Discover the best waterfall campgrounds in Hawaii with wildlife watching

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Hawaii

95% (344 reviews)

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9 top waterfall campgrounds in Hawaii with wildlife watching

96%

(248)

Hamakua Guesthouse

7 sites · Lodging5 acres · Pepeekeo, HI

The Hamakua Guesthouse is located on the south end of Hawaii's breathtaking Hamakua Coast. Established in 2012 we are easily accessible to all the Big Island attractions such as Volcanoes National Park (1 hour South), Waipio Valley (1 hour North), and the countless sights and adventures along the Hamakua Coast, it is the perfect location to base your Big Island adventure vacation. The legendary Akaka Falls State Park is only 4 miles away from the Hamakua House. Onomea Bay is only 4 miles away, which is the home of the Hawaii Botanical Gardens. It is an unforgettable drive to get there and the bay is a wonderful place to have a picnic. We are only 1 mile (easily walkable) from the quaint main street of Honomu, HI. This town was established in the sugar cane plantation era and remains today boasting some wonderful gift shops, two restaurants, a coffee house, and the Island's best Zip Line Tours. Guests have access to our open air full bathroom with running water and a stunning rainfall shower (located at the main house). They also have access to our covered outdoor kitchen with grills, a sink, prep space, dining area, dishes, cups, silverware, and cookware (also located at the main house).

Ridge Oaezis at Oceanview Farm

13 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Kahuku, HI

Situated on the highest point of Kahuku farms, Northshore, overseeing the oceans, watch sunrise and sunset, hear the birds and the dancing moves of mountain pines with the ocean breeze — this one of the oldest Hawaii fruit tree forests provides visitors with special connections with nature and the enjoyment of the quiet and peaceful surroundings ! Join us for an unforgettable adventure through North Shore's best-kept secret!

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.

Honey Camp

4 sites · Lodging10 acres · Haiku, HI

This farm property nestled in Haiku, Hawaii, is a healthy and vibrant place to stay, where you can volunteer to help plant Coconuts, go on a farm tour, sample fresh papayas and bananas, and see bees in action at the drive-by bee hives! We accept donations, and you will feel great knowing that you have helped a non-profit for people with autism to thrive in these times where our health is so connected to the land.

Spring Side Hale

1 site · Tent2 acres · Kukuihaele, HI

To all guest you must wait at the lookout until i arrive to guide you into the Valley. Aloha and welcome to Spring Side Hale Surrounded by 2,500-foot cliffs, a journey into the Valley of the Kings requires a steep hike or 4x4 (four wheel drive). Now however, the valley is mostly wilderness interspersed with taro fields (Taro is a traditional Hawaiian staple food) and a couple of dozens of inhabitants. Waipiʻo Valley Road is closed to non-residents. Visitor access to the valley floor and the subsequent valleys is only possible as part of a tour or if you know someone in the valley. The Waipiʻo Lookout is still accessible for everyone. Waipio Valley is a stunning scenic destination with a black sand beach, beautiful waterfalls and Hawaiian historical & cultural significance. It is a very spiritual place of healing, a place of connection with nature and a walk through the past, where time ceases to exist.

Booked 3 times

Kiawe O Kalamaula Hipcampsite

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Kaunakakai, HI

This land has been in my family for four generations now. My great grandfather cleared this land with no motorized machinery, just himself and his hand tools. He also farmed a portion of this land. This land is located within a short walking distance to the legendary Kalamaula Rock && The King's Summer Home in Coconut Grove. It is said that the royalty had established friendships with mermaids that lived in the ocean near Coconut Grove. Come and camp on raw land on what is said to be "The Most Hawaiian Island"!!Learn more about this land:Welina Mai!! Welcome. Come and pitch a tent on approximately 3 acres of raw land in rural Hawaii in Kalamaula, Molokai, Hawaii. This raw piece of land is located 2 miles West of Molokai's Main Town we call Kaunakakai. Kaunakakai translates into English as: " Town By The Sea". There is many Kiawe Trees scattered around this property. In some parts of this 3 acre parcel of land, This lot is located near the county bus route( only about a 5 minute walk from bus stop at 2 mile marker or Kahanu Street). Molokai is called " The Most Hawaiian Island!!" If you rent a vehical, I am willing to give u a tour of the island for $48.00 a day!!

