Places to Camp in Hawaii

351 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.

Best Camping Sites in Hawaii (93)

1.
Mālaekahana State Recreation Area
21 Reviews
73 Photos
31 Saves
Wahiawa, Hawaii
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
2.
Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground
19 Reviews
110 Photos
103 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
3.
Camp Olowalu
18 Reviews
71 Photos
109 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
4.
Hosmer Grove Campground — Haleakalā National Park
18 Reviews
53 Photos
68 Saves
Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
Haleakalā Volcano, on the Hawaiian island of Maui, is a massive shield volcano that rises more than 10,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean, and makes up more than 75% of the island’s land mass. Its name, Haleakalā, is Hawaiian for “House of the Sun,” and is steeped in Hawaiian legend. More modern references attribute it to the spectacular sunrises observed from the rim of the summit crater. In an effort to preserve and protect the volcano’s spectacular summit crater, as well as the Kipahulu Valley rainforest on the volcano’s eastern slope, Haleakalā National Park was established in 1961. The majority of visitors to the park drive the long, winding road to the summit viewpoints and visitor center. The small number of adventurers who descend into the crater can explore an otherworldly landscape of colorful cinder cones, lava flows and other volcanic features.
For those interested in a little primitive camping on the flank of this sleeping giant, the Hosmer Grove Campground provides close access to the summit’s viewing areas and hiking trails. The campground is located partway up the mountain, just 0.5 mile past the park’s entrance station. From Kahului, it’s only about 28 miles, but the winding road makes the drive pretty slow. Hosmer Grove offers 10 campsites in a large, grassy area surrounded by foreign and native woods. Campsites have picnic tables and cooking grills, and vault toilets are available. Campfires are not permitted, but contained camp stoves are allowed. The campground is situated at 7,000 feet above sea level, right in Haleakalā’s “cloud belt,” so it’s often cool and foggy, and overnight temps can plummet below freezing. Free camping is first-come, first-served, with a three-night limit..
Taking in Haleakalā’s summit sunrise show requires making a long, slow, winding drive up the mountain in the blackness of night to reach the viewing areas before sunrise. In efforts to alleviate road and parking congestion at the summit, the national park has implemented a permit requirement to access the viewing areas. These can be obtained up to 60 days in advance from the recreation.gov website. Permits are only required for driving up the mountain between 3am and 7am. Dress warmly, as it is cold on the summit rim. Hikers will find more than 30 miles of trails that journey down into the crater for exploring its many features. There is no shade or water on the crater floor, and temperatures can vary significantly, so pack along plenty of water and sunscreen. Also, due to the soft, sandy nature of the trails, plan on spending twice as much time to hike out as to hike in.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
5.
Polihale State Park Campground
15 Reviews
68 Photos
46 Saves
Kapa‘a, Hawaii
WARNING: The road leading to Polihale State Park is an unimproved dirt road that may flood during rains and become impassable. Other areas have deep sand. Four-wheel drive vehicles are required to access the park. Rental car companies prohibit use of their vehicles on the Polihale State Park access road.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$20 - $30 / night
6.
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
7.
Bellows Field Beach Park
15 Reviews
28 Photos
66 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
8.
Anini Beach Park
10 Reviews
39 Photos
52 Saves
Kapa‘a, Hawaii
Anini Beach Park campground closes each Tuesday at 10AM for maintenance and reopens at 12PM each Wednesday. For more information on camping at Anini Beach Park or to obtain a camping permit contact the Kauai Parks Permitting Section at 808-241-4463 or email recpermits@kauai.gov.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
$3 / night
9.
Hā’ena State Park
10 Reviews
23 Photos
25 Saves
Kapa‘a, Hawaii
Hā’ena State Park is located at the northwestern extent of Kuhio Highway on Kauai’s north-shore. The park offers viewing of restored lo’i kalo (taro field, as well as, the spectacular Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park. The park also offers beach-related activities including shore fishing and swimming at Ke’e Beach. Hā’ena is also home to the trailhead of the world famous Kalalau Trail [11 miles], as well as, Hanakāpīʻai Falls trail [4 miles].
- Pets
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Showers
$3 / night
10.
Salt Pond Beach Park
10 Reviews
29 Photos
22 Saves
Kapa‘a, Hawaii
Salt Pond Beach Park campground closes each Tuesday at 10AM for maintenance and reopens at 12PM each Wednesday. Lifeguards on duty at Salt Pond Beach Park from 9AM to 5PM daily.
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
$5 - $150 / night

