The best waterfall campgrounds near Keaau, Hawaii

Set up camp in Keaau and wake to the rush of waterfalls—this corner of Hawaii puts you close to some of the island’s most impressive cascades. With over 30 campsites focused on waterfall terrain, you can pitch a tent for as little as $19 a night, with the average stay running about $60. Campfires are allowed, and you’ll find toilets and showers at most spots. Catch waves, swim in clear pools, or head out on rugged hikes nearby. For trusted sites, check out Hamakua Guesthouse (194 reviews), Hakalau Springs Campground (52 reviews), and The Kikala Waterfall Lodge (47 reviews). Bring sturdy shoes for muddy trails and a waterproof bag—you’ll need both.

94% (383)

Top-rated campgrounds near Keaau

Set up camp in Keaau and wake to the rush of waterfalls—this corner of Hawaii puts you close to some of the island’s most impressive cascades. With over 30 campsites focused on waterfall terrain, you can pitch a tent for as little as $19 a night, with the average stay running about $60. Campfires are allowed, and you’ll find toilets and showers at most spots. Catch waves, swim in clear pools, or head out on rugged hikes nearby. For trusted sites, check out Hamakua Guesthouse (194 reviews), Hakalau Springs Campground (52 reviews), and The Kikala Waterfall Lodge (47 reviews). Bring sturdy shoes for muddy trails and a waterproof bag—you’ll need both.

94% (383)

Top-rated campgrounds near Keaau

1. Hamakua Guesthouse

95%

(301)

17mi from Keaau · 7 sites · Lodging

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%

(43)

17mi from Keaau · 1 site · Lodging

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. The Kikala Waterfall Lodge

92%

(81)

12mi from Keaau · 5 sites · Lodging

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.

4. Green Acres

20mi from Keaau · 1 site · Tent

Quiet campsite near Kolekole Gulch Park and Akaka Falls.

5. Hakalau Springs Campground

99%

(61)

19mi from Keaau · 3 sites · Tents

Come enjoy the magic of your own private waterfall while camping under the stars at Hakalau Springs Campground. Hakalau is located on the North-East side of the Big Island along the breathtaking Hamakua Coast. Surrounded by waterfalls and lush, green tropical flora, Hakalau is a hidden gem. It’s the perfect jumping off point for all things east side. Hilo town is 30 minutes south and Waipio Valley Lookout is 45 minutes North. The world-famous Akaka Falls is one neighborhood over in the quaint town of Honomu which hosts some wonderful gift shops, 2 restaurants, and a coffee house. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a little over an hour drive and the Maunakea Visitors Center is an hour and 15 minutes. Other sites and adventures include Umauma Zip lining and Botanical World Adventures (5 miles away), Onomea Bay scenic drive and Hawaii Tropical Botanic Garden (8 miles away), the historic town of Honokaa (45 mins), and the beautiful cowboy town of Waimea (1 hour). Hakalau Springs Campground sits on 11 acres with two springs bordering the property with a variety of fruit trees and farm animals to interact with. We offer basic campsites with picnic tables, drinking water, a fire pit, a composting toilet, and a pop-up tent in case it rains. You will be camping on soft grass amongst giant Ironwood and eucalyptus trees while listening to the soft sounds of the creek below. Take a swim in the spring-fed waterfall swimming hole and relax by the fire pit at night. We also offer our beautiful 2 room tent fully furnished with a queen-sized air mattress, cozy bedding, lantern, and camping lounge chairs. Cooler upon request, you provide the ice. We’re blessed to be located on the rainy side of the island because of all the abundance and greenery the rain brings. That being said, please be prepared for the weather. It can rain hard at times so having a good rain jacket is a great idea. On the other hand, people say that a sunny day on the east side of the big island is the best place to be in all of Hawaii. Come stay at Hakalau Springs Campground and discover “off the beaten path” Hawaii.

6. Magical Lava Temple Pele's Feet

88%

(4)

19mi from Keaau · 3 sites · Lodging

Aloha ~ Are you ready for a Rebirth? An Epic, Elemental Stay? Come join us here at The Lava Sanctuary at Pele's Feet. Pele, the Hawaiian Goddess of the Volcano & Transformation, called me here to create an off-grid Magical Sanctuary on the newest land on Earth ~. We have grown and have several different accommodations from rustic to super nice Airbnb Plus. We have been featured in Hana Hou Magazine, as well as dozens of media around the world. This Elemental Vortex with wraparound Volcano views is surrounded by dramatic black lava fields, amazing black sand beaches, local culture and fun markets all located nearby! We have: The Magical Lava Temple (can sleep 5) The Phoenix House (look it up online, epic and unique!) - a tiny home that sleeps 2 and offers Rebirth! The Ohana House (can sleep 4) And the Lava Escape Pods (can sleep 1-2) Message us with your dates, your number of people, and we can let you know what's available ~ Infinite Blessings ~ JADE. The Radiant Lotus. Org.

7. Farm View Cabanas

84%

(62)

46mi from Keaau · 8 sites · Lodging

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

Camper favorites near Keaau

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Green Acres

20mi from Keaau · 1 site · Tent

Quiet campsite near Kolekole Gulch Park and Akaka Falls.

