CAMPGROUNDS
NAPALI TO POLIHALE
CAMPING ON KAUA'I
Hawai'i is a camping mecca and Kaua'i is the crown jewel. As the oldest island in Hawai'i, it has everything from the lush forests up in Koke'e to the most memorable beach sunsets.
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With 9 campgrounds spread out over Kaua'i, you could easily camp your way around the entire island in a week or more!
KAUAI'S CAMPGROUNDS
Kaua'i has 4 county run campgrounds, 2 private run camps and 3 state run campsites. Within some of those, there are more than one campground as well, such as Hanakoa camp on the way to Kalalau beach. Below we will list each of the main camps around the island with a bit of basic info. Feel free to contact us HERE for more info on campgrounds on Kauai.
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*All camping on Kauai requires advance permits and reservations.
STATE PARK CAMPGROUNDS
NAPALI COAST AND KALALAU BEACH
Hiking the NaPali coast trail and camping at Kalalau beach is one of the most challenging and rewarding adventures Hawaii has to offer. It is an 11 mile one way trip to Kalalau beach with Hanakoa camp at about the 6 mile mark, a little more than half way. Camping here takes some planning. Permits need to be reserved ahead of time up to 90 days in advance (they do sell out quickly). Making sure you have the right gear is a must!
Recommended stay: 3-4 nights
Recommended gear: Our Kalalau camping package
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The NaPali coast is state run and is a wild and rugged place! Weather conditions can change quickly and weather reports for Kauai in general are unreliable at best! Use caution when crossing streams, especially if it has been raining, as flash flooding can happen quickly. Ocean conditions in the summer are usually flat, glassy and magical. Winter time sees pretty consistent large swells, making swimming dangerous but there are plenty of fresh water spots to jump in and there will be less crowds! BUT either season has its odd days. Plan ahead, pay attention, use common sense and you will have the adventure of a lifetime!
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Check out https://www.hikingkalalau.com/ for all the tips, advice, maps, photos, weather and education for everything on the Kalalau trail.
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Wide open spaces
Epic sunsets
Cozy campsites
Wide open spaces
KOKEE STATE PARK
If you want a change of scenery, to escape the heat or you're just sick of having sand everywhere, head up through Waimea canyon into Kokee state park! Koke'e ranges from 3,200 to 4,200 ft above sea level and the cool, crisp air (avg.45-70*F) that hits you as you drive up is a great way to reset for the next adventure. And there are plenty of adventures in these mountains! With over a dozen trails to choose from there is a lot to see, from waterfalls and tea colored rivers, to misty evenings and epic views of the north shore through Na Pali to Polihale!
There are several campgrounds in Kokee state park and Waimea canyon. Some you can pull up to on a paved road, like Kokee state park camp and some require a good bit of off roading (4x4 suggested) like Sugi grove and Kawaikoi. There are also some hike in only spots like Lonomea.
Recommended stay: 2-3 nights.
Recommended gear:Tent, sleeping pad and cold weather sleeping bag, Warm clothes, hiking poles, Lots of water, stove and chairs or just rent "The Works"!
POLIHALE BEACH STATE PARK
KAUAI COUNTY CAMPGROUNDS
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ANINI BEACH PARK
If you're looking for calm peaceful waters Anini (or Wanini) is the place for you! The entire stretch of Anini beach is protected by a large barrier reef making it a great place for kids to swim or to just relax on your swan floatie with a cold drink in hand. Wake up to stunningly calm water and take a dip with the sunrise!
LYDGATE PARK CAMPGROUND
Set on the east side, Lydgate park is conveniently located between Kapaa town and Lihue airport. With some of the sites right on the beach and some set back there are some options to chose from. This is Kauai's only campground with numbered sites you choose from ahead of time. Lydgate beach park, Kamalani bridge and Kamalani play ground are close by making this a good spot to camp with kids.
Kauai's 4 county run campgrounds are spread throughout the north, east and south sides of the island. All of the county camps, like the state parks, have very basic amenities, like cold showers, bathrooms and trash cans. Permits are required and need to be gotten in advance online through the county website. Link to the site is below. There are no numbered sites, just designated camping areas (with the exception of Lydgate park) where you pick your perfect spot! All of our county camps are right on the beach and right on the price! With most of them at $3/person per night (except Lydgate), you can splurge on that upgrade at the car rental! For mail in permits, request must be mailed at least 30 days before arrival.
ANAHOLA BEACH CAMPGROUND
Chill, small town vibes at this locals beach, again with protected calm waters, lifeguards on duty and laid back feel. Walk 5 minutes north on the beach to get some surf and check out the Anahola river mouth. Also check out Kalalea juice hale down the road for the best smoothies and acai bowls!
SALT POND BEACH PARK
As the only campground on the south side, Salt Pond is not only a historic and ongoing salt harvest area but it is also a great base to explore the south and west sides of the island. A rock wall protects the inner shallows for crystal clear calm water.
PRIVATE CAMPGROUNDS
There are 2 private campgrounds to check out while on island. The private camps tend to be the nicest, most peaceful and often peoples favorites. They both have hot indoor showers, water hoses for rinsing, nice bathrooms, covered areas and are in beautiful spots! They each have different reservation policies so check out the info below for more.
YMCA CAMP NAUE
Camp Naue is a very well maintained camp and is the most northern drive up camp on the island. Nestled right on the beach and sitting on 4 acres this camp is one of our favorites. Reservations can only be made one to two weeks in advance as they rent the whole facility out for large school groups, parties etc. and accept tent campers in between. You can request reservations at campnaue@yahoo.com. Payment is made in cash when you arrive and you must check in before 6pm. Please read all rules on board when you arrive.
KUMU CAMP
Sitting right on the beach, with most sites in the sand, Kumu camp is a great spot that you can reserve ahead of time, link below. Beautiful sunrises with this east facing camp. The Anahloa river mouth is right next to the camp, there is surf right out front and calm waters a 5 min walk away. They have surf rentals, wifi and free coffee! Only 25 min from the airport, its a great home base camp spot to either start and/or end your trip.
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