Forest camping in Hawaii with hiking

Explore ancient volcanoes and sandy beaches on a camping trip in the Aloha State.

94% (2291 reviews)
94% (2291 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Hawaii

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12 top forest campgrounds in Hawaii with hiking

94%
(122)

Maleka Farm: Camper-van & Tent

13 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Laie, HI
Welcome to Maleka Farm in Laie, Hawaii! Picture yourself nestled in a grassy field, offering breathtaking views of the Laie mountains. We have a restroom facility that includes 4 private bathrooms with a shower, toilet and sink. WE HAVE HOT WATER! The restroom facility is shared with other guest on Maleka Farm and is Off-grid. We collect rain water for our shower, toilet, and sink, and use solar panels for electricity. As the sun rises and sets, the mountains transform, casting beautiful hues of orange and purple across the sky, creating a mesmerizing sight for campers. Each site has its own picnic table! For Tents: Maleka Farm provides space for pitching tents in the green grass. Set up your tent and enjoy the simplicity of sleeping under the stars, feeling the gentle breeze, and waking up to the natural beauty that surrounds you. For Camper-Vans: Maleka Farm grassy field can accommodate camper-vans of various sizes. The Farm is flat and great for camper-vans to sleep on leveled ground. Hiking Trails: Maleka Farm provides easy access to a variety of hiking trails that wind their way through the scenic landscapes of Laie and its surrounding areas. Some popular trails in the vicinity include: Laie Summit Trail Ma'akua Ridge Trail Laie Falls Trail Malaekahana Falls Trail Local Attractions: In addition to the mesmerizing mountain views, Laie and its surrounding areas offer a variety of attractions. Explore the Polynesian Cultural Center, an immersive cultural experience showcasing the traditions and history of the Pacific Islands. Hukilau Cafe is .3 miles down the street where the popular movie 50 First dates was filmed. Just 2 miles North is Kahuku Food Trucks to satisfy any pallet. You can also visit nearby beaches for swimming, snorkeling, or simply basking in the sun.
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$50
 / night
97%
(784)

Wahi Nanea Place of Relaxation

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Kula, HI
The property is located on Maui island in the Kula district on the drier side of Haleakala. In days before western contact the area was heavily forested with native plants and trees and rainfall was abundant. The native Hawaiian grew bananas, taro and sweet potato. After Western contact businessmen mostly from the United States developed huge tracts of land for ranching and farming which cleared the native forests and destroyed the eco system from the mountain to the sea. Many of the Hawaiian people moved away nearer to the towns and immigrant Chinese laborers from the ranches and plantations moved in. The Chinese brought in the Wattle tree to plant for firewood as these trees grew very fast. These are the majority of the trees that you see today. As part of the Chinese immigration, the founder of modern China, Sun Yat Sen lived here for a time and planned his revolution to overthrow the last Chinese Dynasty. There is a park dedicated to him nearby.We have picnic tables a propane grill, a fire pit and a covered gazebo that is shared with 3 cabins This site is located at the 2800 ft altitude and the temperature at night can range from mid 50 to mid 60 degrees F. If you are planning to go to Haleakala, we are about 45 -60 minutes to the summit. We are also on the south side approach to Hana. There is a great restaurant for breakfast and lunch about 10 minutes away in Keokea town called Grandma's Coffee house.
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$70
 / night
91%
(298)

Ohia Hale

3 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Captain Cook, HI
As all the land here is born of lava, many moons ago this land began to host plants and critters. Long after, it was sculpted and a number of families and farmers have contributed to what we have today. An abundance of fruit and vegetables within sight of the ocean. Peaceful breezes and warming sun make for unparalleled tranquility. Today the land still gives back to its visitors. Come recharge. As this is agricultural lands, there are many critters. Dogs, chickens, pheasants, peacock, mongoose, and many birds. Tge invasive coqui frog is annoying to some and calming to others. The micro climate here swings from warm and dry to wet quickly. Best to always prepare for rain. There is snorkeling, beaches, local food, Cafe, BBQ, poke, fish-n-chips, grocery, Sunday farmers market and hiking nearby. It is peaceful here, but also an active farming community. As an organic farm, we put alot of effort into soil building and as such, there are soft places that will be damaged by the weight of a vehicle. Staying on the driveway is best. We will guide you to where you need to go. Our road is paved, but bumpy. Any vehicle will make it without damage if driven slowly. 1 to 4mph tops. *Be sure to avoid the camper rental companies that restrict certain roads. Aloha and have a great day.
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$45
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93%
(174)

