With endless summer weather comes endless opportunities for summer activities: swimming, surfing, hiking, and perhaps my favorite – camping trips. Camping in Hawaii is a little bit different than your traditional forest camping on the U.S. mainland, and while you will find countless beachfront campgrounds across our beautiful islands, you’ll want to venture inland to experience this fairytale campground on the island of Kauai at least once. The Koke’e State Park campground is one of the best campgrounds in Hawaii.

Nestled along the rim of Waimea Canyon between 3,200 and 4,200 feet above sea level, Koke’e State Park is home to some of the prettiest scenery in the Aloha State and is the perfect spot for a weekend camping trip any time of year.
soob/Flickr
The campsites found here might be minimally developed, but that won't matter when you're exploring all that this breathtaking park has to offer.
Rick McCharles/Flickr
Sprawling more than 4,300 acres, you will find commanding views of both the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" and Kalalau Valley here.
Division of State Parks/Website
If you like hiking, Koke'e State Park is perhaps Hawaii’s best camping destination. The park contains approximately 45 miles of hiking trails along canyon rims and through native Hawaiian forests.
Eli Duke/Flickr
There are seven main hiking trails found in the park, and each takes you on a one-of-a-kind journey — from swamps and ridgelines to jaw-dropping overlooks like this one.
Eli Duke/Flickr

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With views this stunning, you’ll wonder if you mistakenly stepped foot into your favorite childhood fairy tale at the mesmerizing Koke’e State Park.
Rakesh A/Flickr
Campsites cost $20 for residents per night for up to six persons and $30 for non-residents. Camping site 1 allows up to ten people. Children two and under are free.
Division of State Parks/Website
Though you do need a reservation, the individual, non-numbered campsites themselves are first-come, first serve, so you might want to arrive right at 3 p.m. to snag an awesome spot.
Division of State Parks/Website
You can check into your campsite at 3 p.m. on the first day of your reservation, and you must leave by 12 p.m. on the day of your departure.
If you prefer not to pitch a tent, you can opt to stay at the Koke’e Lodge, which offers cozy cabins in the heart of the park.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
Division of State Parks/Website
Whether you choose to go tent camping or stay in a cozy cabin, your trip to Koke’e State Park is sure to be unforgettable. There is truly no better place to get away from it all and spend time surrounded by a natural oasis.
Steve Shupe/Flickr


Let's go on an adventure to the Kalepa Ridge Trail at Koke'e State Park in Kauai, Hawaii. (The trail is now closed, unfortunately, but it gives you an example of the beautiful views you can look forward to in this wonderful state park.)

The Koke’e State Park Campground is located at 4187 Muhihi Rd., Waimea, HI 96796. You can make a reservation through the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Online Reservation System.

With gorgeous views everywhere you turn this campground in Hawaii definitely deserves to be on our best campgrounds in Hawaii list. Don’t forget to hike the incredible nearby Alakai Swamp Trail while spending time at this Hawaii campground. And then tell us all about your favorite adventures in Hawaii with a comment.

If you’re not into tent camping, why not hang out at one of Hawaii’s incredible cabins for a weekend instead?

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More to Explore

More campgrounds in Hawaii

Chris Muras | April 17, 2023

Where are the best places to camp in Hawaii?

 

You really can't go wrong when it comes to camping in Hawaii. With amazing views, warm weather, and the best hiking trails around, a camping vacation to Hawaii should be on your bucket list. Here are a few of the best places to camp in Hawaii:

  • Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kauai, HI: The Kalalau trail is 11 miles of gorgeousness. At the end of the trail is a spot to camp. While not a true campground, this experience is pretty amazing and definitely should be put on your to-do list.
  • Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area, Maui, HI: The breathtaking redwood forest in this state park was actually brought in during the 1920s in an attempt to re-establish the watershed. This mature 100-year-old forest is a unique experience in Hawaii as it differs from your typical tropical vegetation. The hiking trails and campground are a dream in this enchanted forest.
  • Malaekahana State Recreation Area, Oahu, HI: Beachfront camping at its best with 37 acres to explore along the beach between Kahuku and Laie. There are 37 tent camping sites to choose from. One cool feature you don't get at many campgrounds is the yummy food truck you can hit up after a day of hiking.
  • Polihale State Park, Kauai, HI: Another beautiful beach campground off of the Kuamuali’I Highway. This delightful beach is the largest stretch of sand in Hawaii. It is a nice secluded spot not overrun with tourists, so it will feel like you have an island to yourself.

 

If you need any more reasons to visit Hawaii (and really, if you aren't hooked by now, tropical paradises just aren't your thing) here is a list of 12 stunning Hawaii state parks where you can camp all year round.

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K?ke?e State Park Campground, 4187 Muhihi Rd, Waimea, HI 96796, USA