Where to Camp in a Campervan on the Big Island of Hawai'i (Legal Spots + Hidden Gems)
- Bri Leever
- Mar 30
- 6 min read
Waking up to the sound of the ocean from the comfort of your bed couldn't be more accessible than when you choose to explore the Big Island of Hawai'i by campervan (or glampervan as we call them!). Whether you’re sipping coffee with a volcano view or admiring sea turtles after enjoying a papaya boat on the beach, raw, wild nature is just outside your door.
If you’ve ever been to the Big Island of Hawai'i, you know the distance between spots can be a challenge. While picking a few different accommodations around the island can be a nice way to space out your trip, the time and energy lost checking in, checking out, packing up to move spots, and getting to your destination only to realize you don’t have the right gear for that microclimate can take it’s toll on your trip!
But many people wonder: is it legal to sleep in a campervan in Hawai'i? Will I be comfortable? And how campervan-friendly is the Big Island, really?
After hosting guests for 5 years, we can confidently report: Yes, you can comfortably sleep and adventure around Hawai'i island in a campervan—with the right spots. This article will share the top (legal) spots to park a campervan overnight on Hawai'i Island and you can check out our popular 4-day itinerary in a campervan around Hawai'i Island.
Know the Rules for Camping in a Campervan in Hawai'i — What's Legal (and What's Not)
What’s not legal in Hawai'i when it comes to campervans
Hawai'i State law (§291C-112) prohibits using a vehicle as human habitation between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. while parked on any roadway, street, highway, or other public property. Random roadside parking and pulling into any beach parking lot for overnight campervan parking in Hawaii is out, but that doesn't mean you don't have options.
What is legal in Hawaii when it comes to campervans
When camping in a campervan on the Big Island, the best spots to overnight are usually designated campgrounds (national, state, and county) and on private land through Hipcamp sites. Big Island campgrounds require permits that are usually reserved online ahead of time.
It’s important to understand that for areas like Hawai'i that are dominated by tourism, understanding the rules and guidelines ensures proper stewardship (kuleana) of the land and the ocean now and for years to come. We have found local people to be very open and accepting of campervan travelers, by following guidelines and leaving each spot better than you found it, you can do your part to help keep campervan travel accessible and friendly for everyone!
Over the years, we have developed a map of spots to park your campervan overnight on the Big Island. Customers receive a more robust version of this map with detailed tips and notes and you can find our public version below as a starting point!
National Park Camping for Campervans on Big Island
Your Big Island campervan trip won’t be complete without a trip to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. There are 2 designated campsites just outside of the park: Namakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki, at $15 and $10 per night respectively (2026 prices, in addition to park entrance fees) — no camping permit needed, first-come-first-served.
Our favorite is Namakanipaio and there are showers available for campers, too. Bring cash, but there is a number to call to pay via credit card.
Adventure Tip: Bring warm layers! Elevation makes nights chilly here.
County Beach Park Camping Options for Campervans on Big Island
Wake up to the sound of the ocean right outside your door! County beach park sites are our top recommendation for being by the water legally and respectfully. When campervan camping on the Big Island, most county beach park camping will mean sleeping in the van in the parking lot just adjacent to the beach, but there are a few spots where you can pull right up to the water on the grass or sand (like Laupahoehoe and Kohanaiki beach park, 2 of our favorites!).
County beach camping sites available for campervans on Big Island:
Kohanaiki Beach Park (Pine Trees) - can pull up to the beach
Laupahoehoe Beach Park - can pull up to the water on the grass
Mauna Kea Recreation Area
Milolii Beach Park
Mahukona Beach Park - park in parking lot
Punalu’u Beach Park - park in parking lot
Spencer Beach Park - park in parking lot
Whittington Beach Park - park in parking lot
Camping permits for Big Island are reserved through the Hawai'i County Website. Sometimes sites say you must reserve at least 1-2 days before, but we haven’t had trouble booking the day-of. Print or bring a screenshot of your reservation. Caretakers will usually go around after sunset confirming everyone has reservations.
A note about camping in a campervan at Punalu’u Beach Park: The last time we camped here the caretaker told us RVs are no longer allowed because they can block the parking spots for the tour buses. The tour buses only come through in the day, so if you arrive in the evening and leave in the morning, or simply don't park in the big tour bus spots, I don't think you'll have any trouble here. Our vans also fit in a standard parking spot, so if you stick to those spots, I don't think they will give you any trouble! If you can't get a spot here or don't want the hassle, just camp at Whittington instead!
State Park + DLNR Options for Campervans on Big Island
Hawai'i State Parks are generally not set up for vehicle camping and/or require off-roading abilities that our vans don’t have, but there are a few exceptions to this:
State + DLNR camping sites available for campervans on Hawai'i Island:
Kalopa State Recreation Area (cool, serene, forested area up Mauka)
Kiholo State Park (available on the weekends only)
Permits are reserved through DLNR website. Print or bring a screenshot of your reservation. Caretakers will usually go around after sunset confirming everyone has reservations.
Private Land + HipCamp Options for Campervans on Big Island
When campgrounds are full or inaccessible, private stays booked through HipCamp can help fill in the gap.
A few our guests have told us they love:
The Hippocampus Campsite: Contact Sequoia at 808-300-9335
From ranch stays to jungle retreats and oceanfront properties, HipCamp allows you to connect with local life on a different level. As you go, it’s often appropriate to leave fruit you picked up on the road with hosts - don’t be afraid to spread the Aloha!
When you book with us at Sun + Salt Campervans, you get our customer-exclusive map of spots to park with our full list of HipCamp recommendations.
Practical Tips for Campervan Camping on the Big Island
Now that you have a good understanding of where to camp in a campervan on the Big Island, let's cover a few tips to make your stay easy and enjoyable.
Book at least a few permits early — county sites fill up fast on weekends, a little bit of planning can go a long way! We recommend booking excursions like the manta ray night dive at the beginning of your trip so if weather isn’t permitting, you have some flexibility to make changes before your trip ends.
Leave room for serendipity and flexibility — While we always recommend having a general plan for your trip and stays, things can always change! Unexpected weather and conditions can quickly require you to be flexible and adapt. Even on a rainy day our cozy campervan interior will keep you dry and content.
Arrive to your spot before it’s dark — getting your bearings on the campground and scoping out where to park can be really helpful to do before it’s dark out.
Pack for microclimates — it's cold near Mauna Kea, consistently warm on the Kona coast, windy down south, and wetter on the Hamakua coast. Part of what makes a Big Island campervan rental such a great way to travel is you have all your layers with you wherever you go and can quickly adapt!
Respect and serve (kuleana + kokua) the land: to help prevent Ceratocystis fungal disease from decimating the native ‘Ohi’a tree, disinfect all hiking gear with 70% alcohol to prevent the spread of the Ceratocystis fungal disease.
Leave No Trace — better yet, leave it better than you found it! We include extra trash bags in each campervan. Picking up 10 pieces of trash at each spot you visit can go a long way.
Traveling the Big Island of Hawaii in a campervan affords you freedom and flexibility that few other methods of travel can. Wake up somewhere new every morning and make the most of your island experience when you adventure with Aloha in a campervan rental on the Big Island from us!
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