Top Glamping in Hawaii

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.

Best Glamping Sites in Hawaii (18)

    Camper-submitted photo from Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground

    1.

    Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    110 Photos
    106 Saves
    Haleakala National Park, Hawaii

    When it comes to camping locations in paradise, Waianapanapa State Park remains an unspoiled gem. Low, volcanic cliffs envelop the sparkling black sand lagoon below. Located at the end of Waiʻanapanapa Road off Hana Highway, this park offers a wide range of scenic views, tropical hikes, and tons of unique recreation opportunities. Those looking for solitude and respite from the day-to-day grind of modern life are sure to enjoy this secluded campground.

    Waianapanapa is unique in that it’s one of the few places where you can enjoy dark, volcanic sand beaches. Even cooler, throughout the year the various tide pools throughout turn a deep shade of maroon-red. Scientists attribute this to the shrimp colonies that visit throughout the year. However, locals say it’s a due to a haunting from the blood of Popoaleae, a mythical princess who was killed by her husband Chief Kaakea in a cave nearby. We’ll let you decide what you want to believe.

    The campsites here are spacious enough to accomodate any tent or van dweller, but RVers aren’t going to find much accomodation here. The campground includes bathrooms, drinking water, an outdoor beach shower, fire pits, and tons of hikes nearby. In addition, the park grants access to shore fishing, snorkelling and scuba destinations nearby. Waianapanapa is also known for it’s natural blow-holes scattered through the park, and its world-class sea-bird watching.

    Waianapanapa State Park is massive, featuring over 122 acres of unspoiled volcanic terrain. However, parking is limited and the campground itself is on the small side. If you’re looking to camp here, reservations must be made at least 3 days prior to your check-in date. For HI residents, fees are $12 per night for up to 6 people, and $2 per night for every person thereafter. If you’re not a resident, fees are $18/night, with an addition charge of $3 per additional camper. Additionally, the park also offers Cabins on reservation at $60/night for residents, and $90/night for visitors. That being said, if you’re planning on camping in a cabin be aware there is a 2 day minimum. If you’re the type to procrastinate, definitely take care of your reservations in advance as they are strict about permitting here.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Cabins
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $12 - $90 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Olowalu
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Olowalu
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Olowalu
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Olowalu
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Olowalu
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Olowalu

    2.

    Camp Olowalu

    18 Reviews
    71 Photos
    113 Saves
    Lahaina, Hawaii

    COVID-19 regulations: we are following all local, state and federal regulations regarding COVID-19, and recommend our guests to comply with current mandates and travel requirements to Hawaii and inter-island before making a reservation.

    PRE-CHECK IS REQUIRED FOR ALL INTER-ISLAND AND OUT-OF-STATE RESERVATIONS! AS OF OCTOBER 15, 2020, all inter-island and out-of-state visitors must prove the completion of the quarantine requirement or provide validated Safe Travels Hawai’i/DOH quarantine exemption. Documentation must be submitted via email to reservations@campolowalu.com, before 2PM on check-in day. Guests in non-compliance with the pre-check requirement will not be able to enter the campground. CAMP OLOWALU IS NOT A QUARANTINE SITE.

    Currently, reservations are open for tent sites, car camping, tentalows (no linens provided) and A-frame cabins. The camp store will remain closed until further notice; morning complimentary coffee is also discontinued.

    Camp on one of the 35 sites. Alongside Maui’s Olowalu Beach enjoy our campground amenities.

    Tent camping Tentalows Car Camping Cabins

    COMMON AMENITIES

    Bathrooms: toilet, sink, mirror, hand soap, paper towels & toilet paper
    Instant hot water showers
    Outdoor dishwashing station
    Wifi internet hotspot at check-in area
    Trash & recycling stations
    Private parking
    2 Charging stations
    Fire pit
    Picnic benches
    BBQ grills
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $24 - $1600 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Nāmakanipaio Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Nāmakanipaio Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Nāmakanipaio Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Nāmakanipaio Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Nāmakanipaio Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Nāmakanipaio Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

    3.