The Hippocampus

11 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Hawi, HI
Legend has it, Kohala (the first of the 5 volcanos on the Big Island of Hawaii) is home to King Kamehameha I and this was the home to the Ali'i and the training grounds for their warriors. You can feel it when you walk into the forest and listen deeply and intuitively to your ancestors. It is truly an honor to be on this 'aina (land). Modern history: Up until 1984 this property was all avocado, Kukui and Ironwood land with the Kohala ditch running on the far south end. It wasn't until my current neighbor and sweet friend and her father bought the property and cleared away 160 Ironwoods to create a property that could be farmed and lived on. Then another couple bought the property in early 2000 and built it out with farm houses and gardens. Once they moved back to the mainland, this was home to the local skydive family where the pilots and instructors were housed. Finally, in 2021, Cirque-Girl Sequoia came in with a huge vision of a conscious homesteading community, learning and teaching alongside one another by way of events, projects, concerts, talks and certifications, all the while farming and creating even bigger orchards to feed not just her community, but the community of Hawi and beyond. At this time, not only is it "hip" to farm and grow your own food, but it is crucial. Learn more about this land: Everybody comes to Hawaii and thinks of beaches, surf and jungles but why not try a different side of Hawaii? The Ironwood Forests of Hawi are where you’ll find I'o (Hawaiian Hawks) and Pueo (Hawaiian owls only found on the Big Island), as the ancestor's whispers run through the massive forest of Ironwood, Kukui Nut and Avocado, in an ancient river bed of sugar plantation country. Deep in the heart of Hawaii’s only extinct volcano Kohala, this was home to the most prestigious Ali’i (Hawaiian Royalty) and the training grounds of warriors. Our farm sits on 10 acres, with over 30 varieties of fruit trees and a view of the Big Blue (the ocean). We provide 2 Hipcabins and 4 platforms, hammocks to daydream in, car camping, a center camp that has a kitchen, bathroom and shower plus a magical forest for you to meditate, do massage, practice Reiki, read or just have a beautiful discussion in. If you feel inclined to step out of the forest, you are welcome to use our communal eating area THE GROOVY GRINDS CAFE under the mango trees and we would love if you wanted to be a part of any of the events that we host here with our live-on conscious community. Things we do and can offer aerial, yoga and meditation classes, massage (ask hostess PRIOR to trip about booking sessions), drum circles, bonfire nights, fire-dancing, Thursday community potluck dinners @ 6:30pm, mini-concerts, painting, planting, building projects and whatever we get called to do. ....and what's camping without a bonfire? We have two bonfire pits lower on the property that you can join in on if our community already has one going. (NO fires in the gulch please.) One of our biggest bragging rights is that we are utilizing the vermaculture toilets which feeds our red wiggler worms, filters through 4 layers of organic matter and turns your toilet waste into nitrogen rich effluent for the plants. (NO TOILET PAPER PROVIDED SO PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN) and the gray water from the shower and kitchen sink go into a plot of banana trees. So our bathroom, shower and cooking facility is completely self-sufficient! We provide a nice two-burner stove and propane. Please shut off when not in use (remember, propane tanks are backwards for on and off!) PLEASE PACK OUT WHAT YOU PACK IN!!! Funny that I should need to say this but.... PLEASE BRING EARPLUGS and BUG SPRAY as this is the forest and forests too have critters like mosquitos and animals like roosters, dogs and pigs that make noise. PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE AFTER DARK AND PLEASE USE DIRECTIONS AND NOT GOOGLE MAPS! It will take you down a 4x4 road.  And when it’s time to step out of the forest and out of Pueo Ridge, we are a 5-minute drive directly above the main center of town and 15 minutes to the famous Pololu Valley hike that runs deep into the jagged switchbacks of the Northern coast. Our area also headlines in ADVENTURE with skydiving, zip-lining, hiking and forest adventures. Mahalo for reading!
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$30
 / night
100%
(21)

