The best river, stream, or creek glamping in Oahu

With its sugary sands, surf beaches, tropical rainforest backdrop, and melting pot of Pacific culture, Oahu is Hawaii’s flagship vacation destination. Whether you want beachside adventures, panoramic-view hikes, or history, Oahu has everything in abundance, and you can take your pick of beachside villas and coastal campsites. Spring and fall are popular times to visit Oahu, with balmy temperatures and festivals such as the King Kamehameha Floral Parade and Aloha Festival taking place, but winter campers can still enjoy average daytime temperatures of 80°F (26°C), and this is prime time for surfing.

96% (390)

Top-rated campgrounds

With its sugary sands, surf beaches, tropical rainforest backdrop, and melting pot of Pacific culture, Oahu is Hawaii’s flagship vacation destination. Whether you want beachside adventures, panoramic-view hikes, or history, Oahu has everything in abundance, and you can take your pick of beachside villas and coastal campsites. Spring and fall are popular times to visit Oahu, with balmy temperatures and festivals such as the King Kamehameha Floral Parade and Aloha Festival taking place, but winter campers can still enjoy average daytime temperatures of 80°F (26°C), and this is prime time for surfing.

96% (390)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Waimanalo Farmstay

97%

(443)

7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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. If you’re especially sensitive to mosquitos, bugs, geckos, free roaming chickens or other elements to be expected in nature, 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. Outsiders do not often get the opportunity to stay back here, but we welcome respectful travelers looking for an authentic experience who can appreciate this privilege. 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. This is a working farm. While we are very hospitable, we are not in the business of hospitality. 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!

2. Malama Aina Retreat - Oahu

91%

(32)

6 sites · Lodging · Hauula, HI

Tucked away in a private valley with breathtaking views, you can stay here for your retreat and be educated about this sacred land. It is a CAMPING experience. All retreaters to the land will be REQUIRED to participate in our Malama Aina (care for the land) tour/program as part of your ag land education retreat. World famous beaches and food trucks within a short distance in every direction, as well as onsite activities. 10-12min walk to the beach. Make memories here that will last a lifetime!

3. Holomua Farms

100%

(23)

4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Waialua, HI

If you love: Off-grid experiences, farm to table, sustainable communities, rooted in Hawaiian culture, vegan, plant-based, farming, nature, beach, hiking, animals, yoga, positive people, holistic healing, mediation, music and beautiful healing spaces then this is the place for you. Location is off-grid and accessible off a dirt road- 4wd vehicles required if raining. We have a 4wd vehicle to use for additional cost. We are less than 10 minutes from Haleiwa town and 15 minutes from the nearest beaches.

4. Hawaiian Green Farm Hale

1 site · Lodging · Waialua, HI

Come stay on a private, safe, beautiful working farm in the beautiful old Hawaiian neighborhood of Waialua on the historic North Shore of Oahu. 35 min from the airport, 5 minutes to Haleiwa. 5 minutes to Haleiwa Ali’i Beach park, Mokuleia, and to the 7 mile miracle of surf spots and beaches. Peaceful, beautiful, modern farm designed 'Hawaii Farm Green Hale.' Salvaged from Demo, we moved this adorable 2 bedroom, old plantation home to our farm. Perfect view of Mount Ka’ala. Set in the middle of our orchard. Feels like you are in a treehouse. We are surrounded by birds and chickens, owls, and a few neighborhoods cats. But the king of our castle is Smokey, our beautiful grey cat. Who is an outside cat but comes and visits. Master bedroom is furnished with a Cal King bed. 2nd bedroom has a single bed and desk. Living room has a Hawaiian style Queen day bed called a punee. Max 4 people. Open kitchen, large front deck. Take a soak in our clawfoot tub on our deck that looks at the mountains. Outside dining table for 8. Washer and dryer In laundry closet on deck. In a farm private gated community. Rural farm area of Waialua. Home is powered by an off grid solar system that supplies the home, washer, dishwasher etc. Propane supplies the stove, and dryer. Water is connected to the grid, 3 part filtered. Top of the line Cinderella burner toilet. Hot water heater is both solar and electric powered. Fans in all rooms and windows create a very breezy home. We offer this home when traveling. There for minimum of 2 weeks. To make it worth while for a trip. We love this home dearly and designed and built it with with our own hands and with Aloha. Come enjoy old Hawaii rural charm in a nicely designed plantation home in an orchard. E komo Mai. IMPORTANT NOTE- Farm is ALL SOLAR powered. The solar cant do heating elements. So please NO hair dryers, curling irons, heating blankets, noise machines, anything that must be plugged in over night. Solar handles refrigerators, ceiling fans, lights, phones and starlink over night fine. Itʻs when anything is added on top of that in the evening or overnight that can cause a problem. Or if it is cloudy. Dryers used mid day. BUT- we love it. Itʻs a way of life. Living with the land.

