Discover the best beach campgrounds in Hawaii with campfires

United States
—
Hawaii

91% (499 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Hawaii

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

99%

(273)

Moon Garden Farm Getaway

2 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Mountain View, HI

Moon Garden Farm is a 25 acre farm, located off Highway 11 near the town of Mountain View. Beautiful views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are visible on clear sunny days. The 1500 foot elevation gives a great view of the ocean as well. Mountain View is located between beautiful, quaint Hilo and the spectacular Volcano National Park, each about 15 miles in either direction. Sheep, cattle and feral pigs can be seen in the lower pasture. There are 4 ponds and two are stocked with tilapia and catfish. Fish nets are provided for the children. The grounds are beautifully manicured with creative topiary's and lends itself to great photo shoots. Jaboticaba, bananas, lemons, calamansi, and several other fruit trees can be found on the farm. Yours to eat when in season. Moon Garden Farm is a magical place and I'm sure you will feel it too. For larger organizational groups please contact me and let's make it work for you.

Booked 6 times

Lava.lava.lava

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Pāhoa, HI

Camp on the rich and power lava flats of the the big island! This lava plot next to the famed lava temple has very basic services. It is close to Pahoa, Uncle Robert’s Night Market, Kalani resort and many magical and hidden treasures of the newest land on earth!Since a spectacular and dramatic trip to big Island a few years back I have had hot lava, the sweetness of the people, food and the power of Maunakea running through my veins. Equally charming and magical was my incredible host Jade who has made an off the grid home on the lava in Kalapana Gardens. If she is not overbooked, I highly recommend staying with her for at least a couple of nights. If you stay on my adjacent lava plot in my Eurovan or in your tent or vehicle then you may be able to make arrangements to attend one of her deeply soulful ceremonies. Other magic in the region may be revealed!Learn more about this land:Camp on the rich and power lava flats of the the big island! This lava plot next to the famed lava temple has very basic services. It is close to Pahoa, Uncle Robert’s Night Market, Kalani resort and many magical and hidden treasures of the newest land on earth!

Green Sands Funny Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Naalehu, HI

The land is private, located in South side in the Kau district. Hawaii Island has 11 microclimates . It is just a 33 miles from the entrance to Volcanos National park. You will experience warm tropical rain, luscious forests and coqui frogs and birds. The weather is Amazing here ...9.2 in summer and 9.3 in winter on the comfort scale. The spartan cabin has all the basics and a hot shower for your end of day relaxation. You can use the cabin for cooking and rain protection and gear storage. Your tent site can be place on multiple areas of the property. There are few neighbors, this part of Hawaii Island is country culture and local people. Aloha, Mahalo and Malama Pono are the words to live by. Tours to all of Big island Hawaii are available upon request and have there own tour rates. Green Sands Beach is a short 4x4 ride to 1 in 4 green sand beachs in the world. How Cool is that???

Saved 1 time

E PAKAKA I KA WA’A

5 sites · Lodging4 acres · Pahoa, HI

https://www.hipcamp.com/en-n3 acres located Hawaii island low land endangered tropical rainforests with 20 minute walk to swimming area tidal ponds Natural Hawaii tropical setting flowers coco palms friendly people local custom ,farming . Mt bikeing hikeing recent volcano exploration with numerous black sand beach’s friendly happy atmosphere and people

98%

(22)

Mango Hale

3 sites · RVs, TentsHawaiian Acres, HI

Paradise found, Mango Hale has it all! Fruit trees all year, pele, close to town and the ocean is 15 minutes by car.Learn more about this land:Park your van, Rv, or Set up your tent on 3.5 acres Choose your own private space to camp 🏕 Trails wind through a fruit orchard where fruits like lemons, bananas 🍌 cherrys, pineapples, guava are abundant.. Bathroom, with hot showers, there’s a kitchen and WiFi available Drinking water 💧 Fruit stand at the end of Orchidland dr. With a hardware store, groceries etc.