Hakalau Springs Campground

99%

(61)

19mi from Keaau · 3 sites · Tents

Come enjoy the magic of your own private waterfall while camping under the stars at Hakalau Springs Campground. Hakalau is located on the North-East side of the Big Island along the breathtaking Hamakua Coast. Surrounded by waterfalls and lush, green tropical flora, Hakalau is a hidden gem. It’s the perfect jumping off point for all things east side. Hilo town is 30 minutes south and Waipio Valley Lookout is 45 minutes North. The world-famous Akaka Falls is one neighborhood over in the quaint town of Honomu which hosts some wonderful gift shops, 2 restaurants, and a coffee house. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a little over an hour drive and the Maunakea Visitors Center is an hour and 15 minutes. Other sites and adventures include Umauma Zip lining and Botanical World Adventures (5 miles away), Onomea Bay scenic drive and Hawaii Tropical Botanic Garden (8 miles away), the historic town of Honokaa (45 mins), and the beautiful cowboy town of Waimea (1 hour). Hakalau Springs Campground sits on 11 acres with two springs bordering the property with a variety of fruit trees and farm animals to interact with. We offer basic campsites with picnic tables, drinking water, a fire pit, a composting toilet, and a pop-up tent in case it rains. You will be camping on soft grass amongst giant Ironwood and eucalyptus trees while listening to the soft sounds of the creek below. Take a swim in the spring-fed waterfall swimming hole and relax by the fire pit at night. We also offer our beautiful 2 room tent fully furnished with a queen-sized air mattress, cozy bedding, lantern, and camping lounge chairs. Cooler upon request, you provide the ice. We’re blessed to be located on the rainy side of the island because of all the abundance and greenery the rain brings. That being said, please be prepared for the weather. It can rain hard at times so having a good rain jacket is a great idea. On the other hand, people say that a sunny day on the east side of the big island is the best place to be in all of Hawaii. Come stay at Hakalau Springs Campground and discover “off the beaten path” Hawaii.

Magical Lava Temple Pele's Feet

88%

(4)

19mi from Keaau · 3 sites · Lodging

Aloha ~ Are you ready for a Rebirth? An Epic, Elemental Stay? Come join us here at The Lava Sanctuary at Pele's Feet. Pele, the Hawaiian Goddess of the Volcano & Transformation, called me here to create an off-grid Magical Sanctuary on the newest land on Earth ~. We have grown and have several different accommodations from rustic to super nice Airbnb Plus. We have been featured in Hana Hou Magazine, as well as dozens of media around the world. This Elemental Vortex with wraparound Volcano views is surrounded by dramatic black lava fields, amazing black sand beaches, local culture and fun markets all located nearby! We have: The Magical Lava Temple (can sleep 5) The Phoenix House (look it up online, epic and unique!) - a tiny home that sleeps 2 and offers Rebirth! The Ohana House (can sleep 4) And the Lava Escape Pods (can sleep 1-2) Message us with your dates, your number of people, and we can let you know what's available ~ Infinite Blessings ~ JADE. The Radiant Lotus. Org.

Farm View Cabanas

84%

(62)

46mi from Keaau · 8 sites · Lodging

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

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Brandon

2 weeks ago

1 night at IO's NEST LOOKOUT on the Hamakua

We loved Krystle's IO's Nest! It was comfortable, adorable, and atop a hill with spectacular views of the hillside looking down to the ocean from the spacious deck. The sunrise was incredible! The private outdoor shower was amazing and had mood lights, soap/shampoo, and flowers peaking under the bottom of the walls. It was an easy 20 minute walk to Akaka Falls, and there was a fruit stand just outside the first gate where we bought star fruit and coconut from the neighbor. The place was easy to find, and Krystle was an excellent host. She answered all our questions promptly, and made us feel welcome and comfortable. The Nest had electricity, cell service, wifi, an electric kettle and tea, coffee maker with coffee and filters, and a large charging station with USB and AC outlets. There was also a covered parking area right next to the Nest for our motorcycles. We would definitely stay here again!

L

Lily

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Hamakua Guesthouse

This is our second time at Hamakua House (last time 8 years ago) - we love the vibe and the caretakers are really nice and generous. A bit rustic, as expected for hammock cabanas, but very cute. A short drive to Hilo and beautiful countryside location. We would stay again (hopefully sooner than 8 years!)

J

Janessa

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Hamakua Guesthouse

Amazing place! Private waterfall! Nice amenities and staff! I want to come back here next trip!

D

Daniel

November 2025

5 nights at Hamakua Guesthouse

The pros: affordable, beautiful area, nice glamping cabanas, well set up for cooking (big bbqs!), coolers and towels to take to the beach, picking fresh lillikoi in the morning, overall a really lovely stay. The cons: the shared space vibe was a little strange because they were overstaffed with volunteers, so it felt a bit like a youth hostel. It made it feel like guests were intruding on the volunteer hostel vibe and often the kitchen was occupied.

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

Emerson

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Hakalau Springs Campground

We love this beautiful spot. We will definitely be back.

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.

Crystalena

July 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Hakalau Springs Campground

Zak and Katies space is perfectly secluded and private with a nice composting toilet, fire pit, and swimming hole. The location is great for visiting Akaka falls, Honomū Goat Dairy, and Krishna Cow Sanctuary. We would definitely stay again.

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!!

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!

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.

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!