5. Sacred Valley Retreat

1 site · Lodging · Punaluu, HI

A unique cultural staycation in the Sacred Valley — skip light-polluted Honolulu and enjoy the soothing sounds of nature! Tucked away in a private oasis with soaring mountain views, this is an affordable and memorable retreat near Oahu’s North Shore. Just a 10-minute walk to the beach and local food trucks, with essentials close by. All visitors are welcome to join our free 1-hour Mālama ʻĀina (care for the land) program as part of your agricultural retreat. We can’t wait for you to experience the mana of this special place — we look forward to hosting you! 🌱🌺

Stories from the community

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Liselotte

2 weeks ago

3 nights at Malama Aina Retreat - Oahu

It was such a nice experience staying at the yurt! We were a bit afraid of the cold showers and air mattresses beforehand but this was not a problem at all. The surroundings are so beautiful and it is a very special place to stay. I would definitely recommend staying here :)

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Ken

November 2025

7 nights at Waimanalo Farmstay

Banana patch tent was quiet and private.close to town and many beaches if you have a car.farm like setting very relaxing.easy to find once you know the route.

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Teresa

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Waimanalo Farmstay

What fantastic hosts at the most peaceful local farm that we enjoyed to the utmost. We we attending an event in Waimanalo & though enjoyed the event wished we could have stayed at the our tent camp the entire time. The unit had all the amenities we needed & more. The deluxe tent with the most amazing comfortable bed, well placed lighting & cozy comfort. We slept so well, we ordered the same bed. Thank you so much Dave & Lex for everything. A wonderful spot that we'll return to someday soon!

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Joy

October 2025

With kids

4 nights at Waimanalo Farmstay

We really enjoyed our stay here. It felt like we were a world away. The farm was so beautiful and peaceful. Dave is a wonderful host, he is kind, friendly and easy to communicate with. You will feel the aloha spirit here. Bring some ear plugs if you are a light sleeper. You can hear everything around the farm, especially the numerous roosters that roam around the area and crow at odd hours of the morning. :) Definitely bring mosquito repellent as there are lots of mosquitos that hang out at this super cool place.

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Jessica

September 2025

2 nights at Waimanalo Farmstay

This was the best camping experience we’ve ever had.

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Paul

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Waimanalo Farmstay

Awesome. Very comfortable and beautiful landscape.

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Martin Thor

September 2025

2 nights at Waimanalo Farmstay

Loved staying here. So beautiful and practical. The bathroom was great and the bed was really really comfy.

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Warren

September 2025

2 nights at Waimanalo Farmstay

Lovely spot in a lovely location. The tents are well-equipped and comfortable. Short drive to town and beaches, yet it is a pleasure to return to the farm setting of a night. Highly recommended to stay in this area of Oahu.

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Erinnae

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Waimanalo Farmstay

This was a great camping experience! The bed was comfortable, the sheets were clean, and the property was peaceful. We loved that we were able to see some feral pigs. The mini fridge made it so we could bring plenty of food and not have to leave the site. The hosts were friendly and communicative!

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Claudia

August 2025

1 night at Waimanalo Farmstay

This is the second time we’ve been back to Lex & Dave’s property first time in a camper van and second time this latest visit was staying in their tent. Five stars all the way around!! Location, location, location we actually left the Marriott to stay here for one night so we can experience true Hawaii. I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to enjoy the amazing Hawaii outdoors and stay on an amazing property.

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Lane Angela

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Malama Aina Retreat - Oahu

We had a very positive experience overall. Initially, our booking was double booked. But our host went so far above and beyond to help us find a new accommodation less than a few minutes. Our new accommodation was perfect for our family of 7. He did a great job to both communicate well and to quickly resolve the issues. We had a great stay in Oahu.

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Alfred

August 2025

8 nights at Waimanalo Farmstay

My partner and I have stayed at Lex and Dave’s multiple times, which has never disappointed us. We stayed in the tent on each occasion, which was lovely. The grounds are great, and while you’re away from the hustle and bustle of Waimanalo and Oahu, it’s still easily accessible. Dave is a wonderful host who does his best to meet his guests’ needs, and when my partner is in Hawai’i (I live in Hawai’i and she flies in to visit as her work is international), we think of this place first as our place to stay, reconnect, and recharge. This is a regular spot for us, and we hope it will be for you, too.

