Big Island of Hawaii Camping

With its warm temperatures, the Big Island of Hawaii is a great camping destination – year round. Some of the campgrounds on the Big Island are, however, located up high on the mountains, where it will get chilly at night and sometimes even during the day. Also keep in mind that the windward (east) coast receives much more rainfall than the other side of the island, especially in the wintertime between November and March.

There are quite a few established campgrounds on the Big Island. You can bring your own tent or rent a cabin. At the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you'll find two drive-in campgrounds and backcountry cabins. Also, just off Saddle Road, you'll find cabins for rent at the Mauna Kea State Park. Or check out the cabins at the Kalopa Native Forest State Park.

For a very remote camping experience, visit Waimanu Valley, which doesn't have any facilities. Just to get there will take you most of the day because you'll have to hike down into Waipio Valley.

If you plan to go camping on the Big Island, it is recommended to bring a good mosquito repellant, sunscreen and a rain jacket. And if you plan to camp at the top of the island's volcanoes, bring a down mummy bag to stay warm. Here, temperatures can drop down to the freezing point or even below that at night, especially in the wintertime.

All Hawaii State Parks are open seven days per week year round. However, the maximum stay per permit is five consecutive nights. Permits cost $5 per campsite and can be obtained at the Island of Hawaii District Office in Hilo, (808) 974-6200.

For county parks, contact the Department of Parks and Recreation in Hilo at (808) 961-8311. Camping here is limited to seven consecutive days during June through August and two weeks during the rest of the year. The price is $5 per adult per night.

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