Oahu Camping

Oahu is the most populous island in the Hawaiian archipelago and most visitors choose Oahu as their vacation destination. There are many hotels and vacation homes and condos all over Oahu, but equally, there are many areas where you can simply pitch your tent and enjoy sleeping under the stars.

If you plan to camp on Oahu, 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/oahu.cfm (see the link “Online Reservations” at the top left corner on their website). You can make your reservation no more than 30 days in advance (unlike for camp sites on the other Hawaiian islands where you can reserve up to one year in advance). There are other special rules that apply for Oahu only. Camping in state parks is not available on Wednesday and Thursday nights, and Sand Island State Park is only open to camping on weekends (Friday through Sunday nights).

Here is a list of all state camp sites:

Ahupuaa o Kahana State Park: A popular camping ground is the Ahupuaa O Kahana State Park. It is the only Ahupuaa or land division that connects the ocean to the mountains that is owned by the state. It boasts hiking trails, archaeological sites and a prehistoric fishpond.

Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area: Covering an area of 384 acres, the Keaiwa Heaiau State Recreation Area has a camping area, picnic tables and the popular Aiea Loop hiking trail. There are also covered pavilions and barbecue grills.

Malaekahana State Recreation Area: (see photos) Located on 110 acres with shady ironwood trees and a sandy beach. The campground has picnic tables, outdoor showers and phones.

Malaekahana State Recreation Area (Kahuku Section): Park is run by the Friends of Malaekahana. In addition to tent camping, they rent yurts, grass shacks and cabins. There are hot outdoor showers, restrooms and a comfort station.

Sand Island State Recreation Area: The 102-acre Sand Island is the only camp site in urban Honolulu, overlooking Honolulu Harbor.

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.

Camping at county camp sites

To get a camping permit for one of the county camp sites, contact the City and County of Honolulu Parks & Recreation. The permits are issued at the Parks Permits Section on the ground floor of the Frank F. Fasi Municipal Building, located at 650 South King Street, or at the Kapolei Satellite City Hall or the Wahiawa Satellite City Hall. For more information, visit www1.honolulu.gov/parks/camping.htm

Here is a list of all county camp sites:

Bellows Field Beach Park
Hauula Beach Park
Kaiaka Bay Beach Park
Kalaeloa Beach Park
Keaau Beach Park
Kokololio Beach Park
Kualoa Regional Park
Lualualei Beach Park
Maili Beach Park
Nanakuli Beach Park
Swanzy Beach Park
Waimanalo Beach Park

Here is an overview of the county camp site fees:

Permits are issued free of charge.