With endless summer weather comes endless opportunities for summer activities: surfing, snorkeling, hiking, and perhaps my favorite – camping trips. While the islands are home to countless inland campgrounds – usually at our incredible state parks – perhaps even better is pitching your tent in the sand, listening to the waves crash against the shore while you fall asleep, and jumping into the ocean just seconds after you wake up. Though we aren’t usually into picking favorites, if we’re being completely honest, this small beachside campground on Oahu’s northeastern shore might just be the prettiest campground in the Aloha State.
This is Malaekahana Beach Campground, a secluded and remote slice of paradise perfect for a weekend spent getting in touch with nature.
Lawrence Wong/Flickr
Found just 55 yards off Kamehameha Highway between Kahuku and Laie is this 37-acre campground surrounded by ironwood trees and backing up to a pristine white sand beach.
Malaekahana Beach Campground/Facebook
Raquel B./Yelp
The campground has 37 campsites available for tent camping from Friday to Wednesday, and will cost you between $12 and $18 per night in permit fees.
Malaekahana Beach Campground/Facebook
Ragnar Schierholz/Flickr
If you aren’t into pitching a tent, or simply weren’t able to bring one on your airplane, Malaekahana does offer several basic plantation style cabins for rent - from tiny cabins that sleep 4 people to larger plantation suites with private bathrooms and showers, and even a pavilion that sleeps up to 20 - with additional space available to accommodate additional tent campers.
Malaekahana Beach Campground/Facebook
Amenities include restrooms, showers, water fountains, kayak, paddleboard and bike rentals, and even a food truck that hangs out here on the weekends. You will also find a small camp store onsite that sells souvenirs and any camping essentials you may have forgotten - including ice for your cooler.
Malaekahana Beach Campground/Facebook
Each spacious campsite has a picnic table, fire pit - and is just steps from the beach.
Malaekahana Beach Campground/Facebook
Chiara Switzer/Flickr
While the currents are often calm enough to enjoy swimming and bodyboarding, the fine white sand you’ll find on the beach makes this the perfect spot to lounge. The beach is also an excellent spot for shore fishing.
Chiara Switzer/Flickr
Still not convinced that Malaekahana is one of Hawaii’s best camping destinations? Check out some more stellar views in this video uploaded by YouTube user LDLServices.
Lawrence Wong/Flickr
Malaekahana Beach Campground/Facebook
Raquel B./Yelp
Ragnar Schierholz/Flickr
Chiara Switzer/Flickr
Malaekahana Beach Campground is located at 56-075 Kamehameha Highway in Laie, and trust me, it’s the perfect spot for a short escape. For more information, or to make a reservation, check out their website.
Love camping as much as possible? Be sure to check out these 12 must-visit campgrounds in Hawaii, as well as these 14 rustic camping spots, and these 11 beach campgrounds.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
