Best Camping Near Kailua-Kona, Hawaii: Your Gateway to Big Island Wilderness

Kailua-Kona, perched on Hawaii's sun-drenched west coast, is a hub for adventure seekers drawn to volcanic landscapes and ocean vistas. But when it comes to camping, the options directly around Kailua-Kona are limited due to land regulations and the protected status of much of the coastline. The closest and most practical camping escapes involve dipping into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or heading into select state parks a short drive away.

Camping near Kailua-Kona is more about venturing into the rugged, untamed wilds of the Big Island than pitching tents on the beach. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, roughly an hour’s drive from Kailua-Kona, offers world-class camping spots where you can sleep beside ancient lava flows, listen to the whispers of the ‘a‘ā and pāhoehoe, and watch the land shape itself anew beneath the stars. Reservations at designated campgrounds like Nāpau Campground provide essential facilities, but the evenings call for preparedness — it’s cooler here, and the terrain is fiercely volcanic.

For those eager to camp closer to Kailua-Kona without the national park trek, Kekaha Kai State Park offers a campground with pristine beaches and basic amenities. It balances a coastal experience with access to nearby hiking and snorkeling adventures in the crystal clear ocean that dares you to dive in.

Planning your camping trip near Kailua-Kona requires a practical mindset. Permits and reservations are a must in state and national parks, so securing your spot well in advance can prevent disappointment. Gear up for sun protection, hydration, and terrain-appropriate footwear — lava rock is unforgiving. Camping here is an engagement with a landscape that is fiercely itself: dry lava deserts, breezy shorelines, and rare native flora standing guard.

After you settle your camping plans, our website offers detailed guides to the best adventures in Kailua-Kona, from scuba diving with manta rays to venturing up Mauna Kea’s starlit slopes. Each promises to add layers to your Big Island experience, ensuring you leave with stories as vivid as the Hawaiian sunset.