10 top beach campgrounds in Hawaii with campfires

97%

(254)

the only beachfront camp

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Ewa Gentry, HI

This is the only beachfront private property campsite on the island. Park right next to your tent. No worries about having to leave your car out of sight. This spot is behind a locked gate that you have a key for no curfew come and go as you like. Most choose not to go anywhere they like it right here. I've heard from more people that stayed elsewhere on the island and they say they wish they came here first. Oceanfront island style getaway with mango, banana and coconut trees in the yard. Hear the ocean while you fall asleep. restroom, hot shower with changing room, fresh water, 110v electricity for phone or laptop charging no plug for vans to run a/c or fridge, washing machine available for $10 per load, beachfront cabana with lounge chairs and hammock. An 8-man tent with 2 rooms available or bring your camper/vancar.*($50 tent rental fee for the two room tent that includes air mattresses setup and tear down)Gated property with your host Kawika onsite for any of your needs.

Moon Garden Farm Getaway

2 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Mountain View, HI

Moon Garden Farm is a 25 acre farm, located off Highway 11 near the town of Mountain View. Beautiful views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are visible on clear sunny days. The 1500 foot elevation gives a great view of the ocean as well. Mountain View is located between beautiful, quaint Hilo and the spectacular Volcano National Park, each about 15 miles in either direction. Sheep, cattle and feral pigs can be seen in the lower pasture. There are 4 ponds and two are stocked with tilapia and catfish. Fish nets are provided for the children. The grounds are beautifully manicured with creative topiary's and lends itself to great photo shoots. Jaboticaba, bananas, lemons, calamansi, and several other fruit trees can be found on the farm. Yours to eat when in season. Moon Garden Farm is a magical place and I'm sure you will feel it too. For larger organizational groups please contact me and let's make it work for you.

100%

(9)

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.

Green Sands Funny Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Naalehu, HI

The land is private, located in South side in the Kau district. Hawaii Island has 11 microclimates . It is just a 33 miles from the entrance to Volcanos National park. You will experience warm tropical rain, luscious forests and coqui frogs and birds. The weather is Amazing here ...9.2 in summer and 9.3 in winter on the comfort scale. The spartan cabin has all the basics and a hot shower for your end of day relaxation. You can use the cabin for cooking and rain protection and gear storage. Your tent site can be place on multiple areas of the property. There are few neighbors, this part of Hawaii Island is country culture and local people. Aloha, Mahalo and Malama Pono are the words to live by. Tours to all of Big island Hawaii are available upon request and have there own tour rates. Green Sands Beach is a short 4x4 ride to 1 in 4 green sand beachs in the world. How Cool is that???

Bliss Camp

3 sites · Lodging, Tents1 acre · Pāhoa, HI

Living off-grid and close to nature is our goal, we collect water and are on solar power. There are multiple homes on the property so please be mindful of noise levels. Cabin and Campsites are surrounded by fruit trees & tropical gardens. We have a thriving homestead, a mile from Kehena beach and earshot from Kalani yoga resort. We have tons of fruit and vegetables growing. Private outdoor bathroom/hot shower. Mahalo!

100%

(112)

TreeHouse in canopy of trees

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Mountain View, HI

Learn more about this land:Aloha,I built the treehouse to be a very romantic hideaway for myself and my honey, and now that I'm renting it out, the couples and families who have stayed here, including many honeymooners have appreciated the romance of the setting and ambiance. (In fact, we had considered calling it KamaSutreehouse when setting up the website!.) It's not just romantic though it's really fun for the kids. The setting is so private, surrounded by such natural beauty that one cannot help but be inspired. My favorite romantic details are the fireplace and the bed perched high up in the loft where you're surrounded by windows looking out at the moon and stars at night and native trees, birds and cloud formations by day, the low ceilinged double futon bed approached by inside later ( which is mostly for kids) and also accessible by crawling under the Master Bed ( about 5 feet up). The Sky-Walk 90 feet out into the forest is the latest whimsical and fun additions. The location is great it's very private and quiet, hidden in the rainforest yet it's only 3 miles from Volcano Village and 5 miles from the park entrance. Some guests a never leave the Treehouse. The TreeHouse is at 2860 feet above sea level, plus 20 ft. for the TreeHouse, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is at a little over 4000 feet above seas level for the viewing of the glow from the vent at a mile distance, on the edge of the crater. For the most comprehensive information about the island and local area, I recommend the book, The Big Island Revealed. The main attraction locally, of course, is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the hiking thru lava fields, lava tubes and even across the floors of craters. Volcano Village is well known as a premier artist colony and is home to many scientists, as well. Hilo is 25 miles away and has many attractions, including a new, state of the art astronomy museum that shouldn't be missed. And of course the Island is surrounded by beautiful blue ocean and all the activities that go with that.

