Picture this: tranquil beaches, lush rainforests, and mesmerizing starry nights – all of this and more awaits you on the stunning Big Island, Hawaii. Camping on the Big Island is not just a vacation; it’s a chance to unplug, bond with your family, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
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Open Daily Except during Holidays
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Drive in sites - $15.00 per night
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$10.00 a night per site - stay limit of seven consecutive days
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$5.00 a night per site for campers who hold the Interagency Senior (Golden Age) and Golden Access passes
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Parking Area: Available On-site
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The campground is located 31.5 miles south of Hilo on Highway-11 at 4,000' elevation. It is a large, open grassy area with tall eucalyptus and 'ōhi'a trees. This campground has restrooms, water, picnic tables and barbecue pits.
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Contact Reservation Number: (844) 569-8849
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Toilets/Bathrooms: Available
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Gate closes at 8pm and reopens at 7am. No entry or exit after 8pm.
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Starting at $5.00
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Available in the entrance area.
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By Car: If you are driving from Kailua-Kona, head north on Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Highway 19). Continue on this highway until you reach Kawaihae Road (Highway 270). Turn left onto Kawaihae Road and drive for about 3.5 miles. After driving 3.5 miles on Kawaihae Road, you will see the entrance to Spencer Beach Park on your left-hand side. Look for the sign indicating the park entrance
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808-961-8311
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Toilets/Bathrooms: Available
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Daily 7:00 am to 7:45 pm
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Credit Card Only
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Hawaii Residents = Free w/ Drivers Lic. or ID
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Non-Residents = $5.00 Per Person
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Children 3 and Under = Free
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Non-Commercial Vehicles
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Residents = Free with State ID/DL
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Non-Residents = $10 per vehicle
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Commercial PUC Vehicle: 1-7 passenger vehicles: $25
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Commercial PUC Vehicle: 8-25 passenger vehicles: $50
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Commercial PUC Vehicle: 26+ passenger vehicles: $90
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Access from Highway 270 to Spencer County Beach Park, from Highway 19 to Hapuna State Beach Recreation Area, Holoholokai Beach Park, Mauna Lani Resort, Waikoloa Resort, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel or Puako Boat Ramp. Parking, toilets and water are available at most locations.
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Phone: (808) 587-0300
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E-mail: dlnr@hawaii.gov
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Toilets/Bathrooms: Currently Closed
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Check-in time is now 3:00 pm; Check-out time is at 10:00 a.m
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Hawaii Residents: $20 per campsite per night for up to 4 persons.
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Non-residents: $30 per campsite per night for up to 4 persons.
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*children 2 and under free
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Parking Area: Available in the area.
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Located approximately 40 mi (64 km) northwest of Hilo, near the village of Honokaʻa, a few miles inland from the Mamalahoa Highway (Route 19) section of the Hawaii Belt Road, Island of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi.
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+1 808-775-8852
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Toilets / Bathrooms: Currently Closed
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April 1 to Labor Day: 7 am to 7 pm. Winter: After Labor Day to March 31: 7 am to 6 pm. Gates are locked nightly.
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Hawaii Residents: $20 per campsite per night for up to 10 persons.
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Non-residents: $30 per campsite per night for up to 10 persons.
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*children 2 and under free
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Parking Area: There are two main recreation areas in Kīholo State Park Preserve, Kīholo Bay to the north, and the campgrounds and beach park to the south. To access the campgrounds and beach park for day use, follow the sign to the left. For the hike to Kīholo Bay, go straight and park at the end of the road.
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Kīholo State Park Preserve is located near mile marker 82 on highway 19, a 45 minute drive north from My Hawaii Hostel in Kailua-Kona. Note: there is no sign on the highway for Kīholo bay or the preserve. It is located down an unmarked gravel road which is accessible to regular two-wheel drive vehicles, although there are a few rough patches. If you are driving north from Kailua-Kona, do not attempt to turn left onto the gravel road from highway 19. Instead, go past the road to the scenic overlook at mile marker 82 and turn around, then make a right onto the gravel road.
