Top Hotels in Hawaii Campgrounds
- 1. Bellows Air Force Station
- 2. Camp Olowalu
- 3. Kumu Camp at the Anahola Beach Retreat
- 4. Namakani Paio Cabins
- 5. Haleakala National Park Campgrounds / Wilderness Cabins
- 6. Malaekahana Beach Campground
- 7. Waianapanapa State Park Cabins
- 8. Pililaau Army Recreation Center
- 9. Camp Naue YMCA
- 10. Hulopo'e Bay Campgrounds
Top Things to do in Hawaii
The best available Campgrounds to stay near Hawaii
From volcanic landscapes to hidden waterfalls… active adventures to an energetic nightlife… a holiday on the Hawaiian Islands offers infinite experiences in one destination. Each of the six major islands – Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the island of Hawaii – has its own distinct personality, but no matter which ones you choose, you’ll discover endless opportunities for adventure, dining, culture and relaxation.
Things to do in Hawaii
1. Bellows Air Force Station
Overall Ratings
4 based on 201 reviews
Location & Beach Superlative, Cottages are a Dump
Reviewed By MistressaThe area is located in a peaceful part of Oahu. The long stretch of beach is awesome with beautiful churning turquoise waves. Snorkeling, however, was much better at Pililaau on the west side of the island where we saw tons of sea turtles and fish. You do get to watch the sunrise at Bellows whereas at Pililaau we were treated to glorious sunsets. But the Army’s Pililaau renovated beach cottages were so much better than Bellows’. Bellows cottages are a shambles, possibly the worst facilities out there right now for military leisure lodging. They look downright condemnable they are that bad. We did Pililaau first for a few days, then Bellows for 5 days then the Hale Koa for 5 days. The town of Waimanalo outside of Bellows is classic small-town Hawaii, unassuming but really charming in its quiet way. The restaurants like Ken’s Filipino food, Dave’s Ice Cream, and especially The Hawaiian islands Café are all gems truly worth the visit. The whole area was lovely; but seriously, the beach cottages are beyond gross and disgusting. We tried to make the best of it, calling it “rustic” imagining it was like camping (rustic meaning rough and dirty and exposed). We fortunately didn’t have any issues with bugs but everything is crammed together. We were so uncomfortable because we had hours every day having our whole cottage filled with noxious lighter fluid smoke (we could only imagine how nasty their food was from all that lighter fluid) that emanated from our adjoining neighbors’ grill which was essentially right outside our front door. All their noise and anything they did we were constantly downwind. We never had any real privacy as people were clomping all around the cottage day in and day out and you would suffocate from the heat & humidity if you didn’t have all your windows & curtains wide open. If you don’t mind roughing it like camping and being dirty then you might be fine here—but I’ll take a hard pass on ever staying in such a dump again.
