The best camping near Mauna Loa

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Mauna Loa adventure.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Mauna Loa

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Mauna Loa

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Wild Blue Water Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Pahoa, HI

We've got whales!! They've been breaching and playing typically within 150 meters from the property. Mauna Kea snows on and off during this season and you can see that from the property too! Immerse yourself in nature while soaking in the hot tub. Discover the night sky and its abundance of stars. Smell the fragrance of tropical flowers, savor the fresh fruit, feel the crashing waves and overhear the whales playing amidst them. Appreciate the freedom of the turtles and fish swimming. Listen to the wild birds singing. The calming nature of this location will evaporate your worries. Lay poolside, roam the property, and explore the Island. This is a great launching point to enjoy the treasures that the Big Island has waiting for you. Some places provide more privacy than others, but all are equipped with fire rings. There is a common bathroom and an indoor and outdoor shower with hot water. **All water used on location is derived from an on site well which is refreshed daily, plenteously, from the cool mountains above as the water makes its attempt to return to the sea.

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Luana Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Captain Cook, HI

As all the land here is born of lava, many moons ago this land began to host plants and critters. Long after, it was sculpted and a number of families and farmers have contributed to what we have today. An abundance of fruit and vegetables within sight of the ocean. Peaceful breezes and warming sun make for unparalleled tranquility. Today the land still gives back to its visitors. Come recharge. As this is agricultural lands, there are many critters. Dogs, chickens, pheasants, peacock, mongoose, and many birds. Tge invasive coqui frog is annoying to some and calming to others. The micro climate here swings from warm and dry to wet quickly. Best to always prepare for rain. There is snorkeling, beaches, local food, Cafe, BBQ, poke, fish-n-chips, grocery, Sunday farmers market and hiking nearby. It is peaceful here, but also an active farming community. As an organic farm, we put alot of effort into soil building and as such, there are soft places that will be damaged by the weight of a vehicle. Staying on the driveway is best. We will guide you to where you need to go. Our road is paved, but bumpy. Any vehicle will make it without damage if driven slowly. 1 to 4mph tops. *Be sure to avoid the camper rental companies that restrict certain roads. Aloha and have a great day.

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Hamakua Guesthouse

7 sites · Lodging5 acres · Pepeekeo, HI

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).

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Gingerhill Farm Retreat

9 sites · Lodging5 acres · Kealakekua, HI

Gingerhill Farm Retreat is a farm community dedicated to exploring sustainability, self-sufficiency, and stewardship of the land. To these ends, we have transformed our lush five-acre plot into a verdant botanical food forest. As you meander through our gardens and orchards, you will marvel at the incredible abundance and beauty that surrounds you. Through our various programs, we invite the community and international guests to join us in our daily routine of work and wellness. Come enjoy expansive ocean views and postcard sunsets. Eat delicious, healing farm-to-fork food. Spread some mulch; sow some seed. Get intimate with nature and find your unadulterated self. We would love to see you on the farm.

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Captain Cook Coffee Cabana

1 site · Lodging6 acres · Captain Cook, HI

Immerse yourself in the verdant slopes of South Kona within the historic coffee-growing region. Our Coffee Cabana stands as the original home, known as "coffee shacks," nestled on this 6-acre permaculture coffee farm. The Cabana comprises three rooms, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen, all ensconced within a lush jungle of tropical trees. Peek through the forest to catch glimpses of the ocean, offering a mesmerizing display of sunset hues. Please be aware that two of the bedrooms are accessible from outside of the house and do not feature internal doors to the main room. Additionally, the couch in the living room converts into a full-sized bed. Access the master bedroom through the living room, where you'll find an en suite bathtub, sink, and toilet. The second bathroom offers a rustic outdoor experience with a bathroom and shower. For your convenience, we provide beach and snorkel gear, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of South Kona without breaking the bank!