Rainbow Camp Retreat

6 sites · Tents5 acres · Pāhoa, HI

Rainbow Camp Retreat is a Not-For-Profit Trade for Stay Farm Retreat. This is a Sustainable Permaculture Teaching Farm, located on the lower slopes of Hawai'i Island, where you will feel cool at night, but not cold. During the day, you will feel warm, yet not hot. The purpose for a guest to stay with us is to learn Ecologically friendly and Sustainable/Regenerative learning practices, and in return of a successful course, your stay is complimentary. No-costs for learning.Learn more about this land:Rainbow Camp Retreat is the creation of Mother Earth, and is an operational Real-Life Sustainable Farm School Camp. A Trade-For-Stay Retreat Camp. No net fees will be charged upon successful completion of your learning experience (60 Day Minimum). This is a rare opportunity to stay on a Learning Farm to connect with nature, and give back to nature, and gain life skills without the costs of schools. The Farm Setting: Natural surroundings, pristine and Lush Tropical Hawaiian Rainforest surrounding a fully organic off-grid tropical and exotic fruit and flowering plants teaching farm. Trails and unique nooks and points of interest highlighting the beauty of Hawaii, while educating those to become self-sufficient and sustainable. Not-For-Profit, based on trade for stay and personal growth are what is asked of all of our students. While this is a relaxed and real-living experience, this isn't the place to come if you don't want to gain life skills and knowledge (We screen out those who just want a place to flop). Come learn and stay amongst nature and all of what it has to offer, in a clean and safe environment (Strict No-Tobacco Policy), which is completely organic, and has never had any pesticides or herbicides used ever.This location does not charge for your stay (Fee-Free Trade Stay) - Keep in mind, for this same reason, we don't have a budget base to create luxury amenities.We are a strictly no tobacco non-smoking environment.This is a Learn-For-Stay Situation. The learning with a Degree'd Horticulturist will be requiring a certain amount of your efforts spent learning sustainable living and farming, and with it comes some of the responsibility of hands-on life farming.Due to limited facilities, we do not accept minors under 18. To learn more, and apply go to: rainbowretreat . webs . com Facebook: /rainbowcampretreatOur other listing: hipcamp.com/hawaii/rainbow-camp-retreat/rainbow-camp-retreatPlease apply with the website here, then email us at the website above so that we may correspond with you and send all the necessary materials and information to be better prepared. See you soon! ALOHA :)

84%

(62)

