Camping at a Hawaii State Park means sleeping in your tent or outside under the stars. With the exception of Maui’s Wai’anapanapa State Park in the Hana area, sleeping in cars, vans or campers is not allowed. This same park also offers cabins for rent. The maximum length of stay at a Hawaii State Park is five nights. The Sand Island State Recreation Area is one of the most accessible campgrounds in Oahu. Within sight of Waikiki Beach and famed Diamond Head, it offers a small beach, picnic tables, lots of open run-around space and panoramic sunset views.
Koke’e State Park in Waimea Canyon and beachfront Polihale State Park in Kauai are on the other end of the camping scale. Both offer tent camping in a wilderness setting. Koke’e is known for its hiking trails leading deep into Waimea Canyon. Polihale offers camping right on the beach, facing the sunset. Permits are required for all Hawaii State Parks (camping.ehawaii.gov).
Camping is allowed in some of Hawaii’s forest reserves. Most of these are wilderness campsites at the end of dirt roads or winding forest trails. Campers must be in good physical shape and not mind the lack of amenities. The trade-off is privacy and the chance to see some of Hawaii’s most remote landscapes. One example is the Waimanu Campsite on the Big Island’s north shore. The Muliwai Trail, a 15.3-mile hike round trip, heads down into the Waipio Valley. The sometimes steep and slippery trail leads to 10 primitive campsites surrounded by lush greenery. Two outhouses and a pit toilet are the only amenities.
Another example is the Pupukea Forest Reserve on the northern tip of Oahu, where camping is allowed along the Kaunala Trail. Campsites are not designated, and no services are available. Hunters frequent this area, so hikers and campers should wear bright clothing and not go off trail. Permits for camping in the reserves are also available at camping.ehawaii.gov.
Camping is also available in selected Hawaii county parks. Each island operates as its own county, with the exception of Maui County, which includes Molokai and Lanai. Rules, open dates and amenities vary, but all campgrounds require a permit. Maui County, for example, allows campers to apply for a spot up to a year in advance, either by visiting a county office or mailing the online application and applicable fees to the permit office. The County of Hawaii uses an online reservations system.
Kanaha Beach Park on Maui’s northern shore is a favorite of surfers and windsurfers. It's located between Kahului Bay and Spreckelsville Beach. The beachfront campground has restrooms, potable water, outdoor showers, picnic tables and grills. Parking is plentiful. On the Big Island, Punalu’u Beach Park offers campsites, a picnic pavilion and drinking water fronting a rocky coastline. Palm-fringed Laupahoehoe Beach Park, north of Hilo, has more services, including restrooms and showers.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (nps.gov) offers two campgrounds. The Namakanipaio Campground has both drive-in and walk-in sites fronting a large treed meadow. Offering picnic tables, barbecue pits, water and restrooms, this campground is also at an elevation of 4,000 feet, which means temperatures are cooler and the air damper than you might expect in Hawaii. It can get to the low 60s F during the day and into the 30s F at night. Bring a good tent with a rain-fly, and wear warm clothing. Nightly fees may be paid at the on-site pay station, via cash or check, or at the Volcano House (hawaiivolcanohouse.com) if you’re using a credit card. Ten camper cabins are also available. Park entry fees apply. The second campground, Kulanaokuaiki, is at 2,700 feet. Camping is free except for the park entrance fee, and no reservations are needed. Campers must bring in all supplies, including water. One pit toilet is on site.
