Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning views of Diamond Head, and relaxed way of life. But one thing that is often overlooked by visitors (and really shouldn’t be!) is the amazing experience of camping in Hawaii.


The Hawaiian Islands are made up of eight main islands, including Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Molokai, Kauai and Niihau. Each one offers unique camping experiences and different activities.


Oahu, home to the city of Honolulu, and the most populated island, offers a unique blend of city comforts and tropical vibes. The southernmost coast is where you’ll find popular tourist destinations like Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and Hanauma Bay. Due to the number of people that live on this part of the island, there are limited camping areas, but just a short drive makes a big difference.


On Oahu’s Windward coast, expect stunning views of the Ko’olau mountains and the turquoise waters of Lanikai and Kailua. Bellows is a great camping spot right on the beach away from the bustle of Honolulu, and only a few minutes drive from the popular Maunawili hike trailhead. Permits are required to go camping in Hawaii, and sites usually book up in advance, so be sure to call a few weeks ahead if you want to get a spot.


If relaxing in nature and getting away from the crowd is what you’re after, Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area, located inland near Aiea, provides visitors with lush forest views, and is the site of a former temple of Hawaiian healing. It is also near the trailhead for the Aiea Loop Trail, a popular 4.5 mile hike with stunning mountain vistas, and is just a short drive away from Pearl Harbor.


The Big Island, the largest of the Hawaiian islands and known for its diverse landscape and constantly flowing lava, is another great option if you are looking to do some camping in Hawaii. Camping permits are available for Punalu’u, Hawaii’s famous black sand beach, which has a reputation for great snorkeling and fishing and for sea turtle sightings. You can also snag one of 16 campsites in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Sites are available on a first come, first served basis, and although it’s a little more rustic (there are restrooms but no showers), it’s probably worth it to be able to camp at “one of the most unique campsites to visit in the world”.


Whether you’re camping in Hawaii for the first time, or just looking for a new favorite spot, The Dyrt has you covered.

Hawaii

The Best Camping in Hawaii | 60+ HI Campgrounds

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Pu'u O Umi Natural Area Reserve, HI is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Pu'u O Umi Natural Area Reserve is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Hawaii camping adventure.

Pu'u O Umi Natural Area Reserve

The Best Camping Near Pu'u O Umi Natural Area Reserve, Hawaii

Legend has it, Kohala (the first of the 6 volcanos on the Big Island of Hawaii) is home to King Kamehameha I & this was the stomping grounds of the Ali'i & the training grounds for their warriors. You can feel it when you walk into the forest & listen deeply & intuitively to the ancestors. It is truly an honor to be on this 'aina (land).

Modern history: Up until 1984 this property was all avocado, Kukui & Ironwood land with the Kohala ditch running on the far south end. It wasn't until my current neighbor & sweet friend & her father bought the property & cleared away 160 Ironwoods to create a property that could be farmed & lived on. Then another couple bought the property in early 2000 and built it out with farm houses and gardens. Once they moved back to the mainland, this was home to the local skydive family where the pilots and instructors were housed. Finally, in 2021, Cirque-Girl Sequoia came in with a huge vision of a conscious community, learning and teaching alongside one another by way of events, projects, concerts, talks and certifications all the while farming and creating even bigger orchards to feed not just her community, but the community of Hawi and beyond. At this time, not only is it "hip" to farm and grow your own food, but it is crucial.

Learn more about this land:

Everybody comes to Hawaii and thinks beaches, surf & jungles but why not try a different side of Hawaii? The Ironwood Forests of Hawi are here you’ll find ios (Hawaiian Hawks) and Pueos (Hawaiian owls only found on the Big Island) as the ancestor's whispers run through the massive forest of Ironwood, Kukui Nut and Avocado in an ancient river bed of sugar plantation country.

Deep in the heart of Hawaii’s only dormant volcano of Kohala, this was home to the most prestigious Ali’i (Hawaiian Royalty)and the training grounds of warriors. Here our farm sits on 10-acres with over 30 varieties of fruit trees a a view of the Big Blue (the ocean). We provide 3 platforms and 3 pine-needle-floor campsites to camp on, a center camp that has a kitchen, bathroom and shower plus a healing tent for you to meditate, do massage, practice Reiki, read or just plain have a beautiful discussion in. If you feel inclined to step out of the forest, you are welcome to use our communal eating area THE GROOVY GRINDS CAFE under the mango trees & we would love if you wanted to be a part of any of the events that we host here with our live-on conscious community. Things we do and can offer aerial, yoga and meditation classes, massage (ask hostess about booking a sesh), drum circles, inipi sweat lodges, bonfire nights, fire-dancing, community potluck dinners, mini-concerts, painting, planting & building projects and whatever we get called to do. ….and what's camping without a bonfire? We have two bonfire pits lower on the property that you can join in on if our community already has one going. (NO bonfires in the gulch please.)

One of our biggest bragging rights is that we are utilizing the Homebiogas unit which turns your toilet waste and food compost into methane gas for cooking. Also ZERO WASTE since we offer a bidet hose at the toilet for washing oneself (no toilet paper needed, or bring your own) and the gray water from the shower and kitchen sink go into a plot of banana trees. So our bathroom, shower and cooking facility is completely self-sufficient! Please pack out what you pack in and you may distribute your trash at our garbage facility down below by to the main buildings.

PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE AFTER DARK AND PLEASE USE DIRECTIONS INCLUDED AND NOT GOOGLE MAPS! Must come up and not down Kahei Road or it will take you down a 4x4 road.

And when it’s time to step out of the forest and out of Pueo Ridge, we are a 5-minute drive directly above the main center of town and 15 minutes to the famous Polalu Valley hike that runs deep in to the jagged switchbacks of the Northern coast. Our area also headlines in ADVENTURE with skydiving, zip-lining, hiking & forest adventures.

Mahalo for reading!

Book with The Dyrt but check out our Hipcamp listing to read reviews: https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/hawaii/the-hippocampus/the-hippocampus-of-pueo-ridge



The Hippocampus of Pueo Ridge

The Waimanu Campground is located at the end of the 7.6 mile Muliwai Trail. There are nine designated campsites accommodating up to 48 campers total with 2 composting outhouses available. Camping in Hawaii's Forest Reserves is usually in remote, mountainous locations providing a wilderness experience. Campsites are accessed by hiking and have few or no amenities. Check site details closely to ensure you are informed and have everything you need before heading out. 

At-A-Glance Trail Info:

Measured from the trailhead, the Muliwai Trail is approximately 15.2 miles round-trip. Measured from the Waipiʻo Lookout, it is approximately 19 miles round-trip. 
The trail is minimally maintained, steep, eroded in places, rocky, and slippery when wet. 
There are four emergency helipads along the trail used for maintenance and fire and rescue teams only. There is also a shelter about half way into the hike.
There are nine designated campsites accommodating up to 48 campers total. There are 2 composting outhouses.

Waimanu Campsite

Kalopa State Recreation Area

Kalopa State Rec Area - Hawaii

Spencer Beach Park

Kapa'a Beach Park

Mahukona Beach Park

Rest your soul at the Pukihae Stream. This lovely oasis is tucked in the heart of Hilo. Come rest with us, meditate and take a dip in the swimming hole. Cook outside and enjoy the outdoor shower. 10 minutes from Downtown Hilo



Soil to Soul

Camping at Kiholo is allowed on weekends only (Friday-night through Sunday-night). Camping sites may be reserved up to 30 days in advance.

Campsites are located along an unimproved gravel access road in a shaded kiawe (mesquite) grove fronting an ‘ili’ili (pebble) beach.  This is a remote area with no facilities and NO WATER.  Portable toilets are provided.

This area is under park reserve status and still undergoing conceptual planning for future public use. The area is a stark, lava-covered coastal park with small bays, sparsely vegetated coastline, historic lava flows, and wide open spaces. Gates are locked nightly. When entrance gates are locked for the night, vehicles will not be able to enter or leave the park. 

Kiholo State Park

Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Pearl City, HI has a lot to offer. Pearl City is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Hawaii camping adventure.

Pearl City

The Best Camping Near Pearl City, Hawaii

Are you in need of a campground near Hilo, HI? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Hawaii camping adventure.

Hilo

The Best Camping Near Hilo, Hawaii

Are you in need of a campground near Kailua, HI? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Kailua, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Kailua

The Best Camping Near Kailua, Hawaii

Are you in need of a campground near Waipahu, HI? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Waipahu and user-submitted reviews.

Waipahu

The Best Camping Near Waipahu, Hawaii

Join the fun near Kaneohe. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Kaneohe, HI. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Kaneohe

The Best Camping Near Kaneohe, Hawaii

Mililani Town, HI is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Mililani Town is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Mililani Town, HI. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Mililani Town

The Best Camping Near Mililani Town, Hawaii

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Kahului, HI is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Kahului is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Kahului. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Kahului

The Best Camping Near Kahului, Hawaii

Looking for the best campgrounds near Ewa Gentry, HI? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Ewa Gentry, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Ewa Gentry

The Best Camping Near Ewa Gentry, Hawaii

Searching for the best camping near Kihei, HI? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Kihei is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Hawaii camping adventure.

Kihei

The Best Camping Near Kihei, Hawaii

Join the fun near Makakilo. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Hawaii camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Makakilo, HI. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Makakilo

The Best Camping Near Makakilo, Hawaii

On the Big Island, you can experience some of the best camping adventures near Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. The park is the home of two active volcanoes, along with several lava tubes. Hikers can explore a few of them, including the Thurston Lava Tube. Take a car or your RV and drive up Crater Rim Drive to see the Jaggar Museum’s volcano exhibit. There’s also a lookout point with a stunning view of the Halaema’uma’u Crater. Some campgrounds put campers close to extinct lava fields, while other campsites offer cabins and yurts. You can also take advantage of the nearby lagoon.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The Best Camping Near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Located on Maui, some of the best camping in Hawaii is at Haleakala National Park. Campers can hike up Haleakala Crater. The dormant volcano towers over the island and offers an impressive view of the ocean and surrounding landscape. The park is near the city of Pukalani, HI, and it’s the ideal place to pick up supplies. RV drivers will want to fuel up for the drive to their campsites and to ensure they have plenty of gas for the trip up to the Haleakala Visitor Center. From the campgrounds, you can hike along the trails through the sub-tropical rain forests of Hawaii. Along with native wildlife, the area is also home to several endangered species.

The Best Camping in Pu'u O Umi Natural Area Reserve

Top Campgrounds in Pu'u O Umi Natural Area Reserve (18)

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