Hawaii
Learn about camping and boondocking in Hawaii
Can You Camp for Free in Hawaii?
So, you want to camp for free in Hawaii? Who doesn’t! Officially, free camping in Hawaii is not allowed anywhere on public lands, either state or federally owned. State managed lands like State Parks, Forest Reserves, Recreation Areas, and State Beaches, all require camping permits, which costs a fee, and are restricted to designated campgrounds. Some national parks support camping, but also are restricted to designated campgrounds and require fees. Can You Camp for Free in Hawaii? Officially speaking, there is no free camping in Hawaii. Boondocking in Hawaii is not allowed anywhere. All camping on public lands is restricted ... Read more
Sandy Beach, Honolulu, HI
Sandy Beach is a popular park with a parking area along the beach to the east of Koko Crater. There is a fishing area to the east of the beach where vehicles can drive on to a dirt area and park. People commonly sleep in their vehicles here. Even though sleeping in vehicles is technically illegal in Honolulu County and the State of Hawaii, law enforcement seems to leave people alone here.
Kea’au Beach North, Makaha, HI
Kea'au Beach (North Beach) is a popular beach along Oahu's north-west side where people frequently camp and get away with it. It's located north of the official Kea'au Beach Park where camping requires a reservation. But this beach to the north, remains free to access, with no facilities. Even though free, dispersed camping is not allowed within the state, Kea'au Beach is one of a handful where law enforcement seems to leave people alone.
A Guide to Boondocking in Hawaii
Boondocking in Hawaii! Boondocking in Hawaii is nearly non-existent due to the State’s restrictive laws on camping and the fact there is very little federal land. The state’s three national parks restrict visitors to developed campgrounds, and there are no national forests or BLM lands. Hawaii does have it own system of “forest reserves” which does allow primitive camping, but there are very few roads into these areas. Most free camping is restricted to two beaches on Oahu. Hawaii Boondocking Map [AK] [AL] [AR] [AZ] [CA] [CO] [CT] [DE] [FL] [GA] [HI] [IA] [ID] [IL] [IN] [KS] [KY] [LA] [MA] ... Read more
Hawaii Rest Area Rules
Does Hawaii have rest areas? How long can you stay at a rest area in Hawaii? Can you sleep overnight at a Hawaii rest area? Is camping allowed at Hawaii rest areas? What are the full Hawaii rest area rules?