11 Spectacular Spots In Hawaii Where You Can Camp Right On The Beach

With endless warm weather comes endless opportunities for summery activities: swimming, surfing, hiking, and perhaps our favorite: camping trips. When you think of camping in Hawaii, you imagine pitching your tent in the sand, where you can fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves, and jump into the ocean the moment you wake up. From secluded beaches you can only reach via an arduous hike to easily accessible campsites nestled along the coast, here are some phenomenal beach camping spots throughout the Aloha State. The best beach camping in Hawaii awaits! Let's go!

1. Bellows Field Beach Park

During the week, this beautiful beach is used as a military training area, but on weekends, fifty campsites open up for residents to enjoy splashing in the ocean during the day, and listening to waves crash against the shore at night.

2. Salt Pond Park

Ideal for anyone who plans to explore the nearby Waimea Canyon State Park, this Eleele destination is as pretty as it is practical.

3. Anahola Beach Park

Located on Kauai's northeastern coast is this picturesque spot — can't you imagine setting up your tent between these two lovely trees and spending your days splashing around in the protected waters of this stunning bay?

4. Hapuna Beach

For a luxurious camping experience, stay in one of Hapuna Bay's charming A-frame cabins in the unforgettable Hapuna Beach State Park. This is state park camping at its finest.

Explore this awesome birds-eye view of Hapuna Beach and see what it's all about:

5. Anini Beach Park

A favorite camping spot for locals, this beachside camping is perfect for a weekend getaway. But be sure to have a durable tent, as it rains frequently, and can get pretty windy here too.

6. Hulopoe Beach Park

As the only legal campsite on the small island of Lanai, Hulopoe Bay is a 20-minute coastal hike from the island's famous Sweetheart Rock. If you're looking to get away from it all, this is your chance.

7. Kalalau Beach

Accessible via the strenuous 11-mile one-way Kalalau Trail, this incredible beach camping spot is the definition of secluded. The trail has been recognized as one of the most beautiful — and dangerous hikes in the entire world, and the beach campground is idyllic, to say the least.

This gorgeous aerial video of Kalalau Beach is an excellent example of the paradise this place is:

8. Kea’au Beach Park

Located past Waianae on Oahu’s west shore lies Kea’au Beach Park, a popular camping destination for those who enjoy beautiful blue water, stunning sunsets, and the simplicity of nature. The grassy area at the campground is perfect for a picnic or a game of frisbee.

9. Kiholo State Park Reserve

The stark, coastal, lava-covered park offers camping off 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. Ready to get away from it all?

10. Malaekahana Beach Campground

Enjoy beachfront camping with a food truck and fire pit access at this phenomenal campground located on Oahu’s northeastern shore. Consider renting a kayak or paddleboard while you’re there. If you're not interested in pitching a tent, you can stay in one of the charming, plantation-style cabins.

11. Polihale State Park

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 to for a weekend retreat into the wilderness. Who doesn't love state park camping in Hawaii?

This epic video sums up all the reasons you should drop everything and hit Polihale State Park as soon as humanly possible:

If you haven't found the perfect spot for your next camping trip, try these rustic camping spots in Hawaii, or these amazing campsites in HI. The possibilities are endless!