Big Island Camping at Campgrounds / Campsites

The Big Island's terrain is the most diverse of any Hawaiian island. From camping on a tropical beach to camping in an alpine environment and climate, it's all possible here. There are a variety of camping areas – state campsites, county campsites and national park campsites. If you plan to camp on the Big Island, you will need to obtain a camping permit in advance.

Camping at a Hawaii state park on the Big Island

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: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/camping-lodging/hawaii/ (see the green “Reserve Now” button). Two Big Island State Parks allow tent camping, while two offer cabin lodging. Reservations can be made 90 days in advance at Kalopa State Recreation Area and 30 days in advance at Kiholo State Park Reserve.

State campsites on the Big Island:

Kalopa State Recreation Area (tent camping and cabin lodging)
Kiholo State Park Reserve (tent camping)
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area (cabin lodging)

Tent campsite fees:

Hawaii Residents:
$20 per campsite per night for up to 6 persons

Non-Residents:
$30 per campsite per night for up to 6 persons

Lodging fees:

Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area:

The Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area has 4-person A-Frame shelters. These shelters consist of a single screened room with wooden sleeping platforms and a picnic table. Centrally located is a pavilion with a range, refrigerator, and tables. Comfort Stations with cold showers and restrooms are available for shared use by all shelters.

Hawaii Residents: $40 per shelter per night
Non-Residents: $70 per shelter per night
(Notice: The Hapuna Bach A-Frame shelters are closed for reservations due to water line issues at the park. Reopening is to be announced.)

Kalopa State Recreation Area:

The Kalopa State Recreation Area has duplex cabins that sleep up to 8 people. They are equipped with bunk beds, toilets and hot showers. A centrally located recreational dining hall is equipped for shared cooking and serving all cabin users. Furnishings include a gas range, water heater, refrigerator, limited dishes, cooking and eating utensils, tables and chairs, as well as restrooms.

Hawaii Residents: $70 per cabin per night
Non-Residents: $100 per cabin per night

Camping at Hawaii County campsites

There are 10 county campsites on the Big Island. To get a camping permit for one of the county campsites, visit https://hawaiicounty.ehawaii.gov/camping/welcome.html

Hawaii County campsites:

Isaac Hale Beach Park
Kapaa Beach Park
Kohanaiki Beach Park
Laupahoehoe Beach Park
Mahukona Beach Park
Mauna Kea Recreation Area
Milolii Beach Park
Punaluu Beach Park
Spencer Beach Park
Whittington Beach Park

County campsite fees:

Adults (18+ years): $6 per adult per night (non-residents $21 per adult per night)
Juniors (13-17 years): $3 per junior per night (non-residents $21 per junior per night)
Children (0-12 years): $1 per child per night (non-residents $20 per child per night)

The Mauna Kea State Recreation Area has cabins that can accommodate up to 6 people, as well as a bunkhouse with room for up to 48 people. For the cabins, the rate is $75 per cabin per night for Hawaii residents and $150 per cabin per night for non-residents. For the bunkhouse, the rate is $240 per night per group of up to 24 people, and $240 per additional group/night for Hawaii residents. For non-residents, the rate is 480 per night per group of up to 24 people, and $480 per additional group/night. There is also a deposit of $250.

Camping within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

There are two drive-in campgrounds within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Namakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki.

Namakanipaio Campground

The Namakanipaio Campground is operated by the Hawaii Volcano House. The campground is located 3 miles (4.8 km) from the Volcano House at an elevation of 4,000 feet (1,219 m). The campsites are nestled amidst a fragrant eucalyptus grove and ohia trees. Campers will find restrooms, hot showers, water, picnic tables and barbecue pits. The maximum stay is 7 days.

Accommodation options at Namakanipaio include cabins and tents. There are 10 rustic one-bedroom wooden cabins that sleep up to 4 guests. For tent camping, campers can either bring their own or rent a tent (set up and taking down of the equipment is included). Drive-in campsites are $15 per night. There is a pay station on site. Cash or checks are accepted. Credit card payment may be made at the Volcano House. If you would like to rent a tent, it is an additional $40 per night, per tent (up to 2 tents). To make a reservation to rent a tent, call the Volcano House at (808) 756-9625 or for more info visit https://hawaiivolcanohouse.com/campground/

Since Namakanipaio Campground is located within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, all visitors must also pay the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park entrance fee, which is $30 per each non-commercial vehicle, $25 per motorcycle or $15 per individual traveling on foot or bicycle.

Kulanaokuaiki Campground

The Kulanaokuaiki Campground is located 5 miles (8 km) down the Hilina Pali Road at an elevation of 2,700 feet (823 m). The 9 campsites have picnic tables and tent pads and are available on a first-come basis. There is a vault-type toilet (no running water) and picnic tables, but no water. Fires and pets are not permitted. The camping fee is $10 per night per site. Campers who hold the Interagency Senior (Golden Age) and Golden Access passes pay $5 per night per site. Fees can be paid at the campground's self-registration station. The maximum stay is 7 days.

Kulanaokuaiki Campground is located within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, so the entrance fee to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park applies to this campground as well.

Other backcountry campsites

There are two main backcountry sites on Mauna Loa that are only accessible via trail and involve a long, strenuous hike. The Pu'u Ula'ula (Red Hill) cabin is located at 10,035 feet (3,059 m), and the Mauna Loa summit cabin is located at 13,250 feet (4,039 m). Both cabins have bunk beds. Hikers should have adequate equipment with them and be experienced in high altitude trecking and physically fit.

Six other campsites are only accessible via trail. They are at Ka'aha, Halape, Keauhou, Apua Point, Napau and Pepeiao Cabin. The first four are located near the ocean.

To secure a backcountry permit for overnight stays within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, visit https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/hike_bc.htm