The Tranquil Homestead

2 sites · Lodging5 acres · Mountain View, HI
Our "Off Grid" campsite is nestled in the midst of a mini-Rainbow Eucalyptus Rainforest, with native Ohia trees sparsely located throughout our property. Hapu'u Ferns are also within our mini-Rainbow Eucalyptus Rainforest. Enjoy the stunning 90 - 100 degree ocean views of Hawaii Island's Western Coastline, as well as the new Volcanic Vent (Known as Fissure 8) created by the 2018 Eruption of the Kileaua Volcano. The Hawaii Volcano National Park (HVNP) is a 14 mile or 20 minute drive from our campsite. HVNP has a visitor's center to get information about the park, hiking trails throughout its boundaries, steam vents and the awe-inspiring caldera, which is the location of the volcano's lava pool. At night, the glow from the lava in the caldera can be seen at the park. Our campsite is also an 18 mile or 29 minute drive from the Hilo International Airport and the town of Hilo, Hawaii.
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$60
 / night
100%
(113)

Faris' Farm

3 sites · Lodging3 acres · Orchidlands Estates, HI
We started our Homestead over 7 years ago on a Level 3 lava zone, knowing it is some of the newest land on the plant. Leaving much of the Natural topography intact, and clearing by hand while introducing many tropical varieties of vegetation to the land has given us a glimpse into nature completely unexpected! We were suggested to open our home last year to people looking for a simple reprieve from weight of the "go-go-go" and have done so with great enjoyment. We hope with hipcamp to be able to reach more people, encouraging the experience in & of biophilia that has brought such tranquility to our lives. Aloha Aina! Learn more about this land: Faris' Forest offers a private & magical get away for your Big Island retreat. We're located on a 3 acre homestead between Volcano National Parks, Historic Pahoa town, and Hilo in a peaceful Ohi'a forest. Our land is home to 100's of plant varieties from exotic fruits like Cacao and Pineapple, to dozens of orchid varieties and other tropical flora. We have worked hand-in-hand with the land to create a biophilic experience in hopes of offering our guests an inspirational and energizing experience The spaceWe started our Homestead over 7 years ago on a lava 3 zone in an O'hia forest. Knowing this is some of the newest land on the planet we have left much of the Natural topography intact while clearing by hand many invasive species and successively planting many tropical, and native varieties of vegetation bringing about this beautiful space. This has given us a glimpse into Nature's hidden biognosis... And what beautiful wisdom it has revealed which we would like to share now with you our guests :) We're conveniently situated between Volcano National Park, Historic Pahoa Village, and Hilo's Port Town. We were suggested by many after our first 5 years here to open our homestead to others looking for a simple reprieve from the weight of the go-go world with hopes that people leave more connected to go with the flow. We hope by welcoming you to our homebase for your Big Island adventures we'll be able to help connect more people to the biophilia that has brought such tranquility to our lives. Aloha Aina!! Your private space is a 20'x10' raised cabin that offers covered outdoor space as well as indoor accommodations. You will find the inside furnished with two full spring mattress bunk beds, a small eating bar overlooking our backyard area with two stool seats, a personal work area with an accommodating cooler for perishables (Please provide ice or we can arrange for block ice from our local general store if desired), and personal clothing storage, as well as wi-fi options. Your private cabin space does have full electricity separate from the commons, but still off grid so please refrain from using strong energy draw items like hair wands or instant heaters, such electrical items are not suited for off-grid electrical systems. Our Common space is open from 7a.m.