    Nāmakanipaio Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

    16 Reviews
    53 Photos
    42 Saves
    Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

    Nāmakanipaio Campground is located 31.5 miles south of Hilo on Highway-11 at 4,000' elevation. It is a large, open grassy area with tall eucalyptus and 'ōhi'a trees. This campground has restrooms, water, picnic tables and barbecue pits. Campfires are permitted in the barbeque pits only. If there are more than 2 people in your party, you can expand to 4 people per site with another tent. Maximum stay is 7 days.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Bellows Field Beach Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bellows Field Beach Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bellows Field Beach Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bellows Field Beach Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bellows Field Beach Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bellows Field Beach Park

    4.

    Bellows Field Beach Park

    15 Reviews
    28 Photos
    69 Saves
    Kailua, Hawaii

    Bellows Field Beach Park is located on a beautiful stretch of windward beach and holds fifty campsites. It is also a part of an active military training area. Campgrounds are not available before 12 noon on Friday. Bellows camping is closed between the hours of 8 p.m and 6 a.m. and no one is allowed to enter. Campers must remain in their designated camping area during those hours. A printed permit is required to camp in this park. All fees are non-refundable.

    Facilities 50 campsites total 2 Comfort Stations Outdoor Showers 2 Lifeguard Towers Limited parking

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Anahola Beach Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anahola Beach Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anahola Beach Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anahola Beach Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anahola Beach Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anahola Beach Park

    5.

    Anahola Beach Park

    8 Reviews
    30 Photos
    32 Saves
    Kapa‘a, Hawaii

    Anahola Beach Park campground closes each Thursday at 10AM for maintenance and reopens at 12PM each Friday. Lifeguards on duty at Anahola Beach Park from 9AM to 5PM daily.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Mokuleia
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Mokuleia
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Mokuleia
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Mokuleia
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Mokuleia
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Mokuleia
    Camper-submitted photo from Kumu Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Kumu Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Kumu Camp

    7.

    Kumu Camp

    2 Reviews
    3 Photos
    11 Saves
    Kapa‘a, Hawaii

    Located at beautiful Anahola Bay on the island of Kauai, Kumu Camp features rustic camping Tentalows with Queen or Twin-size beds. Also available are campsites around the property, for individuals or groups to pitch tents or vehicle camp with access to common area showers and bathrooms.

    We also host youth camps throughout the year including daily, weekend and week-long sessions. In addition, Kumu Camp is available year-round subject to availability, for retreats and over-night stays by the community and larger public. Common retreats hosted at Kumu camp have included Cultural Training, Yoga, Meditation, Church Groups, Canoe Paddling, Youth Retreats, Birthdays, Weddings, Family or Class Reunions, among others.

    Many families simply stay at the Kumu Camp to enjoy the beautiful rural setting to experience the great outdoors, night skies, the drum of the ocean and the calm and peace of Kauai. In addition, Kumu Camp is open for day use by the general public for a “day at the beach”, special gatherings and other special outings.

    The site includes access to out-door pavilions, various size party tents, a yurt conference room, beach volleyball, water sports, massage services and yoga classes. Complimentary coffee hour daily from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $15 - $210 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Pālāʻau State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pālāʻau State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pālāʻau State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pālāʻau State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pālāʻau State Park Campground

    8.

    Pālāʻau State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    5 Photos
    7 Saves
    Lahaina, Hawaii
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Bellows Air Force Station
    Camper-submitted photo from Bellows Air Force Station
    Camper-submitted photo from Bellows Air Force Station

    9.

    Bellows Air Force Station

    3 Reviews
    3 Photos
    15 Saves
    Kailua, Hawaii

    With 109 beach-side cabins, 16 air-conditioned condo units, 55 family campsites, 10 cedar camper cabins and 2 recreational vehicle sites, we have affordable beach accommodations for your every recreational need.

    Our furnished cabins sleep four adults comfortably and feature a fully-equipped kitchen and dining/living area. ADA cabins are available. Guests are allowed to pitch one canopy per cabin (15'x15' maximum).

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $27 - $169 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lucy Wright Beach Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lucy Wright Beach Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lucy Wright Beach Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lucy Wright Beach Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lucy Wright Beach Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lucy Wright Beach Park

    10.

    Lucy Wright Beach Park

    4 Reviews
    8 Photos
    5 Saves
    Kapa‘a, Hawaii

    Lucy Wright Beach Park campground closes each Monday at 10AM for maintenance and reopens at 12PM each Tuesday.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

Recent Glamping Reviews In Hawaii

98 Reviews of 18 Hawaii Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Bellows Air Force Station
    June 10, 2024

    Bellows Air Force Station

    Great for a weekend retreat from the craziness othe week.f

    Me and my wife cone camping here at least 10 times a year if not more. It s a great place to be with the sound of the breaking waves at every camping site and a lot of good amenities. 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. The staff is always so welcoming and its truly a great place to spend your time.

