Top 10 Best Camping & Outdoor Destinations in Hawaii (With Travel Guide)

Hawaii, the "Aloha State," is a tropical paradise offering volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and crystal-clear waters. Whether you're seeking volcano camping, beachfront bungalows, or waterfall hikes, Hawaii has some of the most unique and breathtaking camping experiences in the world.

Below are the top 10 camping destinations in Hawaii, each with:
✅ Unique attractions & activities
✅ Best time to visit
✅ Nearby amenities (food, gas, lodging)
✅ Important tips & safety advice

1. Haleakalā National Park (Maui) – Volcano & Star Gazing
🌋 Highlights:
Haleakalā Crater (10,023 ft) – massive volcanic crater with sunrise/sunset views
Backpacking trails through volcanic landscapes (Sliding Sands Trail)
Stargazing (one of the best places in the world)
Wildlife (Nēnē geese, silversword plants)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–October (dry season, 60-80°F at summit, 70-85°F at base)
Summer = clear skies (best for stargazing)
Winter = possible snow on the summit (cold at night!)
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Hosmer Grove (forest camping), Paliku (remote crater camping)
Makawao (30 mins) has small grocery stores & gas stations
Kahului (45 mins) for full services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Summit is COLD (below freezing at night, even in summer)
Reserve backcountry permits in advance (limited spots)
Sunrise requires early wake-up (3 AM!) and a reservation

2. Waianapanapa State Park (Maui) – Black Sand Beach Camping
🏖️ Highlights:
Rare black sand beach (formed by volcanic lava)
Sea caves, lava tubes, and coastal cliffs
Hiking trails along the coastline
Traditional Hawaiian cultural sites
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–October (dry season, 70-85°F)
Summer = calm waters (best for swimming)
Winter = rough waves (dangerous for swimming)
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Waianapanapa Campground (oceanfront, reservation-only)
Hana (10 mins) has small grocery stores & gas stations
Kahului (1.5 hours) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Ocean swimming is dangerous in winter (strong currents)
Limited facilities (bring everything you need)
**Reservations are essential (book months ahead)

3. Volcanoes National Park (Big Island) – Active Volcano Camping
🌋 Highlights:
Kīlauea & Mauna Loa (active volcanoes)
Hiking through lava fields & steam vents
Thurston Lava Tube (walk through an ancient tube)
Wildlife (Hawaiian happy-face spiders, nēnē geese)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–October (dry season, 60-80°F at higher elevations)
Summer = clearer skies (better for hiking)
Winter = rainier but lush landscapes
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Namakanipaio (cabins & tents), Kulanaokuaiki (primitive)
Hilo (45 mins) has supermarkets, restaurants, & gas
Kailua-Kona (2 hours) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Volcanic gases can be hazardous (check air quality)
Trails can be uneven & hot (wear sturdy shoes & water)
Lava flows are unpredictable (always check park alerts)

4. Kokeʻe State Park (Kauai) – Alpine Forest & Waterfalls
🌲 Highlights:
High-elevation forest (4,000+ ft) with cool temperatures
Waimea Canyon (Grand Canyon of the Pacific)
Multiple waterfalls (Waipoʻo Falls, etc.)
Hiking trails through native Hawaiian forests
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–October (dry season, 50-70°F)
Summer = mild & breezy (great for hiking)
Winter = rainier but lush
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Kokeʻe Lodge Campground (tent & cabin sites)
Waimea (30 mins) has small grocery stores & gas stations
Lihue (1 hour) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Weather changes quickly (pack layers)
Mosquitoes can be present (bring repellent)
Some trails are steep & slippery

5. Bellows Beach (Oahu) – Military Beach Camping
🏖️ Highlights:
White sand beach (rare on Oahu)
Great for surfing, windsurfing, and beach games
Military history (former Air Force base)
Fewer crowds than Waikiki
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–October (dry season, 75-85°F)
Summer = great for swimming & snorkeling
Winter = bigger waves (better for surfing)
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Bellows Beach Campground (reservation-only)
Waimanalo (10 mins) has small grocery stores & gas stations
Honolulu (30 mins) for full services
⚠️ Things to Know:
**Reservations are required (military-run, limited access)
Ocean swimming has strong currents (swim near lifeguards)
Bring reef-safe sunscreen

