Reservations possible?
Yes
RV Hookups
No
Potable water
Yes
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Without a doubt, Wai’anapanapa State Park Campground is among the best and most beautiful on the island. Even though there are 40 tent sites and 12 campsites (and there’s a good chance you’ll have to shoulder in quite close to your neighbors), you’ll still feel like you’re in a world of your own when you start wandering away from the campground. It’s just several miles off the Hana highway, and even if you’re not planning an overnight stay, this is worth a stop—the Wai’anapanapa Coastal Trail to Pukaulua Point is, in a word, stunning. 

If you are planning to camp, though, you’ll need to pre-purchase a permit for $18 online and print it. Yes, seriously. Don’t depend on showing the ranger a receipt on your phone. And don’t even think you’ll be able to get away with buying one onsite. The rangers are known for strictly sticking to their rules—and for good reason, oftentimes they’re booked solid. Another thing to note is that both pets and alcohol are prohibited on premises. As you might guess, this is strictly enforced as well.

Tour buses and just about every rental car within a 50 mile radius will clamber to the black sand beach, Pa’iloa Beach, to take in the incredible 360-degree views. This is one of those views that effectively renders just about everyone speechless. Wai’anapanapa in native Hawaiian translates to "glistening water." And the juxtaposition of the dark crescent of black sand with the shining, foaming, crashing waves is one you’ll never forget. That said, sharing the view with 50 strangers doesn’t quite paint the perfect picture of serenity. One of the greatest joys of camping at the Wai’anapanapa State Park Campground is sticking around until dusk or rising with the sun to catch this view with not another soul in sight. 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

12 large cabins. Access to beach/ocean and park amenities.

Cons

Pets and alcohol are prohibited. No car accessible sites (walk-in sites only). No privacy between sites.

Pets allowed

Not Allowed

Managed by

State of Hawai'i Dept. of Land + Natural Resources

Reservation phone number

1 (808) 984-8109

Features

ADA accessible
Historically significant
Flushing toilets
Showers
Potable water
Picnic tables

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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