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+1 808-695-4620
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Toilets / Bathrooms: Currently Closed
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Daily 7 AM-7 PM
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Starting at $5.00
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Parking Area: Available Daily
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Entrance to the park leads to a tributary of dirt roads. The rightmost, larger road continues to the parking lot of the park. Just past the lot are the covered shelters. To the right of the shelters are bathrooms and a shady area where camping is allowed by permit. The shelters are equipped with picnic tables with additional tables scattered throughout the park with cement fire pits for grilling. If you’re looking to cook, come prepared with charcoal and even a grate as some fire pits may be missing a grill.
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808-961-8311
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Toilets/Bathrooms: Available
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24 Hours Open
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Drive in sites - $15.00 per night
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Available
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The campground is located 31.5 miles south of Hilo on Highway 11.
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866-536-7972
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Toilets/Bathrooms: Available
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Camping permit needed
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Cars parked at the Waipio Valley Lookout for more than 24 hours may be towed. Parking is available at Waipio Valley Artworks for $20 a day. Call them ahead of time at 808-775-0958.
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From Kailua-Kona: Take the Hawaii Belt Rd North for 53 miles to the town of Honokaa. Turn left onto Plumeria St, follow it for 0.7 miles and then turn left onto HI-240/Honokaa-Waipio Rd. This road will take you to the parking lot at Waipio Lookout.
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From Hilo: Take the Hawaii Belt Rd North 39 miles to HI-240/Honokaa-Waipio Rd. Take a right onto the 240 and follow it to the parking lot at Waipio Lookout.
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808-775-0958.
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Toilets/Bathrooms: NOT Available
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Waipi‘o Valley Access Road (only access to the trailhead) is RESTRICTED only to Hawai‘i Island Residents, riding in vehicles. Due to the unsafe conditions of the Waipi‘o Valley Access Road (which leads to the Muliwai trailhead), the County of Hawai‘i Public Works Department has closed the road to all users except local traffic.
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Adult camping rates for residents is $6 and for visitors is $21
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Cars parked at the Waipio Valley Lookout for more than 24 hours may be towed. Parking is available at Waipio Valley Artworks for $20 a day. Call them ahead of time at 808-775-0958.
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Drive south on Hwy 11 from Kailua-Kona for about 20 miles until you pass the 102 mile marker. Look for Ho’okena Beach Road on the right side of the highway and turn right when you reach it. You will follow this road for about 2.5 miles before you reach the park. When you near the end of the road, take a left down the narrow one lane road, to the dirt parking lot.
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+1 808-328-8450
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Toilets/Bathrooms: Available
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Isaac Hale Beach Park IS CLOSED for camping until further notice due to the 2018 Lava Eruption.
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9 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
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Adult camping rates for residents is $6 and for visitors is $21
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Cars parked at the Waipio Valley Lookout for more than 24 hours may be towed. Parking is available at Waipio Valley Artworks for $20 a day. Call them ahead of time at 808-775-0958.
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Laupahoehoe is located about halfway between Hilo & Honokaa on the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island. Once you arrive at the beach park entrance on Hwy 19 , you will navigate down a windy, mile-long road cut into the cliffs. At the bottom of the road, you will find the park.
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808-961-8311
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Portable Toilet: Available
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Starting at $5
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FREE but on the sides of the area.
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Entry road off Highway 27, past 14 mile marker
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+1 808-961-8311
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Portable Toilet: Available
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7 am to 7:30 pm
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FREE
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Available (Shoreline)
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Entry road off Highway 27 (traveling north), past 16 mile marker.Park is situated approximately .7 mile from highway.
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808-961-8311
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Toilets/Bathrooms : Sink and toilet ONLY
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Gate opens at 5:30am; gate closes at 9pm
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You need a parking pass and a valid camping permit
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Available
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Traveling south from Kawaihae toward Kailua Kona, pass mile marker 95 and make a right at the Hulikoa Dr intersection. Traveling north from Kailua Kona toward Kawaihae, turn left at the Hulikoa Dr Intersection. Drive past the Kohanaiki Golf and Ocean Club entrance, the road will take you around the country club to access the beach and campgrounds.
