The best river, stream, or creek glamping in Big Island

The Big Island is every bit the Hawaiian paradise you’ve seen in the movies. Azure waters and black- and white-sand beaches draw sunseekers to the coast, while rugged volcanic peaks and swathes of emerald-green rainforest tempt adventurers inland, and everywhere you go, you’ll be met with a vibrant fusion of Polynesian cultures. Hawaii’s tropical climate makes camping a four-season pastime with lots of options. Pitch a tent or rent a cabin at a state park, camp by the beachside at a county park, or park your campervan on a private farm.

96% (374)

Top-rated campgrounds

Waterfall swimming area on the property. The swimming area is shared with other rentals.

The Big Island is every bit the Hawaiian paradise you’ve seen in the movies. Azure waters and black- and white-sand beaches draw sunseekers to the coast, while rugged volcanic peaks and swathes of emerald-green rainforest tempt adventurers inland, and everywhere you go, you’ll be met with a vibrant fusion of Polynesian cultures. Hawaii’s tropical climate makes camping a four-season pastime with lots of options. Pitch a tent or rent a cabin at a state park, camp by the beachside at a county park, or park your campervan on a private farm.

96% (374)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Hamakua Guesthouse

95%

(298)

7 sites · Lodging · Pepeekeo, HI

The Hamakua Guesthouse is located on the south end of Hawaii's breathtaking Hamakua Coast. Established in 2012 we are easily accessible to all the Big Island attractions such as Volcanoes National Park (1 hour South), Waipio Valley (1 hour North), and the countless sights and adventures along the Hamakua Coast, it is the perfect location to base your Big Island adventure vacation. The legendary Akaka Falls State Park is only 4 miles away from the Hamakua House. Onomea Bay is only 4 miles away, which is the home of the Hawaii Botanical Gardens. It is an unforgettable drive to get there and the bay is a wonderful place to have a picnic. We are only 1 mile (easily walkable) from the quaint main street of Honomu, HI. This town was established in the sugar cane plantation era and remains today boasting some wonderful gift shops, two restaurants, a coffee house, and the Island's best Zip Line Tours. Guests have access to our open air full bathroom with running water and a stunning rainfall shower (located at the main house). They also have access to our covered outdoor kitchen with grills, a sink, prep space, dining area, dishes, cups, silverware, and cookware (also located at the main house).

2. IO's NEST LOOKOUT on the Hamakua

98%

(42)

1 site · Lodging · Pepeekeo, HI

The IO's Hale studio is perched high on the Pu'u overlooking sweeping ocean and countryside views. A breath of nature.... Nearby Akaka Falls, is one of Hawaii's favorite nature sites. IO's nest is a private enclosed living area with spacious open Lanai. Enjoy an opportunity to spend time in the beauty of nature. Comfortably accommodates two people with queen bed. Bathroom facilities nearby. Covered parking.

3. Sacred Nature Sanctuary

100%

(20)

8 sites · Lodging · Captain Cook, HI

Welcome to our 10-acre sanctuary on the western coast of Hawai‘i’s Big Island. Set on a working Kona coffee farm with fertile soil that nourishes year-round tropical fruits, cacao, and medicinal plants, this land is a place of abundance and renewal. Surrounded by blooming flowers and the songs of native birds, guests often describe it as both energizing and deeply restful—a space where dreams and creativity expand naturally. We offer a variety of accommodations, including private suites and an A-frame house with a full kitchen and 1.5 bathrooms, giving you comfort and independence during your stay. Our sanctuary is located in a quiet rural area, about 45 minutes from Kona International Airport and roughly two hours from Hilo Airport on the island’s eastern side. Here, you’ll find the sweet serenity of nature along with the grounding rhythms of the farm—a true immersion in Hawai‘i’s natural beauty.