Volcano Village Campground

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Volcano, HI

Come enjoy the peace and quiet of Volcano Village at the closest Hipcamp to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park! Volcano Village Campground is located in the heart of Volcano Village and is just 5 minutes away from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and a half a mile from Volcano store. Volcano Village is a quaint little town that offers a wide variety of restaurants and accommodations. The village is known for its thriving arts community, with several galleries and shops showcasing the work of local artists and craftsmen. The National park is home to two of the world's most active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Here you can witness ongoing volcanic activity including lava flows, lava lakes, and steam vents. The park also offers a variety of hiking trails and cultural sites such as the Kilauea Iki Trail and Thurston Lava Tube. Our campground is situated on one acre with majestic sugi pines, vibrant ohia trees, and delicate hapuu ferns. We offer basic camping needs with a pop-up tent, lounge chairs, outhouse and a firepit. Start your day with the tranquil sounds of rare native birds and decompress after a day of adventure next to a crackling fire under the stars. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventurous exploration of Hawaii's volcanic wonders, our private campground in Volcano Village awaits. Reserve your slice of paradise now and embark on the ultimate outdoor adventure!

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Hawaii Island's Best Campsites

6 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Naalehu, HI

This epic property was built by a Dillingham daughter and her husband in the early 80's. Transformed into a bed & breakfast in the 90's it is now known as Hawaii Island Resort. This consecutive guest review award winning facility capitalized on the 2018 eruption by starting Hawaii Island Macadamia Nut Company. The orchard has been left alone for more than 20 years with only wild pigs and poultry to tend it. This remarkable property now boasts above organic macadamia nuts just beginning to reach global markets. You can buy cheaper macadamia nuts but you can't buy better nuts. We love to share our abundance with others and opening the property to travelers that love to camp seemed like a perfect addition to our current program. We look forward to meeting you :) We have firewood. Please do not bring any outside sourced wood in. Thanks!

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House of Light Glamping & Bathhouse

2 sites · Lodging, RVs4 acres · Hilo, HI

We have 4 pristine acres of land on the outskirts of the town of Hilo, with 3 acres of private forest, bordering on the Mauna Kea watershed, in the foothills of Mauna Loa volcano. Located in the Highlands of Waiakea Uka, at 1000-foot elevation, we are high above the humidity of Hilo. The glamping tent is situated right between the meadow and the forest. It's mostly peaceful here and it feels like being in the country. You can walk into the woods or up the road. There are no street lights, so there is a great view of the night sky. It's a great place for a Retreat, a Writer's Retreat, a Vision Quest or a Medicine Journey. We also offer Holistic and Vibrational Healing with Joy Gardner and others, and Rejuvenation through Body Work and Water in the Bamboo Bath House (see also RMAMysteryschool.com) Location: 15 minutes from the Airport, 15 minutes from Target and lots of good restaurants in Hilo, 20 minutes from Rainbow Falls, 20 minutes from Richardson Beach with great snorkeling, 20 minutes from good surfing at Honoli'i Beach Park, 40 minutes from Volcano and the Caldera.

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TreeHouse in canopy of trees

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Mountain View, HI

Learn more about this land:Aloha,I built the treehouse to be a very romantic hideaway for myself and my honey, and now that I'm renting it out, the couples and families who have stayed here, including many honeymooners have appreciated the romance of the setting and ambiance. (In fact, we had considered calling it KamaSutreehouse when setting up the website!.) It's not just romantic though it's really fun for the kids. The setting is so private, surrounded by such natural beauty that one cannot help but be inspired. My favorite romantic details are the fireplace and the bed perched high up in the loft where you're surrounded by windows looking out at the moon and stars at night and native trees, birds and cloud formations by day, the low ceilinged double futon bed approached by inside later ( which is mostly for kids) and also accessible by crawling under the Master Bed ( about 5 feet up). The Sky-Walk 90 feet out into the forest is the latest whimsical and fun additions. The location is great it's very private and quiet, hidden in the rainforest yet it's only 3 miles from Volcano Village and 5 miles from the park entrance. Some guests a never leave the Treehouse. The TreeHouse is at 2860 feet above sea level, plus 20 ft. for the TreeHouse, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is at a little over 4000 feet above seas level for the viewing of the glow from the vent at a mile distance, on the edge of the crater. For the most comprehensive information about the island and local area, I recommend the book, The Big Island Revealed. The main attraction locally, of course, is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the hiking thru lava fields, lava tubes and even across the floors of craters. Volcano Village is well known as a premier artist colony and is home to many scientists, as well. Hilo is 25 miles away and has many attractions, including a new, state of the art astronomy museum that shouldn't be missed. And of course the Island is surrounded by beautiful blue ocean and all the activities that go with that.

