Best Tent Camping near Kapolei, HI

State parks and recreation areas surrounding Kapolei, Hawaii offer diverse tent camping opportunities with oceanfront and mountain settings. Malaekahana State Recreation Area on Oahu's North Shore provides tent-only campsites with beach access and basic amenities. Kahana Campground at Ahupua'a O Kahana State Park features 10 beachfront tent sites where campers can pitch directly on the sand with mountain views. Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, located about 25 miles from Kapolei, offers walk-in tent sites in a lush tropical setting beneath the Ko'olau Mountain Range.

Most tent campgrounds require advance permits through state reservation systems, with many sites filling quickly during summer and holiday weekends. Campsites typically include picnic tables and access to restrooms, though amenities vary significantly between locations. At Malaekahana, tent sites cost approximately $9 per person with a maximum of six people per site. Several campgrounds enforce strict gate hours, including Malaekahana's 7pm-7am closure policy. Peacock Flats in Mokuleia Forest Reserve requires 4WD access and military checkpoint clearance, offering a more primitive tent camping experience with pit toilets and picnic tables but no water sources.

Tent campers frequently note the proximity to beaches as a primary benefit of Oahu camping. According to reviews, weekday camping often provides more solitude than weekends, when local residents frequently use the campgrounds. One camper at Kahana Campground described setting up "right next to a little path to the beach" with "nice trees for setting up a hammock." At Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, a visitor highlighted the "roomy, level campsites" with "plenty of foliage to make your site private." Campers should prepare for variable weather conditions, including strong winds at beachfront sites and occasional rain in mountain locations. Insect protection is essential, particularly at sites like Ho'omaluhia, where reviewers mention "biting gnats" as a common nuisance.

Best Tent Sites Near Kapolei, Hawaii (10)

    1. Sand Island State Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Honolulu, HI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (808) 587-0300

    "Clean grounds great beach access clean restrooms"

    2. Mālaekahana State Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Wahiawa, HI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (808) 293-1736

    "Malaekahana State Recreation Campground & Malaekahana Beach Campground are 2 separate campgrounds run by 2 different “owners” on the Island of Oahu-Hawaii. They are only a few miles apart."

    "Initially I was bummed I didn't get a beach front campsite, ours was only a 30 second walk to the beach."

    4. Kahana Campground — Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park

    8 Reviews
    Mililani Mauka, HI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (808) 587-0300

    $20 - $30 / night

    "The campground's best assets are its location and views of course! There are plenty of trees for shade and to put up your hammock."

    "Campsites can be fairly close and there’s no real clear sectioning, but each site comes with two picnic tables and plenty of space to set up tents. Good amount of stuff to do around the campsite."

    5. Camp Mokuleia

    5 Reviews
    Waianae, HI
    19 miles
    Website

    "This campground is set up for anything from large groups (50+) to small families. There are cabins to rent out or places to pitch a tent."

    "In 'normal' times this campground is mostly used for events and it's well set up for that. If you're independently camping, I recommend calling ahead and reserving one of the sites on the beach.  "

    6. Kualoa A Regional Park

    1 Review
    Halawa, HI
    11 miles
    Website

    $32 / night

    7. Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

    3 Reviews
    Kaneohe, HI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (808) 233-7323

    $32 / night

    "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."

    "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. "

    8. Peacock Flats - Mokuleia Forest Reserve

    2 Reviews
    Waianae, HI
    16 miles
    Website

    $12 - $18 / night

    "Peacock Flats is hardly ever fully booked out due to how remote it is and requiring 4wd to get there. It's quite the adventure and can be very wet and muddy."

    9. Bellows Air Force Station

    3 Reviews
    Kaneohe, HI
    23 miles
    Website

    $27 - $169 / night

    "There is a shopet with is walking distance of every site as well as a gas station, mini golf, a driving range, 3 hiking trails, 1 walking path, a small bar, and a stabucks."

    10. Camp Mokule'ia

    Be the first to review!
    Waianae, HI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (808) 637-6241
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Showing results 1-10 of 10 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Kapolei, HI

73 Reviews of 10 Kapolei Campgrounds



Guide to Kapolei

Tent camping near Kapolei, Hawaii offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the island while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities.

Local Activities for Tent Campers

Unique Attractions Nearby

  • Visit the beautiful beaches and lush landscapes surrounding Camp Mokuleia, known for its proximity to rock climbing spots and serene waters.
  • Discover the hidden gem of Bellows Air Force Station, which features amenities like mini-golf and hiking trails, all while being tucked away from the hustle and bustle.
  • Experience the stunning views and rich history at Kualoa A Regional Park, where you can enjoy a peaceful camping experience close to iconic landmarks.

Tips for Tent Camping Near Kapolei

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kapolei, HI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kapolei, HI is Sand Island State Recreation Area with a 3.7-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Kapolei, HI?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Kapolei, HI, with real photos and reviews from campers.