Map showing campground location near Kapa‘a, Hawaii

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Wiliwili Camp

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Pu'u Ka Pele Forest Reserve, managed by the State Department of Natural Resources, holds Wiliwili Camp at the base of Waimea Canyon, accessible only after a 2.5-mile descent down the Kukui Trail. The hike down is manageable for most fit hikers, but the climb back out with a loaded pack is where campers consistently report the real challenge. Fees run $0-$6 per night, with reservations available through the state.

The campground sits directly alongside a river that serves as the social center of the site. Campers use it for cooling off, washing up with biodegradable soap, and filtering drinking water. Small pools form along the banks, and the canyon walls rise on all sides, giving the bottom of the gorge a distinct, enclosed character. Nearby trails reach waterfalls and natural water slides. Mosquitoes are a known issue throughout, and reviewers strongly recommend bringing proven chemical repellent rather than natural alternatives.

Amenities are minimal but functional: a composting toilet, a covered picnic shelter with a table, a fire pit with available tinder, and designated camping pads near the river. Hunters with horses and dogs occasionally pass through, and ATVs are heard on occasion. As Julie D. notes, "the reward is being totally isolated and quiet down in the canyon." One critical safety note: the river can rise quickly after rain and become impassable, stranding campers on the far side. Car break-ins at the roadside parking pullout have been reported by multiple visitors.

Wiliwili is well-suited to experienced backpackers who can travel light, monitor weather conditions, and manage a strenuous out-and-back hike. Those wanting established facilities or vehicle access should consider Kōkeʻe State Park Campground or Sugi Grove Primitive - Kokee State Park as alternatives in the broader area.

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Map & DirectionsWiliwili Camp is located in Hawaii near Kapa‘a

Public Campground

Coordinates

22.06201758 N
159.65212075 W

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Access

Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Dispersed
Group
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Reservable
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Wiliwili Camp

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4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the stunning riverside location and isolated canyon setting as major draws. The challenging 2.5-mile hike deters crowds, creating a peaceful atmosphere with basic facilities and beautiful swimming spots in the stream.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Benjamin M.

Scout

Reviewed Jan. 12, 2024

Great experience?!

It was a great experience for all us. Nice scenic view of the camp.

Sitesite a

Month of VisitApril

Julie D.

Ranger

Reviewed Oct. 25, 2020

Gorgeous & remote, be careful of the river rising!

As others have said, the hike in and out of the canyon is not easy. But the reward is being totally isolated and quiet down in the canyon. So gorgeous!

The main thing that we learned the hard way is that the river that is near the campground can become impassable after a rainstorm. We left our camp to go for a day hike further into the canyon, and crossed the river with no issue. There was a downpour while we were on the other side of the river, and weren't able to cross back to get to our camp. We had to spend the night on the other side where thankfully there was another shelter. Luckily we had some food and our water filter and hammocks, and someone left a brand new sleeping bag that we used to keep warm. We were able to cross back over the next morning.

Also, our car got broken into where we left it parked on the road. Dont leave anything valuable in the car!

Despite being stranded and getting our car broken into, we also got engaged in the canyon...so this was definitely my most memorable backpacking trip.

Month of VisitDecember

Abby M.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2018

Beautiful views by the river

The 2.5 mile hike down Waimea Canyon to arrive at this site is worth it for the views alone. The campground is rustic. There is one outhouse and a covered picnic area. Our site was directly on the river. We stayed in the river or on the rocks in the river to swim, cook and hang out as it was the only spot free from mosquitoes. The views from the bottom of the canyon were breathtaking. We were the only campers when we went to bed but woke up to 2 men with horses and hunting dogs staying there.

SiteBy the river (FCFS)

Month of VisitJuly

Lindsey M.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 8, 2018

A Canyoned Paradise

The arduous hike in and impending brutal hike out make this campground a haven for those willing the make the trek. There’s a compositing toilet and a shelter with a picnic table in case it rains. Lots of trash from irresponsible hunters/campers near the shelter but the camping pads close to the river are beautiful. TONS of bugs that you can’t really feel biting you so bring really good (and environmentally friendly) bug spray. We took baths with bio soap in the river which flows strongly enough for fresh water (steripen that!) to drink but has small pools to sit in to cool off from the hike and wash up for camping. Lots of roosters and quail, hunters seeks wild pigs down I. The canyon. ATVs come through on occasion but this is a very private campground. Good tree coverage as it rains nearly every day in the canyon. Hikes around the area lead to various waterfalls and natural water slides. Don’t leave valuables in your car (we left our car unlocked to avoid broken windows - 8 piles of shattered window glass on the side of the road when we arrived at the trailhead (pull off on the side of the road to park and go there, no true parking lot).

Month of VisitJuly

(5) View All

Shannon W.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 15, 2018

Streamside almost secluded - great hike

Wiliwili is a site at the end of the kukui trail - down to the bottom of Waimea canyon. This place is well received by hikers as a beautiful place to cool off in the stream. This is also the first site you hit if you dare to venture further into the canyon off this trail. There is a fire pit and plenty of tinder which comes in handy since the second thing you will notice after the stream is the swarms of mosquitoes awaiting your arrival. Bring bug repellent and don’t play it safe with natural remedies, get the stuff you know works. We enjoyed hanging up hammocks here and laying in the streams gazing up at the canyon and stars. Lovely place but I surely regretted the 2.5mile ascent back up the canyon walls with 20lbs on my back. Travel light and you will enjoy this place. visited in June and it was great - no rain.

Month of VisitJune

(4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

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Key information for Wiliwili Camp includes: backcountry camping, Waimea Canyon, Kukui Trail, strenuous hiking required (2.5 miles), river access, composting toilet facilities, covered picnic area, primitive camping, flash flood risk after rainfall, isolated location, camping pads, hunter usage, pack-in/pack-out requirements, scenic canyon views, possible trash issues, river swimming opportunities, challenging terrain, wilderness experience, and weather considerations. The campground provides a true wilderness experience but requires proper preparation for the difficult hike in and out. River conditions can change rapidly after rainfall, potentially affecting site accessibility.

I don't have enough information to generate specific questions about this campground.

Wiliwili Camp is a remote backcountry campsite located at the bottom of Waimea Canyon, accessible via the 2.5-mile Kukui Trail. The site features a composting toilet, covered picnic area/shelter, designated camping pads, and a stream/river running nearby that offers a refreshing place to cool off. The campground is rustic and isolated, providing a peaceful experience in a stunning canyon setting. Hikers should be prepared for a challenging descent into the canyon and an even more strenuous climb out. The site's remote nature means you'll experience tranquility not found at more accessible campgrounds.

What is the elevation of Wiliwili Camp?

Wiliwili Camp is located at 1320 feet.

Are fires allowed at Wiliwili Camp?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Wiliwili Camp, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Wiliwili Camp have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Wiliwili Camp does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Wiliwili Camp?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is no coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and no coverage for Verizon.

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- Kapa‘a, HI (0.0 miles)