If you’re looking for things to do in Hawaii, you’ll find yourself searching through hundreds of activities and adventures, ranging for historical expeditions to exploration of nature to relaxation on the some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
But might I suggest you also add a camping trip onto your laundry list of possible Hawaiian adventures? In addition to the shopping, the delicious eats, relaxing spas, beautiful beaches, and sparking sunshine, Hawaii also offers some of the best campsites for those yearning for a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Oahu Camping: Because the parks on Oahu serve such a large community, there are special rules that dictate when you are allowed to go camping. As a general rule, there is no camping allowed on Wednesday and Thursday nights and camping in Sand Island State Park is only allowed Friday through Sunday nights.
O Kahana State Park
That aside, the wilderness of the Oahu State Parks are usually opened to you and your travel buddies. Check out Auhupua’a O Kahana State Park and Malaekahana State Recreation Area for a beach camping experience. See the island from the northeast coast and relax under the sparkling night sky as you retreat into your own island oasis.
You can also check out Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area for a mountain environment or, alternatively, Sand Island State Recreation Park for shoreline camping.
Maui Camping: If you happen to be staying on Maui and are looking for some camping adventures, there are two absolutely beautiful and perfect recreation parks that allow campers. Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area and Wai‘anapanapa State Park offer both lodging and camping options for those looking to spend some time away from the city lights.
Molokai Camping: Molokai, for years, resisted pressures to increase tourism to their island. Perhaps that’s why this Hawaiian gem is not on a lot of travelers’ minds when they are looking to spend some time in Hawaii, but the beauty and the camping opportunity of this island should not be overlooked.
Pala’au State Park
At Pala’au State Park, which overlooks the Kalaupapa peninsula, campsites are available to both residents and non-residents. Come and see why Molokai is considered 10th among the 111 human-inhabited islands in the world in terms of a pristine, breathtaking tropical landscape with a rich Hawaiian culture.
Kauai Camping: As the fourth largest island of the main Hawaiian Islands and the geologically oldest among all of the islands, Kauai offers a bevy of outdoor activities and adventures for those looking for a good time. A panoramic view of the Na Pali Coast of Kauai will lend you a green and picturesque view of an island paradise which is probably why it was aptly named the “Garden Isle”.
Camping is also offered at three Kauai state parks: Koke’e State Park, Polihale State Park, and Napali Coast State Wilderness Park. Each of the three camping locations gives you a different experience with a variety of backdrops that will captivate even the most hardcore city-dwellers.
There are so many things you can do when you visit Hawaii. Don’t limit yourself to the city-life of Hawaii; come out and enjoy Mother Nature’s gift to us all. I can guarantee that the twinkle of the stars from above shine far brighter from out here. So take some camping tips, enjoy a little glamping or find some luxury accommodation, and say…. Mahalo and aloha!
Damn. We’re getting frozen out of New Mexico. We need to go here!