- Kauai
Popular camping styles for Kauai
Public campgrounds in and near Kauai
Stories from the community
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping on Kauai guide
Overview
Swathes of tropical rainforest, soaring coastal cliffs, and lush green valleys blanket Kauai, Hawaii’s northernmost island. If you’re looking to discover Hawaii’s natural wonders, the Garden Isle is the place to do it, whether hiking through the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific," swimming beneath waterfalls, or snorkeling and surfing along golden sands. Campers can choose from an array of campgrounds with options ranging from beachside tent sites to rustic mountain cabins, and with daytime temperatures rarely falling below 74°F (24°C), camping is enjoyable year-round. If camping in winter, come prepared for rain, as Kauai gets more than its fair share of Hawaii’s wet weather.
Where to go
Na Pali & the North Coast
The rainforest-cloaked North Shore is dotted with glam resorts, sweeping bays, and coastal campgrounds. Swimming, snorkeling, and windsurfing are on the menu at Anini Beach, Haena Beach, and Hanalei Black Pot Beach, all of which have campsites, while hikers can hop between sea caves and waterfalls along the Kalalau Trail. In the northwest, the Na Pali region is renowned for its soaring sea cliffs and spectacular views, with four public campsites to choose from.
West Kauai
Hikers will find their slice of Hawaiian paradise in West Kauai, where the sweeping mountain landscapes provide plenty of opportunities to escape the crowds. The dramatic scenery of Waimea Canyon is the big draw for adventurers, along with nearby Kokee State Park and its modern cabins and tent sites. Prefer beachfront camping? You’ll need a permit to pitch your tent along Polihale Beach State Park, home to one of Hawaii’s longest beaches.
East Kauai
Coconut palms and sugar-white sands fringe the aptly nicknamed “Coconut Coast” of east Kauai, and you won’t have to travel far to find a beach view or a waterfall—Wailua Falls and Opaeka’a Falls pull in the biggest crowds. Camping options are limited along this wild stretch of coast, but Anahola Beach Park on the northeast shore and Hanama'ulu Beach Park, further south, both have seafront campsites.
Lihue & the South
Sunseekers make a beeline for Kauai’s south shore, and the coast around Poipu is lined with idyllic beaches and lively resorts. The National Tropical Botanical Garden and the blowhole at Spouting Horn Beach Park are both must-sees, but you can also camp along wild beaches at Lucy Wright Beach Park or explore the salt pools and snorkeling holes at Salt Pond Beach Park.
