12 Stunning Hawaii State Parks Where You Can Camp All Year-Round
With endless summer weather comes endless opportunities for summer activities in the Aloha State – swimming, surfing, hiking, and perhaps our favorite: wild camping in Hawaii. And while you will find campgrounds scattered across the Hawaiian Islands — from beachfront parks to botanical gardens and everywhere in between — our favorites are found within these state park campgrounds to visit in Hawaii. These 12 state parks and recreation areas offer some of the Aloha State’s best campgrounds, and we can’t wait to escape into the wilderness for a weekend. Read on and try to choose your favorite!
This stark, coastal, lava-covered park is home to stunning trails, a breathtaking bay, and some wild camping, accessible via an unimproved gravel access road, with no amenities, and no water — recommended only for those serious campers who prefer isolation over large, close together campsites.
Residents can camp for $20.00 per night, and non-residents are $30.00 per night. Make your reservation ahead of time to guarantee your spot.
K?holo State Park Reserve, 2000 96740, 71-2000 Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
If you’re up for a hike, the gorgeous eleven-mile Kalalau trail ends with a wonderful little spot to go camping. However, if you are unable to make it in one day, there is a spot six miles in where you are allowed to set up camp for the night, but only if you have the valid permits. This sounds amazing, but only if you are able to pack light! It’s frequently referred to as one of the most amazing hikes in Hawaii.
N? Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kauai County, HI, USA
Polipoli is perhaps most famous for its breathtaking redwood forest: Located approximately 7,000 feet above sea level is a forest populated by redwood trees that were brought to Hawaii in the 1920s to re-establish the watershed. Winter nights can reach freezing temperatures, and the forests will remind you of America’s Pacific Northwest, rather than tropical Hawaii. There are a number of fabulous trails to hike and explore.
For more information about campground and trail conditions, head on over to their website.
Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area, Kula, HI 96790, USA
Found just 55 yards off Kamehameha Highway between Kahuku and Laie is this 37-acre campground surrounded by ironwood trees that backs up to a pristine white sand beach. The campground has 37 campsites available for tent camping from Friday to Wednesday, and will cost you between $12 and $18 per night in permit fees. Enjoy beachfront camping with a food truck and fire pit access, as well as gorgeous scenery. You'll even find kayak and paddleboard rentals! Easily one of the best year round campgrounds in Hawaii, you’ll want to book ahead at this popular campground.
M?laekahana State Recreation Area, 56-020 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, HI 96762, USA
Known for lodging and camping, this park features only short hiking trails, with longer excursions in the neighboring forest reserve. Nestled on the slopes of Mauna Kea near Honoka’a, the Kalopa Forest receives substantial rainfall, resulting in the enchanting and lush native forest you’ll find here. This is one of the best state parks in Hawaii for exploring an arboretum of native trees. They rent out duplex cabins that sleep 8; a veritable luxury!
Kalopa State Recreation Area, 44-3480 Kalaniai Rd, Honokaa, HI 96727, USA
At the end of a long dirt road off Kuamuali’I Highway, Polihale is the largest stretch of sand in Hawaii. While often overlooked for more accessible Kauai beaches, the secluded spot is the perfect place for a weekend retreat into the wilderness. So, grab your gear, pitch a tent, and spend a few days swimming and fishing at this remote beach park in Hawaii.
Polihale State Park, Lower Saki Mana Rd, Waimea, HI 96796, USA
Perhaps most famous for its scenic overlook of Kalaupapa, a leper colony with the ocean on one side and giant 1,600-foot cliffs on the other described by Robert Louis Stevenson as a "prison fortified by nature," Pala’au is a perfect spot for a picnic or camping getaway. You’ll pay $20.00 per night for a resident camping fee, and $30.00 per night for a non-resident camping fee. The 233 state park offers stunning views and plenty of room to roam.
P?l??au State Park, Kualapuu, HI 96729, USA
Featuring camping and the popular 4.8-mile Aiea Loop trail along the ridgeline, the sprawling 384-acre Keaiwa Heiau was formerly known as a healing or medicinal heiau (temple) and is home to a verdant forest just waiting to be explored. It’s a quick drive to Waikiki, only 12 minutes away. There are only 10 campsites available, so book ahead as soon as possible.
A 25,000-acre park on the flank of Leeward Mauna Loa, this reserve encompasses a wide range of habitats — including subalpine shrublands and forests, wet montane forests, lowland mesic forests, and mesic montane kipuka forests. Recent lava flows have resulted in uncharacterized and un-surveyed lava tubes. If you’re looking for an easy hike in Hawaii, this is a great place to pitch your tent!
Manuk? State Wayside, Ocean View, HI 96737, USA
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, incredible hiking, and is the perfect spot for a weekend camping trip any time of year. 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. This is one of the best things to do outside in Kauai; with so much to see and do, and jaw dropping views wherever you go, this is one place that needs to be at the top of your bucket list.
Koke?e State Park, Hanapepe, HI 96716, USA
Located on Maui’s Road to Hana is this amazing state park, with an absolutely stunning black sand beach, hikes, a blowhole, ocean caves, sea arches, freshwater pools, and cliff diving. What more could a true explorer want in a park? Camping, perhaps? Oh yeah, they have that too. Tent and campervan sites, as well as charming and rustic cabins, are available for rent at Waianapanapa, making this the perfect spot to stay overnight while exploring Maui’s Hana Highway. There are entrance, parking, and camping fees, so come prepared. But the sights you’ll see will definitely be worth it!
Waianapanapa State Park, Hana, HI 96713, USA
Ahupua’a O Kahana State Park, formerly known as Kahana Valley State Park, is often overlooked for more accessible spots on Oahu but is an absolute natural oasis. With numerous hiking opportunities, this state park is the perfect camping spot if you want to enjoy a weekend getting lost in the wilderness. The park has some of the best hiking trails in Oahu, so be sure to check out all of the trails available before you start your adventure!
Ahupua?a ?O Kahana State Park, 52-222 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaaawa, HI 96730, USA
What is your favorite spot for wild camping Hawaii? Have you been to any of them before? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below, and then join our Hawaii Nature Lovers group on Facebook to share your photographs and discover all the natural wonders Hawaii has to offer.
For more information about these options for camping in Hawaii, visit the Hawaii Parks website. If you’re not interested in rustic or more long term camping in Hawaii, you might want to check out these 10 campgrounds in Hawaii perfect for those who hate camping.
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Address: Hawaii, USA
State Park Campgrounds To Visit In Hawaii
February 11, 2022
Can you camp on the beaches in Hawaii?
Yes! State laws state that you can sleep on any of the public beaches in Hawaii. However, you must obtain a camping permit in order to do so. Some parks or beaches may not offer long-term campgrounds in Hawaii, so be sure to check local rules and regulations before you plan your stay.
Is there any free camping in Hawaii?
No. All public lands that are open for public camping in Hawaii must be used with a permit, which you have to purchase ahead of time.