Ocean View Cabanas

8 sites · Lodging64 acres · Honoka'a, HI

Big Island Farms was the inspiration of its founder Gordon Goff, who came to the Big Island of Hawaii in 1989 in pursuit of a utopian dream to live holistically off the land in a tropical paradise. Over the subsequent 28 years, he established the Hamakua Ecology Center and then, in the mid 90’s, moved into tropical food forest farming which led to the development of an agricultural educational program focused on the fundamentals of permaculture and deep ecology. Throughout this period Goff built a team of like-minded, hard-working individuals who began creating a diversified organic farm and orchard by planting, propagating and nurturing tropical super foods such as Macadamia Nuts, Dwarf Coconuts, and a diverse range of tropical fruits, herbs, and medicinals alongside traditional Hawaiian crops and market gardens. Working closely with his son Alexander Goff and life partner Annick Dauphinais (who are co-founders of BIF), they have developed over 64 acres, planted in dense orchards and gardens. Big Island Farms is a thriving agricultural enterprise with a long-term goal to provide super mineralized, nutritionally superior organic products grown and processed on site to ensure the highest quality of nutritional value to the local and global market.Big Island Farms hosts many varieties of gardens. Currently, we have community market gardens, medicinal gardens, arid climate gardens, and permaculture food forests. Some of the plants you might find in our gardens include: Taro, Papaya, Banana, Cassava, Turmeric, Pineapple, Passion Fruit, Dragon Fruit, Plantains, Ginger, Gooseberry, Squash, Pigeon Pea, Lemons, Limes, Soursop, Eggplant, Hawaiian Chili Pepper, Jalepeños, Bell Peppers, Custard Apple, Sapote, Neem, Lychee, Mangosteen, Starfruit, Surinam Cherry, Bilimbi, Rambutan, Rollenias, Java Plum, Tropical Pumpkin, Jabuticaba, Ti, Hibiscus, Bamboo, and so much more!Learn more about this land:Aloha! Mahalo, for your interest in visiting Big Island Farms located half way between the Historic Town of Honoka'a and the beautiful Waipi'o Valley. We are a permaculture based farm that hosts students from all over the world interested in learning more about sustainability, permaculture farming, Hawaiian culture and much more. During our off season, we open up the farm for you to visit and enjoy the beautiful Aina (land) and facilities. Your stay with us could vary, from relaxing and reading a good book on one of our many decks or hiking through our upper orchards to find the on property waterfall that runs most of the year. Our property is 65 acres with 50 acres of Macadamia Nut orchards and free roaming sheep and cows. The lower 15 acres consist of many different gardens, a green house (please do not enter), multiple Food Forests, 8 Cabanas, 2 classrooms 4 showers, 3 composting toilets and a kitchen with common area. Each cabana is screened in 360º with views, two bunkbeds (sleeps 4), air mattresses, (Bring your own Sleeping Bag/Pillows) shelves, clothes lines on outside and lockable doors. There is no electricity in the cabanas but there are power strips available in the common area. The common area consists of a large deck with picnic tables, Wifi access (pw: pickalltheweeds), power strips for charging electronics, canopies for when it rains, a 2-burner hotplate for cooking, pots, pans, plates, utensils, cups, dry food storage and a full sized fridge with freezer. Please keep the area clean.We also offer morning Breakfast Basket options:Small basket $5 - 2 Papayas, 6 bananas, 2 cups of coffee. Large basket $10 - 4 papayas, 10 bananas, morning coffee during your stay. Please keep in mind the fruit may vary depending on what is ripe. Coffee $1/ cup In order to preserve water we utilize clean non-smelling composting toilets. We also have 4 hot water showers, 2 sinks and vanity areas. Please keep showers to 5 min or less, Mahalo. If you come with a 4-wheel drive vehicle you are welcome to drive farther up on to the property and park closer to your cabana, just follow the Parking signs. We do not recommend you drive up with cars or low vehicles as the terrain is a bit rough, instead please park down in front in one of the parking spaces. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to send us a message!Hope to see you soon!Aloha

Jai Sri's Holistic Sanctuary

3 sites · Tents1 acre · Keeau, HI

2 week minimum for one person willing to follow a vegetarian/vegan diet while on the property also no drugs, alcohol or smoking Discounted rate for a month or more Our one acre of land, located in the Big Island's Hawaiian Paradise park, may not be the biggest, but we use every inch of land we have to grow delicious fruits/vegetables and enable us to live off the grid. Our water catchment system and solar energy provides us with all that we need! The land was originally intended to be a spiritual/healing center, and although we do not practice healing methods at this time we believe the positive energy and support of both the land and its people will help you reach your highest potential. We have a garden house for one person with its own private compost toilet and sink with a shared outdoor shower and shared screened in outdoor kitchen and community hang out room with personal mini fridge/cooler. Must be ok following a vegetarian diet also no cooking of eggs while on the property. It is simple living with quiet hours from 9pm to 7 am please reach out to talk first to confirm we both think it is a good fit. Aloha!

