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Best Dispersed Camping in Hawaii

13 Reviews

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.

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Best Dispersed Sites in Hawaii (3)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos in Hawaii

5 Photos of 3 Hawaii Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews in Hawaii

13 Reviews of 3 Hawaii Campgrounds

  • Laura H.
    Aug. 28, 2016

    Halape Shelter — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

    Great overnight backpacking trip

    Who doesn't love camping on an isolated beach! Halape is a backcountry backpacking trip in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You have to go the day before or the morning of to get camping permits from the backcountry office on a first com first served basis. There are a few trails to take to get to Halape ranging from 8-11 miles - people choose them based on elevation gain and how bad it is on your knees when hiking with a full pack on. Check with the backcountry office when you get your permits about the water supply there. There is generally plenty of water available at the beach site but bring your water filter or purification tablets! Bring fishing gear or a knife to collect opihi to eat. Be aware of the earthquake/tsunami history of the campsite in the past - the park rangers are good about telling you what to do in case of anything! Overall it's a mini paradise with a gorgeous beach to yourself. Walk over to Halape Iki for another perfect little beach cove.

  • Cyrel T.
    Jun. 24, 2019

    Kalalau Trail Camping — Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park

    Camping in a lost world

    I have done the hike to this campsite 4 times in 4 years. Each year I anticipate going and each time I do it I find myself asking myself, "why am I putting myself through this torture?" Then I am rewarded with the my goal, The kalalau beach. Campsites are spread out with camping available anywhere in the treeline running the whole length of the nearly half mile long beach. The campsites are fare for being so remote but the real treasure here is in the beach. Sit for a sunset and you will understand. Be aware is an 11 mile hike in and an 11 mile hike out. Do your research and get your permits.

  • Sasha W.
    Jul. 29, 2018

    Whittington Beach Park

    So beautiful

    This beach park offers so many activities, views, and great places to eat. This is one of my families favorite places to visit when coming to Hawaii. It is a drive from the big island, but definitely worth it. We stayed here 1 night before heading back to the big island. So glad we decided to make the trip. Its located on the south side of the big island, in the Ka'u District. One incredible thing about this beach and camping here is you get the best views of the ocean. It honestly doesnt get any better than that. We also enjoyed snorkeling here, too. I would highly recommend that. We also did a diving tour, which is one of the reasons we decided to come to this part of the island. The diving was incredible, highly recommend. We saw a shark, so many turtles, and lots of fish. One great thing about the park is there is no cost to come, which is awesome! We were warned, however, that the locals dont really take too kindly to people staying here. Not sure why, but everyone warned us. We camped in a spot that was hidden, so we didnt have any troubles. Just FYI before you plan to come here or stay long. Again, we stayed only 1 night and honestly were only in our camping spot for maybe 6hrs total. Just to sleep.

  • Rene R.
    Jun. 16, 2022

    Kalalau Trail Camping — Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park

    Best campground ever

    If you make it to Kalalau Beach, you will be rewarded with an amazing location and direct beach access in front of a stunning landscape. Access to the Kalalau Valley for exploring is easy from here. At the very end of the trail, there is a waterfall for access to water and taking a shower. Simply breathtaking, but you’ll have to work to make it there. There are outhouses too, but they’re very basic. You might find this site helpful as well: https://www.hikingkalalau.com.

  • Taylor The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 11, 2020

    Kalalau Trail Camping — Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park

    Amazing

    This was my favorite hike in Hawaii. It was so beautiful I felt like I was in a movie! Make sure to bring lots of water and even a water pump or life straw, we ran out of water and thought we had brought too much initially. Also have a snack, I didn’t eat that day and my legs started shaking quite a bit.

  • Kate W.
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Kalalau Trail Camping — Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park

    Primitive perfection

    How can you complain about a campground in paradise?!

    On the Na Pali Coast trail at the halfway point near Hanakoa Falls are a few primitive spots to call home before venturing on.  Warning: The ground is wet (duh, it's Kauai) and "locals" tend to squat in the area.  There's a 3-sided shelter to get out of the rain, but that happened to be where a kid was more or less living.  He was sweet and watched our things while we hiked to the waterfall - although he could have easily stolen everything we had.  

    The area feels so sacred and special that even if you may be miserable and wet, you can't help but feel at peace.

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Kalalau Trail Camping — Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park

    Favorite Backpacking Trip Ever!

    I’ve backpacked it 7 times and have ran the trail 3 times. Plenty of camp sites for tents or hammocks. Careful camping on the beach as waves can rise overnight. Beautiful waterfall flows down to the beach .

  • Brittany R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 19, 2025

    Whittington Beach Park

    Absolutely beautiful spot!

    We actually just stumbled upon this campsite as we were trying to get a view of the coast line and wow! What a beautiful place! And it’s free!! Not many of those on the island. We didn’t actually end up staying here because we were headed up to Volcano but it was so nice that we considered changing our plans just to stay here. I’d highly recommend!

Guide to Hawaii

Experience the thrill of dispersed camping in Hawaii, where breathtaking landscapes and unique adventures await. From pristine beaches to lush valleys, these spots offer a chance to connect with nature in a truly unforgettable way.

Top Activities while free camping in Hawaii

Tips for free and dispersed camping in Hawaii

Dispersed campers should check out Whittington Beach Park

  • Dive into adventure at Whittington Beach Park, known for its excellent snorkeling opportunities and beautiful ocean views, perfect for a family outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free camping on the Big Island of Hawaii?

Free camping options on the Big Island include Halape Shelter — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and Whittington Beach Park. Halape Shelter offers a remote backcountry experience on an isolated beach, requiring a backcountry permit obtained on a first-come, first-served basis from the park office the day before or morning of your trip. Whittington Beach Park provides free camping with direct beach access and coastal views. While technically free, most dispersed camping in Hawaii requires permits, so always check current regulations before your trip. Be prepared for primitive conditions with limited facilities and pack everything you need, including sufficient water for backcountry locations.

What permits or regulations should I know about for dispersed camping in Hawaii?

Hawaii has strict regulations for dispersed camping on all islands. Most areas require permits, even for seemingly free locations. For backcountry camping at locations like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you must obtain permits from the backcountry office on a first-come, first-served basis, ideally the day before your trip. For popular destinations like the Na Pali Coast, permits for Kalalau Trail Camping are required and can be difficult to secure, especially during peak seasons. Camping is generally prohibited in unauthorized areas, and Hawaii actively enforces these rules with potential fines. Many beaches and parks have specific designated camping areas only. Always check the specific regulations for your intended location, as rules vary by island, park jurisdiction, and can change seasonally. Most permits can be obtained online through respective land management agencies.

Are there any free camping spots available on Oahu?

Free camping options on Oahu are extremely limited compared to other Hawaiian islands. Most camping on Oahu requires permits and fees through the Department of Land and Natural Resources or City and County parks. Unlike the Kauai's Kalalau Trail Camping — Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park which offers dispersed camping opportunities (with permits), Oahu has stricter regulations. Your best option for legal free camping on Oahu is to obtain camping permits for designated beach parks during periods when fees are waived. Always verify current regulations before your trip, as Hawaii strictly enforces camping rules and unauthorized camping can result in significant fines. Permits for Oahu camping sites can be reserved online through the city's Department of Parks and Recreation.

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