Mango Hale

3 sites · RVs, TentsHawaiian Acres, HI

Paradise found, Mango Hale has it all! Fruit trees all year, pele, close to town and the ocean is 15 minutes by car.Learn more about this land:Park your van, Rv, or Set up your tent on 3.5 acres Choose your own private space to camp 🏕 Trails wind through a fruit orchard where fruits like lemons, bananas 🍌 cherrys, pineapples, guava are abundant.. Bathroom, with hot showers, there’s a kitchen and WiFi available Drinking water 💧 Fruit stand at the end of Orchidland dr. With a hardware store, groceries etc.

BIGHI Hilo Pahoa Volcano suvrvancamping

1 site · RV3 acres · Keaau, HI

BIGHIi Aloha to the Big island and Mahalo for buisness you wont regret checking this island out It's worth it to pay a little extra for camping here on the Big Island The state ones are overcrowded booked dirty no facilities unsecured alot of them people wandering around in the middle of the night You will thank yourself for paying a little extra for peace and privacy you will have your own acres of space with complete privacy will bunch of plants trees and birds which is rare I've been a resident since 2015 and have explored alot of it and like to help people out exploring and on a budget since rooms here are very expensive We also have 4RENT legal insured camping suv We are legal insured llc. company also a guide extra portable power read below... we are adding 4RENT bikes and ebikes for rent that get you around for up to 70 miles with people that dont want pay for insurance etc..... we are close to everything on the Hilo Pahoa side...so you could bike or bus or both to alot of beaches and attractions right near me and save We can set up a tent for you also or book anything from entertainment to dinning etc. We are only a mile from a great restaurant open all day and night a gas station and nice deli grocery store so if you want just chill in nature walk or bike and not blow alot money it's a great place to meditate BY CAR about 10 mins to Hilo 5 mins to Pahoa 25 mins to Volcano and numerous beaches and pools all close by....also right down the street is the world's longest lava tube for cave people Can do one night rentals also at but around the same price as two nights with 24hrs advance warning Can also get you anything else you might need tents beds portable power surfboards portable bbq etc. Just ask will we get it done I CAN also can bbq anything from fresh island veggies fish pizza ....can do it to go...or to go boxes of rare fruit veggies nuts coffee chocolate off local farms etc. Real estate tours and guide on investing here...I know the streets neighborhoods well here and just a hour can save you months of time I also do rare guided hikes or guide by phone tours to places you will not find in a book It's a unique spot where the jungle of the ocean starts to rise up to the mountains with tons of birds ferns wildlife if you want kindof ruff it and be next to everything this is it So it has a mix of hawaiian ferns wild orchids many varieties and ohia tress at certain times of the year you will be surrounded by millions of flowers take some for free or guavas in season The climate is nice because it cools a little at night being at almost 1000 feet and in the day can be perfect It's in a nice neighborhood and easy access... the road is great to the highways beaches Paypal cod accepeted COD ETC. Mahalo for the business

E PAKAKA I KA WA’A

5 sites · Lodging4 acres · Pahoa, HI

https://www.hipcamp.com/en-n3 acres located Hawaii island low land endangered tropical rainforests with 20 minute walk to swimming area tidal ponds Natural Hawaii tropical setting flowers coco palms friendly people local custom ,farming . Mt bikeing hikeing recent volcano exploration with numerous black sand beach’s friendly happy atmosphere and people