Star Hosts in Hawaii

96%

(248)

Hamakua Guesthouse

7 sites · Lodging5 acres · Pepeekeo, HI

The Hamakua Guesthouse is located on the south end of Hawaii's breathtaking Hamakua Coast. Established in 2012 we are easily accessible to all the Big Island attractions such as Volcanoes National Park (1 hour South), Waipio Valley (1 hour North), and the countless sights and adventures along the Hamakua Coast, it is the perfect location to base your Big Island adventure vacation. The legendary Akaka Falls State Park is only 4 miles away from the Hamakua House. Onomea Bay is only 4 miles away, which is the home of the Hawaii Botanical Gardens. It is an unforgettable drive to get there and the bay is a wonderful place to have a picnic. We are only 1 mile (easily walkable) from the quaint main street of Honomu, HI. This town was established in the sugar cane plantation era and remains today boasting some wonderful gift shops, two restaurants, a coffee house, and the Island's best Zip Line Tours. Guests have access to our open air full bathroom with running water and a stunning rainfall shower (located at the main house). They also have access to our covered outdoor kitchen with grills, a sink, prep space, dining area, dishes, cups, silverware, and cookware (also located at the main house).

Spring Side Hale

1 site · Tent2 acres · Kukuihaele, HI

To all guest you must wait at the lookout until i arrive to guide you into the Valley. Aloha and welcome to Spring Side Hale Surrounded by 2,500-foot cliffs, a journey into the Valley of the Kings requires a steep hike or 4x4 (four wheel drive). Now however, the valley is mostly wilderness interspersed with taro fields (Taro is a traditional Hawaiian staple food) and a couple of dozens of inhabitants. Waipiʻo Valley Road is closed to non-residents. Visitor access to the valley floor and the subsequent valleys is only possible as part of a tour or if you know someone in the valley. The Waipiʻo Lookout is still accessible for everyone. Waipio Valley is a stunning scenic destination with a black sand beach, beautiful waterfalls and Hawaiian historical & cultural significance. It is a very spiritual place of healing, a place of connection with nature and a walk through the past, where time ceases to exist.

Honey Camp

4 sites · Lodging10 acres · Haiku, HI

This farm property nestled in Haiku, Hawaii, is a healthy and vibrant place to stay, where you can volunteer to help plant Coconuts, go on a farm tour, sample fresh papayas and bananas, and see bees in action at the drive-by bee hives! We accept donations, and you will feel great knowing that you have helped a non-profit for people with autism to thrive in these times where our health is so connected to the land.

Under $50

93%

(99)

Ridge Oaezis at Oceanview Farm

13 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Kahuku, HI

Situated on the highest point of Kahuku farms, Northshore, overseeing the oceans, watch sunrise and sunset, hear the birds and the dancing moves of mountain pines with the ocean breeze — this one of the oldest Hawaii fruit tree forests provides visitors with special connections with nature and the enjoyment of the quiet and peaceful surroundings ! Join us for an unforgettable adventure through North Shore's best-kept secret!

