Camp Mokuleia and Bellows Field Beach Park offer luxury glamping accommodations on Oahu's north and east shores. Both locations feature tent camping areas with basic amenities and more upscale options with additional facilities. Glamping in Royal Kunia, Hawaii provides convenient beach access with the Camp Mokuleia property featuring a gated entrance with keycode access. The campgrounds sit at sea level with year-round temperatures averaging 75-85°F during daytime hours.
What to do
Skydiving adventures: Camp Mokuleia sits directly across from a skydiving facility. According to one camper, "throughout the day you will often times see parachuters appearing in the sky." This aerial activity provides a unique perspective of the island's north shore.
Rock climbing excursions: The nearby Mokule'ia wall offers extensive climbing opportunities. "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," notes one climber who stayed at Camp Mokuleia.
Hiking and beach exploration: From Sand Island State Recreation Area, visitors can access multiple trails. A reviewer mentioned, "Not a lot of people go to this beach because it's not so popular. It's tucked far back behind a coast guard base mixed with old commercial buildings and businesses."
What campers like
Private beach access: Bellows Air Force Station offers secluded coastal camping. "The sites are huge," writes one visitor about Camp Mokuleia. "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."
Weather considerations: The northwestern location of Camp Mokuleia provides protection from seasonal winds. One camper noted, "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."
Quieter atmosphere: Sand Island Recreation Area provides a less crowded alternative to popular beaches. A visitor shared, "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, but I prefer to go to other beaches to swim."
What you should know
Advance reservations required: Military sites book quickly. "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," explains one visitor to Bellows Air Force Station.
Military access restrictions: Parts of Bellows require military identification. According to a reviewer, "You can keep going on the long driveway in, but you'll need military access or sponsorship to get in."
Beach conditions vary: Water activities depend on location and season. Sand Island campers note, "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 events impact availability: Camp facilities serve multiple purposes. One camper advised, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Protected swimming areas: Sand Island provides calmer waters for younger swimmers. A visitor mentioned, "It's good for little kids and there's a nice surf break if the swell is in."
Entertainment options: Military campgrounds offer additional activities. At Bellows Air Force Station, one camper listed amenities: "Tons of amenities here though, putt-putt, driving range, bar w/ pool table, foose, beach equipment rental, paint ball, small bouldering area!"
Sand management: Beach proximity means dealing with sand. A camper at Bellows Air Force Station observed, "The sand here is so fine, it will make its way in to your rent, no matter how tight you close it up."
Shade availability: Natural cover provides relief from sun exposure. A visitor noted about Bellows Field Beach Park: "Good trees for shade so you don't get too hot."
Tips from RVers
Limited dedicated RV facilities: While some campgrounds accept RVs, specialized amenities are minimal. Sand Island State Recreation Area offers "sanitary-dump" facilities but limited hookup options for larger vehicles.
Site spacing concerns: Campgrounds may have tight arrangements. A military camper at Bellows Air Force Station noted, "Tent campsites are way too close together! Every 2 sites should be combined to make 1."
Supply planning: The remote location of some campgrounds requires preparation. A Sand Island visitor mentioned, "Sand Island is an industrial place so there's not many stores nearby but it's a pretty unique park with lots of space to hangout."