2. Camp Olowalu
Overall Ratings
4 based on 165 reviews
Camp Olowalu is an affordable alternative to hotels while being even closer to nature. Visiting this rustic retreat is like visiting Hawaii the way it used to be - a peaceful and fun tropical paradise year-round. Experience some of the best whale watching, snorkeling, and kayaking Maui has to offer right off our beachfront property. Hike multiple nearby trails and discover the traces of ancient Hawaii. Adventure is waiting for you right outside your camping grounds. We offer our cabins for group events and tentalows and the camp sites for individuals
Things you should know
Reviewed By crstylsunThe important things to know. Then ill say more about them 1. The campground sites are hot snd sunny. No shade 2. The water is murky., So no real snorkeling 3. You park your car a bit of a walk to your site and in a sunny spot The good 4. You will certainly see whales 5. There is shade on the beach 6. There are kayaks to rent, but only if theres leftover from tours. Or you can rent a tour for $45/ person 7.nice warm showers More -Internet is available but spotty. Ok for casual or communication. Not conversations or work -personally , i found the ste staff dpwnright rude. I felt they were understaffed, so you could stand in the sun for 20 minutes while they made reservations and they were comfortable with that. They said 10:00 check out and 2:00 check in so I figured they were pretty mellow about the check out. But every morning at 10:00 they drove their little cart around and yelled at you if you weren't out by 10:00. Even if you are mostly out and finishing breakfast. Since I knew it was only at 2:00 I was pretty casual about it and I annoyed them so much they said they would charge me $15 for a late fee if I wasn't out by 10:00. I was out by 10:00 but they charged me $15 anyway as I saw in my credit card later that month. More details onthe numbers 1. As of February 22 it was incredibly hot and sunny. But they have planted a lot of trees and are watering them so I imagine in about 5 years from then, it should be so much nicer. A game changer. They definitely keep the place nice and clean. 2. You can walk out for probably a hundred feet and not get higher than your knees or hips. And it would be good to have water shoes as well. And really, you need a car if you want to go snorkeling because it's so murky there there is nothing to see except the whales. Which is pretty exciting. There is snorkeling about an hour away directly west. Beautiful snorkeling
3. Kumu Camp at the Anahola Beach Retreat
Overall Ratings
4 based on 109 reviews
Private beach camping on Kauai.
Reviewed By ericaeisenberg1010Kumu camp was so much fun to stay at. The beach is pristine and the campsite is relaxing and accommodating. We stayed in a jeep camper and the sunrise views were beautiful. The other campers were respectful and quiet. Bathrooms were generally clean. We stayed 3 nights but realized we could do it for a whole week - everything was right there!
4. Namakani Paio Cabins
Overall Ratings
4 based on 76 reviews
If you are accustomed to camping you will be happy here
Reviewed By WAJeanWe liked staying at the Namakani Paio Cabin # 2. It was a great alternative to camping without having to bring the gear. We are older, so prefer a bed to sleeping on the ground. At home we use a truck camper. The beds and linens were nice and adequately warm for cool nights. (No heat in cabin) We slept well after a full day hiking and awoke early to the sounds of the birds welcoming the new day. There were a few cobwebs in the cabin. Not a big deal to us. Cooking is outside and you will need to bring charcoal for the grill. It was not that cold while we were there, but quilts felt good later in the night. There is one light and one electrical outlet in the cabin. The bathroom is shared, separate bathrooms for men and women. Each bathroom has one shower, which was clean and had shampoo and bath gel available. Bathrooms are kept locked, and guests are provided a key. It made a great place to stay, so we could have plenty of time to visit Hawaii Volcan National Park and feel we could stay late to view the lava after dark. Viewing the lava just at dark, the parking lots are very full, and you may have to walk 1.5 miles each way to the lookout vs 1 mile for the closer parking lot. As suggested by the ranger we waited until about an hour after dark to view the lava.
5. Haleakala National Park Campgrounds / Wilderness Cabins
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Great hiking and scenery, campsites could be better
Reviewed By ilikecanoesWe had a wonderful 3 nights camping. Paliku and Holua are gorgeous. I just wish they'd build some tent pads, especially at Holua which is a lot of sharp volcanic rock which turns to black mud when it rain. It would also be wonderful to have some picnic tables. I know this is wilderness camping but these are reserved sites with an outhouse and tent platforms and picnic tables aren't unheard of in National Parks. The toilets had toilet paper. The sites had water access (nice and close at Paliku but a trek away at Holua) that required filtering. The cabins are kitted out with mattresses, tables, cook stove and gas, wood stoves and compressed wood logs, sinks with running water, and outdoor picnic tables which makes the lack of amenities for the campers pretty stark (They pay $75/night for the whole thing but I wish they'd open up beds to booking so the cabins don't have one or two people and empty beds; they sleep 8). A small covered area for cooking at the sites would be amazing, especially at Paliku where it is wet. There aren't a lot of spaces to string up a tarp. The hiking was lovely. The scenery was jaw-dropping. We loved the entire experience and would recommend this to anyone who can do the longer hikes while carrying gear. Pack the right gear and food. We are so happy we planned two nights at Paliku; there are some nice walks here. We loved the courting u'au' or Hawaiian Petrels at Holua; they were an added bonus we enjoyed. Bring the right gear and enough food! For $38 for 3 nights (an $8 permit plus $30 parking fee), this was the most affordable accommodation on the island!