Lava.lava.lava

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Pāhoa, HI

Camp on the rich and power lava flats of the the big island! This lava plot next to the famed lava temple has very basic services. It is close to Pahoa, Uncle Robert’s Night Market, Kalani resort and many magical and hidden treasures of the newest land on earth!Since a spectacular and dramatic trip to big Island a few years back I have had hot lava, the sweetness of the people, food and the power of Maunakea running through my veins. Equally charming and magical was my incredible host Jade who has made an off the grid home on the lava in Kalapana Gardens. If she is not overbooked, I highly recommend staying with her for at least a couple of nights. If you stay on my adjacent lava plot in my Eurovan or in your tent or vehicle then you may be able to make arrangements to attend one of her deeply soulful ceremonies. Other magic in the region may be revealed!Learn more about this land:Camp on the rich and power lava flats of the the big island! This lava plot next to the famed lava temple has very basic services. It is close to Pahoa, Uncle Robert’s Night Market, Kalani resort and many magical and hidden treasures of the newest land on earth!

Available this weekend

64%

(7)

Green Sands Funny Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Naalehu, HI

The land is private, located in South side in the Kau district. Hawaii Island has 11 microclimates . It is just a 33 miles from the entrance to Volcanos National park. You will experience warm tropical rain, luscious forests and coqui frogs and birds. The weather is Amazing here ...9.2 in summer and 9.3 in winter on the comfort scale. The spartan cabin has all the basics and a hot shower for your end of day relaxation. You can use the cabin for cooking and rain protection and gear storage. Your tent site can be place on multiple areas of the property. There are few neighbors, this part of Hawaii Island is country culture and local people. Aloha, Mahalo and Malama Pono are the words to live by. Tours to all of Big island Hawaii are available upon request and have there own tour rates. Green Sands Beach is a short 4x4 ride to 1 in 4 green sand beachs in the world. How Cool is that???

Moon Garden Farm Getaway

2 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Mountain View, HI

Moon Garden Farm is a 25 acre farm, located off Highway 11 near the town of Mountain View. Beautiful views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are visible on clear sunny days. The 1500 foot elevation gives a great view of the ocean as well. Mountain View is located between beautiful, quaint Hilo and the spectacular Volcano National Park, each about 15 miles in either direction. Sheep, cattle and feral pigs can be seen in the lower pasture. There are 4 ponds and two are stocked with tilapia and catfish. Fish nets are provided for the children. The grounds are beautifully manicured with creative topiary's and lends itself to great photo shoots. Jaboticaba, bananas, lemons, calamansi, and several other fruit trees can be found on the farm. Yours to eat when in season. Moon Garden Farm is a magical place and I'm sure you will feel it too. For larger organizational groups please contact me and let's make it work for you.

the only beachfront camp

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Ewa Gentry, HI

This is the only beachfront private property campsite on the island. Park right next to your tent. No worries about having to leave your car out of sight. This spot is behind a locked gate that you have a key for no curfew come and go as you like. Most choose not to go anywhere they like it right here. I've heard from more people that stayed elsewhere on the island and they say they wish they came here first. Oceanfront island style getaway with mango, banana and coconut trees in the yard. Hear the ocean while you fall asleep. restroom, hot shower with changing room, fresh water, 110v electricity for phone or laptop charging no plug for vans to run a/c or fridge, washing machine available for $10 per load, beachfront cabana with lounge chairs and hammock. An 8-man tent with 2 rooms available or bring your camper/vancar.*($50 tent rental fee for the two room tent that includes air mattresses setup and tear down)Gated property with your host Kawika onsite for any of your needs.

Bliss Camp

3 sites · Lodging, Tents1 acre · Pāhoa, HI

Living off-grid and close to nature is our goal, we collect water and are on solar power. There are multiple homes on the property so please be mindful of noise levels. Cabin and Campsites are surrounded by fruit trees & tropical gardens. We have a thriving homestead, a mile from Kehena beach and earshot from Kalani yoga resort. We have tons of fruit and vegetables growing. Private outdoor bathroom/hot shower. Mahalo!

