The best camping near Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area (Mauna Kea State Recreation Area)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area (Mauna Kea State Recreation Area) adventure.

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Community favorites near Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area (Mauna Kea State Recreation Area)

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area (Mauna Kea State Recreation Area)

99%
(281)

Wild Blue Water Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Pahoa, HI
Welcome to a realm where Hawaii's raw landscapes unfold before you - Wild Blue Water invites you to discover the extraordinary. Your sanctuary awaits amidst the tropical jungle's lush embrace, where volcanic vistas add an enchanting allure. Awaken to the melodic chorus of tropical birds amidst towering palms and vibrant flora, with the wild Pacific crashing against volcanic shores. Step outside your canvas and immerse yourself in an adventure of senses - the fragrances, sounds, winds, and flavors of exotic fruits. Witness the fiery hues of sunrise against the volcanic skyline; each moment here celebrates nature's magnificence. Enjoy your camping experience with refreshing well water, a spacious hot shower, pristine restroom, an inviting pool, and a soothing jacuzzi. This is Wild Blue Waters- where your adventure begins!! **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. ***FOR AMAZING, FUN LOVING PEOPLE: 3Q6HBDZY (use this code)***
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$49
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96%
(244)

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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$19.63
 / night
91%
(295)

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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$45
 / night
100%
(120)

The Haven at Hawi Nani Ranch

5 sites · Lodging, RVs20 acres · Hawi, HI
The Haven at Hawi Nani is located on a small working horse ranch on 20 acres of lush fields with a breathtaking view of the ocean and Maui. A fun, working ranch there is a lot to do and see here! We have ducks, chickens, goats, horses, dogs and cats. The land provides an abundance of fruits and we maintain a great vegetable garden. Close to the beach, hikes, restaurants and activities we are located in a great area to experience all the great things the Big Island has to offer. If you have concerns about the weather please check the forecast ahead of time. We cannot provide refunds due to inclement weather.
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$99
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95%
(449)

Hawaii Island's Best Campsites

6 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Naalehu, HI
This rural and remote property is known as Hawaii Island Resort. The macadamia orchard provides a unique and comfortable way to camp in Hawaii. We have a great paved ocean view area for camper vans and many options for pitching tents or parking under the trees. 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. Please, outside pets are not allowed. We look forward to meeting you :)
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$50
 / night
Booked 8 times

Keōpū Farms

2 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Holualoa, HI
Keopu farms is located directly north of Keopu cemetery. This sanctuary has accommodations such as Bathrooms and Shower utilities. This beautiful green acre in the small town of Holualoa is owned by a Hawaii Local, born and raised, with knowledge and advice on great places to adventure while in Hawaii. The property has a paved, steep driveway so please no sprinter vans. When RV camping, please stay in the designated parking area. Do not park on the grass.
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$53.10
 / night
99%
(67)

Yip Camp and Eco-Retreat Center

7 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.
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$36
 / night
96%
(34)

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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$30
 / night
93%
(173)