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Tiffany

August 2025

With kids

2 nights at Waimanalo Farmstay

Our stay here was truly magical!!! We were constantly in awe of our surroundings and could barely pull ourselves to leave! The tent was AMAZING, the kitchen set up, outdoor seating, our morning and evening walks around the property. We couldn’t have asked for a better stay, we will definitely be back!!

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Jamie

August 2025

1 night at Waimanalo Farmstay

My teen boys and I stayed here and loved it so much that we changed our other plans to stay here longer!!! BEST camping/glamping!!!!! In the green tropical banana farm, we enjoyed the most peaceful time here with so much wildlife and plants. Hot showers, beautiful tropical banana farm, various wildlife, and so deep in nature, it was perfect!!! While it’s deep in the jungle, it’s still very close to the beach, we visited Waimanalo Beach within 15 minutes. The sunrise is to die for, and we loved exploring the whole property and feeling a part of beautiful nature!!!

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Daysha

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Waimanalo Farmstay

It was very private and clean! Wish we would have stayed longer.

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Jamie

July 2025

1 night at Waimanalo Farmstay

My teen sons and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this place!!! We were able to explore the jungle, rivers, chickens, wild pigs, various birds, frogs, jumbo snails, picture perfect views of the mountain range, hot shower and bathroom. We had a nice comfy mattress and futon and slept so well!! We road tripped and camped all over Oahu for 2 weeks….hands down, don’t go anywhere else!!! This place is the best Oahu experience by far!!!

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Meghan

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Waimanalo Farmstay

Lex and Dave’s camp is in a gorgeous, peaceful spot close to great hikes and beaches. The tent/bed were so comfortable, and the setup had everything we needed for basic meals/getting clean after the beach. We also had a toddler with us who slept comfortably on the provided cot bedding. We’d definitely recommend/return!

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Marc

July 2025

2 nights at Waimanalo Farmstay

A rare opportunity to camp and spend quiet time on authentic back country Waimanalo farm land. This is a really nice oasis with a modern comfortable bed and tent glamping setup. The views from the tent and little deck are beautiful and relaxing; a natural stream winds through an open, well maintained grass field and palm grove. The Olomana Mountains stand majestically next to the property. Five minutes to stores and the main coastal highway. Authentic working farm, kind hosts. A rustic farmhouse bathroom and shower is just a short walk from the tent spot. Highly recommended.

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Joanna

July 2025

With pets

4 nights at Waimanalo Farmstay

Absolutely amazing! Peaceful and beautiful. We'll be back for sure!

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Stephania

July 2025

1 night at Waimanalo Farmstay

We loved staying in this paradise! We were looking to get out of Waikīkī for a friend’s bday and it was just perfect and very spiritual for us, just wat we wanted. Like others say, I would arrive before the sun sets because it a bit complicated.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best river, stream, or creek glamping in Oahu guide

Where to go

North Shore

With more than 51 (count ‘em!) beaches and waves reaching up to 30 feet in the winter months, Oahu’s North Shore boasts some of Hawaii’s most legendary surf breaks. Check into the state campground at Malaekahana or snag an oceanside campsite at Hau'ula Beach, go surfing and snorkeling at Sunset Beach or Waimea Beach, or head inland to explore the Waimea Valley and cool off beneath Waimea Falls.

Windward Coast

Hemmed in by the lush peaks of the Koʻolau Mountains, Oahu’s eastern shore offers a change of pace from the buzzing resort towns of the North Shore. Grab a kayak or paddleboard to paddle the coast at Kailua and Lanikai beaches, pitch your tent by the hiking trails of the Ahupua'a O Kahana State Park, or camp with a view of the mountains at Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden.

Leeward Coast

The western Leeward or Wai’anae Coast is Oahu’s least developed, making it the ideal spot to escape the crowds. Set out on a scenic road trip, climbing through the Waianae Mountains and hopping between sleepy seaside towns and secluded beaches along the coast. Campers can take their pick of five public beachside campgrounds, but make sure you get a permit.

South Oahu

Most travelers pass through Honolulu, Hawaii’s fun-loving capital, where the only urban campsite is located at Sand Island, right on Honolulu Harbor. Once you’ve explored the city, head out to Waikiki Beach, famous for its white sands, surf schools, and nightlife, or continue east to the Hanauma Bay marine conservation area to snorkel amid schools of tropical fish and sea turtles.

Central Oahu

Just west of Honolulu, the National Historic Landmark of Pearl Harbor is the site of one of the most pivotal World War II attacks, and it’s the main reason why travelers venture into central Oahu. Inland, there’s camping at Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area, known for its sacred Keaiwa Heiau temple.