Best Campgrounds in Hawaii

Hawaii’s legendary landscapes offer some of the most extraordinary camping experiences on the planet. From black sand beaches to volcanic terrain, verdant valleys, and lush rainforests, the Hawaiian Islands present camping opportunities unlike anywhere else in the world. The sound of crashing Pacific waves, the scent of plumeria on the breeze, and the sight of star-filled skies make camping in the Aloha State truly magical. Whether you’re an experienced camper seeking rugged adventure or looking for well-appointed sites with modern amenities, Hawaii’s diverse campgrounds deliver unforgettable outdoor experiences across its distinctive islands.

Polihale State Park

Number of Campsites: 80 (primitive camping)
Reservation Website: Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources
Address: End of Highway 50, Kekaha, HI 96752

At the western end of Kauai, where the famous Na Pali Coast begins its dramatic rise from the sea, lies Polihale State Park—home to Hawaii’s longest stretch of white sand beach. This remote paradise feels like the edge of the world, with towering dunes and miles of shoreline backed by majestic cliff faces that glow golden in the sunset.

The camping here is as primitive as it is beautiful. No water, no electricity—just you and one of the most spectacular beaches on earth. The wide-open sand stretches for 17 miles, with plenty of space to find your own slice of paradise. The beach slopes gently toward azure waters that shimmer beneath the tropical sun, though strong currents make swimming suitable only for experienced ocean-goers who know how to read the water.

Days at Polihale unfold to the rhythm of powerful waves that create a constant soundtrack as they crash against the shore. Morning light casts long shadows across rippled sand while local fishermen cast their lines into the surf. As the sun climbs higher, the sand heats up, making afternoon shade a precious commodity for campers who haven’t brought their own.

The real magic happens at sunset when the sky ignites in spectacular displays of orange, pink, and purple. After dark, with minimal light pollution, the night sky reveals itself in all its glory—countless stars splashed across the blackness while the ocean continues its timeless conversation with the land.

Access requires navigating an unpaved road that can become challenging after rain, making a 4WD vehicle highly recommended. This natural barrier keeps crowds at bay, preserving Polihale’s wild character. Those willing to make the journey find themselves rewarded with an experience of raw Hawaiian beauty that few visitors ever witness.

Malaekahana Beach Campground

Number of Campsites: 40+ (plus plantation-style cabins)
Reservation Website: Malaekahana.net
Address: 56-335 Kamehameha Highway, Laie, HI 96762

Nestled on Oahu’s northeastern shore, Malaekahana Beach Campground offers an ideal blend of accessibility and natural beauty just an hour from Honolulu. This privately managed campground stretches across 37 acres of pristine coastline, where swaying palms frame views of the turquoise Pacific and offshore islets.

The campground strikes a perfect balance between rustic and comfortable. Traditional tent camping sites sit nestled among ironwood trees whose needles create a soft natural carpet. For those seeking slightly more comfort, plantation-style cabins and Mongolian yurts provide charming alternatives without losing the connection to nature.

Mornings at Malaekahana begin with spectacular sunrises that paint the sky in watercolor hues, best enjoyed with bare feet in the sand and a warm cup of coffee. The protected bay creates ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling when the ocean is calm, with vibrant tropical fish darting around just offshore. During winter months, lucky campers might spot humpback whales breaching in the distance.

A short walk down the beach leads to Goat Island (Mokuauia)—a small offshore bird sanctuary accessible by wading across a shallow channel during low tide. This mini-adventure rewards visitors with a pristine, uninhabited landscape and excellent snorkeling opportunities away from the main beach.

As evening approaches, the campground comes alive with the gentle strumming of ukuleles and the delicious aroma of local foods cooking on portable grills. The communal atmosphere creates opportunities to share stories with fellow travelers while coconut palms sway overhead against the darkening sky.

The convenient location allows campers to explore nearby attractions including the famous North Shore surf spots, Polynesian Cultural Center, and charming Haleiwa Town, making Malaekahana an excellent base for experiencing Oahu beyond the typical tourist areas.