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(808) 327-4958
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Toilets/Bathrooms : Available
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Camping permits required between the hours of 8pm and 6am
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Entry road off Highway 11, past 55 mile marker.
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808-961-8311
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Toilets/Outdoor Showers: Available
Camping Tips
Shelter and Sleeping Gear
- Tent: Choose a spacious and easy-to-assemble tent that accommodates your family size.
- Sleeping Bags and Mats: Opt for cozy sleeping bags suitable for the climate, along with comfortable sleeping mats or inflatable mattresses.
Clothing and Footwear
- Layered Clothing: Pack light, breathable layers to adapt to changing weather conditions.
- Rain Gear: Don’t forget waterproof jackets and pants, just in case the skies open up.
- Sturdy Footwear: Closed-toe shoes or hiking boots are essential for exploring trails and rough terrains.
Camp Kitchen Essentials
- Portable Stove: Cook up delicious meals with a compact camping stove.
- Cookware and Utensils: Bring a lightweight set of pots, pans, and utensils for easy meal preparation.
- Cooler: Keep your food fresh and drink cold with a reliable cooler.
Other Necessities
- First Aid Kit: Be prepared for any minor injuries with a well-stocked first aid kit.
- Sun Protection: Pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to shield your family from the sun’s rays.
- Insect Repellent: Keep pesky bugs at bay with a reliable insect repellent.
Pack your bags, grab your tent, and get ready to embrace the magic of camping on Big Island, where nature’s wonders await you! (And remember to book your campground in advance to secure your spot!)
Happy camping! 🌴🏕️
Frequently Asked Questions
Is camping allowed on the Big Island, Hawaii?
Yes, camping is allowed on the Big Island, and there are various campgrounds and parks where you can set up your camp. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Spencer Beach Park, and Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area are some popular options.
How much does it cost to camp on the Big Island?
Camping costs can vary depending on the campground and your residency status. On average, camping fees range from $5 to $30 per night. Some campgrounds also offer free camping options, such as Kapapala Forest Reserve and Lapakahi State Historical Park.
Do I need a permit to camp on the Big Island?
Yes, you typically need a permit to camp at established campgrounds. It’s essential to make reservations in advance, especially for popular sites like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Some parks offer walk-in permits, but it’s recommended to check the specific requirements for each campground.
What amenities are available at Big Island campgrounds?
Campground amenities can vary. Many sites offer basic facilities such as restrooms, picnic tables, and barbecue grills. Some campgrounds, like Spencer Beach Park, may have showers and potable water. However, it’s a good idea to be prepared and bring your camping essentials, including cooking equipment, water, and toiletries.
Are campfires allowed on the Big Island?
Campfires are generally not allowed at most campgrounds on the Big Island due to fire safety concerns. However, some designated areas may permit controlled fires. It’s crucial to inquire about campfire regulations at your chosen campground before planning to have a fire.
Can I camp near the beach on the Big Island?
Yes, you can camp near the beach on the Big Island. Campgrounds like Spencer Beach Park, Ho’okena Beach Park, and Isaac Hale Beach Park offer beachfront camping options, allowing you to enjoy the ocean and stunning views right from your campsite.
Is camping safe on the Big Island?
Camping on the Big Island is generally safe, but it’s essential to take necessary precautions. Be aware of weather conditions, wildlife, and follow park rules and guidelines. Store food securely to prevent attracting animals, and practice Leave No Trace principles to help protect the environment.
Are there family-friendly campgrounds on the Big Island?
Absolutely! Many campgrounds on the Big Island are family-friendly. Spencer Beach Park, for instance, is known for its calm waters and family-oriented atmosphere. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park also offers family-friendly camping options with opportunities for educational hikes and exploration.
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