The Best Camping Spots Around O'ahu

One of the best parts of camping on an island is that you get to fall asleep to a backdrop of crashing waves. O’ahu might be one of Hawaii’s most populated islands, but check out these great spots where you can still have a weekend camping adventure and enjoy a little peace and quiet. Malaekahana Campgrounds
Malaekahana is perhaps the most popular camping area on the entire island. The ocean waters here are perfect for snorkeling and swimming, and during certain months of the year it becomes a huge surfing destination. It’s one of the best spots on the island to watch the sunrise, and it’s ideally located close to a lot of popular tourist attractions. Bellows Field Beach Park
This family-friendly spot is located on an air force base commonly used for training, so it’s only available to the public on the weekends. The campsite is very family-oriented and you’ll have no trouble engaging in activities like frisbee, kayaking and boogie boarding. The water here is also a spectacular aquamarine color, and it’s regarded as one of the most beautiful spots on the entire island. Kualoa Regional Park & Campground
Kualoa Park is popular spot for paddleboarders and kayakers due to the calm ocean waters off this part of the island. It’s also a great spot for fisherman, as it’s home to some wonderful and ancient Hawaiian fishponds that you can legally fish in. The park is surrounded by Kualoa Ranch, which served as the filming location for several films like 50 First Dates, Hawaii 5-0 and Jurassic Park. Best of all, Campground B has magnificent full views of Mokoli’I Island, otherwise known as Chinaman’s Hat. Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area
If hiking is your thing, then Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area in Aiea is probably what you’re looking for. This inland recreational area is home to the Aiea Loop Trail and is tucked away from the crowded beaches. There are great views of Pearl Harbor if you choose to hike the area, as well as showers for anyone not looking to rough it quite so hard. The area used to be home to a healing temple and many relics from the 16^th century can still be seen here. Kane’ohe Beach Park
Kane’ohe is another military campground and home to both campsites and cottages, for anyone not wanting to sleep on the ground. Campers are welcome to use the showers, playground, picnic areas and the commissary on site. There’s also a fitness center in case you just can’t miss a workout. Of course, you could always swim in the waves to burn those calories.  Friends of Malaekahana Campground
Not to be confused with the state-owned Malaekahana Campgrounds, Friends of Malaekahan Campground is a separate entity onto itself. If you’re not interested in roughing it out in a tent, FoMC might be the best choice for you. They offer both thatched shacks and yurts for you to sleep in and most of them have electricity if you just can’t go without. It’s also equipped with plenty of picnic tables, campfire pits and even a rooster that will wake you up each morning in time to view the sunrise.