4. The Kikala Waterfall Lodge

92%

(81)

5 sites · Lodging · Wainaku, HI

The Kikala Waterfall Lodge at the Mauna Kea Cloudforest Bioreserve is a lodge nested in a botanical garden and farm dedicated to the preservation of the world's plant biodiversity. Situated on the southeast facing flanks of Mauna Kea overlooking Hilo Bay and the Hamakua Coast, the bioreserve benefits of a unique climate where the lowland rainforest climate zone (Koeppen climate Zone Af) overlaps with the oceanic temperate mountain zone of Mauna Kea (Koeppen Climate Zone Cfb). The result is a cool and wet climate zone that supports many of the world's endangered palms and conifers. The bioreserve features 14 acres of riverfront Cloud forest. The Kikala river runs through the middle of the bioreserve, so Kikala Waterfall Lodge guests on the bioreserve have private exclusive access to prime waterfalls and swimming holes. The Cloudforest bioreserve isn't just home to botanical wonders, Hawaiian native hawks and many other beautiful Hawaiian birds like to nest in the cloudforest. The lodge community center features a Zendo that can support a contemplative yoga and meditation practice. The Bioreserve features gardens with a Japanese Zen influence to encourage a contemplative retreat experience.

5. Lava Rock Cabin ~ Off Grid Hale

100%

(42)

4 sites · Lodging · Mountain View, HI

WE ARE LOCATED WITHIN 30 MINUTES OF HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK! This Award-Winning off-grid retreat in native Hawai'i rainforest is the perfect oasis for those looking for privacy and relaxation. With all the amenities you need including a fully stocked kitchen, comfortable beds, and hot water shower, you'll have everything you need to enjoy your stay. Lava Rock Camp was recently awarded First Place winner as the Best Hipcamp in Hawai'i! Conveniently located just 25 minutes away from the breathtaking Volcanoes National Park, which offers endless hiking opportunities with stunning views of the surrounding lava fields and the iconic Kilauea volcano. In addition to the park, the area is also home to numerous beaches and waterfalls, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, or simply relaxing in nature. For those looking to explore the town, Hilo is nearby and offers plenty of options for shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. Whether you're seeking adventure or a peaceful getaway, this award-winning off-grid retreat offers the perfect blend of convenience and seclusion. Book your stay at this exclusive property today for an unforgettable rainforest experience!

6. Farm View Cabanas

84%

(62)

8 sites · Lodging · Honoka'a, HI

Big Island Farms is a thriving agricultural enterprise with a long-term goal to provide super mineralized, nutritionally superior organic products grown and processed on site to ensure the highest quality of nutritional value to the local and global market. Big Island Farms hosts many varieties of gardens. Currently, we have community market gardens, medicinal gardens, arid climate gardens, and permaculture food forests. Some of the plants you might find in our gardens include: Taro, Papaya, Banana, Cassava, Turmeric, Pineapple, Passion Fruit, Dragon Fruit, Plantains, Ginger, Gooseberry, Squash, Pigeon Pea, Lemons, Limes, Soursop, Eggplant, Hawaiian Chili Pepper, Jalepeños, Bell Peppers, Custard Apple, Sapote, Neem, Lychee, Mangosteen, Starfruit, Surinam Cherry, Bilimbi, Rambutan, Rollenias, Java Plum, Tropical Pumpkin, Jabuticaba, Ti, Hibiscus, Bamboo, and so much more! Learn more about this land: Aloha! Mahalo, for your interest in visiting Big Island Farms located half way between the Historic Town of Honoka'a and the beautiful Waipi'o Valley. We are a permaculture based farm that hosts students from all over the world interested in learning more about sustainability, permaculture farming, Hawaiian culture and much more. During our off season, we open up the farm for you to visit and enjoy the beautiful Aina (land) and facilities. Your stay with us could vary, from relaxing and reading a good book on one of our many decks or hiking through our upper orchards to find the on property waterfall that runs most of the year. Our property is 65 acres with 50 acres of Macadamia Nut orchards and free roaming sheep and cows. The lower 15 acres consist of many different gardens, a green house (please do not enter), multiple Food Forests, 8 Cabanas, 2 classrooms 4 showers, 3 composting toilets and a kitchen with common area. Each cabana is screened in 360º with views, two bunkbeds (sleeps 4), air mattresses, (Bring your own Sleeping Bag/Pillows) shelves, clothes lines on outside and lockable doors. There is no electricity in the cabanas but there are power strips available in the common area. The common area consists of a large deck with picnic tables, Wifi access (pw: pickalltheweeds), power strips for charging electronics, canopies for when it rains, a 2-burner hotplate for cooking, pots, pans, plates, utensils, cups, dry food storage and a full sized fridge with freezer. Please keep the area clean. We also offer morning Breakfast Basket options: Small basket $ - 2 Papayas, 6 bananas, 2 cups of coffee. Large basket $ - 4 papayas, 10 bananas, morning coffee during your stay. Please keep in mind the fruit may vary depending on what is ripe. Coffee In order to preserve water we utilize clean non-smelling composting toilets. We also have 4 hot water showers, 2 sinks and vanity areas. Please keep showers to 5 min or less, Mahalo. If you come with a 4-wheel drive vehicle you are welcome to drive farther up on to the property and park closer to your cabana, just follow the Parking signs. We do not recommend you drive up with cars or low vehicles as the terrain is a bit rough, instead please park down in front in one of the parking spaces. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to send us a message! Hope to see you soon! Aloha

Stories from the community

Shakara

October 2025

1 night at Hamakua Guesthouse

Very cool place to stay with great amenities and comfortable hammock

A

Anjulie

October 2025

With kids

3 nights at Hamakua Guesthouse

Very comfortable and welcoming, kitchen is well stocked, property and location are great. Easy access to many attractions. We would gladly stay again!

M

Moises

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Hamakua Guesthouse

Hamakua Coast cabana 4 hip camp loved it. I will be back.

C

Crystal

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Hamakua Guesthouse

Rustic, private, secluded, beautiful. Loved being so close to a waterfall. Great geko roomates. Crazy thing, one lilicoi fell in our path each day we were there. Awesome! But the waterfall water was colder than I expected. Definitely recommend

Veronika

July 2025

2 nights at IO's NEST LOOKOUT on the Hamakua

We loved the staying at Krystle’s lookout nest. It has an amazing view and has everything and a lot of details. Would totally come back or recommend to friends.

Shakara

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Hamakua Guesthouse

The land is very well maintained. You access to two bathroom,kitchen and a tv room . The cabana itself it spacious and the hammocks are comfortable. Overall a great place to camping.

Takako

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Sacred Nature Sanctuary

Beautiful place! Belinda made sure we got everything we needed. She gave us a guide before arrival, so we understood what to prepare upon arrival. It was very quiet and a great place to enjoy nature and get away from busy life. Highly recommended!

Coralie

June 2025

3 nights at Hamakua Guesthouse

We enjoyed the cabana because it was like sleeping outside, but with a roof over your head to protect from the rain. Also the hammocks were better than sleeping on the ground. It was handy to have shared kitchen facilities and bathrooms. Best of all it was a very reasonable price!

j

janine

June 2025

With kids

1 night at Hamakua Guesthouse

Aloha My son and friend and I live on islsnd and came for a Hamakua getaway ~ We enjoyed everything about our experience ~ extremely clean ~ organized ~ comfortable ~ included all we needed including super sweet kitty love ~ incredible view ~ waterfall bliss and filled with aloha 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 highly recommend!!

F

Friday

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Sacred Nature Sanctuary

This land and retreat is special. In just two days we were able to catch our breath and feel connected to the earth. Respite, focus and relaxation! Belinda thought of everything and the clean and serene yurt was more than comfortable. We plan to visit again and make it a special trip. An Amazing and awesome inspiring time.

T

Thomas

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Sacred Nature Sanctuary

Hestia was amazing! Our hosts were incredibly friendly and the yurt was so well equipped we felt a bit silly bringing all we did. The place was serene and very well taken care of. We were staying in the area to do a bit of hiking and they offered us great advice in that area too. I could not recommend it more highly.

Shakara

May 2025

Weekend Trip to IO's NEST LOOKOUT on the Hamakua

I love the view from the deck it so captivating I sat there for hours with a hot cup of coffee . The property is well maintained and full of lush . Krystle was very welcoming and pleasant. Even the kids on the property was very welcoming while catching lizards in the yard … I would definitely stay here again …

S

Saleh

May 2025

2 nights at Hamakua Guesthouse

We stayed two nighs. It was a great experience. They have 4 cats. Nice kitchen and bathroom.

D

Dan M

May 2025

Weekend Trip to IO's NEST LOOKOUT on the Hamakua

So nice! Great value and set up of amenities! We loved it for so many reasons!

A

Amyee

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Sacred Nature Sanctuary

My son and I stayed in the creekside cozy cabin for the weekend and had such a sweet, nourishing stay. It was such a peaceful mini retreat for us to settle in to on really special land. Belinda was wonderful and so very kind. We will definitely be back soon! We loved the special details like the teas and ceramic mugs, the wood stove, and the really wonderful bedding. Soooo nice!

Collin

May 2025

1 night at IO's NEST LOOKOUT on the Hamakua

What a magical and private location! Super cozy and comfy for two with all the amenities to be comfortable. If it rains, the large umbrella cover's the entire deck so you can still enjoy the beautiful views.

S

Somalee

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Sacred Nature Sanctuary

This is review of the eco lodge. We got upgraded by the host as they were doing some prep to summer work on their property. The eco lodge is exceptionally well fitted. The hosts didn’t leave us wanting for anything. The kitchen could not have been any better appointed. We enjoyed morning qigong by the stream, our evening tea by the stream, afternoon nap on the hammock by the stream and sat by the stream in the evening with fire going…. The prayer flags gladdened my soul. The solar light strings made the property feel warm at night. Does it count as foraging if you are picking fir tips on the property?

B

Ben

May 2025

Weekend Trip to IO's NEST LOOKOUT on the Hamakua

Io's nest was a gorgeous and comfortable stay! Coqui frogs and the sound of rain on the metal roof was soothing and easily serenaded us to sleep. Close to Akaka Falls (an easy 30 ish min walk right from the stay). The host (Krystle) was super responsive, gave good explicit directions. Comfy bed with stellar views, especially of the sunrise over the ocean. Nice to have a sink right on site, with access to a bathroom and outdoor shower nearby. Strongly recommend staying here!

A

Alicia and Jenny

April 2025

2 nights at IO's NEST LOOKOUT on the Hamakua

Great views. Lovely donkeys. Loved the outdoor shower. Amazing lanai. It was such a cool place to stay, had everything we needed. Would thoroughly recommend!

Zach (&Krista)

April 2025

1 night at Hamakua Guesthouse

We just had a quick one night stay, but enjoyed our cabana. Good view of the distant ocean on a nice piece of property. The shower and toilet areas are very clean and convenient to our Cabana #1. The facilities were more than accommodating. Most spaces are shared spaces. Not a problem for us, but you will likely encounter other travelers, sort of hostel-style. Would recommend. Will need to stay longer next time to experience the nearby town. Not far from Akaka Falls.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best river, stream, or creek glamping in Big Island guide

Where to go

Kailua-Kona Coast

=The Big Island’s Gold Coast stretches along the west shore, fringed with sandy beaches and colorful coral reefs. Seaside campers will find plenty of ways to get on the water, whether swimming and snorkeling at Kahalu'u Beach Park, paddling around Kealakekua Bay in a kayak, or setting sail on a whale or dolphin-watching cruise. Back on land, take a tour of a Kona coffee plantation and pay a visit to the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.

Kohala

Rugged lava fields meet golden beaches and pastoral farmlands in Kohala at the island’s northwestern tip, where you’ll also find some of Hawaii’s most luxurious resorts, spas, and restaurants. Swing by the regional capital Waimea, where you can saddle up for a horseback ride with a paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy), admire the views from the Pololu Valley Lookout, then rent an A-frame at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area.

Hilo & Hamakua Coast

Black-sand beaches, waterfalls, and tropical fruit plantations provide plenty of photo fodder along the eastern Hamakua Coast. Drive the Hamakua Heritage Corridor from Hilo all the way to the Waipio Valley Lookout, stopping along the way to see Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls before settling into camp.

South Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the headline act of the south, where still-smoking lava fields surround two of the world's most active volcanoes, and hikers can choose from two national park campgrounds or rent a cabin. There are more lava-sculpted landscapes in nearby Puna, where camping options include treehouses and jungle campsites. Don’t miss Lava Tree State Park, the green-colored sands at Papakolea Beach, or the black-sand Punalu’u Beach.