The Hippocampus

11 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Hawi, HI
Legend has it, Kohala (the first of the 5 volcanos on the Big Island of Hawaii) is home to King Kamehameha I and this was the home to the Ali'i and the training grounds for their warriors. You can feel it when you walk into the forest and listen deeply and intuitively to your ancestors. It is truly an honor to be on this 'aina (land). Modern history: Up until 1984 this property was all avocado, Kukui and Ironwood land with the Kohala ditch running on the far south end. It wasn't until my current neighbor and sweet friend and her father bought the property and cleared away 160 Ironwoods to create a property that could be farmed and lived on. Then another couple bought the property in early 2000 and built it out with farm houses and gardens. Once they moved back to the mainland, this was home to the local skydive family where the pilots and instructors were housed. Finally, in 2021, Cirque-Girl Sequoia came in with a huge vision of a conscious homesteading community, learning and teaching alongside one another by way of events, projects, concerts, talks and certifications, all the while farming and creating even bigger orchards to feed not just her community, but the community of Hawi and beyond. At this time, not only is it "hip" to farm and grow your own food, but it is crucial. Learn more about this land: Everybody comes to Hawaii and thinks of beaches, surf and jungles but why not try a different side of Hawaii? The Ironwood Forests of Hawi are where you’ll find I'o (Hawaiian Hawks) and Pueo (Hawaiian owls only found on the Big Island), as the ancestor's whispers run through the massive forest of Ironwood, Kukui Nut and Avocado, in an ancient river bed of sugar plantation country. Deep in the heart of Hawaii’s only extinct volcano Kohala, this was home to the most prestigious Ali’i (Hawaiian Royalty) and the training grounds of warriors. Our farm sits on 10 acres, with over 30 varieties of fruit trees and a view of the Big Blue (the ocean). We provide 2 Hipcabins and 4 platforms, hammocks to daydream in, car camping, a center camp that has a kitchen, bathroom and shower plus a magical forest for you to meditate, do massage, practice Reiki, read or just have a beautiful discussion in. If you feel inclined to step out of the forest, you are welcome to use our communal eating area THE GROOVY GRINDS CAFE under the mango trees and we would love if you wanted to be a part of any of the events that we host here with our live-on conscious community. Things we do and can offer aerial, yoga and meditation classes, massage (ask hostess PRIOR to trip about booking sessions), drum circles, bonfire nights, fire-dancing, Thursday community potluck dinners @ 6:30pm, mini-concerts, painting, planting, building projects and whatever we get called to do. ....and what's camping without a bonfire? We have two bonfire pits lower on the property that you can join in on if our community already has one going. (NO fires in the gulch please.) One of our biggest bragging rights is that we are utilizing the vermaculture toilets which feeds our red wiggler worms, filters through 4 layers of organic matter and turns your toilet waste into nitrogen rich effluent for the plants. (NO TOILET PAPER PROVIDED SO PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN) and the gray water from the shower and kitchen sink go into a plot of banana trees. So our bathroom, shower and cooking facility is completely self-sufficient! We provide a nice two-burner stove and propane. Please shut off when not in use (remember, propane tanks are backwards for on and off!) PLEASE PACK OUT WHAT YOU PACK IN!!! Funny that I should need to say this but.... PLEASE BRING EARPLUGS and BUG SPRAY as this is the forest and forests too have critters like mosquitos and animals like roosters, dogs and pigs that make noise. PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE AFTER DARK AND PLEASE USE DIRECTIONS AND NOT GOOGLE MAPS! It will take you down a 4x4 road.  And when it’s time to step out of the forest and out of Pueo Ridge, we are a 5-minute drive directly above the main center of town and 15 minutes to the famous Pololu Valley hike that runs deep into the jagged switchbacks of the Northern coast. Our area also headlines in ADVENTURE with skydiving, zip-lining, hiking and forest adventures. Mahalo for reading!
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$30
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96%
(25)

Hamakua Christmas Tree Forest

5 sites · Lodging, Tents13 acres · Honomu, HI
Our campsites are situated on 13 acres off the Historical Hamakua Coast, and home of the Hamakua Christmas Tree Forest. Awesome ocean view of the beautiful Pacific are a guarantee. It is quiet, safe ,and private with easy access just 3/4 mile off of the Hawaii Belt Road, (Highway 19), up a paved county maintained road. At Waikaumalo Park, "roughly a half mile" walk or ride away, you can take a cool dip in the fresh water stream surrounded by tropical foliage. Papa'aloa Country Store and Cafe has a restaurant and offers a wide selection of grocery items only 5 miles away. Botanical World Adventures just 3 miles away offers the Umauma Experience with ziplining, biking tours, trails exploring tropical flora, and triple waterfall views and adventures. Akaka Falls is only 6 miles away in Honomu. Laupahoehoe Point is only 15 minutes away offering swimming, fishing, and relaxing in the lava rocks and waves. All this is just 20 miles north of Hilo!
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$25
 / night
94%
(39)