6. Malaekahana Beach Campground
Overall Ratings
4 based on 96 reviews
Malaekahana Park at Kahuku is a public campground with cabins available. It is a privately managed, non-profit organization. No state permit required to camp.
Great Value!
Reviewed By Seattle_red72I rented a van to explore the island and spent four days at this campground. I was traveling solo so was a little apprehensive at first, but I met some nice people camping near me and was only feet away from the beach! I stayed there Tuesday-Friday and the beach was hardly busy at all! If you are car camping be sure to book early and get space V5! I dont think I was prepared for all the chickens, but loved having them around. Please note that you WILL get woken up by the roosters! :) I found the check in process to be easy and the staff friendly and responsive. There had been reports in other reviews of sketchy people around the campground, but I didnt encounter anyone that made me feel unsafe. The bathrooms are fairly clean, but bring your own TP. The showers are outdoors and COLD, so be prepared.
7. Waianapanapa State Park Cabins
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 92 reviews
If you have the chance to stay here, do it!
Reviewed By J7139FKkatiehFantastic camping experience! Staying here enabled us to really take our time with the Hana sights! Cabin was clean and spacious - it’s not a hotel, but I’m not sure I would categorize it as rustic when it has a microwave! We rented linens, and just brought cereal and sandwich stuff for breakfast and lunch, and ate in Hana for dinner, so can’t comment on the kitchen setup. Shower was warm with great water pressure. Workers were friendly, the site was gorgeous, and I wish we would have stayed longer! Very peaceful and quiet, even with cabins fairly close together.
8. Pililaau Army Recreation Center
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 123 reviews
Poor Customer Service
Reviewed By F6948WQpaulcDue to lack of continuity in the customer service, I'm forced to give a low rating. Translation I would give ZERO stars if I could. Checked in for two night stay-vaction. Upon check in around 615pm (office closes at 7pm), I informed the desk clerk that I may have to modify my reservation to 1 night due to work but I wouldn't know for sure until 730pm. I then told her, I'm willing to risk paying for a night I may not use the cabin. She then said there's no reason to risk anything as I could come back in the morning and let them know I wanted the cabin for the 2nd night. I said that would be great and asked what time they open as I promised to let them know as soon as they opened. 10 minutes after opening, I approached the front desk to let them know I was going to take the 2nd day. Only to find out, they sold the reservation "last night". They couldn't even offer me a late check out due to their error. Instead, I now have less than 2 hrs to vacate.
9. Camp Naue YMCA
Overall Ratings
4 based on 13 reviews
Tent/ car/ van/ truck camping $20 a night/person (cash only) Limited space so Please E-mail ahead for availability as sometimes we are close for private events. Restrictions apply. We don't take check ins after 6pm. Mahalo!
Amazing camp
Reviewed By 760am_lieaCamp Naue is the best camp we stayed at during our 15 days trip to Hawaii. It's clean, covered by grass, and the surroundings are so beautiful, just in front of the beach and 10 minutes walk to Tunnels beach. We were practically alone at that time and it was a dream ! We wish we could stay longer !
10. Hulopo'e Bay Campgrounds
Overall Ratings
4 based on 8 reviews
Camping Lana'i
Reviewed By mauiskywalkerThis place was amazing. Such a wonderful location to camp. The facilities were clean and stocked it was very well taken care of. The beach is really near and has a bunch of picnic tables and trees that are perfect for hanging a hammock. The snorkeling at this location is amazing. Easy walk to sweetheart rock and that has a view like no other, totally recommend this place to anyone who likes camping.
