Hawaii
Best Campsites in Hawaii
Sometimes it is not possible to move around the state in search of a good camping experience. Often though, there are many camping spots not far from major cities and towns. Such is the case for those who live or visit Hawaii. Within a short drive, you can find the best campsites in Hawaii with a broad range of campground amenities and outdoor recreation. Here are our top picks of the best campsites in Hawaii that offer amazing camping experience.
1. Malaekahana Beach Campground
Malaekahana Beach Campground is located in Kahuku, Hawaii on Oahu’s North Shore. This campground offers some of the best camping accommodations, amenities, and outdoor recreation activities. There are more than 74 campsites that are equipped with fire pits, water spouts, and picnic tables. Stand up paddle, swimming, kayaking and body surfing are just some of the outdoor recreation activities you can also enjoy during your stay. Since most of the camping spots here get filled up quickly, you will need to make your reservation before the date of arrival.
2. Waimanu Valley Campsite
Waimanu Valley Campsite is another campsite in Hawaii you can visit for a memorable camping experience. Located on the Island of Waimea, the campground has nine designated campsites that can accommodate up to 50 campers in total. There are two composting outhouses on this campground. The 7.6-mile Muliwai Trail is located nearby for those who love hiking or mountain biking. There are four emergency helipads along the Muliwai Trail used for fire rescue and maintenance teams only. There is also a shelter about halfway into the hike.
3. Namakanipaio Campground
Nestled amidst a fragrant eucalyptus grove, this campground offers an exciting memorable camping experience within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Campers can camp in a tent, RV or a camping cabin. Campers who choose to rent camping equipment from the campground’s office get access to the newly refurbished community bathroom. Toilets, showers, toilet papers, and soap are provided at this bathroom. Campers must pay respective fees which the entrance fee which is $12 per individual traveling on foot, $20 for motorcycle riders and $25 per each non-commercial vehicle.
4. Kahua Nui-Makai Campsites
If you are looking for a city campsite while in Hawaii, look no further than the Kahua Nui-Makai Campground. This campground is located in Kaneohe, Hawaii within the precincts of the city. There are 15 campsites set in a picturesque rainforest. Besides camping sites, this campground also features two comfort stations, outdoor showers, picnic tables, a pavilion, fire circles, and pads. A printed permit is required to access the Kahua Nui-Makai Campsites. Access permits to the pavilion and group campsite are obtained by contacting the park directly.
5. Camp Mokulēʻia Campground
Camp Mokulēʻia campground has comfortable wood and fabric tents that can accommodate up to 4 people. These are well-ventilated tents built on raised platforms, close to the beach. The campground also allows visitors to come with their tents and pitch them in designated spots. For group camping, the campground has group camping sites just steps away from the beautiful beach. Campers also get access to warm water showers and flush toilets located in designated areas of the campground.
6. Kipahulu Campground
Kipahulu campground is one of the drive-in campgrounds in Hawaii, around 1/8 mile south of the Kipahulu Visitor Center. This remote campground offers a serene spot for those looking for a weekend getaway. There are several campsites here each with a BBQ grill, pit toilets, and picnic tables. You don’t need to make a reservation because Kipahulu Campground is the first-come-first-served campground with a three-night stay period. If you are planning your visit, make sure you bring your drinking water because the campground does not have drinking spouts. Otherwise, you will need to purchase it from the nearby general store or visitor’s center.
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7. Kawaikoi Camp
Kawaikoi Camp is another great campground located within the Na Pali-Kona Forest Reserve in Hanapepe, Hawaii. This open grassy field campground is located next to the Kawaikoi Stream. Visitors can bring their tents or recreational vehicles. A composting toilet, trash cans, a pavilion, picnic tables, hiking trails, and two picnic shelters are some of the amenities that campers can access at this camp. The campground can be accessed by foot or a 4WD vehicle. There are few activities at this camp.
