Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Camping & Cabins
Hawaii has almost no full-service private campgrounds. The best public camping facilities
are in national parks, next best are state parks and typically the least well cared-for are
county parks. Campgrounds are less busy during the week than on weekends.
SAFE CAMPING
For safety reasons, a few county and state parks are not recommended in this topic
because they either are very isolated or are late-night carousing spots. Theft and
violence aimed at campers is uncommon, but you should still choose your camp-
grounds carefully. Check our reviews, then ask locals and park staff for advice.
NATIONAL PARKS
Hawaii's two national parks - Maui's Haleakalā National Park and the Big Island's Hawaiʻi
Volcanoes National Park - have free drive-up campgrounds that are first-come, first-
served; most are grassy dispersed areas without many amenities. Permits required for
backcountry campsites are usually available same-day for walk-up visitors. Advance re-
servations are strongly recommended for all cabin rentals.
STATE PARKS
»
The five largest Hawaiian Islands offer camping at state parks (usually $18 to $30 per
site per night, or $12 to $20 for Hawaii residents).
»
State park campgrounds usually have picnic tables, BBQ grills, drinking water, toilets
and outdoor cold-water showers.
»
Some state parks also rent basic housekeeping cabins ($50 to $90 per night, or $30 to
$60 for Hawaii residents).
»
Obtain camping and cabin permits in person from any
Division of State Parks
(
www.hawaiistateparks.org
)
office or book ahead online up to one year in advance. Per-
mits are
not
available in person at campgrounds.
»
On Oʻahu, the
Division of State Parks (DSP) Headquarters
( 587-0300;
www.hawaiistateparks.org
; Room 310, 1151 Punchbowl St, Honolulu;
8am-3:15pm
Mon-Fri) handles camping reservations for all islands.
COUNTY PARKS
Some county parks are wonderful, with white-sand beaches and good facilities, while oth-
ers are run-down and dangerous. Keep in mind that just because you
can
camp some-
