Best Tent Camping near Royal Kunia, HI

State parks and recreation areas surrounding Royal Kunia, Hawaii offer diverse tent camping options with beach and mountain settings. Malaekahana State Recreation Area on Oahu's North Shore provides tent-only sites with direct beach access, while Kahana Campground at Ahupua'a 'O Kahana State Park features 10 beachfront tent sites with mountain views. Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, just 8 miles from Waikiki, offers walk-in tent sites in a tropical setting beneath the Ko'olau Mountain Range. For more adventurous backcountry tent camping, Peacock Flats in Mokuleia Forest Reserve provides primitive sites accessible only by 4WD vehicles.

Most tent campgrounds require advance permits through state reservation systems, with fees ranging from $9-10 per person per night. Campsites typically include picnic tables and access to restrooms, though amenities vary significantly between locations. At Malaekahana, tent sites feature fire rings and access to outdoor showers and flush toilets, while Peacock Flats offers only pit toilets and picnic tables under shelters. Many campgrounds enforce strict gate hours, with Malaekahana locking gates from 7pm to 7am. Sand Island State Recreation Area near Honolulu provides tent campsites with clean facilities and beach access, though alcohol is prohibited and fires are not allowed.

Tent campers frequently note the contrast between crowded weekends and peaceful weekdays at these sites. According to reviews, Kahana Campground offers an "idyllic bay with towering mountains all around," though sites lack privacy from the nearby road. One camper at Malaekahana described it as having "dark skies and large stretches of nearly empty beach," making it "fairly unique" compared to mainland campgrounds. At Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, a visitor noted the "roomy, level campsites" with "plenty of foliage to make your site private." Weather considerations are important for tent camping, particularly at Peacock Flats where sites "can be quite wet" during rainy seasons, prompting some campers to use hammocks instead of ground tents.

Best Tent Sites Near Royal Kunia, Hawaii (10)

    1. Mālaekahana State Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Wahiawa, HI
    19 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."

    2. Sand Island State Recreation Area

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

    "Clean grounds great beach access clean restrooms"

    4. Kahana Campground — Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park

    8 Reviews
    Mililani Mauka, HI
    15 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
    17 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. Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

    3 Reviews
    Kaneohe, HI
    15 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. "

    7. Kualoa A Regional Park

    1 Review
    Halawa, HI
    10 miles
    Website

    $32 / night

    8. Peacock Flats - Mokuleia Forest Reserve

    2 Reviews
    Waianae, HI
    14 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
    21 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
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (808) 637-6241
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Showing results 1-10 of 10 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Royal Kunia, HI

73 Reviews of 10 Royal Kunia Campgrounds



Guide to Royal Kunia

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

Tent campers should check out Mālaekahana State Recreation Area

  • This campground features amenities like drinking water, showers, and picnic tables, making it a comfortable choice for families and solo adventurers alike.
  • With its beautiful ocean views and access to swimming and hiking, Mālaekahana is perfect for those looking to relax and explore.
  • The site allows for fires, so you can enjoy cozy evenings under the stars.

Tips for tent camping near Royal Kunia

  • Be prepared for the local wildlife; roosters are known to wake campers early in the morning, adding to the authentic Hawaiian experience at Mālaekahana State Recreation Area.
  • Bring your own firewood if you plan to enjoy a campfire, as some campgrounds may not provide it on-site.
  • Consider reserving your spot in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure you secure a great location.

Some prices for tent camping range from $30 to $60

  • Camp Mokuleia offers affordable tent sites right by the beach, with prices typically around $30 per night, making it a budget-friendly option for families.
  • At Kahana Campground — Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park, you can find tent camping for about $40, providing a beautiful beachfront experience.
  • For a unique experience, check out the YMCA Camp Mokule'ia, where tent camping options are available for around $50, complete with access to various recreational activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Royal Kunia, HI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Royal Kunia, HI is Mālaekahana State Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 25 reviews.

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

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