Hawaii Camping In Hawaii

Oceanfront campsites afford travelers the opportunity to enjoy a million-dollar view at a fraction of the price of a hotel. Hawaii’s temperate climate only adds to the appeal and ease of camping. Many county beach parks have areas set aside for camping, though some are better equipped than others. The number of campsites varies; some parks offer as few as four spots while others have up to 50. In addition, Hawaiian state parks are open year-round and issue permits for camping, lodging, and group day use for those who are at least 18. Contact the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of State Parks, P.O. Box 621, Honolulu 96809 (☎808-587-0300; http://hawaii.gov/dlnr), for permit availability and additional information. If you plan on camping, make sure to rent a car with a lockable compartment (not a soft-top Jeep) for your gear. Building a fire, where permitted, can be difficult due to lack of wood, so bring a stove for cooking and boiling water. Excellent resources for travelers planning on camping or spending time in the outdoors include the Great Outdoor Recreation Page (www.gorp.com), Alternative Hawaii (http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/index.html), and Na Ala Hele (www.hawaiitrails.org).

Leave No Trace. Let’s Go encourages travelers to embrace the “Leave No Trace” ethic, minimizing impact on natural environments and protecting them for future generations. Trekkers and wilderness enthusiasts should set up camp on durable surfaces. Cook stoves are safer and more eco-friendly than campfires, but if you must build a fire, keep it small and use only dead branches or brush. Bury human waste 4 in. deep and above the high water line and 150ft. away from water supplies and campsites. Bag trash and carry it out with you. For more detailed information, contact the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, P.O. Box 997, Boulder, CO 80306 (☎303-442-8222 or 800-332-4100; www.lnt.org).

Camping And Hiking Equipment

Good camping equipment is both sturdy and light. North American suppliers tend to offer the most competitive prices. Sleeping Bags: Most sleeping bags are rated by season; “summer” means 30-40°F ...more

National Parks

Hawaii has two national parks: Haleakala National Park on Maui, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. Haleakala is the site of Haleakala Volcano, whose majestic summit above the cloud ...more

State Parks

Camping at a state park requires a permit from the Division of State Parks, which maintains offices on Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, Kauai, and Molokai. The same fees and restrictions apply on each island ...more

County Parks

Honolulu County. Permits are free and available from the Department of Parks and Recreation on the ground floor of the Honolulu Municipal Building, 650 S. King St., Honolulu 96813. (Open M-F 7:45am-4pm ...more

Other Places To Camp

Forestry And Wildlife. Some campsites are designated as State Forest Reserves and therefore require a permit, available from the Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Permits are available free of ...more