Kelly B.
Scout
ScoutKumu Camp
Super Fun
We stayed at Kumu's Camp for our Prince and Princess Camp this summer. The kids loved it and didn't want to go home!
Best Tent Camping in Hawaii
Hawaii's tent camping options range from beachfront sites with ocean views to forested backcountry areas. Tent campers can experience diverse environments at established campgrounds like Mālaekahana State Recreation Area on Oahu, which offers walk-in tent sites near the shoreline, or primitive tent camping at Polihale State Park on Kauai, where beach access provides a remote setting. Most Hawaiian campgrounds require permits or reservations, with many state and county parks enforcing strict booking policies.
Tent sites in Hawaii often feature minimal improvements beyond picnic tables and nearby restroom facilities. Many campgrounds provide drinking water, while others require campers to bring their own supply. Public campgrounds typically include toilets and sometimes outdoor showers, though facilities vary widely across locations. According to one visitor, "Bathrooms were well stocked and mostly clean. The showers are outdoors and not heated." Fire regulations differ between locations, with some parks like Anini Beach Park prohibiting campfires entirely, while others permit them in designated areas with appropriate containment.
The tent camping experience in Hawaii offers unique opportunities to connect with the natural environment. Beachfront sites provide immediate ocean access, while forested locations offer shade and protection from coastal winds. A recent review noted that at Kahana Campground, "It is a bit loud because it's right next to the road but it's definitely a trade off with waking up next to the ocean and the beautiful mountains surrounding." Tent campers should prepare for variable weather conditions, as coastal areas may experience strong winds, and higher elevation sites can receive significant rainfall. Several tent-only areas limit the number of tents per site and restrict camping to designated zones, helping maintain the natural setting while protecting sensitive ecosystems. Backcountry tent camping, particularly in areas like Haleakalā National Park, requires proper preparation for primitive conditions and limited facilities.
Best Tent Campgrounds in Hawaii (58)
1. Mālaekahana State Recreation Area Campground
21 ReviewsWahiawa, HIWebsite+1 (808) 293-1736$20 / night
"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."
"Initially I was bummed I didn't get a beach front campsite, ours was only a 30 second walk to the beach."
2. Polihale State Park Campground
15 ReviewsKapa‘a, HIWebsite+1 (808) 241-3444$20 / night
"Polihale is everything you think of from a Hawaiian beach - without the crowds. there are many sites - some with and some without picnic tables and each with a short walk to a beach and bathroom. the bathrooms"
"Hey guys, from 07.02.2020 I have to hand over all camping equipment - tent, sleeping bag, air mattress, pillow, cutlery and travel bag - in Kauai. Please contact us if you are interested."
3. Anini Beach Park
10 ReviewsKapa‘a, HIWebsite+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 have our tent set up under huge trees, next to the beach and it is gorgeous! This is tent camping at it's best. Bathrooms were well stocked and mostly clean."
4. Hā’ena State Park
10 ReviewsKapa‘a, HIWebsite+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."
5. Spencer Beach Park
9 ReviewsPu'u O Umi Natural Area Reserve, HIWebsite+1 (808) 974-6200"It's ok spot, but the terrain is dust, with bedrock about two inches, down, making it hard to get my tent stakes in. When the wind kicked up before dawn, I ended up with dust in my mouth."
"It is located in a great spot. We got up early in the morning and did a hike nearby, then pretty much just sat our bums in the sand and water the rest of the day."
6. Salt Pond Beach Park
10 ReviewsKapa‘a, HIWebsite+1 (808) 244-6660$5 - $150 / night
"There were also some food trucks that were close by the beach- we had some fish tacos that were incredible!! We were told that you can literally place your tent wherever you want."
"Great location, beach. Facilities are great. Charging outets, showers, sinks. Like everywhere on island includes free rooster alarms. Do not worry about sleeping in!"
7. Anahola Beach Park
8 ReviewsKapa‘a, HIWebsite+1 (808) 241-6660"The showers are "cold", which in Hawaii, means room temperature, so after the initial shock, it actually becomes quite comfortable."
"So pick a flat spot and you are good to go!"
8. Kahana Campground — Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park
8 ReviewsMililani Mauka, HIWebsite+1 (808) 587-0300$20 / night
"The campground's best assets are its location and views of course! There are plenty of trees for shade and to put up your hammock."
"Campsites can be fairly close and there’s no real clear sectioning, but each site comes with two picnic tables and plenty of space to set up tents. Good amount of stuff to do around the campsite."
9. Kalalau Trail Camping — Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park
7 ReviewsKapa‘a, HIWebsite$25 / night
"This was my favorite hike in Hawaii. It was so beautiful I felt like I was in a movie!"
"Campsites are spread out with camping available anywhere in the treeline running the whole length of the nearly half mile long beach."
10. Kōkeʻe State Park Campground
6 ReviewsKapa‘a, HIWebsite+1 (808) 335-6061$20 / night
"This is the place to go on the island if you need to get out of the heat and humidity given that its higher up in elevation."
