Sand Island State Recreation Area offers tent and RV camping with direct beach access about 20 miles from Makakilo City. The beach front sites provide ocean views in an industrial setting that feels distinct from other Oahu camping destinations. The campground maintains bathroom facilities, drinking water stations, and shower access while remaining relatively uncrowded compared to more popular beaches.
What to do
Beach activities for young children: Sand Island State Recreation Area provides gentle waves suitable for families with small children. "The beach isn't the nicest but it's good for little kids and there's a nice surf break if the swell is in," notes visitor Sarah I.
Skydiving observation: Visit Camp Mokuleia where you can watch skydivers from the nearby facility throughout the day. "Across the street there is also a skydiving company, so throughout the day you will often times see parachuters appearing in the sky," explains Apryl E.
Rock climbing access: The Mokuleia wall near Camp Mokuleia features over 60 climbing routes ranging from beginner to expert levels. "This campground is very close to the highest concentration of rock climbs in all of Hawaii! The Mokule'ia wall has over 60 climbs ranging from beginner to expert and includes trad, sport, and toprope routes," shares camper Alan B.
Ka'ena Point hike: From Camp Mokuleia, take a short drive to the trailhead leading to Ka'ena Point where the road ends. "It feels like you're standing out in the ocean without anything around it's such a small point! One of favorite places we hung out at during our trip to Hawaii," says Alan B.
What campers like
Privacy and security: Camp Mokuleia offers a gated property with security codes for campers. "The property has a gate with a code that you can go in and out as you please, and the staff were really helpful and kind," reports Stephanie Z.
Recreational amenities: Bellows Air Force Station provides multiple activity options beyond beach access. "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," according to Ben A.
Wind protection during winter: The northwest position of Camp Mokuleia offers shelter from strong easterly winds that affect other Oahu campgrounds. "In January, the winds were strongest from the East and we had to vacate our other campground when winds were up to 20MPH off the ocean. This side of the island gave us a break from the wind," shares Stephanie Z.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained bathroom and shower facilities at Camp Mokuleia. "The bathrooms and shower facilities were basic but very clean and were nicer than some of the other campgrounds," notes Brittany B.
What you should know
Military access requirements: Sand Island State Recreation Area is open to civilians while parts of Bellows Field require military credentials. "You can keep going on the long driveway in, but you'll need military access or sponsorship to get in," explains YEN P. regarding Bellows Field.
No dogs allowed: Despite information suggesting otherwise, Hawaii state campgrounds prohibit pets. "This website is in error. There are no dogs allowed on ANY Hawaii State Campground!!! Don't know if you know this or not. So if you have a dog in Hawaii, you cannot bring your loved one(s) camping anywhere," clarifies riki L.
