Sand Island State Recreation Area offers tent and RV camping within an industrial area of Honolulu, approximately 14 miles southeast of Mililani Mauka. The campground features drinking water, electric hookups, showers, and toilets for visitors. The beach provides suitable conditions for young children with calmer waters. Most visitors note the location is less crowded than other Oahu beaches, making it a quieter alternative for campers seeking a more secluded experience.
What to do
Hike Ka'ena Point: Located near Camp Mokuleia, this trail leads to the northwestern tip of Oahu. "One of the other things we loved about this site is the proximity to Ka'ena Point! It feels like you're standing out in the ocean without anything around it's such a small point!" notes Alan B.
Try water sports: Bellows Field Beach Park provides excellent conditions for various water activities. "Beautiful beach right by the military base. More of a local spot then tourist area. Can go kayaking," reports Noah L. The beach is known for its sea-green blue waters and white sand shoreline.
Visit adventure facilities: The area around Camp Mokuleia contains numerous recreational opportunities. "They have a ropes course and it is across the street from a skydiving place," mentions Alan B., highlighting additional activities beyond beach access for more adventurous visitors.
What campers like
Uncrowded beaches: Sand Island State Recreation Area appeals to those seeking less populated shorelines. Sandy S. explains, "This rec park is one of the least visited since the area is no longer a busy as it used to be. There are showers and bathrooms with beach access."
Military amenities: For those with military ID, Bellows Air Force Station provides extensive facilities beyond standard camping. "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," reports Ben A.
Security features: Camp Mokuleia offers enhanced security measures that appeal to solo travelers. According to Stephanie Z., "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."
What you should know
Reservation timelines: Securing accommodations at military facilities requires advance planning. For Bellows Air Force Station cabins, Sandy S. notes, "Only problem is the reservations are booked for about year out, so you never know what kind of weather you'll get when the reservation finally comes along."
Tent spacing concerns: Some campgrounds have crowded layouts that affect privacy. Mike L. advises about Bellows Air Force Station, "Tent campsites are way too close together! Every 2 sites should be combined to make 1. Ocean view sites are very sandy and if you are near the restroom, be prepared for beach goers to walk right through your site to use the toilet."
Pet restrictions: Despite what some listings indicate, Hawaii state campgrounds have strict pet policies. Riki L. warns, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Beach selection for children: Choose beaches with appropriate conditions for younger family members. At Sand Island State Recreation Area, Sarah I. observes, "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."
Group accommodations: Park Pick & Play at Living Circle Farms Hawaii offers five glamping sites with electricity, running water, and thirty-amp hookups, providing a more comfortable option for families with young children who need reliable facilities.
Shaded sites: Look for campgrounds with natural protection from the sun. Noah L. recommends Bellows Field Beach Park: "Good trees for shade so you don't get too hot," which can be essential when camping with children in Hawaii's climate.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: For those seeking yurt camping near Mililani Mauka, Hawaii, or RV accommodations with services, options are limited but available. Park Pick & Play at Living Circle Farms Hawaii provides sites with electric hookups, thirty-amp service, drinking water, and water hookups for RVs requiring these utilities.
Site accessibility: Many Hawaii campgrounds have restrictions on vehicle size. Most campgrounds near Mililani Mauka cannot accommodate large RVs, so travelers with bigger rigs should contact facilities in advance to confirm space availability and access roads can handle their vehicle dimensions.
