Oahu is a favorite family vacation destination but hotel costs can add up. Families looking to save on lodging have another alternative: go camping! Oahu has a variety of state and county park campgrounds, most of them on the beach. It’s cheap, too. All Oahu state parks charge just $5 per campsite per night. Camping is allowed Friday through Wednesday, except at Sand Island, where camping is allowed Friday through Monday only. Permits are required from the Hawaii Division of State Parks.
Camping is free at several county beach parks on Oahu. For a list of county beach park locations and permits, contact the Oahu Department of Parks and Recreation in Honolulu.
Here are five of the best.
Malaekahana Beach
The 5,228-acre state park, the first native-run Hawaii State Park, is set on a tranquil bay. There’s a gated beach park with 40 tent campsites, including picnic tables, fire pits, and toilet facilities. Families can also rent one of he five furnished camping yurts, sling up to six people ($40 to $60 a night.) There’s good fishing nearby, and endangered sea turtles are often spotted in the bay.
Ahupua’a O Kahana Valley State Park
There are 10 rustic beach campsites at this pristine park, encompassing nearly 5,300 acres from sea level at Kahana Bay to 2,670 feet at Pu’u Pauao in the Ko’olau mountains. There’s a visitor center at the park, restrooms, picnic tables, and outdoor showers. There are also two easy-going hiking trails, including the one mile Kapa’ele’ele Ko’a and Keaniani Lookout Trail with great views of the bay.
Bellows Field Beach Park
Families particularly like the large sandy beach and calm waters at this county park on the windward side of the island. There are lifeguards, too and plenty of room to spread out. It has one of the biggest campground areas, with 50 campsites (open weekends only.)
Waimanalo Beach Park
This small county park in the quiet town of Waimanalo has a gorgeous, sandy beach, calm waters, ball fields, picnic areas, restrooms, and a small campground with 22 beachfront campsites. Nearby is Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, with an additional 10 campsites.
Sand Island State Recreation Area
Families looking for a campground near downtown Honolulu will appreciate this smallish, 140 acre park. The park is unfortunately tucked behind an industrial area but once visitors get past that, the site is pleasant and clean. The park has grassy, landscaped lawns and views of the coastline. It’s a local favorite, with restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic areas, campsites, decent fishing, and a small, sandy beach area.
Campgrounds on Oahu not only offer an economical lodging option for families, but are located in pristine, natural areas, with water views and outdoor recreation at your doorstep.
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