Best Camping in and near Pālāʻau State Park

Discover Pālāʻau State Park's historic vistas and serene camping.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Pālāʻau State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Pālāʻau State Park

Pālāʻau Campground

1 site In Pālāʻau State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Pālāʻau State Park

96%

(1220)

Sun Farm Hawaii @ Koko Head

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Honolulu, HI

Located in a wonderful farm setting, enjoy the sweet breezes, gorgeous sunsets and farm life while still in the city and close to some of the best beaches in East Oahu! We are located on the foothills of the famous Koko Head hike, and only five minutes to Hanauma Bay, shopping centers, dining, and grocery stores. Watch a magical sunset from the communal kitchen area, with a spectacular view of Diamond Head crater and the surrounding coast- it's all in one! *Please be aware there are many wild hens and roosters roaming around the neighborhood and property. You will enjoy your stay here if you're comfortable closely co-existing with nature and the sounds that come with it. Please plan accordingly. If you'd like to catch some waves or need a ride around time, we have surfboards available for rent, Parking is also available on site. Just let us know your needs and we'll do our best to accommodate for a wonderful stay! Mahalo ~ ~ DETAILS ~ ~ Self Check In Time is after 2pm. Self Check Out Time is before 11am. Cancellations/Refunds: A full refund will be made for cancellations received 7 days before date of arrival. Reservations are not refundable thereafter; please plan accordingly.

99%

(118)

Waimanalo Farmstay

5 sites · Lodging, RVs5 acres · Kailua, HI

This is a breathtaking space that our family has poured many decades and multiple generations into. We are surrounded by jungle, with a freshwater stream running through the entire property and unobstructed mountain views. You are welcome to explore the grounds and enjoy the land. Chickens roam freely, with the occasional pig sightings in the evening. We do have a fair bit of bugs and geckos. If you’re especially sensitive to mosquitos, this might not be the place for you! Waimanalo is a small agricultural town filled with nurseries, horse stables, and a high concentration of Hawaiian homes. It remains mostly undeveloped and authentic, and we aim to keep it that way. While nestled against the mountains, we're just a five minute drive from the beach. We are fifteen minutes from Kailua town, where you'll find several grocery stores, shops, and restaurants. There are so many great beach and land activities nearby, and I'm happy to lead you in the direction of whatever you might be interested in! We are very protective of this land and town, but would love to share the space with respectful travelers looking for an authentic experience. While we are very hospitable, we are not in the business of hospitality. This is a working farm. I am happy to accommodate travelers, but I am not here at your beck and call. If that is the experience you are seeking, I think you would be happier elsewhere. We appreciate all of your bookings, and profits go directly back into farm infrastructure and new fruit trees. Thank you for looking!

100%

(7)

Secluded Mountain Farmstay

3 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Waimanalo, HI

This exquisite and secluded property is located at the base of the Koʻolau mountains in Waimānalo. Surrounded by breath-taking views that will captivate and invigorate your spirit, this private property offers an experience that is one of a kind. With over 10 acres to explore, this regenerative farm is home to many fruit trees, indigenous plants, wild chickens, and other beautiful birds that you will likely spot while taking a stroll on our nature path. We have worked really hard to care for this ʻāina (land), and we are happy to share it with respectful travelers looking for a quiet, authentic, farm-stay experience. Camp Koʻolau provides bathrooms, a warm-water outdoor shower with an amazing view, and parking. Our farm is only a 5-minute drive to the beach, and 15 minutes from popular, Kailua town. As a working farm, we do have insects and geckos hanging around. So, it's not uncommon to encounter them. Also, we often have visits from wild pigs that come down from the mountain, so you may see them as well. Although we are certain you will love this place, please keep in mind, it takes a lot of hard work to maintain it. Thus, you will probably hear farm equipment and activities buzzing about (typically on the weekends). And, we want you to respect, love, and care for this place as much as we do by leaving it better than you found it. For an added fee, we also offer: 1) Full plant-based meal plans (Mon. - Fri.) that are prepared by the owners of an award-winning vegan restaurant. 2) An exclusive adventure on our Hawaiian sailing canoe to Nā Mokulua (Twin Islands) or around Mānana (Rabbit Island). For more information or to purchase one of these added features, please contact me prior to your arrival.

The best camping near Pālāʻau State Park guide

Overview

About

Located on the island of Molokai aka “Friendly Island”, Pala’au State Park is surrounded by a gorgeous ironwood forest whose needles shed to create soft grounds and feelings of serenity. The park offers a scenic overlook of historic Kalalupapa, and just 200 yards from the Kalaupapa Lookout, at the base of Nanahoa Hill, is an opportunity for giggles in the form of a six-foot high phallic rock. In all seriousness though, according to legend, the male fertility god (Nanahoa) lived nearby and couples having trouble conceiving children still make the pilgrimage to stay overnight. Other stones in the area are carved to represent female genitalia, and sometimes taken home to bless the soil and land with fertility.

Notable campgrounds

Ironwood Grove Campsite: Among the whispering ironwood trees, this campsite offers a tranquil retreat for tent campers.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot, as the serene Ironwood Grove Campsite is in high demand.
Check for cancellations regularly, especially during peak travel seasons.
Prepare your camping permits in advance to streamline the reservation process.
Explore nearby camping options for alternative accommodations if Pālāʻau State Park is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Pālāʻau State Park is during the drier months from May to October, offering optimal conditions for hiking and picnicking. Winter can bring heavier rains, potentially impacting trails and camping experiences.

Know before you go

Check park notices for closures.
Camping is by permit only, with different rates for residents and non-residents.
Remember, vehicles are not allowed in the campground; prepare for tent camping.
The park is open daily from 7am to 7pm, perfect for day trips and overnight stays.
For a unique experience, look out for the phallic stone on the trail, a site of cultural significance.