Erik & Johnelle's Ocean Park

I read all of the reviews listed here and I was still a little wary about spending $100 a night on a campsite. I also didn’t love having to be at a specific place at a specific time (the fruit stand, at 4pm in our case, to meet Erik)…it is vacation after all! From the moment we met this man, who we soon dubbed the coolest human we’ve ever met, though, we understood why…all of the above. Back on the East Coast, people have asked us what our favorite thing about our trip was, and invariably, we will start talking about this campsite and Erik, and how embodied the most “Aloha,” Hawaiian spirit possible while being truly the most interesting man in the world. You will not, for one second, regret spending money to visit this magical place. The views, the energy, the kindnesses, the beauty…all of it is impossible to describe but worthy of five stars and a hundred more. You’ll need 4x4 abilities, and be prepared to travel down a bumpy road for 15 minutes or so, but once you get to the spot, it’s all worth it. We ended up cancelling our a night’s stay somewhere else to allow for us to stay just one more night here, despite it being wildly far away from everything we planned to do the next day - it was worth the extra time to commute back to this magical land. When I try to go to a “happy place” in my mind forevermore, it will be to the memory of this place. Hope to come back in person one day!

This spot far exceeded our expectations! The views in all directions from our campsite were amazing, we were able to watch the sunset and sunrise from the same spot! Erik and his son were super helpful and friendly. We didn’t get a chance to explore the property, but the campsite itself cannot be beat! Definitely hope to come back here someday

This was our second time staying at Erik and Johnelle's and it keeps getting better. We can't wait to go back. They are both incredible people that are so welcoming and accommodating. There truly aren't many places that give that true Hawaii feeling and this one is it. You won't regret staying here and be ready to have your breath taken away with that view as you get to the bottom.

I loved the scenery of the place. My daughter and I got lucky to get no rain while staying there for 2 nights. The campsite is isolated, so we could not hear or see any signs of civilization, which I loved. Running (but not potable) water for washing dishes and taking shower was a bonus. Most importantly, Erik was incredibly friendly and helpful. He took care of us (and still giving us a lot of alone time) from the moment we arrived to the location of checking-in to the moment we said good-byes. I loved his energy and how much he was taking care of us (firewood and fire starter kit, ice, giving us a ride, suggesting hiking options). Overall, the best experience of camping on Big Island!

Response from Erik & Johnelle, the Host, on March 25th, 2022

Thank you kindly sir. Glad you enjoyed your trip.

Helpful

0

Helpful

0

Remove vote :(

This was hands down one of most beautiful places I have camped! Sea turtles, dolphin and ahi swimming in the ocean - and whales breaching and swimming by just offshore. Erik and Johnelle are amazing hosts - from bringing us a cooler to hanging up lights to stocking firewood. Did I say there were whales? And the waves crashing on the rocks though night were great for sleep. There really aren’t words that are adequate to encapsulate the beauty of this place - it may bring tears of happiness to your eyes.

Response from Erik & Johnelle, the Host, on March 21st, 2022

Thanks guys! It was a pleasure meeting you all. Hope you guys can make it out here again sometime. Aloha, Erik and johnelle

Helpful

0

Helpful

0

Remove vote :(

The hospitality was spot on. The serene beauty and peacefulness are hard to beat. Our kids had the time of their life. If you are looking for seclusion this is the place. We will definitely be back!

Phenomenal place! Awesome hosts. If you’re on Big Island and looking for an amazing spot to camp, go here! We can’t wait to come back.

This is a truly epic campsite on family land with an amazing history. Erik is a great host. The power and beauty of this place is unforgettable. We stayed at Fisherman’s Landing #1.

NOTE: a proper 4WD truck is definitely best for this location. We drove a normal (fwd) SUV rental thinking it would be OK, but I don’t recommend it. Erik made sure we got in and out safely, but even in perfectly dry conditions it was very slow and challenging.

That said, getting your hands on a proper off-road worthy vehicle just to stay here is definitely worth it. We will surely stay here next time we are on the Big Island, but for longer and with a real 4WD this time.

Great spot, can’t be beat. Host super friendly key and accommodating. Saw whales. 100% recommend