Waiʻānapanapa State Park

Number of Campsites: 30 (cabins also available)
Reservation Website: Hawaii State Parks
Address: Waianapanapa, Hana, HI 96713

Along Maui’s legendary Road to Hana lies a dramatic landscape where dense jungle meets volcanic coastline—Waiʻānapanapa State Park. The campground sits nestled within this otherworldly setting, offering an immersive experience in one of Hawaii’s most striking environments.

The park’s crown jewel is its famous black sand beach, where glossy obsidian particles created from rapidly cooled lava form a stunning contrast against the vivid blue ocean. The small crescent-shaped cove is framed by jet-black lava rock formations and emerald naupaka shrubs, creating a color palette that seems almost too vivid to be real.

Tent sites occupy a grassy area set slightly back from the shoreline, with sturdy picnic tables and plenty of shade from native hala trees whose aerial roots create natural sculptures. The gentle slope affords many sites partial ocean views, while the sound of waves provides a constant lullaby.

Mornings invite exploration of the park’s fascinating features—ancient lava tubes that tunnel toward the sea, a natural stone arch carved by relentless waves, and a network of coastal trails that wind through native Hawaiian plants. Ancient Hawaiian burial sites and historical structures remind visitors of the area’s cultural significance, deserving respect and careful observation.

As afternoon approaches, freshwater pools appear like miracles in the volcanic landscape, their cool, clear waters offering refreshing relief from the tropical heat. Brave swimmers might venture into the ocean when conditions permit, though the powerful currents demand caution and respect.

The location along the Road to Hana makes Waiʻānapanapa an ideal overnight stop for travelers making the famous journey, breaking up the drive and allowing more time to explore the countless waterfalls, botanical gardens, and scenic viewpoints along the way. Advanced reservations are absolutely essential, as this popular campground books up months in advance.

Hosmer Grove Campground

Number of Campsites: 10
Reservation Website: National Park Service
Address: Summit District, Haleakalā National Park, HI 96768

Perched at 7,000 feet elevation on the slopes of Maui’s massive Haleakalā volcano, Hosmer Grove Campground offers a completely different Hawaiian camping experience—one of cool mountain air, misty forests, and extraordinary biodiversity. This small campground serves as the perfect gateway to exploring the “House of the Sun” and its otherworldly landscapes.

The campsite sits within a fascinating experimental forest planted in the early 1900s by botanist Ralph Hosmer, who introduced non-native trees from around the world. Today, these towering conifers create an unexpected alpine atmosphere that transitions dramatically into native cloud forest just steps away on the nearby nature trail.

Mornings dawn crisp and clear, with the possibility of gazing down upon a blanket of clouds covering the island below—a phenomenon that creates the illusion of floating above the world. Endemic Hawaiian honeycreepers, their bright plumage flashing like jewels, flit through the trees searching for nectar and insects, their melodic calls providing a natural soundtrack.

The campground’s small size and simple facilities (picnic tables, BBQ grills, and vault toilets) create an intimate, low-key atmosphere. Sites are nestled among the trees on a first-come, first-served basis, making midweek visits advisable during busy seasons. At 7,000 feet, evenings bring genuinely cool temperatures—a rarity in Hawaii—requiring warm clothing and good sleeping bags.

The real magic of Hosmer Grove lies in its location as a base camp for exploring Haleakalā National Park. Just minutes away, the summit area offers arguably Hawaii’s most spectacular sunrise experience as the first light of day illuminates the massive crater with an ever-changing palette of colors. Intrepid hikers can descend into the crater on well-maintained trails that traverse what appears to be a Martian landscape of cinder cones and silversword plants.

Stars illuminate the night with extraordinary clarity at this elevation, far from light pollution. The Milky Way stretches across the sky in a dazzling band, while the Southern Cross and other celestial features not visible from the mainland United States make appearances above the sleeping volcano.

Nāmakanipaio Campground

Number of Campsites: 16 (plus 10 cabins)
Reservation Website: Hawaii Volcanoes Lodge Company
Address: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718

Within the boundaries of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, Nāmakanipaio Campground offers the rare opportunity to sleep in the shadow of one of the world’s most active volcanoes. This unique campground sits at 4,000 feet elevation, where cool mountain air mingles with the occasional scent of volcanic sulfur drifting on the breeze.