8. Kumu Camp Beach Retreat
Kumu Camp Beach Retreat is a beautiful camping resort located on the island of Kauai next to the Anahola Bay. This campground is open for day use by the general public for relaxation, special gatherings, and other special outings. The site features rustic camping Tentalows with comfortable beds. Also available at this camping resort is an open area for individuals or groups to pitch a tent or recreational vehicle. This open space offers campers access to bathrooms, showers and other campground amenities. There is no electricity or Wi-Fi at campsites. Electricity is available only in common areas such as bathrooms and pavilion.
9. Laupāhoehoe Beach Park
Another great spot in Hawaii you can go camping is Laupāhoehoe Beach Park. This beach park is located within the intersection where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Laupāhoehoe Creek meets. The beach park tends to be fairly quiet, making it a great camping spot for a family gateway. Camping is available in the large field of the beach park. You can also pitch your tent or RV on a variety of shaded campsites closer to the ocean. The coast offers campers a good opportunity to explore the tidal marine life, swim or cool off.
10. Kaiaka Bay Beach Park
Kaiaka Bay Beach Park is a 53-acre beach park located in Haleiwa, Hawaii just west of the iconic town of Haleiwa. There are seven campsites at this beach park with access to one outdoor showers and comfort station. There is no privacy between campsites. There are no BBQ grills. If you love swimming, you can go swimming at the eastern end of the sandy beach. Besides camping and swimming, other popular activities at this beach park you can enjoy include soccer games, pickup softball, and sunbathing.
11. KahuaLehua (Ho’omaluhia) Campsites
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens are nestled at the foot of the Ko’olau Mountains. With more than 400 acres of exotic plants and lush tropical scenery, Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens is one of the largest botanical gardens in Hawaii. Camping is allowed on Fridays and weekends, as well as on Mondays in designated sites. There 8 campsites each equipped with a BBQ grill, a fire ring, and picnic tables. Camping areas have outdoor bathrooms, showers, potable water, and charcoal disposal pits for convenience. Since the area has limited campsites, you will need to make a reservation before the date of arrival.
12. Hōlua Campground
Hōlua Campground is a primitive wilderness campground accessible only by trail. This campground is available for the general public on a first-come, first-served basis. For civic groups and educational groups, a reservation for special accommodation can be made up to 6 months in advance. For individual camping, each person is limited to a maximum of three nights stay for one month. The campsites have pit toilets and water. The water is non-potable and must be treated before use.
13. Hosmer Grove Campground
Hosmer Grove Campground is located within the Haleakalā National Park. With amenities such as pit toilets, drinking water, barbecues, and picnic tables, this campground is the first choice for individuals and families hoping to get up to the summit for sunrise. There more than 10 campsites at this campground surrounded by a variety of trees. These campsites are available for a first-come, first-served basis. For hiking enthusiasts, a short trail makes its way through a lush forest just outside of the campground.
14. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Nāmakanipaio Campground is located approximately 31 miles south of Hilo. It is a large, open grassy area comprising of mainly tall eucalyptus trees. There several campsites at this park with picnic tables, restrooms, barbecue pits, and water. Campfires are permitted in the campsites that have barbeque pits only. A maximum stay of seven days is allowed at the park. There is a pay station on site that accepts checks and cash payments. Weather may be cool and damp year-round so it is recommended you bring along warm clothing and use a tent with a good rainfly.
15. Kīholo State Park Reserve
Kīholo State Park Reserve is also another great spot for those looking for a memorable camping adventure in Hawaii. This is a remote area with no facilities, electricity or water. Camping is allowed from Friday to Sunday. Camping sites at this park reserve may be reserved for up to 30 days in advance. Campsites are located along a gravel road. Portable toilets are provided by the park’s management.
Conclusion
These are some of the campgrounds that made into this list of 15 best campsites in Hawaii. There are many others that we believe can also offer a delightful camping experience for adventurous individuals and groups. If you have been to any of these camping spots, we will be glad to hear what you think about them. Also, if you have any more exciting campsite in Hawaii that you would like us to feature in this article, feel free to share it with us in the comment box below.
