Dreaming of falling asleep to ocean waves or waking up near lush rainforests? camping on Oahu lets you swap hotel walls for sandy beaches, mountain trails, and unforgettable island sunsets.
If you are in a hurry, I recommend:
Unique Camping Ideas
1. Best for History Buffs: Ahupuaa O Kahana State Park
Ahupuaa O Kahana State Park also known as Kahana Valley State Park, is Hawai'i's only public ahupua'a, stretching from O'ahu's windward Pacific Ocean coastline to the tip of Pu'u Pauao.
The park, which is accessible just uphill from Kahana Bay, serves as a center of Hawai'ian culture and education, detailing the history of the area's use as a taro-growing agricultural center, World War II jungle warfare training center, and plantation estate. Following the death of estate owner Mary E. Foster at the turn of the 20th century, the land was transferred to the care of the state and converted into a state park. Today, visitors can enjoy opportunities for hiking along the Kapa'ele'ele Ko'a and Keaniani Lookout and Nakoa Trails, which showcase beautiful tropical rainforest landscapes. 10 campsites are located along the park's beaches, available with advance permits.
52-222 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaaawa, HI 96730, Phone: 808-237-7766
2. If You Prefer to Rent a Cabin, Head to Camp Palehua
Camp Palehua, also known as Camp Timberline, is a gorgeous campground located within 1,600 acres of conservation lands overseen by Gill 'Ewa Lands. The campground is located on the southern slopes of the Wai'nae Mountains, showcasing stunning views of O'ahu's western and southern coastlines. Visitors can stay overnight at a variety of rental campsites and cabins on the facility's property, including tent camping areas equipped with fire pits and modern restrooms. Rental properties include Hale Mahaholokai, constructed in the 1930s, and Hale 'Ohana, built in the 1940s. Four Mauka-style bunkhouses are also offered, along with a group bunkhouse sleeping up to 48.
1 Palehua Rd, Kapolei, HI 96707, Phone: 808-347-0736
3. Best for a Summer Vacation: Hau'ula Beach Park
Hau'ula Beach Park is a popular campsite on O'ahu's windward coastline, located along a narrow beach near a shallow nearshore reef. Though reef conditions make swimming difficult on the park's coastline, it serves as a popular spot for snorkeling and surfing during calmer ocean conditions. It is named in honor of the Hawai'ian word hau'ula, a name for the islands' native Hibiscus tiliaceus flowers. Its distance from Honolulu's business district makes it a great choice for area visitors looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of area nightlife. Eight campsites are available with permits, featuring modern amenities like comfort stations, outdoor showers, and picnic pavilions.
54-135 Kamehameha Hwy, Hauula, HI 96717
Romantic Camping Ideas
4. For Surfers: Kalaeloa Beach Park
Kalaeloa Beach Park is a lovely beachfront park located in a remote area of Ewa Beach, offering a great alternative to some of the O'ahu region's more crowded tourist destinations. The beach is also frequently referred to as Eisenhower Beach, due to its location along Eisenhower Road. Excellent surfing and fishing conditions throughout the year make it a great choice for visitors looking to hit the waves or catch local fish species. Printed permits are required to camp at the beach, which is home to 13 campsites offering comfort stations and outdoor showers. White Plains Beach, located on the park's eastern end, is home to lifeguard towers and dedicated swimming and surfing lanes.
Eisenhower Rd, Ewa Beach, HI 96706
5. Kualoa Regional Park
Kualoa Regional Park is located along gorgeous Kane'ohe Bay, stretching for 153 acres along the O'ahu coastline. The beautiful white sand beach is located adjacent to the stunning Pali-ku cliffs of the Ko'olau Range and is a popular destination for wildlife watchers throughout the year. Populations of native birds flock to the beachfront throughout the year, including species like Japanese white-eyes, white-rumped shamas, black-crowned night herons, nutmeg mannikins, and wedge-tailed shearwaters. Just offshore, the small basalt island of Mokoli'i, or "Chinaman's Hat," is a popular spot for nature photography. Seven campsites are open to visitors with permits, including one ADA-accessible campsite.
49-479 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744, Phone: 808-237-8525
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
- Q: What is Oahu known for?
- A: Oahu is Hawai'i's most populous island, best known as the home of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor, the site of the infamous 1941 bombing attack that spurred America's entry into World War II.
- Q: What type of accommodations are available on Oahu?
- A: Though resort hotels line the island's shorelines, many beachfront areas also offer camping throughout the year for visitors looking for more basic accommodations.
- Q: What are the camping requirements on Oahu?
- A: All campsites are overseen by the Hawai'i DLNR State Parks system and require advance permits for overnight stays.
Best Time to Camp on Oahu
- April to October – Dry season with warm temps, perfect for beach camping and water activities.
- May & September – Shoulder months with fewer crowds and ideal weather for hiking and swimming.
- June to August – Peak summer season with great surf, snorkeling, and family-friendly camping fun.
- November to March – Rainier season; still warm, but expect passing showers and wetter conditions in some areas.
- Late April – Sweet spot for great weather and quiet campsites before summer visitors arrive.
Plan Your Trip