Kauai Camping

Camping is a popular activity on Kauai and this is not surprising considering the island's spectacular beaches, rainforests, mountains and breathtaking vistas. There are 13 camp sites on Kauai, ranging from beach camp sites to mountain cabins. Six of them are state camp sites and the remaining seven are county camp sites. If you plan to camp on Kauai, no matter if at a state or county site, you will need to obtain a camping permit in advance.

Camping at state camp sites

All state camping areas are administered by the Hawaii DLNR, State Parks. They prefer that all reservations are made on their online portal, which is located at: www.hawaiistateparks.org/camping/kauai.cfm (see the link “Online Reservations” at the top left corner on their website). You can make your reservation up to one year in advance.

Here is a list of all state camp sites:

Na Pali Coast Wilderness Park (has four camp sites: Hanakapiai, Hanakoa, Kalalau, Milolii)
Kokee State Park
Polihale State Park

Here is an overview of the state camp site fees:

Hawaii residents: $12 per campsite per night for up to 6 persons; $2 per night for each additional person*. Maximum fee per site: $20/night.
Non-residents: $18 per campsite per night for up to 6 persons; $3 per night for each additional person*. Maximum fee per site: $30/night.
*Children 2 and under free.

Hawaii Residents: $15 per person per night.
Non-residents: $20 per person per night.

It is a good idea to make your reservation well in advance, at least a few months, because space is limited. If you plan to hike the Na Pali Coast and would like to camp there, make your reservation at least six months in advance. Camping permits for the Na Pali Coast are very much in demand.

Camping at county camp sites

To get a camping permit for one of the county camp sites, contact the County of Kauai Parks & Recreation. On their website you can download and print a camping permit request form and mail it in. The form is located here: http://www.kauai.gov/government/departments/
parksrecreation/campinginformation/tabid/176/default.aspx

Here is a list of all county camp sites:

Anahola Beach Park: closed every Thursday from 10 am to 12 pm on Friday for maintenance
Anini Beach Park: closed every Tuesday from 10 am to 12 pm on Wednesday for maintenance
Haena Beach Park: closed every Monday from 10 am to 12 noon on Tuesday for maintenance)
Hanalei Black Pot Beach Park: open Friday & Saturday only, closed Sunday thru Thursday
Hanamaulu Beach Park: open Thursday, Friday & Saturdays only & certain school holidays, closed Sunday thru Wednesday
Lucy Wright Beach Park: closed every Monday from 10 am to 12 pm Tuesday for maintenance
Salt Pond Beach Park: closed every Tuesday from 10 am to 12 pm Wednesday for maintenance

Here is an overview of the county camp site fees:

County camping permit fees are $3 per adult per night for non-residents and free for Hawaii residents (Hawaii ID required). Children under the age of 18 years are also free and must camp with at least one adult 18 years of age or older. For more information about county camping permits, call the County of Kauai, Department of Parks & Recreation, Parks Permit Section at (808) 241-4463.

Camping gear is available for rent at Pedal ‘n Paddle or at Kayak Kauai, both located in Hanalei. To purchase equipment, visit Wal-Mart, Kmart or Costco in Lihue, Da Life or Discount Variety in Koloa, Waipouli Variety in Kapaa and Pedal ‘n Paddle in Hanalei.