  • Camper-submitted photo from JoesNuts.com
    May 28, 2024

    JoesNuts.com

    Nice and easy driveway, walk to painted church and a few cool things

    There was a coffee farm within walk distance, the church, peace gardens and just nice little area.  Lots of pets, the cow! and baby goats.  City of refuge and Captain Cook Monument are amazing to  hang, and a few private beaches only for people who stay here

  • Camper-submitted photo from Camp Olowalu
    November 7, 2023

    Camp Olowalu

    Lovely, affordable accomodation

    I enjoyed my 5 night stay at a tent site here.  The grounds and facilities are well maintained and clean.  I used my site as a place to sleep and use the showers and bathroom facilities as needed.   I was gone by 8 am and back after sunset, going snorkeling, hiking and exploring the island.  I can't say what it would be like to lounge around all day at your site.  Some sights looked like they may have a lack of shade during the day.

    The beach is rocky and not one you'd likely want to spend your day on.  For the price and if you like camping (with hot showers, flush toilets and a sinks to wash your dishes) this is a great place to stay!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground
    April 4, 2023

    Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground

    Cabin rental. Great space!

    Two families, total of five people reserved a cabin. We had great space with one family in the bedroom (2 bunk beds) and the other using the bunk bed in the living space.   Unfortunately in the February rain we didn’t use the outdoor living space (covered deck) with picnic table as much as we would have liked but the kitchen had a long folding table that gives room for cooking, eating, and games.    A couch or other seating would have been nice.  It was very nice to have a full bathroom with hot water we showers. You do need to bring your own kitchen wares, bedding and towels.  

    The state park is beautiful to explore.  Definitely recommend an overnight stay over a day rip. The reservation is two night minimum unless there is a single day available.  A few of the cabins stayed empty despite full reservations prior so might be worth keeping an eye out for cancellations!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Camp Olowalu
    April 4, 2023

    Camp Olowalu

    Relaxing and clean camping spot!

    Our first time here we tent camped. Some of the sites seemed close together but we stayed at the end and had good privacy with the trade off of a long trip to the bathrooms.  The shared bathrooms are great! Clean, flush toilets, and running water.  Showers and dishwashing stations also a plus.  Free coffee for early risers.   You can see the beach from a few campsites.  Like most camping in Hawaii, bring your earplugs for the roosters.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Kumu Camp
    November 19, 2022

    Kumu Camp

    Nice campgrounds

    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. They have electric plugs in the common area but I found it to be slow. Love the beach. There are stray cats and neighborhood dogs roaming around. There is an outdoor communal kitchen which is nice too. The host is a nice lady. Anahola Beach is lovely, I camped there too.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Anahola Beach Park
    November 11, 2022

    Anahola Beach Park

    Loved this camp ground

    I was only able to get a two day permit and this place was my fav. 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. Will def visit again

  • Camper-submitted photo from Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground
    April 27, 2022

    Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground

    Not Your Average State Park!

    The road to Hana is a Maui Island must-do. And lots of people try to do it in a day -- sure it can be done, but why would you want to?  You’ll see so much and won’t take any of it in. So, slow down, take a minute between stops on your itinerary and stay a night or three in Wai’anapapa State Park.  We stayed 3 nights and wished we'd had 1 more.

    This park is known for its amazing black sand beach and offers visitors a 4-hour permit to experience the beach, the cove and coastal trail through rugged a’a lava fields. However, if you camp there your permit is good for the whole day and into the next to make the most of your visit. The park closes at sunset for all the other visitors, but campers can come and go and feel like you have the place all to yourself at sunrise just before the early permit holders arrive. 

    The current camping area isn’t much more than a big patch of grass with trees around the perimeter. Things might open up again once the pandemic regulations subside. A small area, perhaps 50 yards by 20 defines the camper van camping area and there are only 6 loosely defined sites. The bathrooms old and well used, showers are the outside beach variety with cold water and spectators. Potable water is available as well as a few Coke machines. 

