The best safari tent rentals in Big Island

The Big Island is every bit the Hawaiian paradise you’ve seen in the movies. Azure waters and black- and white-sand beaches draw sunseekers to the coast, while rugged volcanic peaks and swathes of emerald-green rainforest tempt adventurers inland, and everywhere you go, you’ll be met with a vibrant fusion of Polynesian cultures. Hawaii’s tropical climate makes camping a four-season pastime with lots of options. Pitch a tent or rent a cabin at a state park, camp by the beachside at a county park, or park your campervan on a private farm.

98% (181) • 7 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Big Island

The Big Island is every bit the Hawaiian paradise you’ve seen in the movies. Azure waters and black- and white-sand beaches draw sunseekers to the coast, while rugged volcanic peaks and swathes of emerald-green rainforest tempt adventurers inland, and everywhere you go, you’ll be met with a vibrant fusion of Polynesian cultures. Hawaii’s tropical climate makes camping a four-season pastime with lots of options. Pitch a tent or rent a cabin at a state park, camp by the beachside at a county park, or park your campervan on a private farm.

98% (181) • 7 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Big Island

1. Roadside Fruit Stand Exotic Orchard

94%

(16)

3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Honokaa, HI

We have a hidden exotic fruit orchard tucked away through rolling green hills, perched over the Hamakua cliffs, overlooking the pacific. We sell our fruits ripe and cut ready to eat at our roadside fruit stand, open 10-6 daily including holidays! We serve local fresh juices and machete open coconuts to drink ice cold. We grow mango, durian, lilikoi, star fruit, chocolate sapote, buddhas hand citrus, finger limes, tangerines and tangelos, jackfruit, tree grapes, mangosteen, white pineapples, mountain apples, berries, spices and much more. We are home to dozens of rescue animals, many who came from Puna during the 2018 lava flow. Meet peaceful sheep, lambs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese and a lovable pet pig. Not to mention our friendly farm cats. We are a community of a few passionate farmers and fruit lovers. There’s a family- myself Rose, my partner Matthew and our daughter Mela, plus several awesome guys and girls who help out in different areas to grow our lives together!

2. Waipi'o Lodge

98%

(216)

6 sites · Lodging · Honokaa, HI

Waipi'o Lodge and Campsite is located in Kukuihaele less than a mile from majestic Waipiʻo Valley. In a place where horses and wild turkeys often wander by, this is the old Hawaiʻi. A place where neighbors stop to talk and life is sweet as the smell of sugar cane grass. You'll enjoy a wonderful ocean view and the many fruit and macadamia nut trees on the property. We usually have perfect weather- sunshine, blue skies, a nice breeze, with temperatures in the high 70's. The campsite is part of the Waipi'o Lodge, which has three bedrooms and a common space living room. Our camping guests are welcome to use the outside kitchen, covered lanai, and Lodge bathroom. We also have high speed Wi-Fi. Our guests tend to be excellent company, usually visiting from Europe, the US Mainland, Australia and beyond. Many use our place as a launching point for hiking in Waipi'o Valley or backpacking trips into Waimanu Valley.  Join us!!

3. Gingerhill Farm Retreat

96%

(47)

10 sites · Lodging · Kealakekua, HI

Gingerhill Farm Retreat is a farm community dedicated to exploring sustainability, self-sufficiency, and stewardship of the land. To these ends, we have transformed our lush five-acre plot into a verdant botanical food forest. As you meander through our gardens and orchards, you will marvel at the incredible abundance and beauty that surrounds you. Through our various programs, we invite the community and international guests to join us in our daily routine of work and wellness. Come enjoy expansive ocean views and postcard sunsets. Eat delicious, healing farm-to-fork food. Spread some mulch; sow some seed. Get intimate with nature and find your unadulterated self. We would love to see you on the farm.

4. Pahoa Enjoy The Adventure Camp

100%

(1)

3 sites · Lodging · Pahoa, HI

The Caretaker's Dojo, The boho Hale Vinyasa and the Ginger Pavilion are the satellites of The Main Ohana house in the camp. Kitchen, beds, and gathering place, all in one big open and airy Fort in the Jungle. Off-grid but in a premium location to access all of the Big Island. There is Hi-Speed Wi Fi for the Nomadics and luxuriously easy access across the bridge to the Composting Latrine

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

K

Kari Jay

1 week ago

2 nights at Gingerhill Farm Retreat

My partner and I enjoyed our stay at Zach and Iris's place SO much! They've created a Garden of Eden, and we'd love to visit again.

Karleen

October 2025

4 nights at Waipi'o Lodge

We love everything! Always our first leg on the island. ❤️

K

Kathleena

August 2025

2 nights at Waipi'o Lodge

peaceful property amazing views Stars loved the outdoor kitchen

Amber

June 2025

1 night at Waipi'o Lodge

The view was breathtaking! Beautiful space, simple luxury. Host was very accommodating.

A

Allison

June 2025

4 nights at Gingerhill Farm Retreat

Ginger Farms was a nice place to stay and very different than the other resort style experiences offered on Hawaii. I really enjoyed making coffee every morning in the outdoor kitchen. A few things I would have liked to know before staying, the outdoor shower is cold water only. I feel like I should have figured that out for myself but it didn't occur to me until I was there. Also, for those not as familiar with the weather or foliage, it will definitely be damp....just a part of the experience and nothing to do with the stay itself. The hosts were very responsive and helpful. The camp site was stocked with everything I needed. The outdoor shower was cute and having a toilet in the tent was perfect for me. A very comfortable experience.

W

Wendy Lu

May 2025

1 night at Waipi'o Lodge

Beautiful, quiet stay with unparalleled views. Great hosts and exactly as described except better. Wish I could’ve stayed longer!