6. Pololū Valley (Big Island) – Remote Beach Camping
🏝️ Highlights:
Secluded black sand beach (Pololū Valley Beach)
Hiking down the steep Pololū Valley Trail
Fishing, kayaking, and surfing
Fewer crowds than other Hawaii beaches
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–October (dry season, 70-85°F)
Summer = calmer waters (better for swimming)
Winter = rough waves (dangerous for swimming)
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: None (backcountry camping only, permit required)
Kapaʻau (30 mins) has small grocery stores
Hilo (1 hour) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
No facilities (bring everything you need)
Hike down is steep & slippery (wear proper shoes)
Ocean swimming is dangerous in winter

7. Waiʻānapanapa State Park (Maui) – Coastal Cliff Camping
🌊 Highlights:
Clifftop views of the Pacific Ocean
Lava rock formations & sea arches
Hiking trails along the coast
Cultural significance (ancient Hawaiian sites)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–October (dry season, 70-85°F)
Summer = calm seas (better for exploring)
Winter = rough waves (dangerous for swimming)
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Waiʻānapanapa Campground (reservation-only)
Hana (10 mins) has small grocery stores
Kahului (1.5 hours) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
**Reservations are essential (book months ahead)
Ocean swimming is risky in winter
Limited facilities (bring all essentials)

8. Kealakekua Bay (Big Island) – Snorkeling & Kayaking
🐠 Highlights:
Crystal-clear waters (great for snorkeling)
Captain Cook Monument (historic site)
Kayaking to the monument (guided tours available)
Marine life (turtles, tropical fish)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–October (dry season, 70-85°F)
Summer = calm waters (best for snorkeling)
Winter = rougher seas
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: None (near Captain Cook or Pahoa for lodging)
Captain Cook (15 mins) has small grocery stores
Kailua-Kona (45 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
No camping directly at the bay (stay nearby)
Snorkeling is best in calm conditions
Respect marine life (no touching turtles)

9. Hulopoe Beach (Lanai) – Luxury Island Camping
🏖️ Highlights:
One of Hawaii’s best beaches (ranked by Dr. Beach)
Snorkeling with tropical fish & monk seals
Golfing & luxury resorts nearby
Fewer crowds than Maui or Oahu
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–October (dry season, 75-85°F)
Summer = great for swimming & snorkeling
Winter = possible rain but still beautiful
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: None (near Four Seasons Resort for lodging)
Lanai City (30 mins) has small grocery stores
Lahaina (1 hour ferry) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
No public camping (only resort guests)
Ocean swimming is generally safe
Monk seals may rest on the beach (do not disturb)

10. Waimea Canyon (Kauai) – "Grand Canyon of the Pacific"
🌄 Highlights:
Massive canyon with red & green cliffs
Multiple hiking trails (Waimea Canyon Trail, Cliff Trail)
Waterfalls (Waipoo Falls)
Scenic lookouts (Kalalau Lookout)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–October (dry season, 60-80°F)
Summer = clear skies (best for hiking)
Winter = rainier but lush
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: None (near Kokeʻe Lodge for lodging)
Waimea (30 mins) has small grocery stores
Lihue (1 hour) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Trails can be steep & slippery
Weather changes quickly (pack layers)
Bring plenty of water
Final Tips for Camping in Hawaii
✔ **Reservations are essential (many sites book months ahead)
✔ Ocean swimming can be dangerous—check conditions
✔ Bring reef-safe sunscreen (protects marine life)
✔ Mosquitoes & centipedes are common—bring repellent

Hawaii offers some of the most unique camping in the world—from volcano craters to black sand beaches. Whether you want an adventurous hike or a relaxing beachside stay, these 10 camping spots will give you an unforgettable Hawaiian experience. 🏕️🌋🏖️