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, Ulumalu, HI is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Ulumalu is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Ulumalu

The Best Camping Near Ulumalu, Hawaii

8 Acres of untouched land with camping in the meadow or forest. This location is in a prime spot and is accessible by any vehicle. We are 20 minutes from surfing or 30 minutes from beach town shopping in Paia and a great stop if you are going to do the road to Hana. Enjoy a perfect view of the night sky and the quiet of the jungle. We have a shower and bathroom on site and have tables and grills if you want to do a cookout!



Cozy Meadows Campground

UKA – The Native Hawaiian Upland Experience



\*\* UKA will be providing Hawaiian legends from owner Kukuna And A LEI WORKSHOP this weekend from 9 to 10 am Friday and Saturday



This is in celebration of our grand opening of UKA.\*\*



THIS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR THE Fri and Sat night stay..



ALOHA! On slopes of the east Maui region amidst the uplands of a native Hawaiian rainforest is the UKA experience. Nestled and hosted on an eco-friendly, sustainable farm owned by a Native Hawaiian, UKA is the only campsite that is located on lands that have been in a Hawaiian family for hundreds of years.



A quick 15 min drive from the heart of Hana, takes you to the foot of UKA. With a rugged 4-wheel drive entrance, UKA is revealed as you ascend along steep ravines and the glorious mountain and ocean views.



UKA has 3 smaller tented or vehicle tent area in the PIKO (main yard), and 1 separate small tented site tucked amongst the bamboos. The Bamboo Forest site, which has a partial ocean view, and requires you to park away from the car (about 50ft), though the other sites in the main yard vehicles can be parked next to your tent. The camping spots are NOT on fully flat ground.



ONLY TWO PEOPLE PER SITE ARE ALLOWED and you will need to provide your own tent/s or a tent can be rented at arrival or order from site. IF YOU HAVE 4 PEOPLE YOU HAVE TO BOOK TWO CAMPSITES. Please understand that we have limited resources. IF YOU SHOW UP WITH MORE PEOPLE YOU WILL BE CHARGED $75.00 PER ADDITIONAL PERSON, IF THE SPACE IS AVAILABLE.



Keiki (children) under 10 is free but we would like to be informed that there will be extra people in your party. Let us know and get permission before you arrive with the extra party.



Currently we request quiet hours from 10pm – 6am in respect to our other campers.



Being in the realm of the rainforests, typically it rains during the morning and evening. There are times the consistent, heavy rains may set in and campsite will not be accessible. It’s these tropical downpours that keep our ‘aina (land) so green and lush with waterfalls around every turn.



UKA DOES HAVE MOSQUITOS, so come prepared with long garments or repellent. Here in the uplands are the area of wild pigs and cows. You can HEAR them, and might even see one.



You will be entering into a Hawaiian village of my family members, so please be respectful while in the area and as you ascend up the hill.



Being that we live on an island we would like you to know that all disposable refuse that you make or may have, we are asking that you take it with you when you leave to reduce the carbon footprint upon my ancestral land.



The Hana Highway is the most stunning natural phenomena on Maui and a candid moment everywhere you turn. We humbly request that you LET THE LOCALS PASS and PULL ON THE SIDE TO TAKE PICTURES. It will ensure a much blissful encounter.



If you have any requests or concerns just let us know.



Spots to Visit from UKA –



Haleakala National Park at Kipahulu – 4 miles Southeast on route 360



Wailua Falls – 1 ½ miles Southeast on route 360



Hana Town – 6.5 miles Northwest on route 360



Waianapanapa State Park – Home of the Famous Black Sand Beach – 8 miles Northwest on route 360



The Hana Area are filled with cultural stories, traditions and places. It’s legendary highway vistas are beyond magical, but I hope that the essence of UKA will always remain a blessing in your heart.



As We Native Hawaiians say……



A Hui Hou (AH-HOOI-HOOOOUU)



Until we meet again….



Me Kealoha,



KUKUNA







Uka Hawaiian Native Camp

There are two primitive wilderness tent camping areas which are accessible only by trail, Hōlua and Palikū. Reservations are required for both campsites through www.recreation.gov. The reservation system is live as of April 22, 2021 at 7 am HST.

Each single campsite allows a maximum of five people and two tents.
Group campsites allow for a maximum of ten people.
Hōlua and Palikū campsites have pit toilets and seasonally non-potable water available nearby. The water must be filtered or treated before drinking. In times of drought, all water must be carried in.
Horses, mules, and donkeys are permitted as pack animals on the Keoneheʻeheʻe Trail, Halemauʻu Trail, and Supply Trail. All waste produced by pack animals must be removed from parking areas and trailheads. No group may have more than 12 pack animals. Riders, commerical operators, and owners are responsible for the removal of dead or injured stock within 72 hours. Pets of any other kind are prohibited on all trails.

