Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Camping Page

Welcome to the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Camping Page.
Here you will find camping and campground information including dates the campgrounds are open and the facilities offered to campers staying in the park.

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Camping Guide

Backcountry Camping Campgrounds Nearby Facilities Regulations


Campground Information

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park has two drive-in campgrounds - Namakani Paio (located off of Highway 11), and Kulanaokuaiki (located off of Hilina Pali Road). These campgrounds are FREE - the only fee that applies is your entry fee to the park. Camping is available on a first-come basis. No reservations, No permits, and No check-in are necessary. Stays are limited to 7 days in a month and not to exceed 30 days per year.

Campgrounds
Campground Open Restrooms Water Fireplace Pavilion Fees
Namakani Paio All Year Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Kulanaokuaiki All Year Yes No Yes No No


Additional Camping Information

Namakani Paio Campground, is located off Highway 11, 31.5 miles out of Hilo at 4,000 foot elevation. It is a large, open grassy area with tall eucalyptus and ohi'a trees. This campground has restrooms, water, picnic tables, and barbecue pits. A large pavilion has picnic tables and a fire place (bring your own firewood - firewood is not available in the area).

Kulanaokuaiki Campground, located at 2,700 foot elevation and about 5 miles down the Hilina Pali Road. There is NO WATER at this location. This new campground has 3 campsites. 2 of these sites are wheelchair accessible. There are barbecue grills, a vault-type toilet (no running water), and picnic tables.

Weather: May be cool and damp year-round. Daytime temperature range: 60s to 70�F. Nightime temperature range: high 30s to low 50�F. We suggest that you have a tent with a good rainfly and bring warm clothing for the cool evenings. Please see the Weather Page for more info.



Backcountry Camping

Backcountry camping is by permit only. You must register at the Kilauea Visitor Center prior to departure (7:45 am to 4:45 pm daily). No group may exceed 12 people. Hikers are required to hike out everything they pack in. Do not bury your trash or discard it in pit toilets, pack it out. Stays are limited to three nights per site.

Backcountry Cabins

The Pu'u �Ula'ula (Red Hill) cabin at 10,035 feet has 8 bunks with mattresses. The Mauna Loa cabin on the rim of Moku'aweoweo at 13,250 feet has 12 bunks with mattresses. You must register at the Kilauea Visitor Center prior to departure (7:45 am to 4:45 pm daily). Both are available on a sharing, first come first served basis. Cabins have attached water catchment tanks. Check on current water levels when registering. Treat all water before drinking. Pit toilets are provided; please use them. Do not put trash in the pit toilets.



Regulations

  • Fires are prohibited except in the pavilion fireplaces at Namakani Paio, Kulanaokuaiki & Kipuka Puaula.

  • Check with rangers about briquettes or camp stoves.

  • Do not smoke while hiking.

  • Park vehicles in designated pullouts; the exhaust system of a vehicle parked in a grassy area can start a fire.

  • Collecting rocks, (including lava, sand, and minerals), cultural artifacts, or plants and animals is prohibited.

  • Fishing along the coast from Halape to the park's eastern boundary is reserved for native Hawai'ians of the Kalapana area and their guests.

  • Pets must be under control at all times. Dogs are not allowed on trails, in the backcountry, or at Kipuka Nene campground. Nene and other ground nesting birds are vulnerable to harassment and predation.

  • Motorized vehicles are restricted to paved roadways.

  • Bicycles are not permitted on park trails. Check with the rangers for exception.

  • Park roads are for leisurely driving. Maximum speeds are: Highway 11 - 55 mph, Crater Rim Drive - 35 mph, Chain of Craters Road - 45 mph.

  • Nene (Hawai'ian goose) is an endangered species and needs your protection.
    • Watch for them on the roads.
    • Slow down and pay particular attention to nene habitat areas marked by signs.
    • Do not feed the nene. Feeding causes them to beg for food by roadsides and approach moving vehicles.
  • Cultural Resources include archeological sites and artifacts.

  • Do not climb on or alter any rock structures, such as walls, heiau (ancient temples) or petroglyphs (rock engravings).


    
    

    Nearby Facilities

    Volcano House Hotel, operates rustic camper cabins at the Namakani Paio campground. The cabins sleep 4 (1 double bed and 2 bunk-style twin beds). Each cabin has a picnic table and an outdoor barbecue grill. Reservations are required. For information write: The Volcano House, Hawai'i National Park, HI 96718.

    SHOWERS: Showers may be obtained (on a space available basis) through the Volcano House hotel which operates camper cabins in the Namakani Paio campground.

    STORES: Two small village grocery stores and a hardware store are located in Volcano Village. The nearest large shopping area is in Hilo (31.5 miles away).

    LAUNDRY: A laundromat is located behind the Thai Thai Restaurant in Volcano Village.

    RESTAURANTS: There are several restaurants located in Volcano Village, and within the park.

    CAMPING AREAS OUTSIDE THE PARK: County and State campgrounds are located around the island.

    County of Hawai'i, Department of Parks and Recreation. Call: 808-961-8311.

    Hawai'i State, Department of Land and Natural Resources. Call: 808-974-6200.


    Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Links
    Bullet Activity & Calendar Page
    Bullet Address, Email & Phone Guide
    Bullet Backcountry Camping
    Bullet Brochures, Maps, Written Info
    Bullet Camping Guide
    Bullet Chat
    Bullet Ecosystem
    Bullet Eruption Updates
    Bullet Establishment
    Bullet Fees
    Bullet Flora & Fauna
    Bullet Hawksbill Turtle
    Bullet Hiking Guide
    Bullet Jobs, SCA, Volunteer Positions
    Bullet Kilauea Cultural Festival
    Bullet Kilauea Volcano
    Bullet Location
    Bullet Lodging Guide
    Bullet Map Guide
    Bullet Nene Goose
    Bullet Park History
    Bullet Park Information
    Bullet Pele
    Bullet Pele & Kamapua'a
    Bullet People of the Islands
    Bullet Pet Information
    Bullet Petrel Seabird
    Bullet Search
    Bullet Sights Guide
    Bullet Size & Visitation Info
    Bullet Travel Guide
    Bullet Visitors Guide
    Bullet Volcanoes
    Bullet Wild Pigs
    Bullet Wild Rabbits
    Bullet Weather

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    by John William Uhler

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