-10p.m. During this time, you will have full access to a shared kitchen, as well a full bathroom with both an indoor and outdoor shower. The bathroom is available around the clock but after-hours hot water is off so please be aware if you're planning on taking a midnight shower. Please let us know if you need any amenities such as hot water or wi-fi after 10p.m. or before 7a.m. Please make note of these times and being off grid means that we schedules use of high energy items with the daylight hours, and we will set a timer for your convenience of smaller items like internet with advanced notice, otherwise we are very energy efficient in the commons, this is hipcamp, so please don't mistake us for a Hilton :) We are currently home to 4 wonderful dogs that may greet you as you drive up, 3 spectacular cats, 1 mischievous parrots, 3 goats, 12 chickens and 1 rooster. So please know there are animals present than are part of our Ohana. We ask for you to take into consideration that we are a "Working homestead" and we are "Off Grid" so there will be projects much like any farm setting, for this reason we are not suitable for infants or young Children. There are animals that can make noises, there are mulch piles always moving around, compost piles that might not be your cup of tea because they smell, but they certainly make great compost teas to help the flowers grow that smell beautiful right outside your window! There are small projects that may look like clutter, such as seed saving, or canning, but those small clutters grow the plants that fill those jars! On occasion we have people who overlook this reality of nature and our connection to it... possibly because they've seen too many staged reality shows or maybe they have never visited a real farm in person before, but we are grateful that the overwhelming majority of people who have had this attitude have left with an appreciation for nature many expressed they never knew they had!! Those guests have filled our hearts with their kind gratitude :) This is a place full of joyful work for us, so please understand we are a destination for many who love nature, and if you're afraid of dirt or nature in general, this might be a great opportunity to connect with what has always been waiting for you to discover!! Guest accessThe last two blocks into our homestead are rock road as we are a rural location. We will provide a map upon booking with the best access through our Ag-lots for your convenience. Please travel safe and plan for our check-in between 3p.m. and 9p.m. with early and late check-in avalible with approved notice :) Parking is available to either side at the end of the driveway. Other things to noteAlittle about our homestead;Please understand that we are off-grid, and while we've been off grid 8 years now, we've only been hosting stays like this for 3 years, and we see that we are a destination for many visitors looking for a nature bathing kind of experience, but it's not everyone' cup of coffee... Sooo speaking of coffee, if you are looking for things like an General Electric coffee pot or any electric coffee maker (that are literally designed to wastes energy to just make money) we probably aren't the best fit for your stay ... BUT ... If you want to experience home grown Cacao added to fresh ground coffee brewed Italian style to make an amazing Mocha, FRESH, then we can easily make that while showing you some great energy saving ideas to take home :) like make coffee the way our great grandparents made coffee, it tastes better and is really easier than one may think! We share some toasted homemade sourdough bread out of fresh harvested stocks too, but it again isn't an energy guzzling shinny toaster that does the toasting, it is a cast iron skillet that we toast on, just like our great grandparents did too... Actually one of my favorite skillets belonged to my Great Grandma, so this is the real deal :) Come up and join us when we turn the commons on at 7a.m. if you're interested. We have very little light pollution which will afford beautiful star gazing on clear nights, and epic full moons!! But this means that you should use a flashlight or headlamp which we can provide at your leisure. We don't poop in a bucket in the woods, we actually have a working toilet, and Hot water for showers, a gas powered full range stove. But we also compost and make methane for 100% green energy use... There are chickens and goats, parrots, Dogs & Cats. We have been told by some that it is too cluttered, and by others you make me our home look clean our kitchen table (3'x9') always has some sort of a project on it. One guest said they were so happy to see so much going on as they sat watching us make bread, while another was upset that they didn't have a private kitchen. We feel we are very affordable for what we have to share, and if you feel this description will not fit your needs, then please don't book us because we're affordable. Trust us if we could offer a private kitchen it would only raise our price. We really hope more than anything to share and inspire what a homestead is, and that even in a suburb, or a rural apartment there are small things we can do to save energy and bring ourselves closer to nature!!
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$45
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99%
(50)

