Best Campgrounds near Kapa‘a, HI

Camping areas near Kapa'a, Hawaii offer diverse options from sea level beaches to mountain forest camps reaching elevations of 3,600 feet. Most coastal camping sites near Kapa'a require permits obtained from county offices in Lihue, typically costing $3 per night for non-residents. Eastern shore campsites often experience strong trade winds, while mountain camping areas like Kōkeʻe can drop to 45°F at night even during summer months.

What to do

Hiking at Kōkeʻe State Park: Located about 1.5 hours from Kapa'a in the mountains, Kōkeʻe State Park Campground offers multiple hiking trails with canyon and valley views. "This is the place to go on the island if you need to get out of the heat and humidity given that its higher up in elevation. There are countless hikes that bring you to viewpoints of either the Napali Coast or the canyon itself," notes a camper.

Snorkeling at calm beaches: The protected waters at Anini Beach Park create ideal snorkeling conditions. "The reef goes on for miles. The waves are safe for little ones, and we saw countless fish, turtles and whales in the distance," explains one visitor who stayed at the beach campground.

Visit Hanapepe town: Just a short drive from Salt Pond Beach Park, explore the town that inspired Lilo and Stitch. "Really close to Hanapepe which is the town that inspired Lilo and Stitch and has great shops and the best bakery on the island (Midnight Bear)," shares a camper.

What campers like

Tree cover for shade: Many campers appreciate shaded sites at Anahola Beach Park, particularly during hot days. "I elected to post up under the tree section, which provided a good cover, flat ground and actually had a downed tree that I used to set up backpacking stove for coffee in the morning," reports one camper.

Oceanfront camping: Direct beach access ranks high for campers. "You can drive up to your camping spot and be right on the ocean. I loved it. Bathrooms were clean and close by, beach was lovely," comments a visitor about Anahola Beach Park.

Temperature variety: Campers appreciate the cooler mountain climate at Kōkeʻe as a break from coastal humidity. "The benefit of being atop the mountains is it cools comfortably at night, even in the summer. A lovely place to stay any time," notes a reviewer.

What you should know

Permits required: Most public beach camping requires permits obtained in advance. "The permits are really easy to get and are pretty cheap. Just go to the camping office for parks in Lihue and you can get it either in advance or day of," explains a camper at Anahola Beach.

Varying crowd levels: Some campsites near Kapa'a attract more visitors than others. Lydgate State Park Campground has a more developed, social atmosphere. "The sites are close together and each gets a picnic table. I liken these kinds of sites as outdoor motels with a tent square and table and a neighbor within 15ft," explains a reviewer.

Basic facilities: Most beach campsites offer fundamental amenities. "The showers are 'cold', which in Hawaii, means room temperature, so after the initial shock, it actually becomes quite comfortable," notes a camper at Anahola Beach Park.

Tips for camping with families

Protected swimming areas: Hanamaulu Beach Park offers calmer swimming options for children. "We stayed by the beach and did some hiking around the area as well which was beautiful. We went down the beach a little ways and found a place where the water wasn't as rough and got in and did some snorkeling," notes a visitor.

Playground access: Several beaches have play areas for children. "There is a GINORMOUS playground right next to the beach that you can drive up to. This beach is a local favorite," mentions a camper about Hanamaulu Beach Park.

Sand flea protection: Several beaches have biting insects at dawn and dusk. "The only negatives I experienced were the sand flies/mite at dusk and dawn when we were out on the sand. They bit up our feet and ankles similar to mosquitoes," warns a camper from Anahola Beach.

Tips from RVers

Alternative accommodations: For those with RVs or seeking more comfort, Kumu Camp offers glamping options. "We stayed in a bungalow 7. After camping for 5 days we wanted to stay in a cabin. They do have hot water but it does run out, so try to get their earlier in the evening," advises a visitor.

Outdoor kitchen access: Some camping areas provide community cooking facilities. "There is an outdoor communal kitchen which is nice too," notes a visitor at Kumu Camp, which offers an alternative to self-contained cooking.

Limited hookups: Most campgrounds near Kapa'a lack RV hookups. "Easy to book online ahead of time, reliable to find camp spots even day-of. Clean bathroom/showers, very friendly camp hosts. Right at the water and reasonably priced! We were there in a camper van," explains a Kumu Camp visitor.