Camping in Hawaiʻi: how permits work

Every campsite in Hawaiʻi needs a permit, and who issues it depends on the park: the county for beach parks, the state (DLNR) for state parks and forest reserves, and the National Park Service for Haleakalā and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes. Most permits are bought online ahead of time; you must be 18 or older, and camping without one can bring a fine of up to $500.

• County beach parks: Oʻahu at camping.honolulu.gov; Hawaiʻi County through its online camp reservation system; Maui and Kauaʻi counties through their parks departments. Each county sets its own fees and camping days.
• State parks and forest reserves: book online through the state's system (camping.ehawaii.gov, which moved to explore.ehawaii.gov on Feb. 1, 2026; you need an account). Most sites are $20 a night for Hawaiʻi residents and $30 for non-residents, up to 10 people per site. Max 5 nights in a row at one park.
• National parks: Haleakalā campgrounds and cabins through Recreation.gov; Hawaiʻi Volcanoes campgrounds are first come, first served.
• Common rules: no sleeping in cars in park parking lots, no camping without a permit, quiet hours at night, and most beach parks ban campfires, pets and alcohol.
• Camping days: Oʻahu county and state parks have no camping on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Maui County's Pāpalaua has no camping Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
• Kauaʻi: all state park camping (including the Kalalau Trail) is closed after Hurricane Lowell. Check before planning.
• Military families and eligible veterans can also camp at Bellows in Waimānalo (see the military lodging category).

Sources: Hawaiʻi DLNR State Parks: camping permits and fees · Wanderlustyle: Oʻahu camping permits (2026)

Last checked Oct. 31, 2026. Hours, fees and rules can change, so confirm with the official source before you go.