Rainbow Camp Retreat

6 sites · Tents5 acres · Pāhoa, HI

Rainbow Camp Retreat is a Not-For-Profit Trade for Stay Farm Retreat. This is a Sustainable Permaculture Teaching Farm, located on the lower slopes of Hawai'i Island, where you will feel cool at night, but not cold. During the day, you will feel warm, yet not hot. The purpose for a guest to stay with us is to learn Ecologically friendly and Sustainable/Regenerative learning practices, and in return of a successful course, your stay is complimentary. No-costs for learning.Learn more about this land:Rainbow Camp Retreat is the creation of Mother Earth, and is an operational Real-Life Sustainable Farm School Camp. A Trade-For-Stay Retreat Camp. No net fees will be charged upon successful completion of your learning experience (60 Day Minimum). This is a rare opportunity to stay on a Learning Farm to connect with nature, and give back to nature, and gain life skills without the costs of schools. The Farm Setting: Natural surroundings, pristine and Lush Tropical Hawaiian Rainforest surrounding a fully organic off-grid tropical and exotic fruit and flowering plants teaching farm. Trails and unique nooks and points of interest highlighting the beauty of Hawaii, while educating those to become self-sufficient and sustainable. Not-For-Profit, based on trade for stay and personal growth are what is asked of all of our students. While this is a relaxed and real-living experience, this isn't the place to come if you don't want to gain life skills and knowledge (We screen out those who just want a place to flop). Come learn and stay amongst nature and all of what it has to offer, in a clean and safe environment (Strict No-Tobacco Policy), which is completely organic, and has never had any pesticides or herbicides used ever.This location does not charge for your stay (Fee-Free Trade Stay) - Keep in mind, for this same reason, we don't have a budget base to create luxury amenities.We are a strictly no tobacco non-smoking environment.This is a Learn-For-Stay Situation. The learning with a Degree'd Horticulturist will be requiring a certain amount of your efforts spent learning sustainable living and farming, and with it comes some of the responsibility of hands-on life farming.Due to limited facilities, we do not accept minors under 18. To learn more, and apply go to: rainbowretreat . webs . com Facebook: /rainbowcampretreatOur other listing: hipcamp.com/hawaii/rainbow-camp-retreat/rainbow-camp-retreatPlease apply with the website here, then email us at the website above so that we may correspond with you and send all the necessary materials and information to be better prepared. See you soon! ALOHA :)

Ocean View Cabanas

8 sites · Lodging64 acres · Honoka'a, HI

Big Island Farms was the inspiration of its founder Gordon Goff, who came to the Big Island of Hawaii in 1989 in pursuit of a utopian dream to live holistically off the land in a tropical paradise. Over the subsequent 28 years, he established the Hamakua Ecology Center and then, in the mid 90’s, moved into tropical food forest farming which led to the development of an agricultural educational program focused on the fundamentals of permaculture and deep ecology. Throughout this period Goff built a team of like-minded, hard-working individuals who began creating a diversified organic farm and orchard by planting, propagating and nurturing tropical super foods such as Macadamia Nuts, Dwarf Coconuts, and a diverse range of tropical fruits, herbs, and medicinals alongside traditional Hawaiian crops and market gardens. Working closely with his son Alexander Goff and life partner Annick Dauphinais (who are co-founders of BIF), they have developed over 64 acres, planted in dense orchards and gardens. Big Island Farms is a thriving agricultural enterprise with a long-term goal to provide super mineralized, nutritionally superior organic products grown and processed on site to ensure the highest quality of nutritional value to the local and global market.Big Island Farms hosts many varieties of gardens. Currently, we have community market gardens, medicinal gardens, arid climate gardens, and permaculture food forests. Some of the plants you might find in our gardens include: Taro, Papaya, Banana, Cassava, Turmeric, Pineapple, Passion Fruit, Dragon Fruit, Plantains, Ginger, Gooseberry, Squash, Pigeon Pea, Lemons, Limes, Soursop, Eggplant, Hawaiian Chili Pepper, Jalepeños, Bell Peppers, Custard Apple, Sapote, Neem, Lychee, Mangosteen, Starfruit, Surinam Cherry, Bilimbi, Rambutan, Rollenias, Java Plum, Tropical Pumpkin, Jabuticaba, Ti, Hibiscus, Bamboo, and so much more!Learn more about this land:Aloha! Mahalo, for your interest in visiting Big Island Farms located half way between the Historic Town of Honoka'a and the beautiful Waipi'o Valley. We are a permaculture based farm that hosts students from all over the world interested in learning more about sustainability, permaculture farming, Hawaiian culture and much more. During our off season, we open up the farm for you to visit and enjoy the beautiful Aina (land) and facilities. Your stay with us could vary, from relaxing and reading a good book on one of our many decks or hiking through our upper orchards to find the on property waterfall that runs most of the year. Our property is 65 acres with 50 acres of Macadamia Nut orchards and free roaming sheep and cows. The lower 15 acres consist of many different gardens, a green house (please do not enter), multiple Food Forests, 8 Cabanas, 2 classrooms 4 showers, 3 composting toilets and a kitchen with common area. Each cabana is screened in 360º with views, two bunkbeds (sleeps 4), air mattresses, (Bring your own Sleeping Bag/Pillows) shelves, clothes lines on outside and lockable doors. There is no electricity in the cabanas but there are power strips available in the common area. The common area consists of a large deck with picnic tables, Wifi access (pw: pickalltheweeds), power strips for charging electronics, canopies for when it rains, a 2-burner hotplate for cooking, pots, pans, plates, utensils, cups, dry food storage and a full sized fridge with freezer. Please keep the area clean.We also offer morning Breakfast Basket options:Small basket $5 - 2 Papayas, 6 bananas, 2 cups of coffee. Large basket $10 - 4 papayas, 10 bananas, morning coffee during your stay. Please keep in mind the fruit may vary depending on what is ripe. Coffee $1/ cup In order to preserve water we utilize clean non-smelling composting toilets. We also have 4 hot water showers, 2 sinks and vanity areas. Please keep showers to 5 min or less, Mahalo. If you come with a 4-wheel drive vehicle you are welcome to drive farther up on to the property and park closer to your cabana, just follow the Parking signs. We do not recommend you drive up with cars or low vehicles as the terrain is a bit rough, instead please park down in front in one of the parking spaces. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to send us a message!Hope to see you soon!Aloha

