Hawaii state camping
Hawaii state camping is seriously the best way to experience this idyllic island. Camping not only enables you to enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery on the world up close and personal, but it may also help you save a ton of money on lodging. To assist you in planning your trip, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top campgrounds in Hawaii. For more information you can see the DLNR website here.
Camping in Hawaii
It’s crucial to keep in mind that camping in Hawaii differs slightly from camping in other states. Confined and remote, to start, camping in Hawaii can be a challenge. As an archipelago with clearly defined limits, the islands offer less scope for exploration and are challenging to access from the American mainland.
Air travellers frequent Hawaii the most. This makes traveling with your camping equipment even more difficult. The majority of equipment okay, although fuel canisters for camping and hiking stoves are not. Fortunately, the main Hawaiian Islands have stores where you may buy fuel canisters. Alternatives include no-cook camping meals.
The majority of campgrounds in Hawaii, particularly those located in state parks, demand permits. As there is no staff at these campgrounds, reservations for them must be made in advance online. Contrary to state park campgrounds, the majority of county campgrounds do have workers on site to sell permits. To get information on permits check out our page on Hawaii camping permits.
Kalopa state recreation area
A state park with an arboretum of local trees found some 40 miles northwest of Hilo is the Kalopa State Recreation Area. The park is located at an elevation of 2,000 feet, and the arboretum contains a variety of unusual flora, notably endangered loulu palms and several rare native hibiscus.
The weather is often damp and cold because of the altitude. Hikers can take the Kalopa Nature Trail at Kalopa State Recreation Area, an undemanding 0.7 mi circle through a forest of indigenous ohia lehua trees.
Duplex cabins rent out at Kalopa State Recreation Area. Bunk beds, bathroom facilities, and hot showers are all included in the 8-person cabin accommodations. There are just hot showers in the cabins.
The campgrounds don’t have hot water. A gas stove, water heater, refrigerator, a few dishes, tools for cooking and eating, tables and chairs, and lavatories are among the furnishings. You will not be provided with bedding, towels, or linens.
Kiholo state park reserve
Kiholo State Park Reserve is still having conceptual planning for potential public use. A lava-covered coastal park with bays, lava flows, and big open spaces is designated Kiholo State Park Reserve. Only on weekends (Friday through Sunday nights) is camping permitted, but as there isn’t any running water, you’ll need to provide your own, however, portable toilets are provided.
Please be aware that the gates lock at night if you are just stopping by for the day. Vehicles won’t be allowed to exit the park once the entrance gates are locked for the evening. Reservations for camping spots can be made up to 30 days in advance.
The campgrounds sit along an unmaintained gravel access road, in a mesquite grove adjacent to a pebble beach. There are no facilities or water sources in this outlying area.
Manuka State Wayside
Manuka State Wayside Park, which spans 13.4 acres and has an arboretum, bordered by the Manuka Forest Reserve. The Nature Trail, a two-mile nature walk in the nearby Manuka Natural Area Reserve, provides visitors with an understanding of Hawaiian natural history.