D

Dana

May 2025

1 night at Roadside Fruit Stand Exotic Orchard

This Hipcamp was truly charming, as well as the host Rose. She was kind and accommodating to all our requests, very easy to communicate with, and prompt with her responses. We felt welcomed. The campsite was private. The large tent is not sealed, so don't book this accommodation if you are afraid of bugs and frogs. They are there, and there is nothing you can do about it. We had our own tents, so we slept in them, however, Rose's tent with a kitchen was an amazing base, and it was as clean as possible. We hang out there in the evening on the bed, and even though the bugs made their way in, they weren't interested in us sitting on the bed, so I assume you'd be fine during the night too. The bullfrogs are very loud but their evening concert is calming. If you prefer sleeping in a quiet environment, grab yourself some earplugs. Overall, I'd definitely recommend this campspot. It was one of the best Hipcamps we've been to.

L

Lisa

April 2025

Weekend Trip to Gingerhill Farm Retreat

A hidden gem! We were in need of a much needed staycation since we live in Hawaii. The grounds are beautiful and the staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. Every morning during our stay, the owner walked the grounds performing an oli’ (hawaiian chant). The bed was comfortable. If you’re a visitor and want a different experience or just get away from tourist areas, this is a great option. BEWARE though that the Big Island has a “coqui” problem which are invasive frogs that loudly chirp throughout the night so BRING EAR PLUGS! (A suggestion to Iris & Zach is to provide ear plugs for guests).

P

Perry

April 2025

Weekend Trip to Waipi'o Lodge

What a beautiful place to start our trip!!! We stayed here as our first night on Hawaii Island before heading down into Waipio valley for another hip camp stay and some backpacking and it was a fantastic way to start our trip!!! The tent we stayed in was luxury at it's finest with a super comfortable bed, spectacular views and all the amenities that you could ask for!! It felt more like luxury than camping and we absolutely loved it!! Greg and his family were very friendly, kind and helpful and we are so grateful for them sharing their home with us!! Thank you again for a wonderful trip to a wonderful place!! Mahalo!!

Mikayla

March 2025

1 night at Waipi'o Lodge

Greg was very helpful and the facilities were very clean, well appointed and easy to use. The tent was absolutely glorious with an unrivalled view! Would certainly stay again.

A

Anna

February 2025

1 night at Gingerhill Farm Retreat

We enjoyed the tent camping! It had a great set-up! Outdoor kitchen and heated shower, inside toliet- all clean and stocked. Nice attention to details. Private feeling. We would stay here again! Beware- bring earplugs. With coqui frogs and farm animals, it was a noisy night.

G

Graycen

February 2025

2 nights at Waipi'o Lodge

We loved this location and Greg was so warm, welcoming and gave great recommendations regarding where to visit. Beautiful spot better than the photos

A

Alex

February 2025

1 night at Gingerhill Farm Retreat

Iris and Zach's land is truly special. You will find yourself surrounded by dense vegetation and fruit trees across the whole property. The birds are very active as well, so the sounds of the outdoors are all around you. The tent we stayed in was very comfortable and included electricity and a fan in case you get a little warm at night. The community kitchen and bath house are both close by and very nice to use. There is a beautiful view of the ocean from the patio of the kitchen, with plenty of tables and chairs to sit and enjoy your meals while looking out over the water. We will definitely be visiting again in the future!

J

Jessica

January 2025

1 night at Waipi'o Lodge

Amazing location! The platform tents are very ‘glamping’ luxurious- electricity, comfortable bed, spacious tent, lovely porch to watch sunrise over the ocean, hot showers and full plumbing bathroom across the yard, well-stocked outdoor kitchen to use. It was quiet, peaceful and absolutely beautiful. The hosts were friendly getting us checked in and oriented. Only wish we had planned to stay more nights!

V

Vicente

December 2024

1 night at Waipi'o Lodge

Beautiful place, comfortable and peaceful. We really enjoyed our stay in the big tent.

Sherilee

November 2024

3 nights at Gingerhill Farm Retreat

pure magic! I didn't want to leave. Had some of the best sleeps of my life in that cozy tent, with nature and comforts.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best safari tents in Big Island guide

Where to go

Kailua-Kona Coast

=The Big Island’s Gold Coast stretches along the west shore, fringed with sandy beaches and colorful coral reefs. Seaside campers will find plenty of ways to get on the water, whether swimming and snorkeling at Kahalu'u Beach Park, paddling around Kealakekua Bay in a kayak, or setting sail on a whale or dolphin-watching cruise. Back on land, take a tour of a Kona coffee plantation and pay a visit to the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.

Kohala

Rugged lava fields meet golden beaches and pastoral farmlands in Kohala at the island’s northwestern tip, where you’ll also find some of Hawaii’s most luxurious resorts, spas, and restaurants. Swing by the regional capital Waimea, where you can saddle up for a horseback ride with a paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy), admire the views from the Pololu Valley Lookout, then rent an A-frame at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area.

Hilo & Hamakua Coast

Black-sand beaches, waterfalls, and tropical fruit plantations provide plenty of photo fodder along the eastern Hamakua Coast. Drive the Hamakua Heritage Corridor from Hilo all the way to the Waipio Valley Lookout, stopping along the way to see Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls before settling into camp.

South Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the headline act of the south, where still-smoking lava fields surround two of the world's most active volcanoes, and hikers can choose from two national park campgrounds or rent a cabin. There are more lava-sculpted landscapes in nearby Puna, where camping options include treehouses and jungle campsites. Don’t miss Lava Tree State Park, the green-colored sands at Papakolea Beach, or the black-sand Punalu’u Beach.