"A beautiful, safe, clean campground, run by the State of Hawaii, that can't be beat. This campground is nowhere near the beach, but brings you to the interior of the island."
Recent Tent Camping Photos in Hawaii
55 Photos of 58 Hawaii Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Isaac Hale Beach Park - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Kohanaiki Beach Park
Salt Pond Beach Park
Napau Crater Backcountry Camp — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Hotbox'n HawaiiE
Bellows Air Force Station
Papalaua Wayside Park
Kulanaokuaiki Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Soil to Soul - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Jeff's on Molokai
Spencer Beach Park
Paliku Backcountry Campsite — Haleakalā National Park
Tent Camping Reviews in Hawaii
329 Reviews of 58 Hawaii Campgrounds
- MMark W.Scout
Hanamaulu Beach Park
Large homeless encampment
I am a local, this is not a good place to camp due to large number of homeless and drug users.
Zhaorong M.
TravelerKīpahulu Campground — Haleakalā National Park
Unforgettable experience
We camped at site 20, which was large and secluded. The sea was beautiful day and night. The restroom was about 10 minutes walk or 3 minutes drive. There was no shower facilities.
The campsite was close to the Pipiwai Trail. We had a great hike in the morning along scenic bamboo forests to the Waimoku Falls.
Important note for car campers: sites 18-20 are only accessible on foot and won't accommodate car campers. For the best experience, try to reserve sites 16-17, though sites 1-15 all allow car camping as well.
Delphine B.ScoutCozy Meadows Campground
Terrible place
You definitely should avoid this place. The shower is a garden hose on the floor, the place was dirty and not welcoming AT ALL. Moreover the owner asked for money, saying that I broke the entrance... not worth the money!
Matt S.
GuideKalalau 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 .
- LLeigh G.Traveler
Kumu Camp
Fantastic!
Stayed for five nights and loved it. A beautiful beach. It’s a locals area for sure, people drive on the beach a bit. Bungalow 7 was more in the jungle with lizards running and insects buzzing; it was also fairly connected to another unit by its deck- might not feel private if you didn’t know the other party. Bungalow 2 was beautiful! Right on the beach with the breeze. The bungalows have sweet outdoor showers, which was amazing as it was hot when we were there.
Saw many folks with rented trucks with tents on top. And just regular tenters/vanners as well. Free am coffee in a short window with cute cats.
Brittany R.GuideIsaac Hale Beach Park - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Great hot springs!
The beach itself is totally covered in lava rock. Cool to see the 2018 glow up close but it’s turned this into a rocky beach. If you want to sunbath I guess it would still be good, but when we were there the water looked too rough to swim and there wasn’t any sand, just rock. There was a lifeguard on duty though so I guess you technically are allowed to swim.
The hot springs were great though! I recommend going to the one back in the woods! They’re heated by the magma deep in the ground and are pretty hot! Worth the visit just for these!
No camping at all though. They still have it completely shut down.
- Brittany R.Guide
Ho'okena Beach Park
Great spot!
This is a nice little tucked away campground with beautiful views! Camping seemed pretty regulated (there’s a locked gate to get into the campsites) but we didn’t have any issues. Bathroom and outdoor showers were nice and clean. Highly recommend!
- Brittany R.Guide
Nāmakanipaio Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Great spot if you can get one!
This was a great little campground! We showed up in the early afternoon and got the last spot available but only because the original person who got it had upgraded to a cabin. If you’re planning on staying here I’d definitely recommend getting here early! Once there though it was a great site. Super friendly people and beautiful area!
Guide to Hawaii
Tent camping in Hawaii offers a unique experience surrounded by stunning landscapes, from lush forests to breathtaking beaches. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer, there's a perfect spot waiting for you.
Tips for tent camping near the beach
- Enjoy the beachfront experience at Kahana Campground — Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park, where you can wake up to the sound of waves and stunning mountain views.
- For a quieter beach experience, consider Sand Island State Recreation Area, which offers a less crowded atmosphere perfect for families.
- If you're looking for a peaceful retreat, Mahukona Beach Park provides a serene environment with opportunities for snorkeling and whale watching during the winter months.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- Kulanaokuaiki Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park features well-maintained pit toilets and designated sites, making it a great choice for those wanting to explore the unique volcanic landscape.
- At Wiliwili Camp, campers can enjoy a rustic experience with picnic tables and a beautiful river nearby, perfect for cooling off after a hike.
- Bellows Air Force Station offers a variety of amenities, including showers and a small market, ensuring a comfortable stay while enjoying the beach.
Local attractions for outdoor enthusiasts
- Hikers will love the proximity to trails at Kulanaokuaiki Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, where you can explore the park's stunning landscapes and learn about its geological history.
- The scenic views and hiking opportunities near Wiliwili Camp make it an ideal base for those looking to venture deeper into Waimea Canyon.
- For a mix of beach and adventure, Maui Hawaii County Park One Ali'i Campground provides access to local attractions while offering a relaxing camping experience under the trees.
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