Planning a dispersed camping trip in Hawaii? Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds in Hawaii, including sites, reviews, and tips. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the woods or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.
Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park & Kalalau Trail: In-order to access the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park as well as the Kalalau Trail, visitors have to go through Hāʻena SP. Hāʻena SP now requires advanced reservations for entry except for those with valid camping permits for the Nāpali Coast SWP and for Hawaii residents. Those with Nāpali Coast SWP Camping Permits do not need to make a Hāʻena SP Park Entry Reservation. Please present your valid camping permit upon arrival.
Camping Permits are available 90-days in-advance
Scout
The scenery is so beautiful. I discovered a lot of cool things from this place and I will probably never forget getting over it in my mind.
Scout
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.
ScoutHalape is one of the most amazing places I've ever camped. Spent 3 nights there in January 2013 after about 15 miles hiking in from the west. Didn't see a soul the whole time, and we were in the national park for 5 days. The highlight of the trip was harvesting mussels off the rocks, climbing up the coconut palms to get fruit, and cooking up the mussels in coconut water with some curry powder we brought in. Most incredible foraged meal I've ever had. The lilikoi that grows on the hillsides just up from the beach are delicious too. It's hard to get to but worth the trip!
RangerThis 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.
RangerKalalau is one of the best backpacking trips in the country. Please be respectful of the land and of others. The first part to the beach can be crowded with day hikers but the crowd thins out after that. Great views all the way!
LegendHow 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.
GuideI 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.
Scoutthe hype does not match the reality. Oh, if you are deaf it is a wonder to behold. The innocent tourists in helicopter tours make it a waste of time and money. Even thou you might be loving the magic which is pervasive, when you leave you will realize you have been cheated.
Legend
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.
Rangerlove the view
RangerWho 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.
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.