Kauai Camping and Beach Parks
Pitch a Tent on the Garden Island at Salt Pond or Haena Beach Parks
May 21, 2008
Let's face it: Kauai travel can get expensive. Airfares aren't exactly cheap, and Kauai accommodations can be pricy, especially at the resorts. Kauai camping offers a cheap alternative to high priced vacation resorts. Just think, you could spend your entire vacation camping at a beautiful Kauai beach.
Kauai County Campgrounds
Most Kauai campgrounds are run by Kauai County. Only three campgrounds are run by the State of Hawaii: Kokee, na Pali and Polihale.
All Kauai County campgrounds are located in beach parks. On the north shore you can camp at Haena Beach Park, or, if you want to be closer to the Hanalei shops and restaurants, at Black Pot beach on Hanalei Bay. Haena Beach camping is close to Tunnels and Kee, two of the best summertime snorkeling spots on Kauai. Black Pot offers calm swimming water on most summer days, and monster waves in the winter. (If you're wondering, Black Pot Beach Park gets its name from a huge black wok that used to be used for community cookouts at the park).
North shore Kauai camping is also offered at Anini Beach Park, located between Kilauea and Princeville. Anini has the oldest and longest continuous reef in the State of Hawaii. all three north shore camping facilities offer showers, washrooms and BBQ stations.
Anahola Beach Park
The only camping beach on Kauai's east side is at Anahola Beach Park. Anahola is a popular campground with locals, and Anahola town itself is a Hawaiian homesteads community. Most locals are friendly if you are—just be warned that Anahola is not a good location for visitors who aren't willing, as the bumper sticker says, to "respect the locals."
SouthShore Kauai Camping
resorts and vacation rentals dominate Kauai's south shore, and the only available campground is Hanamaulu Beach Park. The water in Hanamaulu Bay is usually murky, unappealing, and known to attract sharks. Hanamaulu and nearby Ahukini Pier are popular fishing spots, but if you're looking to swim or snorkel you might want to camp elsewhere.
West Side Kauai Camping
On the west side, Lucy Wright Beach Park has shade trees for comfortable picnics and camping. The park is close to the mouth of Waimea River, so the ocean at Lucy Wright is often murky. a strong rip current can make swimming hazardous, so Lucy Wright is better for onshore activities. In addition to BBQ stands, washrooms and drinking water Lucy Wright includes a playground.
Salt Pond Beach Park is the more attractive west shore camping site if you want to get into the water. Popular with locals and visitors alike, Salt Pond can get busy, but there's plenty of room and excellent snorkeling. Washrooms, showers and BBQ stations are all available.
Kauai County Camping Costs and Closures
Camping is the cheapest possible Kauai accommodation option, costing only $3.00 a night (kids under the age of eighteen are free. Residents of the State of Hawaii camp free if they produce identification proving residency. Kauai Camping permits can be purchased at the following locations:
- Hanapepe Recreation Center (808-335-3731).
- Kalaheo Neighborhood Center (808-332-9970).
- Kapaa Neighborhood Center (808-822-1931).
- Kauai County Building, Department of Parks and Recreation, Lihue (808-241-4463).
- Kilauea Neighborhood Center (808-828-1421).
Kauai camping permits may be purchased up to a year in advance. Don't try to skip paying for a camping permit: Kauai County campgrounds are patrolled and the fine for camping without a permit is $500 per person.
Kauai County camping sites close on a regular schedule for cleaning and maintenance. when you plan a Kauai camping trip, keep the following schedule in mind:
- Anahola Beach Park closes at 10.00am Thursday and reopens Friday at noon.
- Anini Beach Park camping closes at 10.00 am Tuesday and reopens at noon Wednesday.
- Black Pot Beach Park is only open for camping on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Haena Beach Park campground closes Monday at 10.00am and reopens Tuesday at noon.
- Lucy Wright Beach Park closes at 10.00am Monday and reopens at noon Tuesday.
- Salt Pond Beach Park closes Tuesday at 10.00am and reopens Wednesday at noon.
