Best Dog-Friendly Camping 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 Dog-Friendly Sites in Hawaii (37)

    1. Hosmer Grove Campground — Haleakalā National Park

    19 Reviews
    Haleakala National Park, HI
    Website

    "Nearby trails through beautiful forests and with jaw-dropping views. Wake up early for the sunrise and pre-dawn birdsong."

    "* The campground is at the entrance to the Haleakalā National Park, allowing you to wake up and explore as opposed to make an early drive a couple miles up a windy road if you were doing a longer hike"

    2. Camp Olowalu

    18 Reviews
    Lahaina, HI
    Website
    +1 (808) 661-4303

    $24 - $1600 / night

    "Like most camping in Hawaii, bring your earplugs for the roosters."

    "To look up at the stars and trees and smell the fresh air while showering outside in an enclosed area was incredible. The beach is underaverage in my opinion (not the typical Hawaii experience)."

    3. Nāmakanipaio Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

    17 Reviews
    Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI
    Website
    +1 (808) 967-7321

    "And if anyone knows rain in Hawaii is HARD - so make sure you are prepared if you decide to camp in Hawaii.

    This is a great way to be close to the volcano park to get an early start."

    "Very quiet location with nearby access to incredible hiking. The higher altitude kept the temperatures in the low 60's and perfect for sleeping. Not very many campers so it was a peaceful evening."

    4. Bellows Field Beach Park

    15 Reviews
    Kaneohe, HI
    Website
    +1 (808) 523-4525

    "Camping in hawaii is special no matter the time and place. Bellows has been a favorite because the waves are perfect for buggie boarding and the beach is peaceful."

    "Because you need to have military access to enjoy this beautiful beach park."

    5. Anini Beach Park

    10 Reviews
    Kapa‘a, HI
    Website
    +1 (808) 244-6660

    $3 / night

    "campground as much as I loved staying at Anini Beach. absolutely breathtaking. the reef goes on for miles. the waves are safe for little ones, and we saw countless fish, turtles and whales in the distance"

    "We absolutely LOVED that we could camp as close to the ocean as we were able to, especially on such a beautiful bay.  This was also a wonderful bay to swim in. "

    6. Hā’ena State Park

    10 Reviews
    Kapa‘a, HI
    Website
    +1 (808) 241-6660

    $3 / night

    "This was one of my favorite places to visit because it was very close to the Napali Coast which has so much hiking. That is actually one of the reasons we decided to stay here."

    "Camping here was incredible, right on the coast and close to the trails to beat the crowds.

    I will camp here again."

    7. Kīpahulu Campground — Haleakalā National Park

    9 Reviews
    Haleakala National Park, HI
    Website
    +1 (808) 572-4400

    "There is no fee to camp here for up to 3 days as long as you've paid the Haleakala NP entrance fee --which of course everyone who makes it to the end of the Hana highway does anyway!"

    "Camp sites are located all along the lollipop of the road that leads into the campground as well as some more spots along the shore."

    8. Anahola Beach Park

    8 Reviews
    Kapa‘a, HI
    Website
    +1 (808) 241-6660

    "The showers are "cold", which in Hawaii, means room temperature, so after the initial shock, it actually becomes quite comfortable."

    "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"

    9. Kahana Campground — Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park

    8 Reviews
    Mililani Mauka, HI
    Website
    +1 (808) 587-0300

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Every camp site is perfect, all close to the water (and the car) and with beautiful views. Like lots of Hawaii, we just kept our swimsuits on all the time while visiting."

    "There is a beach camping spot nearby here and I will add it to the map once I get the info from my friend in Hawaii!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 37 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews in Hawaii

358 Reviews of 37 Hawaii Campgrounds


  • Emily W.
    Aug. 2, 2016

    Bellows Field Beach Park

    Oahu camping

    Camping in hawaii is special no matter the time and place. Bellows has been a favorite because the waves are perfect for buggie boarding and the beach is peaceful. This spot has plenty of trees to set up a slack line and hammock to relax and play.

  • V
    Apr. 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.

