Malaekahana Beach Campground

Malaekahana Beach Campground, Oahu

The Malaekahana Beach Campground (formerly known as Malaekahana State Recreation Area - Kahuku Section, (view panorama) is located on Oahu's windward coast, between Kahuku and Laie, about 55 yards (50 m) off Kamehameha Highway, directly on the beach. The 37-acre campground (view panorama) is surrounded by ironwood trees and has picnic tables, restrooms, a food truck, activity rentals and hot outdoor showers. Every campsite also has a fireplace and picnic table.


The campground has 26 campsites for tent camping, 5 vehicle campsites, 40 plantation huts with beds that sleep up to 4 people (bring your own mattress), 4 plantation suites that sleep up to 4 people but are significantly larger than the huts and include a private bathroom and shower and larger accommodations for groups. With the plantation huts and suites, you have the option to add additional tent campers in your area to accommodate groups. If you don't want to bring food, the campground has a new food truck with plate lunches and other island favorites. There are also supermarkets in nearby Kahuku and Laie. It's about a mile to Kahuku and two miles to Laie. If you don't have a car, the campground is accessible by bus (route #55).

Malaekahana Bay is a great spot to go swimming and bodysurfing. The waves aren't as big as on the North Shore, but it can still be a lot of fun. The beach is a bit busy on weekends, but usually calmer during the week, especially further south. But the best area for swimming is the northern part of the bay because the nearshore ocean bottom is sandy here. Further south where the beach homes are, there is a coral reef.

Most campgrounds on Oahu require permits, which have to be obtained at the State Park Office in advance. But to make a reservation at this campground, all you have to do is either go to their website, malaekahana.net and book online. It is recommended to make your reservation as early as possible. During peak seasons (June to August and December to January and on long holiday weekends), they are often times booked out. Currently, the fee for a tent campsite is $9.41 + tax per person per night. Kama'aina rates (for Hawaii residents) are available.

Malaekahana Beach Campground Overview

  • 26 tent campsites
  • 5 vehicle campsites
  • 40 plantation huts (sleeps 4 adults)
  • 4 plantation suites with private bathroom and shower (sleeps 4 adults)
  • Group camping section (Tent Pavilion package - room for 20 campers in 5 huts)*
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Restrooms
  • Outdoor showers
  • Equipment rentals (single kayak rentals, double kayak rentals, stand up paddleboard rentals, surfboard rentals, bodyboard rentals and bicycle rentals)
  • Activity lessons (surfing lessons, stand up paddleboard lessons, Hawaii sailing canoe tour)
  • See photos how the campground changed throughout the years

* You also have the option to add additional people as tent campers in your area.


Vacation Rentals near Malaekahana Campground


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Reviews and Comments:
 
You can call their number but right bow the campground is closed anyway until at least January 9th.
Kani, Fri Dec 12, 2014
 
If anyone has been here can u PLEASE tell me how to get a cabin.
Kanani Guerland, Fri Dec 12, 2014
 
This is one of the best spots on Oahu to go camping. The beach that fronts the campground is pristine and has good surfing conditions (when the ocean is calm, which is usually in the summer). Many of the campsites are quite big, which is nice if you come with a larger group. Some of the oceanfront spots can get pretty windy though.
Chris, Fri Feb 10, 2012
 
This was the best vacation ever! I wish the showers were "hot" not just warm but besides that, it was still an awesome place to spend a week! Would definitely visit again!
MS, Sat Oct 29, 2011