Best Tent Camping near Kailua, HI

Recent Tent Reviews in Kailua

62 Reviews of 15 Kailua Campgrounds

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  t T.

  Scout

  

  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

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  Jennifer H.

  Legend

  

  Feb. 23, 2024

  Nāmakanipaio Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

  Proximity to NP & Volcano house ++

  Roddy 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

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  Paul C.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 5, 2023

  Kelly Rene

  Definitely one of the nicest campgrounds on the island.

  We 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.

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  Leslie Shanai M.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 28, 2023

  The Hippocampus of Pueo Ridge

  Iron woods, tucked in, private

  We were disappointed as the campground didn't actually come through with a couple of things promised. One is that yoga classes are NOT available for campers. Another is that you have to provide your own toilet paper plus take your trash off site: very tricky when you're a visitor from off Island. The sites for tents were well built, but on the small side, so we had to go into Mcgiver mode to make our 2 man backpacking tent secure. It's windy so that's a critical feature for this location. I think if they added tie on bars on the side of the platforms that would probably fix the issue. It's a beautiful & secluded site, but I'm not sure how much experience the host has with actual real camping.

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  Tom&Jennifer D.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 19, 2023

  Kelly Rene

  A must visit . Don’t miss this place

  I found this listing on here but no way to book it instantly so I contacted the host directly . Kelly is super easy to communicate with and answers right away . The grounds for camping are on her resort property a couple acres behind it in fact , so there’s no visible building from tent sites . We absolutely loved the coqui singing at night and waking to an amazing array of bird’s singing. Kelly’s son Alex gives you a full walkthrough of the different types of tress to pick from , and a tour of the hotel property . There’s amazing facilities here including hot water in the showers. I can’t wait to come back here for a visit when we have more time !

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  Shari G.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 26, 2022

  The Hippocampus of Pueo Ridge

  Quiet, Rustic, & Beautiful

  This is a lovely piece of property on the north side of the Big Island. The land owner runs a small yoga retreat center and offers this small camping area as an alternative lodging.  She is very sweet.  Overall, the camping area is a good start, but needs a bit of improvement to make it workable for more than 2 people.

  The approach to the camping area is through the retreat property and can be a bit slippery during the rainy season, so be careful with those rental cars, but ours made it up with a bit of luck. The campsites are down a short but steep walk from the ridgeline. There are 6 tent platforms which keep you level and off the ground, nice during any part of the year. We also saw a camper van parked up top, so that is an option if you are camping in a vehicle. 

  There is a very small kitchen area with running water and a biogas stove.  It's big enough for 1 person at a time to cook, not at all a group kitchen.  The biogas comes from the toilet digesting tank and is a pretty cool idea. When we were there the tank wasn’t producing enough so they also had some small propane canisters and a burner for our cooking. The toilet and shower were functioning, but were pretty basic with very cold water and an exposed roof. Don’t expect luxury here…as we said, it’s a good start. 

  The nearby town of Hawi, which is the turn around for the bike leg of the Ironman Triathlon, offers grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants and some amazing hiking areas along the north coast. It is a stunning area with lots of things to do. Since we were busy each day, we didn’t mind that our lodging was a little rough– all we needed was a flat place to pitch our tent and lay down for the night.

• 

  Shari G.

  Legend

  

  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.

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  Aubrey G.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 30, 2022

  Kelly Rene

  Beautiful little Mac Nut grove to pitch a tent!

  We were trying to camp at the black sand beach but it wasn't a very user friendly experience, so I hit up Hip Camp and found this spot! Like many other places on Big Island, it needs to offer a diverse number of things, so it's also part of the Hawaii Island Resort. Excellent hosting and easy to book. My only disappointment was that the pool was out of service. I chose this place over others for the pool. Oh well. Next time!!

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  Miles G.

  Ranger

  

  Dec. 1, 2021

  Punalu`u Beach Park

  Great camping with variety of activities

  Easily accessible and fun to camp here. There are spots for grilling, showers, tables, and drinking water. A good place to go snorkeling too.

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  Miles G.

  Ranger

  

  Dec. 1, 2021

  Kulanaokuaiki Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

  Lava fields

  Free dispersed camping! Pretty cool lava landscape. Make sure to bring water for your stay.

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  Miles G.

  Ranger

  

  Nov. 1, 2021

  Hawaii County Park Miloli'i Beach Campground

  Good for roadside stop.

  This is more geared for a day used area rather than a camping stay. We decided to look for another camping spot. Shoreline is rocky and area is good for surfing and fishing. No drinking water here. If you decided to camp here its little to no privacy.

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  Alejandro G.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 31, 2021

  Nāmakanipaio Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

  Amazing Travel

  The campground was lovely. Great location, just down the road from Volcano House (where you go to check in). We stayed in a cabin and it was excellent. The doors have key cars swipe (don't forget your key, the doors lock automatically behind you!) The shower was good and even the complimentary shower gel in the women's shower was nice! Dinner at Volcano House was good. I only wish we had stayed more than one night to be able to explore the area more.

• j

  jake C.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 9, 2021

  Mahukona Beach Park

  Peaceful place

  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. great place for snorkeling and in the “winter” months, there’s a chance you will see whales.

• j

  jake C.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 6, 2021

  Waimanu Campsite

  Be prepared for the hike, a swim, and an amazing campsite

  You have to hike down a hill to get there, but it is super pretty. It’s in a valley, so it will get cool at night and is warm during the day, but it’s super quiet, and an amazing spot.

• j

  jake C.

  Guide

  

  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

• j

  jake C.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 4, 2021

  Kiholo State Park Campground

  Love way to Stay on a Beach in Hawaii

  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.

