes, seeing the “glow” from the Jaggar Museum, attending intriguing ranger programs, watching the sunset from midway up Mauna Kea, and driving the Chain of Craters road to hike short trails and see the lava destruction path. 

    You can read much more about our two days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Hawai’i Volcanoes)

  • Christy K.
    Jul. 25, 2015

    Punalu`u Beach Park

    Camping by a Black Sand Beach

    If you are like me, you want to see the black sand beaches when visiting Hawaii. This is one of the nicest, biggest parks of black sand. There are tide pools and swimming so it is a popular park for daytime beach going.

    The campground is NOT in the sand - you are on a grassy area next to the beach so you can sleep to the sound of the crashing waves without the hassle of sand.

  • Jessica E.
    May. 29, 2018

    Manuka State Wayside

    Daytime use

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

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2021

    Kapa'a Beach Park

    Lovely beach Lovely spot to stay

    Great facilities. Shower, restrooms, etc. You can camp right on the beach. And wake up to the ocean. Definitely stay here when you go to Hawaii

Guide to Kailua

Kailua, Hawaii offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry companions. Here are some top spots to consider for your next adventure.

Tips for camping with dogs near Kailua

  • Ensure you have a leash and waste bags handy when visiting places like Kohanaiki Beach Park, where pets are allowed but must be kept under control.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, especially at Hawaii County Park Miloli'i Beach Campground, which lacks drinking water facilities.
  • Check the weather forecast before your trip to ensure a comfortable stay for both you and your pet, particularly in areas like Kulanaokuaiki Campground, where conditions can change rapidly.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include Kohanaiki Beach Park

  • At Kohanaiki Beach Park, you can camp right on the sandy beach, making it a perfect spot for your dog to enjoy the ocean breeze.
  • This campground features clean facilities, including showers and toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay for you and your pet.
  • Reservations are recommended, especially during busy holiday weekends, to secure a spot for you and your furry friend.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Kailua

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Kailua, HI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Kailua, HI is Kohanaiki Beach Park with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Kailua, HI?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 dog-friendly camping locations near Kailua, HI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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