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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$40
 / night
96%
(80)

@FarmToTableHawaii

8 sites · Lodging, Tents1 acre · Keaau, HI
Welcome to Farm to Table Hawaii, an exceptional camping destination hosted by renowned Chef, Justine Ma. Located on the lush Big Island, just a short drive from Hilo and Volcanoes National Park, our farm offers a unique blend of natural beauty, culinary delights, and comfortable accommodations. Experience the best camping and glamping near Hilo and Volcanoes National Park right here at Farm to Table Hawaii. Prime Location Near Major Attractions: Farm to Table Hawaii is ideally situated to explore some of the Big Island’s most remarkable sights. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (35 miles): Witness the power of active volcanoes and explore unique ecosystems. Hilo (15 miles): Enjoy this vibrant surf town, quirky shops, and beautiful beaches. Isaac Hale Beach Park (12 miles): Take in the black sand beaches and enjoy the volcanic hot springs (FREE) The Campsite: Our campsite features a range of accommodations including a cozy Dome (sleeps 3), a charming Tiny Home (sleeps 2), and ample space for Tent and Campervan camping- no RV's. We provide on-grid electricity, high-speed WiFi, unlimited drinking water, yoga mats, and a communal area equipped with a hot shower, sustainable composting toilet, and a fully stocked outdoor kitchen. Farm Experience: Guests are treated to an immersive farm tour as part of their stay. Depending on the season, you can pick fresh fruit, chop down banana trees, and meet our friendly dog, chickens and ducks. For a truly special experience, we offer farm-to-table meals and cooking classes, featuring produce harvested right here on the farm and nearby sources. Experience Local Flora and Fauna: Enjoy the natural beauty of our farm, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant wildlife. Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the jungle and wake up to the songs of tropical birds. Unique Features: Our farm offers a distinct experience with its sustainable living practices and community-focused amenities. Engage in our cooking classes and savor meals prepared with the freshest ingredients. Stargazing and More: Farm to Table Hawaii is located in a serene area with minimal light pollution, making it an excellent spot for stargazing. Relax under the stars after a day of exploring the island’s natural wonders. Book Your Adventure: Reserve your spot at Farm to Table Hawaii today and embark on a unique camping experience on the Big Island. Discover the best camping near Hilo and Volcanoes National Park, and enjoy the perfect blend of nature, comfort, and culinary excellence. We look forward to welcoming you and ensuring a memorable stay.
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$39
 / night

The best camping near Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area (Mauna Kea State Recreation Area) guide

Overview

About

Discover the wonders of camping at the Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area, also known as Mauna Kea State Recreation Area, on the island of Hawaii. Set up camp amidst the scenic landscapes, lush forests, and towering mountains. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this area, hike through the native forests, and witness breathtaking views of Mauna Kea. Nearby, you can explore the vibrant town of Hilo, known for its cultural attractions and stunning waterfalls. Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and connection with nature.

Nearby attractions

  • Discover the magic of camping on the Big Island of Hawaii. From pristine beaches to volcanic landscapes, this island offers diverse camping adventures. Embrace the spirit of aloha, explore stunning natural wonders, and create lifelong memories.

  • Escape to Hilo, a vibrant town on the Big Island, and enjoy camping in this lush tropical paradise. Set up camp near beautiful beaches, explore stunning waterfalls, and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the area.

  • Camp near the captivating Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park on the Big Island. Explore ancient Hawaiian fishponds, hike scenic trails, and witness the cultural significance of this sacred site. Connect with the island's rich heritage and natural beauty.

  • Embark on a unique camping journey at Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park on the Big Island. Camp near this sacred place of refuge, learn about ancient Hawaiian traditions, and feel the spiritual energy that surrounds you.

  • Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of camping at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. Camp near volcanic landscapes, witness the power of active volcanoes and explore unique ecosystems. Connect with the raw forces of nature in this unforgettable park.

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