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CAMPGROUNDS
NAPALI TO POLIHALE
CAMPING ON KAUA'I
Hawai'i is a camping dream and Kaua'i is the crown jewel. As the oldest island in Hawai'i, it has everything from cool, lush forests up in Koke'e, to the most memorable beach sunsets.
With over nine campgrounds spread out over Kaua'i, you could easily camp your way around the entire island in a week or more!
KAUAI'S CAMPGROUNDS
Kaua'i has 4 county run campgrounds, 2 private run camps and 3 state run camp areas. Within some of those, there are more than one campground as well, such as Hanakoa camp on the way to Kalalau beach. Below we will list each of the main camps around the island with a bit of basic info. Feel free to contact us HERE for more info on campgrounds on Kauai.
*All camping on Kauai requires advance permits and reservations.
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STATE PARKS
Hiking the NaPali coast trail and camping at Kalalau beach is one of the most challenging and rewarding adventures Hawaii has to offer. It is an 11 mile one way trip to Kalalau beach with Hanakoa camp at about the 6 mile mark, a little more than half way. Camping here takes some planning. Permits need to be reserved ahead of time up to 90 days in advance (they do sell out quickly). Making sure you have the right gear is a must!
The NaPali coast is state run and is a wild and rugged place! Weather conditions can change quickly and weather reports for Kauai in general are unreliable at best! Use caution when crossing streams, especially if it has been raining, as flash flooding can happen quickly. Ocean conditions in the summer are usually flat, glassy and magical. Winter time sees pretty consistent large swells, making swimming dangerous but there are plenty of fresh water spots to jump in and there will be less crowds! BUT either season has its odd days. Plan ahead, pay attention, use common sense and you will have the adventure of a lifetime!
Check out https://www.hikingkalalau.com/ for all the tips, advice, maps, photos, weather and education for everything on the Kalalau trail.
Bring: Comfortable (worn in!) hiking shoes, Light clothing, Light rain jacket/poncho, Hat, Bathing suit
Recommended Stay: 2-3 Nights
Recommended Gear:
NAPALI COAST AND KALALAU BEACH
Located on the sunny west side of the island, Polihale beach is a favorite for visitors and locals alike and after journeying the bumpy 5 mile dirt road into the park you will see why! Like most camps on Kaua'i there are no numbered sites just designated camping areas. There are several bathrooms with flush toilets and cold outdoor showers, as well as trash cans. Polihale is one of the most beautiful places on the island to get great star gazing! With no light pollution the milky way can be seen year around. Summer time usually has calmer waves with the swells picking up in the winter. Be careful swimming on days with big surf as Polihale is known for strong pounding shore break and swift riptides. Permits need to be reserved in advance, as like the rest of the island there are no pay on site stations. Most sites you can pull right up to, so think more car camping style. Just be careful not to get stuck in deep sand.
Bring: Slippers (the sand gets hot), Sun shirt, Hat, Lots of ice, chairs, Shade is a must
POLIHALE BEACH STATE PARK
If you want a change of scenery, to escape the heat or you're just sick of having sand everywhere, head up through Waimea canyon into Kokee state park! Koke'e ranges from 3,200 to 4,200 ft above sea level and the cool, crisp air (avg.45-70*F) that hits you as you drive up is a great way to reset for the next adventure. And there are plenty of adventures in these mountains! With over a dozen trails to choose from there is a lot to see, from waterfalls and tea colored rivers, to misty evenings and epic views of the north shore through Na Pali to Polihale!
There are several campgrounds in Kokee state park and Waimea canyon. Some you can pull up to on a paved road, like Kokee state park camp and some require a good bit of off roading (4x4 suggested) like Sugi grove and Kawaikoi. There are also some hike in only spots like Lonomea. Many water pipes in Kokee are old and contain lead, so bring your own drinking water.
Bring: Warm clothes, Lots of water, Rain jacket,
KOKEE STATE PARK
Recommended Stay: 3-4 Nights
Recommended Gear:
KAUAI COUNTY CAMPGROUNDS
ANINI BEACH PARK
First on our list of County run camps is Anini (or Wanini) Beach Park and like most other county camps, is cheap, has cold beach showers and needs to be reserved ahead of time through the county website. If you're looking for calm peaceful waters Anini is the place for you! The entire stretch of Anini beach is protected by a large barrier reef making it a great place for kids to swim or to just relax on your swan floatie with a cold drink in hand. Wake up to stunningly calm water and take a dip with the sunrise!
Be careful snorkeling out towards the outer reefs, as the currents can be very strong and people do get sucked out and put in danger. Lifeguards on duty at this beach.
Bring: Floaties, Snorkel gear, Hammock
Chill, small town vibes at this locals beach park, again with protected calm waters, lifeguards on duty and laid back feel. Not the cleanest of the county camps but naturally beautiful.
Walk 5 minutes north on the beach to get some surf and check out the Anahola river mouth. Also check out Kalalea juice hale down the road for the best smoothies and acai bowls!
Bring: Boogie board, Fishing pole
ANAHOLA BEACH PARK
LYDGATE BEACH PARK
Set on the east side, Lydgate park is conveniently located between Kapaa town and Lihue airport. With some of the sites right on the beach and some set back there are some options to chose from. This is Kauai's only campground with numbered sites you choose from ahead of time. Lydgate beach park, Kamalani bridge and Kamalani play ground are close by making this a good spot to camp with kids. There is also a disc gold course!
Bring: Fishing Pole, Sunset cocktails, Disc golf Discs
As the only campground on the south side, Salt Pond is not only a historic and ongoing salt harvesting area but it is also a great home base to explore the south and west sides of the island. 20 min to Poipu, 10 min to Waimea and 50min to Koke'e State Park.
A rock wall protects the inner shallows for crystal clear calm water.
Bring: Snorkel, Shade, Sunscreen, Relaxed attitude
Recommended Stay: 1-2 Nights
Recommended Gear:
SALT POND BEACH PARK
PRIVATE CAMPGROUNDS
Camp Naue is a very well maintained YMCA camp and is the most northern drive up camp on the island. Nestled right on the beach and sitting on 4 acres, this camp is one of our favorites.
With hot showers and private bathrooms, they are a step above other campgrounds. Reservations can be tough to get and can only be made one to two weeks in advance as they rent the whole facility out for large school groups, parties etc. and accept tent campers in between.
You can request reservations at campnaue@yahoo.com. Payment is made in cash when you arrive and you must check in before 6pm. Please read all rules on board when you arrive.
YMCA CAMP NAUE
Sitting right on the beach, with most sites in the sand, Kumu camp is a great spot that you can reserve ahead of time with the link below. Wake up to beautiful sunrises with this east facing camp. The Anahloa river mouth is right next to the camp, there is surf right out front and calm waters less than a 5 min walk away. They have surf rentals, wifi and free coffee! Only 25 min from the airport, its a great home base camp spot to either start and/or end your trip.
Most times they have hot showers as well:)