    We had a problem charging up our electronics and assumed that we might find electricity at the state park just like back on the mainland -- we were wrong. There wasn’t an outlet to be found either in the park or even in the beach park down in Hana – this one got our hopes up because they have outlets which weren’t hot.  So bring your solar panels!  Plan ahead, or go to the coffee shop five miles back up the road.

    The road to the SP has at least 3 fruit stands and you’ll find another dozen on your way into Hana town. There is a small grocer as well as a handful of good restaurants associated with the local inns or guest houses. Gas is also easy to find in town as well as a small hospital. There is also a spouting hole in the lava which erupts with the incoming waves very close to the main beach -- this is fun for the whole family. Snorkeling is pretty good in the cove, especially on calmer days. Body surfing is fun when it’s less calm as this beach has a black sand break rather than reef. 

    Hiking in the park is totally worth it. The trail winds along the coastline high above the water, allowing amazing views of the lava structures, arches, tubes, coves and caves that the sea has shaped. The trail is strenuous and footing can be tricky in places, but the views, especially on a south eastern swell are amazing. Give yourself some time to check it out.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Camp Olowalu
    April 27, 2022

    Camp Olowalu

    Gorgeous but NOISY!

    The outdoor showers at Camp Olowalu resort are worth the stay in and of themselves. They are works of art, frankly. The tent sites are amazing, though perhaps spaced a little close together between the main camp and the shoreline, but with beach access so close, and the surrounding environment so beautiful it’s easy to forget. The glamping tents, complete with fresh pineapple upon arrival, are something to behold. 

    However, we stayed in the camper van area, and while there was plenty of room and a nice picnic table, but it was exactly like camping on the perimeter of a large parking lot. Since all the tent sites are walk-in, those guests frequently return to their vehicles to retrieve belongings, luggage, or drive off to a restaurant at all hours. We found it to be noisy and distracting. 

    The location for the camp is beautiful, and it is close to the busy road on the west side of Maui. Between 12am and 5am were the only hours that things seemed to die down– this isn’t the campground’s fault of course, just be aware of this.  Then, about 5am, the feral roosters chime in to have their say, and the traffic begins.  Long story short...bring earplugs!

    Right across the main road you’ll find a huge fruit stand market with lots of options, and within a few short miles there are dozens of restaurant options, and grocery stores. This part of the island is heavily residential so there are many services which cater to the locals. The camp store has a few touristy items for sale, ice, sunscreen, firewood and marshmallows in case you forget these.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hamakua Guesthouse & Camping Cabanas
    April 26, 2022

    Hamakua Guesthouse & Camping Cabanas

    Hammock Cabanas, Hawaiian Style

    This guest house offers a wide array of lodging opportunities, but the most unique are their hammock cabanas. These elevated, screened and tented porches offer one a pleasant and inexpensive (for Hawaii) night’s sleep. Rather than providing a bed or cot, each tent has two sleeping hammocks, a small cooler, secure gear locker and some basic lighting and electricity.  Note, the power goes off at 10pm, as the whole compound runs on solar power and batteries. It was raining buckets the night we stayed there, but we were dry and comfortable, although torrential rain on any small structure might make sleeping a challenge. 

    The guest house at the top of the property has a great covered back porch with some great cooking, food preparation, and washing up options. Also the bathrooms and showers are lovely, especially if you’ve just come from a backcountry trip in the National Park!  

    The guest house also welcomes the small herd of local stray cats to roam around outside and get an evening meal. It’s so cool if you like cats, but could be a bit of a nightmare if you do not. These furry guests are not allowed inside so no worries there, but they will investigate your food bag and meow like crazy should you be trying to make dinner outside.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Arnotts Lodge and Hiking Adventures
    January 25, 2022

    Arnotts Lodge and Hiking Adventures

    Centrally located in Hilo, city camping!

    Surprisingly there are few places to camp on this side of the island. Unless you have a car it's almost impossible to get to them with your luggage. Hot showers, wifi, and plenty of common areas for eating, relaxing, etc. Children under 7 not allowed. No stores or restaurants in walking distance. So many birds and other loud creatures singing all night long. Overall a great stop but not quite what we were looking for.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Kumu Camp
    November 24, 2021

    Kumu Camp

    Great spot right on Anahola Bay!