  • Bryce H.
    Jul. 2, 2018

    Ho'okena Beach Park

    Wake up on a historic and pristine salt and pepper beach

    My favorite place to camp in Hawaii. A small and isolated beach well hidden from the average person it seems. Ho'okena is a fun place to get a feel of local vibes for sure. Great and very accommodating staff. Real bathrooms as well as fairly clean port-o-poties they provide closer to the actual camp sites. Some really amazing snorkeling too!

  • Christy K.
    Jul. 25, 2015

    Nāmakanipaio Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

    Nice grassy open area and very clean

    We stayed here Thanksgiving night prior to spending a day in Volcanoes national park. Given the holiday, everything was closed in town so make sure you bring some food and supplies. It was also pretty quiet and felt very safe.

    In the middle of the night we woke up to RAIN! And if anyone knows rain in Hawaii is HARD - so make sure you are prepared if you decide to camp in Hawaii.

    This is a great way to be close to the volcano park to get an early start.

    There is a paystation on site and restrooms, firepits and picnic tables.

  • t
    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

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 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.

  • J
    Aug. 10, 2018

    Mālaekahana State Recreation Area

    Remote, relaxing

    Malaekahana State Recreation Campground & Malaekahana Beach Campground are 2 separate campgrounds run by 2 different “owners” on the Island of Oahu-Hawaii. They are only a few miles apart.

    The State Campground is State run requiring a permit (on line). No fires, no pets, tent camping. Reasonable pricing.

    Malaekahana Beach Campground is privately owned. Tents sites are $9.00 per person per night with maximums based on site size. They also have Rustic cabins with one queen bed and a bunk. ($50+). No electric or water. Water nearby. Then they have the larger cabins with 2 queen beds, flush toilet and electric for approx $120. a night. All sites have fire rings and a picnic table. No pets.Outdoor showers and flush toilets various locations around campground. Very dark at night-bring flashlights, lanterns. Employees there have always been very friendly and helpful. Gate locked 7p-7a. Must call for assistance if emergency arises or you’re out late! I’ve camped here many times and love having the beach so close! Last time I camped there was in Feb. There was a big storm that Sat & Sun and on Monday-the campers were all out trying to clean up the beach!

  • riki L.
    Dec. 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.

  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2019

    Camp Mokuleia

    Amazing spot if surfing and climbing!

    This campground is very close to the highest concentration of rock climbs in all of Hawaii! The Mokule'ia wall has over 60 climbs ranging from beginner to expert and includes trad, sport, and toprope routes. One of the other things we loved about this site is the proximity to Ka'ena Point! It feels like you're standing out in the ocean without anything around it's such a small point! One of favorite places we hung out at during our trip to Hawaii


Guide to Hawaii

Discovering pet-friendly camping spots in Hawaii allows you to enjoy the stunning landscapes while bringing your furry friends along for the adventure. Here are some great options for camping with pets in this tropical paradise.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Hawaii

  • At Camp Olowalu, pets are welcome, and you can enjoy activities like snorkeling and hiking nearby, making it a perfect spot for outdoor fun.
  • Nāmakanipaio Campground offers access to various trails and the chance to explore the unique landscapes of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park with your dog by your side.
  • Bellows Field Beach Park features beautiful beachfront access, allowing you and your pet to enjoy sunbathing and swimming in the ocean.

Pet owners like the amenities available

  • Hosmer Grove Campground provides clean facilities, including flush toilets and picnic tables, making it convenient for pet owners to camp comfortably.
  • At Kōkeʻe State Park Campground, you can find well-maintained restrooms and showers, ensuring a pleasant stay for both you and your pet.
  • Anini Beach Park offers outdoor showers and picnic tables, making it easy to clean up after a day of fun with your furry friend.

Tips for camping with dogs near Hawaii

  • Bring plenty of water and food for your pet, especially at places like Kulanaokuaiki Campground, where there are no water sources available.
  • Ensure your dog is comfortable with the local wildlife and sounds, as noted by visitors at Kīpahulu Campground, where roosters and other animals can be quite vocal.
  • Always keep your pet on a leash and clean up after them to maintain the beauty of the campgrounds, such as Wiliwili Camp, which is known for its scenic views and natural surroundings.