Hakalau Springs Campground

3 sites · Tents11 acres · Honomu, HI
Come enjoy the magic of your own private waterfall while camping under the stars at Hakalau Springs Campground. Hakalau is located on the North-East side of the Big Island along the breathtaking Hamakua Coast. Surrounded by waterfalls and lush, green tropical flora, Hakalau is a hidden gem. It’s the perfect jumping off point for all things east side. Hilo town is 30 minutes south and Waipio Valley Lookout is 45 minutes North. The world-famous Akaka Falls is one neighborhood over in the quaint town of Honomu which hosts some wonderful gift shops, 2 restaurants, and a coffee house. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a little over an hour drive and the Maunakea Visitors Center is an hour and 15 minutes. Other sites and adventures include Umauma Zip lining and Botanical World Adventures (5 miles away), Onomea Bay scenic drive and Hawaii Tropical Botanic Garden (8 miles away), the historic town of Honokaa (45 mins), and the beautiful cowboy town of Waimea (1 hour). Hakalau Springs Campground sits on 11 acres with two springs bordering the property with a variety of fruit trees and farm animals to interact with. We offer basic campsites with picnic tables, drinking water, a fire pit, a composting toilet, and a pop-up tent in case it rains. You will be camping on soft grass amongst giant Ironwood and eucalyptus trees while listening to the soft sounds of the creek below. Take a swim in the spring-fed waterfall swimming hole and relax by the fire pit at night. We also offer our beautiful 2 room tent fully furnished with a queen-sized air mattress, cozy bedding, lantern, and camping lounge chairs. Cooler upon request, you provide the ice. We’re blessed to be located on the rainy side of the island because of all the abundance and greenery the rain brings. That being said, please be prepared for the weather. It can rain hard at times so having a good rain jacket is a great idea. On the other hand, people say that a sunny day on the east side of the big island is the best place to be in all of Hawaii. Come stay at Hakalau Springs Campground and discover “off the beaten path” Hawaii.
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from 
$45
 / night

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Forest camping in Hawaii with hiking guide

Overview

Although Hawaii is around 2,000 miles from the continental U.S., it's definitely worth the flight. While this tropical island chain is known for its large resorts and sandy beaches, it’s also an incredible place for hiking and camping, not only because of its year-round warm weather, but also because of its sheer diversity of landscapes. Here you’ll find towering volcanoes, tropical forests, massive canyonlands, and historic sites where you can learn about the history and cultural traditions of the islands. And if you don’t want to stay in a resort, you certainly won’t have to: there are many places to set up your tent, from beachfront campgrounds to private retreats.

Where to go

Oahu

Oahu is the state's most-visited island. While many visitors head straight to Honolulu's sandy Waikiki Beach, the island offers plenty to experience outside the big city, with gorgeous beaches all over, plus tons of hiking trails. If you want to camp, you’ll find options at Ahupua'a 'O Kahana State Park and Bellows Field Beach Park, both on the island’s eastern shores.

The Big Island

The Big Island's size isn't its only claim to fame. It's also known for its tasty Kona coffee and for its abundance of volcanoes, including Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, both in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, one of four national parks on the island. There are also lots of places to camp on the island, including at the Kalōpā State Recreation Area and the Kīholo State Park Reserve (weekend camping only).

Maui and Molokai

Maui is well known for its large resorts and gorgeous scenery, especially in the emeraldine ʻĪao Valley State Monument and from Haleakalā National Park, the best place on the island for a sunrise hike. Reservable campsites can be found at both Wai'ānapanapa State Park and the Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area. The nearby island of Moloka'i is a quiet alternative, without the big development found on other islands. Camping is available in the island's Pālāʻau State Park.

Kauai

Dubbed the "Garden Isle" for its numerous gardens and overall lush landscapes, Kauai feels quieter and more laid-back than Maui or Oahu. Its best-known hiking areas include the pristine Nāpali Coast (only accessible by foot or boat) and the vibrantly hued Waimea Canyon State Park, often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." You can camp in the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park, provided you obtain a permit in advance, or in Kōke'e State Park and Polihale State Park.

When to go

Hawaii only has two real seasons: a hotter, dryer summer season (April–October) and a cooler, rainier winter (November–March). The resorts and tourist destinations across the islands are at their busiest during the summer and winter vacation months, and hotel and flight prices tend to soar during these periods. Late spring and early autumn are ideal for avoiding rainfall and crowds. Flights from the mainland are generally at their cheapest between January and March.

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