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Hawaiian Rainforest Glamping

4 sites · Lodging3 acres · Mountain View, HI

Hawaiian Rainforest Glamping is located in Fern Forest, a rural neighborhood, on three verdant acres of ōhiʻa lehua trees, tree ferns, banana plants, and fruit trees at 2100 feet. There is also a large communal kitchen (a 16' x 16' kitchen cabin) that you can use free of charge. In the summer, the greenhouse in the fenced paddock is full of vegetables. Free-ranging ducks and chickens supply eggs. There is an outdoor lounge area complete with a six-person picnic table, four hammocks, a fire pit, and torches. This is a peaceful place to relax and recuperate from the din of city life. There are no street lights, just the stars and moon after sunset. On a clear night, the sky is full of stars. Those nights are perfect for lighting a small fire pit (wood is available for a small charge). It rains often in this area and the sound is soothing to fall asleep to. The owner lives on the property premises in their own cabin, which is next to the yurt. The homestead is run by 6,000 watt solar-power and a rain-catchment system with a 4,500 gallon water tank. The yurt has its own bathroom with a flushing toilet and vanity sink. The shower (hot water) is an outdoor shower. Several places of interest are within a 1.5 hour drive. Volcano National Park is only 15 minutes away by car; Punaluʻu black sand beach is 30 minutes; Ka Lae (South Point) is about 1.5 hours; and Hoʻokena Bay is about two hours. Note—now that the the holiday season is over, the Christmas decorations have been taken down.

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Arnott's Lodge

10 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Hilo, HI

Our campground is located by our main lodge, Arnott's Lodge, which has been in operation for 30+ years. We have been hosting campers on our lawn for a long time, and are able to offer wifi, parking spaces, charging stations, bathrooms and showers, coin-op laundry, and a small outdoor cooking area, all in a safe location. Our check-in hours are between 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

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Yip Camp and Eco-Retreat Center

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Fern Forest, HI

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.

The best camping near Mauna Loa guide

Overview

About

The largest active volcano in the world has climbed over 13,000 feet above sea level to overlook the otherworldy landscapes on the Island of Hawai'i. Known for its frequent activity and larger lava flows, Mauna Loa has produced over half of the Big Island's land mass. This mass is so substantial that it compresses the sea floor beneath it, giving the volcano a total height of 56,000 feet from the depths of the ocean to its peak.

Alongside a treasure trove of interesting facts stands the immense beauty of Mauna Loa. The glowing lava flows pour into the ocean under the backdrop of the night sky, offering a mesmerizing experience for visitors. Experienced hikers enjoy summiting Mauna Loa along a forged path that is not for the faint of heart. Alternatively, driving the Scenic Byway will wind you through the landscapes along the volcano's base. Just be sure to check for active lava flows and road closures! A must-see for anyone camping near Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Loa's central location makes it an easy day trip for anyone camping on the Big Island.

Nearby attractions

Located on the big island, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is where you go to say mahalo to Mother Nature for 70 million years of volcanism and what it has bestowed on Planet Earth. The park was created to preserve the natural settings of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa and serve as a refuge for native plants and animals.
All jungle-covered cliffs and sparkling seas, Hawaii is one of the top vacation destinations in the U.S. This tiny state packs in a staggering amount of breathtaking landscapes.
Swimming with sea turtles and exploring the sacred lands of ancient Hawaiians? With its rugged shoreline, historic sites, and adorable wildlife, Kaloko-Honokohau has something for everyone.
A lava-covered coastal park, Kīholo State Park Reserve features small bays, a sparsely vegetated coastline, historical lava flows, and plenty of wide open space to roam.
Breathtaking natural beauty with all of the amenities of a bustling city, Hilo and the surrounding area are known for their many waterfalls, lush rainforests, and blooming wildflowers.
With towering palms, lush greenery, and—of course—the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean, Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area is home to some of the most vibrant flora and fauna on the Big Island.
Get the best of both worlds at Kalōpā State Recreation Area, whose green forests sit right on the edge of Hawaii’s classic tropical beaches. A picturesque trail—the Kalōpā Nature Trail—winds through the park and showcases some of the Big Island’s incredible diversity.
This sacred spot of Pu'uhonua O Honaunau was once a refuge for ancient lawbreakers. Today, you can explore the lava-rock beach—even if you're not on the run.
Walk in the footsteps of Hawaii's King Kamehameha I when you visit Pu’ukohola-Heiau National Historic Site. The Helau, a huge stone temple, is one of the last sacred buildings ever constructed in Hawaii before Westerners arrived.