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Nāmakanipaio Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
    October 31, 2021

    Nāmakanipaio Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

    Amazing Travel

    The campground was lovely. Great location, just down the road from Volcano House (where you go to check in). We stayed in a cabin and it was excellent. The doors have key cars swipe (don't forget your key, the doors lock automatically behind you!) The shower was good and even the complimentary shower gel in the women's shower was nice! Dinner at Volcano House was good. I only wish we had stayed more than one night to be able to explore the area more.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pālāʻau State Park Campground
    October 31, 2021

    Pālāʻau State Park Campground

    Travel Healthcare Job

    While in HI, for a travel job we got to experience this beautiful island. Molokai is not only beautiful, but it has the full range of landscapes, from beach to mountains, from desert-like atmosphere to rain forest. The beaches are not only full of beautiful white sand, but lacking crowds of people! It is the most laidback of all of the islands, and probably has the most Hawaiians still living there. The people are so nice and friendly. There is so much history on such a small island. If you want a truly relaxing vacation, this is the spot!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pālāʻau State Park Campground
    September 11, 2021

    Pālāʻau State Park Campground

    No park entrance fee

    There is no park entrance fee but there is a cost to some. The views here are amazing and Molokai is a very uninhabited island, so this place is very peaceful.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Camp Olowalu
    September 8, 2021

    Camp Olowalu

    Olowalu oasis!

    Staying in the tentalows for a week and I do not want to go! The royal palm entrance is a beautiful indicator of what’s ahead at camp Olowalu! Fully enclosed yurt like cabins with a sink, mirror, towels, linens, hooks, lights, outdoor shower, and keyed entry CLEAN bathrooms near every tentalow. Across the path is the beach and across the street is Olowalu general store with ono poke, great gifts, fresh pineapple market, butterfly farm, etc. gorgeous mature mango trees and bamboo. The most exquisite campground I’ve ever stayed at.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Camp Olowalu
    July 8, 2021

    Camp Olowalu

    Stunning view from camp

    This is the only place I will stay when I come back to Maui. Tentalos are a far cry from roughing it, but they're also awesome. Much cheaper than a hotel. Well-kept grounds are similar to a city park. Close access to the beach and water activities. You can rent surfboards, paddle boards, kayaks. Saw whales surfacing at sundown.

    Glamp it up.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Camp Mokuleia
    July 1, 2021

    Camp Mokuleia

    Super Clean and Incredibly Friendly

    I camped here in January 2021 during peak Covid closures when the campground was not yet re-opened for group camping. 

    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.  The sites are huge.

    During covid they were only using every other site, and had installed a shower and sink at each one. The bathrooms are a walk away inside a yurt. We were assigned a bathroom for just our site and given a key for it. 

    The property has a gate with a code that you can go in and out as you please, and the staff were really helpful and kind.

    There is one large fire pit area to share, and we had a table at our site. You are not able to drive in your car, but it's only  a short walk, even to the furthest away sites.

    We had the whole property to ourselves one night - but if you're visiting when events are operational, this might not be the case, so I recommend checking how busy they are when you call to reserve. 

    They also have tent 'cabins' right on the beach which were pretty nice (but you still bring your own mats and bags).

    For me, the greatest thing about this site is that it is located on the NW side of Oahu. In January, the winds were strongest from the East and we had to vacate our other campground when winds were up to 20MPH off the ocean.  This side of the island gave us a break from the wind.

    It's a very short walk to "Lost Survivors Beach" (where they filmed the pilot of Lost) and a short and beautiful  drive to the state park and hike where the road deadends just a few miles past the campground.  For supplies, it's about 15 minutes back to Haliewa where there are tons of restaurants, food cards, groceries and a Longs Drug.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Camp Mokuleia
    May 5, 2021

    Camp Mokuleia

    Quaint Campground

    This was my favorite campground I stayed at while on O'ahu! It was the least expensive, and felt the safest. I had a tent spot right by the beach. The bathrooms and shower facilities were basic but very clean and were nicer than some of the other campgrounds. The staff were super friendly and helpful. There were a few groups there using their building and ropes course facilities, which was fun to watch. The beach area was really nice and not crowded at all.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Bellows Field Beach Park
    May 5, 2021

    Bellows Field Beach Park

    Convenient Location

    This campground has extremely close access to the beach, which is nice, and it's not far from Kailua. The individual sites aren't really marked, so it feels a little like a free for all, especially if you're arriving on Saturday. The area where all of the tent spots are is all sand, so be prepared with whatever vehicle you're driving. The bathrooms were decent. The campsites were all very crowded and loud throughout the weekend, but most everyone cleared out before Sunday evening. 

