Camping permit Oahu

Camping permits oahu

In this post, we’ll be going over all the basics of camping in Oahu, and how the system works for when you need to get yourself a camping permit Oahu. If you’re looking for specific places to camp, check out our post on camping Oahu’s North Shore.

The essentials

On Oahu, a permit is necessary for all campgrounds.

Booking your campsite before renting equipment (optimal booking dates 14-30 days in advance). It is best to reserve your campground as soon as possible because there is a great demand for campsites on Oahu (and most islands).

If the campsite is still open after this, it’s probably because it’s not a popular one. If you have any inquiries on where to camp, don’t hesitate to get in touch. They do not offer refunds if you end up not liking your campsite. 

More about the camping permit Oahu

The cost of permits varies according to agency, category, and residency in Hawaii state. Selecting the campsite on the map and clicking the link to the booking site are the simplest ways to make a permit reservation.

While there are no walk-in campers, Malaekahana Beach Campground is a privately owned campground. Reservations can be made online anytime here. Don’t count on being able to find a spot when you get there because most campgrounds demand online reservations at least 7 days in advance.

While this promotes safety, it can also affect how early you can leave in the morning or how late you can come at night. As you browse campgrounds, be sure to take note of any that have gates that lock overnight. 

Planning for your camping trip

You might be surprised to learn that Oahu consistently has excessive traffic. The most inhabited island is Oahu, which is also one of the smaller ones. We advise arranging one significant activity every day to be on the safe side. It is feasible to schedule shorter events that are close to one another and avoid driving during rush hour.

Understanding this can save you from missing appointments and spending hours stuck in traffic. The bus is a fantastic mode of transportation, but it will take careful planning! On Oahu, taxis, Uber, and Lyft are all options. Oahu has everything, in addition to all the enjoyable stuff. Away from Honolulu, it features both bustling cities and peaceful towns. There are wonderful treks, stunning beaches, and a ton of things to do.

You might not be shocked to learn that Oahu, the most populated island, exhibits heavy wear, particularly in parks, restrooms, and campgrounds. Make sure you are prepared to camp in less-than-ideal conditions, even in some of the nicest spots.

Be prepared to encounter homeless camps, a lack of toilet paper, unpleasant odors, limited parking, and occasionally shattered car windows. We don’t say this to put you off; rather, we want you to be ready for the worst while hoping for the best.

Some campsites to explore

Look for campgrounds by organization. There are twenty-two campgrounds with approved campsites and four separate agencies.

• Ahupua’ua o Kahana State Park

• Kaunala Trail

• Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area

• Kuaokala Trail

• Kuliouou Trail

• Maakua Ridge Trail

• Malaekahana State Recreation Area

• Manana Trail

• Waimano Trail

• Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail