98% (171) • 3 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Captain Cook
Yip Camp and Eco-Retreat Center
1. Yip Camp and Eco-Retreat Center
96%
(141)
49mi from Captain Cook · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Yip Camp provides a setting that promotes immersion in nature. The property is located on the Kilauea Volcano at about 2700 feet in elevation and in sight of the majestic Mauna Loa volcano rising at the peak at 13,680 feet. Both volcanos have been active recently. There are several trails at the National Park
nearby; trails and several species of birds live on the property including Japanese Pheasants. On clear nights the skies provide excellent ambient viewing of the moon, planets and constellations. The campsites and cottage are located in the woods near a shower and flushing toilet and the property is off grid with the goal to establish an example of sustainable lifestyles and ecosystems. Camping equipment is available upon request and the cottage is furnished with a basic kitchen. The grounds also include a screen room with a grill, tables, chairs and a fire pit. Local fruits and vegetables are grown on the property and the greenhouse provides food. Solitude is available for those who seek silence and immersion in nature and a number of state and county beaches are within a forty minute drive. The focus is providing a quiet environment and an opportunity for solitude away from the distractions of urban lifestyles. Beaches are about forty five minutes and the drive to Hilo is about 25 miles.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$36
/ night
The Tranquil Homestead
2. The Tranquil Homestead
100%
(56)
49mi from Captain Cook · 2 sites · Lodging
WE ARE LOCATED WITHIN 14 MINUTES OF HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK!
This Award-Winning off grid campsite was
Named One of the Best HipCamps to Visit in Hawaii in 2025. We are nestled in the midst of a mini-Rainbow Eucalyptus Rainforest, with native Ohia trees sparsely located throughout our property. Hapu'u Ferns are also within our mini-Rainbow Eucalyptus Rainforest. Enjoy the stunning 90 - 100 degree ocean views of Hawaii Island's Western Coastline, as well as the new Volcanic Vent (Known as Fissure 8) created by the 2018 Eruption of the Kileaua Volcano.
The Hawaii Volcano National Park (HVNP) is a 14 mile or 20 minute drive from our campsite. HVNP has a visitor's center to get information about the park, hiking trails throughout its boundaries, steam vents and the awe-inspiring caldera, which is the location of the volcano's lava pool. At night, the glow from the lava in the caldera can be seen at the park.
Our campsite is also an 18 mile or 29 minute drive from the Hilo International Airport and the town of Hilo, Hawaii.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from
$75
/ night
98% (171) • 3 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Captain Cook
Yip Camp and Eco-Retreat Center
1. Yip Camp and Eco-Retreat Center
96%
(141)
49mi from Captain Cook · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Yip Camp provides a setting that promotes immersion in nature. The property is located on the Kilauea Volcano at about 2700 feet in elevation and in sight of the majestic Mauna Loa volcano rising at the peak at 13,680 feet. Both volcanos have been active recently. There are several trails at the National Park
nearby; trails and several species of birds live on the property including Japanese Pheasants. On clear nights the skies provide excellent ambient viewing of the moon, planets and constellations. The campsites and cottage are located in the woods near a shower and flushing toilet and the property is off grid with the goal to establish an example of sustainable lifestyles and ecosystems. Camping equipment is available upon request and the cottage is furnished with a basic kitchen. The grounds also include a screen room with a grill, tables, chairs and a fire pit. Local fruits and vegetables are grown on the property and the greenhouse provides food. Solitude is available for those who seek silence and immersion in nature and a number of state and county beaches are within a forty minute drive. The focus is providing a quiet environment and an opportunity for solitude away from the distractions of urban lifestyles. Beaches are about forty five minutes and the drive to Hilo is about 25 miles.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$36
/ night
The Tranquil Homestead
2. The Tranquil Homestead
100%
(56)
49mi from Captain Cook · 2 sites · Lodging
WE ARE LOCATED WITHIN 14 MINUTES OF HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK!
This Award-Winning off grid campsite was
Named One of the Best HipCamps to Visit in Hawaii in 2025. We are nestled in the midst of a mini-Rainbow Eucalyptus Rainforest, with native Ohia trees sparsely located throughout our property. Hapu'u Ferns are also within our mini-Rainbow Eucalyptus Rainforest. Enjoy the stunning 90 - 100 degree ocean views of Hawaii Island's Western Coastline, as well as the new Volcanic Vent (Known as Fissure 8) created by the 2018 Eruption of the Kileaua Volcano.
The Hawaii Volcano National Park (HVNP) is a 14 mile or 20 minute drive from our campsite. HVNP has a visitor's center to get information about the park, hiking trails throughout its boundaries, steam vents and the awe-inspiring caldera, which is the location of the volcano's lava pool. At night, the glow from the lava in the caldera can be seen at the park.
Our campsite is also an 18 mile or 29 minute drive from the Hilo International Airport and the town of Hilo, Hawaii.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from
$75
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
C
Clare
1 week ago
6 nights at The Tranquil Homestead
Chris and Esther were extremely attentive hosts, they were very communicative and welcoming of questions or needs from us as guests. At the same time they gave us plenty of space so that the place still felt very private. The tiny home/cabin was perfectly comfortable and had everything you need to enjoy a cozy/rainy day ant home and was an inspiring example of how one can live off grid in Hawaii. The property is beautiful with gorgeous eucalyptus trees and the ducks/peacocks were wonderful entertainment. Esther and Chris provide feed for you to give to the birds and I greatly enjoyed watching the ducks waddle their way down the path each morning wagging their tails! The location was close enough to Hilo that it felt very easy to run errands/enjoy the city and is also super quick to the national park if you’re lucky enough to be here during an eruption. We would definitely stay here again!
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Amanda
2 weeks ago
3 nights at The Tranquil Homestead
This was such an amazing experience! It felt so private, yet only a 30 minute drive from Hilo and just a short distance to the main entrance of the park. Cozy and the cool evening weather made it feel like camping, but without the hassle of setting everything up. The bed was seriously the most comfortable bed I’ve been in while traveling. Kitchen was great and enough to cook basic meals.
Esther and Christopher were such gracious and attentive hosts. We were able to do laundry and check out some of the highlights of things to do that they recommended. The ducks and peacocks were a treat to see in the mornings and feed.
Great value for the price. As stated in the listing, bring your own drinking water (we picked up a large jug from the store). It was surprisingly cool at night, which was a welcome treat from the heat and humidity during the day as we traveled. Enough cell service but we didn’t use the internet provided. Laundry takes about an hour and 45 minutes on the property, and you’ll arrange a time to use the machines (but they have soap and dryer sheets.)
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J
Jeremy
2 weeks ago
2 nights at Yip Camp and Eco-Retreat Center
Tom and his idealic paradise made us feel safe, warm and fully considered. The space, his presence, yip (his pup), and the overall energy at yipcamp is calm and energizing. To find this gem is no mistake. Thanks for everything Tom! You da man!
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K
Keri
2 weeks ago
With kids
We loved every part of our stay. From the start, the communication was excellent and friendly, to the night of our stay we enjoyed the adorable cabin. In the morning our boys were even treated to getting feed the local pets:) We would absolutely stay again.
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M
Michael
2 weeks ago
2 nights at The Tranquil Homestead
We loved every bit of Christopher and Esther’s place! We thought about camping but are so glad we stayed here. The cabin is dialed in, with thoughtful features throughout. The hosts are as thoughtful as any we’ve ever had on Hipcamp or AirBnb. A perfect blend of friendly but giving lots of privacy. It was about 25 minutes to Hawaii Volcanos NP, close enough to make a late dash to see the lava! Highly recommended place to stay.
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Kevin
December 2025
1 night at Yip Camp and Eco-Retreat Center
Thomas was incredibly accommodating as we booked this cabin last minute so that we could spend more time on the east side of the Big Island without having to drive back to Kona. He was there to greet us in the evening when we arrived after a day at the park, and was there to send us off as we continued on our journey in the morning.
This cabin provides more of a camping feel as the property is off the grid, but you'll find all the essentials such as a full sized bed, linens, warm shower and a toilet. If you're like me and attract mosquitos, bringing a mosquito net may be useful as well.
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Matthew
December 2025
With kids
Thomas’s house was a very unique side of Hawaii we were hoping for, if your looking for a backwoods rainforest tiny house stay this place is it. Thx again
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Abby
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Yip Camp and Eco-Retreat Center
Tom was absolutely wonderful—so accommodating, even when we booked his cottage at the last minute! He made us coffee in the morning, gave us a lovely tour of the property, and was such a joy to chat with. He even sent us home with fresh fruit and flowers! The cottage itself was cozy and comfortable, and I was especially happy to find the shower had nice hot water. Highly recommend!
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A
Angie
November 2025
Weekend Trip to The Tranquil Homestead
We loved our stay at Chris and Esther’s place! It was the perfect location—so close to Volcanoes National Park—and incredibly peaceful. Falling asleep to the sound of frogs at night was a unique experience for me. The space had everything we needed for a comfortable night’s sleep--we wish we’d had more time to stay longer.
I loved that they gave us duck food so we could feed the ducks when we woke up. Their directions were clear, communication was easy, and everything felt welcoming and well thought-out.
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Danielle
October 2025
1 night at Yip Camp and Eco-Retreat Center
Thomas was great! Just what we needed for crash pad while driving around the island. Highly recommend!
See moreJ
Josh
October 2025
Weekend Trip to The Tranquil Homestead
Lodging was clean, well maintained, and had everything you could really ask for; full kitchen (including stove and oven), hot shower, ceiling fan above the bed, nice little deck out front.
The location is fantastic, it's at the back of the farm so sitting on the deck looking out you have a nice view of the rainbow eucalyptus trees, palm patches, and meadows, and total privacy to enjoy a morning coffee in peace.
Hosts were amazing, very friendly and welcoming.
Oh and there's ducks and peafowl all over who are very friendly and will come up to you for food.
My only issue was that I didn't stay longer.
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S
S.
October 2025
With kids
We absolutely loved it!
Great location, private, tropical setting. It is awesome to go to bed with the rainforest sounds in the background.
Wel maintained and clean cottage.
We loved the ducks coming over to say hello in the morning (and that goes double for our 8 year old.)without waking us up.
And if you never had duck eggs before : they are delicious!
Esther and Christopher are great host, friendly, patient and helpful.
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Cms
October 2025
3 nights at The Tranquil Homestead
It was an enjoyable , very relaxing tiny home! We felt like we’re glamping, enjoyed feeding the ducks and peacocks.
Esther and Christopher are amazing hosts, they’re friendly, they really have aloha spirits and great Stewart’s of the aina.
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Jack
September 2025
1 night at Yip Camp and Eco-Retreat Center
Beautiful little site. Close to the national park and a bunch of cute stuff. Thomas was super nice and welcoming
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Conner
September 2025
1 night at The Tranquil Homestead
Truly an amazing place! The ducks were so much fun and we felt so welcomed! The owners made us feel right at home!
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N
Naomi
August 2025
Weekend Trip to The Tranquil Homestead
Wow what an amazing place Ester and Christopher have created! We are planning our next trip back already!!! Highly recommend anyone who is curious on off grid living with the essentials still there. Hot water and a wonderful compost toilet! And the Ducks omg so cute!!!! Peacocks and lil baby one too, we really looked forward to the early mornings with the birds!
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J
James
August 2025
With pets
Great location on a nice quiet street. Good for a walk in the woods. Close to Volcano National Park and also Mountain View. Cute cottage we stayed in. Frogs at night were cool to hear
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Aiko
August 2025
With kids
Christopher & Esther’s tranquil retreat was so much fun for my three Keiki. They absolutely loved the whole experience from the off grid experience & compostable toilet to feeding the ducks and exploring. Christopher and Esther were so beyond hospitable. They ensured our comfort and ease in the experience as a whole.
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Jordan
August 2025
With kids
This place was amazing! My boy had a great time exploring the property and the host was super friendly and accommodating. Would recommend this place to anyone.
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Michele
July 2025
With kids
My partner and I plus our 4yo really enjoyed our stay. It was a welcome shift from the busy city and tourist atmosphere of Oahu - quiet, dark, the sounds of the coquis, the ducks of course (we enjoyed their company and feeding them and the peacock). The proximity to Volcanoes Park was perfect especially given our luck for being there during an eruption! It was so convenient and easy to zip over to the park in no time. Everything was as Christopher and Esther described, and the space was very clean and cozy, and easy to find. On a clear night the stars are amazing.
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The best family-friendly glamping near Captain Cook guide
Nearby attractions
- Enjoy a serene camping adventure near Kohanaiki Beach Park. The white sands and crystalline waters provide a perfect backdrop for a memorable trip. See sunsets and stargaze by the fire.
- Pitch your tent near Miloli'i Beach Park, a hidden gem boasting black sand beaches and stunning sunsets. Enjoy a relaxed camping experience by the sea, with snorkeling and fishing activities to add to your adventure.
- Come and embrace the tranquil beauty of camping near Whittington Beach Park. With scenic ocean views and picnic areas, it's the perfect locale for those seeking a serene camping experience alongside soothing waves.
- Unwind and connect with nature while camping near the inviting Spencer Beach Park. With its white sand, clear waters, and safe swimming conditions, it's the ideal backdrop for a fun-filled camping getaway.