    My campsite was right by the bathrooms, and closer to the beach than most others, which was nice.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground
    March 25, 2021

    Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground

    Great Location on North-East Side of Maui; Basic Cabins with Great Views

    We were lucky enough to get a cabin for one night at Waiʻanapanapa State Park, allowing us to spend more time hiking at this end of the island without worrying about driving back to the other side the same day. The black sand beach is lovely, but when we went in February, it was a bit too dangerous to enter the ocean. There are definitely rocks all around, and it's the side of Maui where the waves are larger, so be careful. The high surf did let us see the blowhole in action - great fun to watch the wind carry the sea spray for yards into the park. 

    Campground: The campsites we saw don't really have vegetation between them, but you're here for the location and the beach, and there aren't any other economical overnight options in the area, so that is neither here not there. Would definitely recommend staying at the park if you'd like to spend more time in this corner of the island.

    Cabins: We stayed in a cabin, which are usually two-night minimum, but we planned our trip around a 1-night only availability to get around this rule (~$100/night). Our cabin (#9), didn't have a direct ocean view, but it did sit a bit above the tree line and nevertheless had a great view. It was also intermittently pouring, so a cabin was ideal for our February stay. For tourists, there are some hurdles to booking the cabins (you need to bring your own sheets, towels and soaps, which many folks don't fly to the island with). The cabins have 3 sets of bunks (4 beds total in a bedroom and 2 beds in the living room). We slept in the living room as the mattress condition was better and the mosquito nets on the windows in that room didn't have holes. The cabin has water and electricity, but no AC, so we just slept with the windows open and it was comfortable. No window coverings. To avoid ripping the mattress covers or scratching the floors, there is no moving the mattresses or the beds. There was a bit of a smell (maybe the drain, maybe oxidizing steel sink and hotplate) when we arrived, so I did a thorough clean and blocked the drain with a towel. The cabin will be pretty much the way the last guests left it so I'm sure conditions will vary - our bathroom and floors were clean for cabin conditions. No complaints there. The bathroom has a shower, sink and toilet. the kitchen has a fridge/freezer, microwave, hotplate?, and sink. There is a table and 4 folding chairs inside and a built-in picnic table on the porch, and a grill for each cabin. 

    That all may not sound luxurious, but we really enjoyed our night here! The porch was large and each porch is designed to face away from other porches and towards the view. It was beautiful watching the sky change at sunset and sunrise. Staying here was much more economical than our other options in Hana. Most importantly, staying over night removed the time stress of doing the road to Hana. We were able to stop, hike, picnic, etc. as often as we wanted on the way out without worrying about a time crunch. We checked out the town of Hana after checking into our cabin and had a relaxed meal across the street from the entrance. We were able to add a 3-hour hike in Haleakala national park (Pipiwei Trail - recommend!) the following day and since that was a hot day, it was nice to start before the sun was too high and the parking lot was too full.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Bellows Air Force Station
    March 5, 2021

    Bellows Air Force Station

    Nice and tucked away from road

    There are cabins and apartments for rent if you have base access. I stayed in a cabin near the beach, it was small and clean. Only problem is the reservations are booked for about year out, so you never know what kind of weather you'll get when the reservation finally comes along. In our case it was rainy and windy... Not perfect for camping on the beach, but what can you do when reservations have to be made so far out?

  • Camper-submitted photo from Kalopa State Recreation Area
    January 5, 2021

    Kalopa State Recreation Area

    Upland forest beauty

    Awesome hiking/running trails, many native plant species difficult to find elsewhere. Pavilions and cabins for rent. check the county website for availability.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Bellows Field Beach Park
    December 8, 2020

    Bellows Field Beach Park

    NO PETS (DOGS) ALLOWED ON ANY HAWAII STATE CAMPGROUNDS!

    This website is in error. There are no dogs allowed on ANY Hawaii State Campground!!! Don't know if you know this or not. So if you have a dog in Hawaii, you cannot bring your loved one(s) camping anywhere. Too bad.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lucy Wright Beach Park
    November 11, 2020

    Lucy Wright Beach Park

    Day spot

    I highly recommend not camping here. We went for the day and it was pretty dirty. The waterfall is unreal though, that’s why we were there!