The campground occupies a grove of towering eucalyptus trees, their straight trunks rising like natural columns supporting a high canopy that rustles in the constant mountain winds—a phenomenon reflected in the campground’s Hawaiian name, which translates roughly to “the blowing wind.” The effect creates a cathedral-like atmosphere of dappled light and gentle sounds.

Simple tent sites spread across a grassy area between the trees, while charming rustic cabins offer a more weatherproof option for those concerned about the frequent mist and rain that nourish this high-elevation forest. Morning fog often envelops the campground, creating a mystical atmosphere as it swirls between the eucalyptus trunks before burning off to reveal clear skies.

The real draw here is the location within one of America’s most fascinating national parks. Just minutes away, the Kīlauea caldera offers views of rising steam plumes and sometimes the orange glow of molten lava, depending on current volcanic activity. Miles of hiking trails traverse recent lava flows, lush rainforests, and volcanic craters, allowing visitors to witness the raw power of creation and destruction that continues to shape the Hawaiian Islands.

As darkness falls, the temperature drops significantly, making warm clothing essential even in this tropical paradise. On clear nights, stars appear with remarkable clarity in the clean mountain air. The possibility of seeing the distant red glow of active lava adds a thrilling element to evening stargazing sessions.

The campground’s proximity to park headquarters makes it convenient to join ranger-led programs that provide fascinating insights into the geology, ecology, and cultural significance of this dynamic landscape. After a day of exploration, campers can even take a short drive to the nearby Volcano Village for a hot meal before returning to their forest sanctuary.

Kōkeʻe State Park

Number of Campsites: 20+
Reservation Website: Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources
Address: Kōkeʻe Road, Kekaha, HI 96752

High in the mountains of Kauai at 3,600 feet elevation, Kōkeʻe State Park offers a camping experience that feels more like the Pacific Northwest than what most visitors expect from Hawaii. Cool, misty forests of native ohia trees intermingle with introduced pines and eucalyptus, creating a fragrant alpine atmosphere that provides welcome relief from coastal heat.

The main campground area features well-spaced sites set amid the forest, with picnic tables and fire pits that come alive with flickering light during the cool evenings. Nearby cabins managed by the Lodge at Kōkeʻe provide alternative accommodations for those seeking solid walls against the mountain mists that frequently envelop the landscape.

Mornings in Kōkeʻe often dawn clear before clouds begin to form, making early risers the most rewarded. A short drive leads to the Kalalau Lookout, where breathtaking views reach across the vast Kalalau Valley all the way to the distant ocean. The layered green ridges dropping 4,000 feet to the sea create one of Hawaii’s most photographed vistas, especially stunning in early morning light.

The park boasts over 45 miles of hiking trails that range from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. The Alakaʻi Swamp Trail traverses a high-elevation bog via boardwalks, where native plants that exist nowhere else on earth thrive in the almost constantly wet conditions. Other trails lead to stunning viewpoints overlooking Waimea Canyon—often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”—its red walls and deep gorges creating a landscape that seems impossible on a tropical island.

Wildlife enthusiasts find paradise here, with native forest birds like the ʻapapane and ʻiʻiwi flashing crimson against the green foliage. Their melodious songs fill the air, especially during early morning hours. Wild pigs and goats, though invasive species, frequently make appearances along forest edges.

Evening temperatures can drop into the 50s, creating perfect conditions for gathering around campfires (when permitted) and stargazing in the clear mountain air. The Kōkeʻe Natural History Museum near the campground provides excellent educational resources about the unique environment and challenging hikes to undertake during your stay.

Final Thoughts About Camping in Hawaii

Hawaii’s campgrounds showcase the incredible diversity of these Pacific islands, from coastal paradises to mountain retreats and volcanic wonders. While each location presents its own unique character, they all share the unmistakable magic that makes Hawaii special—the spirit of aloha that seems to emanate from the land itself.

These six exceptional campgrounds represent just a sample of the outdoor adventures waiting across the Hawaiian archipelago. Always remember to camp with respect for these fragile environments, many of which hold deep cultural significance to Native Hawaiians. Make reservations well in advance, come prepared for changing weather conditions, and approach these special places with reverence. The islands will reward you with experiences that linger in memory long after your tent is packed away.