Best Tent Camping near Waianae, HI

State parks and forest reserves near Waianae, Hawaii provide several tent camping options with ocean and mountain views. Camp Mokuleia, located on the northwestern tip of Oahu, offers tent campsites with beach access and mellow waters ideal for paddleboarding during summer months. Peacock Flats in the Mokuleia Forest Reserve provides primitive tent-only camping with stunning night sky views, though it requires 4WD access through military checkpoints. For tent campers seeking coastal experiences, Kahana Campground at Ahupua'a 'O Kahana State Park features ten beachfront tent sites available Friday through Wednesday mornings.

Most tent campgrounds require advance permits through state or private reservation systems. Campsites typically include picnic tables and fire rings, with varying levels of amenities. At Camp Mokuleia, tent sites are walk-in only, requiring a short distance from parking areas. Peacock Flats features pit toilets and picnic tables under shelters but no water, necessitating complete self-sufficiency. Weather conditions significantly impact tent camping experiences, with windward sites experiencing strong breezes and occasional storms. Sites at Malaekahana State Recreation Area charge per person, with a maximum of six people per site, making group tent camping relatively expensive compared to mainland parks.

Tent campers frequently mention the proximity to natural features as a highlight of Oahu camping. According to reviews, sites at Kahana Campground allow campers to "roll out of your tent in the morning right onto the sand and take a stroll along the beach." One visitor noted that at Malaekahana, "the campsites are spacious and very spread out," providing a sense of privacy despite the popularity of beach areas. Backcountry tent camping at Peacock Flats remains uncrowded due to difficult access, with one camper reporting, "Peacock Flats is hardly ever fully booked out due to how remote it is." Most tent sites benefit from tree cover for hammock setup, though insect protection is essential, particularly at sites near botanical gardens or forested areas.

Best Tent Sites Near Waianae, Hawaii (10)

    1. Camp Mokuleia

    5 Reviews
    Waianae, HI
    9 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.  "

    2. Mālaekahana State Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Wahiawa, HI
    22 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."

    3. Peacock Flats - Mokuleia Forest Reserve

    2 Reviews
    Waianae, HI
    7 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."

    4. Kahana Campground — Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park

    8 Reviews
    Mililani Mauka, HI
    21 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."

    6. Sand Island State Recreation Area

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

    "Clean grounds great beach access clean restrooms"

    7. Camp Mokule'ia

    Be the first to review!
    Waianae, HI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (808) 637-6241

    8. Kualoa A Regional Park

    1 Review
    Halawa, HI
    20 miles
    Website

    $32 / night

    9. Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

    3 Reviews
    Kaneohe, HI
    25 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. "

    10. Bellows Air Force Station

    3 Reviews
    Kaneohe, HI
    31 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."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Waianae, HI

73 Reviews of 10 Waianae Campgrounds



Guide to Waianae

Tent camping near Waianae, Hawaii offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the island while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. With several well-reviewed spots to choose from, you can find the perfect place to pitch your tent and unwind.

Local Activities to Enjoy While Tent Camping

Tips for Tent Camping Near Waianae

  • When camping at Camp Mokuleia, be sure to reserve a site in advance, especially during peak seasons, as it can get busy with events and activities.
  • At Sand Island State Recreation Area, prepare for a unique experience with beach access and clean facilities, but keep in mind that it’s located in a more industrial area.
  • If you’re looking for a family-friendly spot, Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden offers spacious campsites and activities like fishing and hiking, making it a great choice for those with kids.

Tent Camping Prices in the Area

  • Prices for tent camping at Mālaekahana State Recreation Area typically range from $50 to $60 per night, providing a budget-friendly option for families and solo travelers.
  • At Kahana Campground — Ahupuaʻa 'O Kahana State Park, expect to pay around $30 to $40 per night, making it an affordable choice for those looking to enjoy the beach.
  • For a unique experience, Camp Mokuleia offers tent sites starting at approximately $40 per night, with the added benefit of being close to various outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Waianae, HI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Waianae, HI is Camp Mokuleia with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

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