Popular Camping Styles in Hawaii

Tents

RVs

Dispersed

Cabins

Pets Allowed

Yurts

Equestrian

Pet-friendly camping in Hawaii

Camp Olowalu

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

$24 - $1600 / night

Hosmer Grove Campground — Haleakalā National Park

18 Reviews

53 Photos

68 Saves

Haleakala National Park, Hawaii

Haleakalā Volcano, on the Hawaiian island of Maui, is a massive shield volcano that rises more than 10,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean, and makes up more than 75% of the island’s land mass. Its name, Haleakalā, is Hawaiian for “House of the Sun,” and is steeped in Hawaiian legend. More modern references attribute it to the spectacular sunrises observed from the rim of the summit crater. In an effort to preserve and protect the volcano’s spectacular summit crater, as well as the Kipahulu Valley rainforest on the volcano’s eastern slope, Haleakalā National Park was established in 1961. The majority of visitors to the park drive the long, winding road to the summit viewpoints and visitor center. The small number of adventurers who descend into the crater can explore an otherworldly landscape of colorful cinder cones, lava flows and other volcanic features.

For those interested in a little primitive camping on the flank of this sleeping giant, the Hosmer Grove Campground provides close access to the summit’s viewing areas and hiking trails. The campground is located partway up the mountain, just 0.5 mile past the park’s entrance station. From Kahului, it’s only about 28 miles, but the winding road makes the drive pretty slow. Hosmer Grove offers 10 campsites in a large, grassy area surrounded by foreign and native woods. Campsites have picnic tables and cooking grills, and vault toilets are available. Campfires are not permitted, but contained camp stoves are allowed. The campground is situated at 7,000 feet above sea level, right in Haleakalā’s “cloud belt,” so it’s often cool and foggy, and overnight temps can plummet below freezing. Free camping is first-come, first-served, with a three-night limit..

Taking in Haleakalā’s summit sunrise show requires making a long, slow, winding drive up the mountain in the blackness of night to reach the viewing areas before sunrise. In efforts to alleviate road and parking congestion at the summit, the national park has implemented a permit requirement to access the viewing areas. These can be obtained up to 60 days in advance from the recreation.gov website. Permits are only required for driving up the mountain between 3am and 7am. Dress warmly, as it is cold on the summit rim. Hikers will find more than 30 miles of trails that journey down into the crater for exploring its many features. There is no shade or water on the crater floor, and temperatures can vary significantly, so pack along plenty of water and sunscreen. Also, due to the soft, sandy nature of the trails, plan on spending twice as much time to hike out as to hike in.

Pets
Fires
Phone Service
RVs

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

Bellows Field Beach Park

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

Anini Beach Park

Anini Beach Park campground closes each Tuesday at 10AM for maintenance and reopens at 12PM each Wednesday. For more information on camping at Anini Beach Park or to obtain a camping permit contact the Kauai Parks Permitting Section at 808-241-4463 or email recpermits@kauai.gov.

Pets
Phone Service
Reservable
Tents

$3 / night

Hā’ena State Park

Hā’ena State Park is located at the northwestern extent of Kuhio Highway on Kauai’s north-shore. The park offers viewing of restored lo’i kalo (taro field, as well as, the spectacular Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park. The park also offers beach-related activities including shore fishing and swimming at Ke’e Beach. Hā’ena is also home to the trailhead of the world famous Kalalau Trail [11 miles], as well as, Hanakāpīʻai Falls trail [4 miles].

Pets
Reservable
Tents
Trash

$3 / night

View All

Places to Camp in Hawaii

Best Camping Sites in Hawaii (93)

1.

Mālaekahana State Recreation Area

2.

Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground

3.

Camp Olowalu

4.

Hosmer Grove Campground — Haleakalā National Park

5.

Polihale State Park Campground

6.

Nāmakanipaio Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

7.

Bellows Field Beach Park

8.

Anini Beach Park

9.

Hā’ena State Park

10.

Salt Pond Beach Park

Popular Camping Styles in Hawaii

Tents

RVs

Dispersed

Cabins

Pets Allowed

Yurts

Equestrian

Pet-friendly camping in Hawaii

Camp Olowalu

Hosmer Grove Campground — Haleakalā National Park

Nāmakanipaio Campground — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Bellows Field Beach Park

Anini Beach Park

Hā’ena State Park

Recent Reviews In Hawaii

351 Reviews of 93 Hawaii Campgrounds