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.

Star Hosts in Hawaii

100%

(9)

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.

Moon Garden Farm Getaway

2 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Mountain View, HI

Moon Garden Farm is a 25 acre farm, located off Highway 11 near the town of Mountain View. Beautiful views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are visible on clear sunny days. The 1500 foot elevation gives a great view of the ocean as well. Mountain View is located between beautiful, quaint Hilo and the spectacular Volcano National Park, each about 15 miles in either direction. Sheep, cattle and feral pigs can be seen in the lower pasture. There are 4 ponds and two are stocked with tilapia and catfish. Fish nets are provided for the children. The grounds are beautifully manicured with creative topiary's and lends itself to great photo shoots. Jaboticaba, bananas, lemons, calamansi, and several other fruit trees can be found on the farm. Yours to eat when in season. Moon Garden Farm is a magical place and I'm sure you will feel it too. For larger organizational groups please contact me and let's make it work for you.

TreeHouse in canopy of trees

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Mountain View, HI

Learn more about this land:Aloha,I built the treehouse to be a very romantic hideaway for myself and my honey, and now that I'm renting it out, the couples and families who have stayed here, including many honeymooners have appreciated the romance of the setting and ambiance. (In fact, we had considered calling it KamaSutreehouse when setting up the website!.) It's not just romantic though it's really fun for the kids. The setting is so private, surrounded by such natural beauty that one cannot help but be inspired. My favorite romantic details are the fireplace and the bed perched high up in the loft where you're surrounded by windows looking out at the moon and stars at night and native trees, birds and cloud formations by day, the low ceilinged double futon bed approached by inside later ( which is mostly for kids) and also accessible by crawling under the Master Bed ( about 5 feet up). The Sky-Walk 90 feet out into the forest is the latest whimsical and fun additions. The location is great it's very private and quiet, hidden in the rainforest yet it's only 3 miles from Volcano Village and 5 miles from the park entrance. Some guests a never leave the Treehouse. The TreeHouse is at 2860 feet above sea level, plus 20 ft. for the TreeHouse, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is at a little over 4000 feet above seas level for the viewing of the glow from the vent at a mile distance, on the edge of the crater. For the most comprehensive information about the island and local area, I recommend the book, The Big Island Revealed. The main attraction locally, of course, is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the hiking thru lava fields, lava tubes and even across the floors of craters. Volcano Village is well known as a premier artist colony and is home to many scientists, as well. Hilo is 25 miles away and has many attractions, including a new, state of the art astronomy museum that shouldn't be missed. And of course the Island is surrounded by beautiful blue ocean and all the activities that go with that.

the only beachfront camp

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Ewa Gentry, HI

This is the only beachfront private property campsite on the island. Park right next to your tent. No worries about having to leave your car out of sight. This spot is behind a locked gate that you have a key for no curfew come and go as you like. Most choose not to go anywhere they like it right here. I've heard from more people that stayed elsewhere on the island and they say they wish they came here first. Oceanfront island style getaway with mango, banana and coconut trees in the yard. Hear the ocean while you fall asleep. restroom, hot shower with changing room, fresh water, 110v electricity for phone or laptop charging no plug for vans to run a/c or fridge, washing machine available for $10 per load, beachfront cabana with lounge chairs and hammock. An 8-man tent with 2 rooms available or bring your camper/vancar.*($50 tent rental fee for the two room tent that includes air mattresses setup and tear down)Gated property with your host Kawika onsite for any of your needs.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(14)

Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park

Haena, Hawaii

100%

(23)

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Waiʻānapanapa State Park

Hana, Hawaii

100%

(1)

Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park

Kaaawa, Hawaii

Mālaekahana State Recreation Area

Laie, Hawaii

Namakanipaio cabins at night. Clean, comfortable, and convenient.

Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area

Puako, Hawaii

Kīholo State Park Reserve

Kalaoa, Hawaii

Sand Island State Recreation Area

Honolulu, Hawaii

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach camping in Hawaii with campfires 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.