Kauai camping permits
Camping in Kauai is a fantastic opportunity to explore the island and fully appreciate its beauty. It’s a terrific way to cut costs while visiting Kauai and getting the most out of the island. However, reserving a campground is more difficult than you may think, and getting Kauai camping permits can be a bit of a challenge.
There are numerous ways to make a reservation based on which department has control (county, state, etc.), as the permit system for camping on Kauai is not centralized. You can see the DLNR camping permit website here, and if you are interested in camping on other islands, check out our Oahu Camping Permits page, or our Big Island Camping Permits page.
Cost
Avoid being fined! Here is how to determine if you require a permission to camp in Kauai. You won’t need a permit if you decide to camp at a privately owned campsite. Simply pay the nightly rate, which is typically $20 per night. You must make an online reservation if you decide to stay at a state campground. State campgrounds with permission cost $30 per night and have a maximum occupancy of 10 people.
If you decide on a county campground, you must make a reservation and obtain your permit in person. A county camping permit costs $3 per person, per night, which is far less than a private or state campground. However, certain locations could charge more per night.
Kauai County Permits
On the island, there are seven county campgrounds located in several beach parks. For non-Hawaiians, county permits cost $3 per person per night, however, it is free for Hawaiian residents. You can register online with the county of Kauai to obtain permits.
You can phone Parks & Recreation to make an appointment if you don’t have access to the internet. One or two days a week are set aside for maintenance in campgrounds, and hours of operation at permit-issuing stations may also be restricted. Visit the county website for further details.
Backcountry camping permits are available from the Forestry and Wildlife office and are completely free. Waimea Canyon offers backcountry camping, while Koke’e State Park does not. The office can provide details on camping spots and hiking trails in Waimea Canyon.
State Park Camping
Hawaiian citizens pay $20 per campground per night to camp at Kauai state parks, whereas non-citizens pay $30 per campsite per night, for up to 10 people. The lone exception is camping, which charges $35 per person per night for non-residents within the Na’Pali Coast State Park along the Kalalau Trail.
Three wonderful state parks offer camping alternatives for visitors to explore. The state park campgrounds are secure, roomy, and typically more private if county campgrounds are not your preferred option. With advance planning, permits can be obtained from the Forestry and Wildlife Division.
Buying Camping Permits
By stopping by a nearby County Parks office during regular business hours, you can reserve county sites. The Pi’ikoi Building houses the county camping office for the Lihu’e Civic Center. Any of the exterior doors will lead you to the building’s core, where you can find the kiosk window for the permission office.
The kiosk operator will verify site availability when you specify which campsites and how many nights you’d want to stay there. Provide the names of campers, the number of tents, and an estimate of their size for your permit paperwork. Please be aware that you must pay for your permits in cash; therefore, you must either take cash or use the on-site ATM.