Mountainous camping in Hawaii with wildlife watching

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.

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.

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.