Holua Primitive Wilderness Campsite - Haleakala National Park - Maui

Haleakalā Volcano, on the Hawaiian island of Maui, is a massive shield volcano that rises more than 10,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean, and makes up more than 75% of the island’s land mass. Its name, Haleakalā, is Hawaiian for “House of the Sun,” and is steeped in Hawaiian legend. More modern references attribute it to the spectacular sunrises observed from the rim of the summit crater. In an effort to preserve and protect the volcano’s spectacular summit crater, as well as the Kipahulu Valley rainforest on the volcano’s eastern slope, Haleakalā National Park was established in 1961. The majority of visitors to the park drive the long, winding road to the summit viewpoints and visitor center. The small number of adventurers who descend into the crater can explore an otherworldly landscape of colorful cinder cones, lava flows and other volcanic features.   

For those interested in a little primitive camping on the flank of this sleeping giant, the Hosmer Grove Campground provides close access to the summit’s viewing areas and hiking trails. The campground is located partway up the mountain, just 0.5 mile past the park’s entrance station. From Kahului, it’s only about 28 miles, but the winding road makes the drive pretty slow. Hosmer Grove offers 10 campsites in a large, grassy area surrounded by foreign and native woods. Campsites have picnic tables and cooking grills, and vault toilets are available. Campfires are not permitted, but contained camp stoves are allowed. The campground is situated at 7,000 feet above sea level, right in Haleakalā’s “cloud belt,” so it’s often cool and foggy, and overnight temps can plummet below freezing. Free camping is first-come, first-served, with a three-night limit..  

Taking in Haleakalā’s summit sunrise show requires making a long, slow, winding drive up the mountain in the blackness of night to reach the viewing areas before sunrise. In efforts to alleviate road and parking congestion at the summit, the national park has implemented a permit requirement to access the viewing areas. These can be obtained up to 60 days in advance from the recreation.gov website. Permits are only required for driving up the mountain between 3am and 7am. Dress warmly, as it is cold on the summit rim. Hikers will find more than 30 miles of trails that journey down into the crater for exploring its many features. There is no shade or water on the crater floor, and temperatures can vary significantly, so pack along plenty of water and sunscreen. Also, due to the soft, sandy nature of the trails, plan on spending twice as much time to hike out as to hike in.


Hosmer Grove  - Haleakala National Park

Aina Arks at IAO 

Paliku Backcountry Campsite

Camping and lodging (one cabin) within the fog belt of the Kula Forest Reserve at 6200 foot elevation. Extensive trail system in the forest reserve, including through a forest reminiscent of the conifer forests of the Pacific Northwest coast.

Sweeping views of Central and West Maui, Kahoʻolawe, Molokaʻi and Lanaʻi in clear weather.

Pig and seasonal bird hunting. Hikers should wear bright colored clothing – hunters may be in the area. Nights are generally cold; winter nights frequently have below freezing temperatures. No campground showers. (10.0 acres).  PLEASE NOTE:  The Polipoli Cabin cannot be reserved through our online system.  Visitors must walk-in or call the Maui District office for reservations.

Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area Camping

Kanaha Beach Park

When it comes to camping locations in paradise, Waianapanapa State Park remains an unspoiled gem.  Low, volcanic cliffs envelop the sparkling black sand lagoon below. Located at the end of Waiʻanapanapa Road off Hana Highway, this park offers a wide range of scenic views, tropical hikes, and tons of unique recreation opportunities. Those looking for solitude and respite from the day-to-day grind of modern life are sure to enjoy this secluded campground. 

Waianapanapa is unique in that it’s one of the few places where you can enjoy dark, volcanic sand beaches. Even cooler, throughout the year the various tide pools throughout turn a deep shade of maroon-red. Scientists attribute this to the shrimp colonies that visit throughout the year. However, locals say it’s a due to a haunting from the blood of Popoaleae, a mythical princess who was killed by her husband Chief Kaakea in a cave nearby. We’ll let you decide what you want to believe. 

The campsites here are spacious enough to accomodate any tent or van dweller, but RVers aren’t going to find much accomodation here. The campground includes bathrooms, drinking water, an outdoor beach shower, fire pits, and tons of hikes nearby. In addition, the park grants access to shore fishing, snorkelling and scuba destinations nearby. Waianapanapa is also known for it’s natural blow-holes scattered through the park, and its world-class sea-bird watching.

Waianapanapa State Park is massive, featuring over 122 acres of unspoiled volcanic terrain. However, parking is limited and the campground itself is on the small side. If you’re looking to camp here, reservations must be made at least 3 days prior to your check-in date. For HI residents, fees are $12 per night for up to 6 people, and $2 per night for every person thereafter. If you’re not a resident, fees are $18/night, with an addition charge of $3 per additional camper. Additionally, the park also offers Cabins on reservation at $60/night for residents, and $90/night for visitors. That being said, if you’re planning on camping in a cabin be aware there is a 2 day minimum. If you’re the type to procrastinate, definitely take care of your reservations in advance as they are strict about permitting here. 

Waiʻanapanapa State Park

Maui Hawaii County Park Kanaha Beach Campground

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.

Haleakala National Park

The Best Camping Near Haleakala National Park, Hawaii

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.

The Best Camping in Ulumalu

Top Campgrounds in Ulumalu (17)

1.