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  Kela W.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 21, 2021

  Spencer Beach Park

  Great for young families

  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. Park manager comes through in the morning and night. Kids really enjoyed this location and we had no issues staying.

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  taylor C.

  Scout

  

  Jan. 5, 2021

  Kalopa State Recreation Area

  Upland forest beauty

  Awesome hiking/running trails, many native plant species difficult to find elsewhere. Pavilions and cabins for rent. check the county website for availability.

• R

  Raquel M.

  Scout

  

  Jan. 22, 2020

  Kohanaiki Beach Park

  Stunning

  This place is amazing. You wake up right on the beach and get to watch surfers in the morning. I would recommend booking a spot well in advance. Very clean facilities is a huge plus. The one negative is gates close at 9pm.

• T

  Tabitha W.

  Scout

  

  May. 17, 2019

  Ho'okena Beach Park

  Best beach ruined

  Beautiful and clean. 

  Unfortunately, Locally run and corrupt.

  I live here. I had a dispute with one of the "security/managers" of the park. I wanted to be treated with respect and he disagreed. Out of spite, he made up a story about me breaking rules.

  I wrote a letter to the board and discovered that they're all his friends and family. 

  So I've been banned forever from camping at my favorite beach in the world, for resisting bullying. So be prepared to be treated with disdain from parking to check out without defending yourself. This experience was only with one man. The rest were really nice.

• 

  Christine N.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 17, 2019

  Nāmakanipaio Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

  Great day trip

  lots Of trails for a variety of levels

• 

  Sasha W.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 29, 2018

  Manuka State Wayside

  Beautiful, plus great scuba diving

  My husband and I really liked Manuka State Wayside. One thing we really loved about this place was that there was an awesome place to scuba dive close by. It was a company that took us out pretty far, and we were able to scuba dive with some turtles, and even saw some shark. I can't remember the name of the business, but it was right next to Manuka. The scuba diving took about 4hrs total, because of the boat ride plus dive. When we came back we played on the beach and did some people watching. We went to an ice cream shop up the road, and came back to the beach and watched the sunset. This area was pretty busy, but I think thats because it was during the summer. There is a walking/running path that goes along the beach that was nice as well. We walked along here in the evenings after dinner.

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  Karrieanne W.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 13, 2018

  Nāmakanipaio Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

  Currently Closed

  Due to the draining of the Lava Lake and constant earthquakes in Volcanoes National Park, this area is closed. At this time it is uncertain that it will open again.

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  Karrieanne W.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 13, 2018

  Nāmakanipaio Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

  Closed due to volcanic activity

  I love camping at this spot. Namakanipaio has wonderful views the Milky Way, and used to have a great view of the glowing lava lake. It was a short hike to Jagger Museum, that now is being consumed by the caldera. With daily earthquakes in the area, it is no longer safe. you can not even stop in the highway in that area. Hopefully it will open again in the future.

• 

  Sasha W.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 1, 2018

  Punalu`u Beach Park

  Great snorkeling

  My family and I loved this part of Hawai’i and coming to this beach. We had some of the best snorkeling we have ever had, here. We saw turtles, tons of fish, and 1 shark!! The water was super clear and pretty warm. There was also a really cool cliff to jump off of. This beach Park is close to the town, which makes it nice for food. There was a really great fish and chips place down the road. Reminded me of “Ivars” in Washington that we love! We also stopped by a snow cone place that served some of the biggest cones we’ve ever had. They also put ice cream in there’s which was awesome!!! In the morning before we did some hiking nearby, we stopped by a juice place. Wasn’t Sam good as the Kauai Juice Co. but it was still really good! The hiking was great! Great views of the beach and ocean. Super hot though, so I’m glad we started early in the morning. Loved this place and will definitely be back next year!!

• 

  Sasha W.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 30, 2018

  Mahukona Beach Park

  Enjoyed our time

  My husband and I really enjoyed coming to the Mahukona Beach Park. Although the waters here are a little rough, we found a great spot that the water was pretty calm and we were able to do some snorkeling and body boarding. We got some great shots of underwater life. This beach park has quite a few picnic tables around, so we were able to snag one and have a picnic. We packed some lunch, ate and people watched. The weather was great, a little humid, but not too bad. The park itself was clean, and the time we went it wasnt busy. We always go to Hawaii in December, and some parts of the Island are super busy but others are not. I could see this park being super busy during the summer. There is a boardwalk along the beach, we saw people running, walking, and skateboarding along this pathway. My husband and I walked this pathway during the evening and found a good snow cone stand. Not sure how this park is for camping? We did see some homeless people along the beach who looked like they were camping. I think I would be a little nervous to camp here, but thats just my opinion. Definitely recommend coming for the day and relaxing, though.

• 

  Sasha W.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 26, 2018

  Kalopa State Rec Area - Hawaii

  So much fun

  The Kalopa State Rec Area park/beach is one of my favorites. It has such a jungle feel to it is why I think I really love it. 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. Loved seeing these flowers everywhere that I walked. The weather was okay when we went. It rained quite a bit, it was damp and pretty cloudy. One thing we enjoyed doing was hikes nearby. You can do the Kalopa Nature Trail. It is super easy, and only about 1 mile long. The loop takes you through all the gorgeous greenery and pretty trees. You can stay in little cabins in the campground, which were about $90 per night. A lot cheaper than staying in a hotel. You can also camp, which we didnt do but I saw that it costs around $20 a night to do this, even cheaper! The cabins were pretty small. There was 4 of us staying in here, and it felt a little tight. We made it work, though! Restaurants are nearby, maybe a 10 minute drive. Some great yummy places to eat. There is also a grocery store around there too. We went here and grabbed a few groceries to have for snacks, breakfast and dinners. We also went down to the beach that isnt far away. Drove about 15 minutes to reach the beach. Loved swimming and body boarding.