Kiawe O Kalamaula Hipcampsite

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Kaunakakai, HI

This land has been in my family for four generations now. My great grandfather cleared this land with no motorized machinery, just himself and his hand tools. He also farmed a portion of this land. This land is located within a short walking distance to the legendary Kalamaula Rock && The King's Summer Home in Coconut Grove. It is said that the royalty had established friendships with mermaids that lived in the ocean near Coconut Grove. Come and camp on raw land on what is said to be "The Most Hawaiian Island"!!Learn more about this land:Welina Mai!! Welcome. Come and pitch a tent on approximately 3 acres of raw land in rural Hawaii in Kalamaula, Molokai, Hawaii. This raw piece of land is located 2 miles West of Molokai's Main Town we call Kaunakakai. Kaunakakai translates into English as: " Town By The Sea". There is many Kiawe Trees scattered around this property. In some parts of this 3 acre parcel of land, This lot is located near the county bus route( only about a 5 minute walk from bus stop at 2 mile marker or Kahanu Street). Molokai is called " The Most Hawaiian Island!!" If you rent a vehical, I am willing to give u a tour of the island for $48.00 a day!!

Hamakua Guesthouse

7 sites · Lodging5 acres · Pepeekeo, HI

The Hamakua Guesthouse is located on the south end of Hawaii's breathtaking Hamakua Coast. Established in 2012 we are easily accessible to all the Big Island attractions such as Volcanoes National Park (1 hour South), Waipio Valley (1 hour North), and the countless sights and adventures along the Hamakua Coast, it is the perfect location to base your Big Island adventure vacation. The legendary Akaka Falls State Park is only 4 miles away from the Hamakua House. Onomea Bay is only 4 miles away, which is the home of the Hawaii Botanical Gardens. It is an unforgettable drive to get there and the bay is a wonderful place to have a picnic. We are only 1 mile (easily walkable) from the quaint main street of Honomu, HI. This town was established in the sugar cane plantation era and remains today boasting some wonderful gift shops, two restaurants, a coffee house, and the Island's best Zip Line Tours. Guests have access to our open air full bathroom with running water and a stunning rainfall shower (located at the main house). They also have access to our covered outdoor kitchen with grills, a sink, prep space, dining area, dishes, cups, silverware, and cookware (also located at the main house).

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(14)

Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park

Haena, Hawaii

Kōkeʻe State Park

Wainiha, Hawaii

Waterfall camping in Hawaii with wildlife watching 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.