Your Ultimate Guide to Camping in Kauai
26 Nov 2021
Image by Kathy VanDeventer from Pixabay
Kauai is an amazing place to visit, and if you love camping, you really should head there to see what the island has to offer. What could be better than camping in such a beautiful tropical paradise? If you’re thinking of heading there, here’s everything you need to know about camping in Kauai.
Obtaining Permits
One of the most important things to know about camping in Kauai is that you need to have permits to do so. There are several different campgrounds on the island, and they will all require you to buy that permit before you can set up for the night.
Permits typically cost $3 per person per night, although if you’re a Hawaiian resident you can get that permit for free.
To get your permit, you’ll need to go to one of four different locations. These are Lihu’e, Kapa’a, Kilauea, and Hanapepe. Where you can camp for the night will be affected by which location you go to, so check ahead to see whether you can buy a permit for your chosen campground at these locations. Also, double-check that your campground is open, as they are usually closed for one or two days a week for cleaning.
There are some locals who say that you can bypass buying a permit and camp wherever you like, as long as you’re sensible and don’t disturb others. You’ll certainly see people camping in all kinds of locations, especially where they shouldn’t be. While this may be the case, it’s always better to obtain that permit and camp in approved locations.
Getting The Right Camping Gear
If you’re thinking of camping in Kauai, you can travel with most of the gear you need. However, you can’t take everything, as you won’t be able to take items like fuel canisters on planes. As such, you’ll need to know where you can obtain the last pieces of equipment once you get there.
You can easily get what you need in most big box stores, like Walmart and Kmart. If you really want to travel light, you can buy everything you need once you get there. You can get full camping set up for a few hundred dollars, which will still be cheaper than a hotel on the island.
Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay
Where To Camp On Kauai
Now that you have the basics down, where should you camp? There’s a wealth of places to choose from, just starting with the following:
Anini Beach Park: This is an excellent camping spot for families, thanks to the shallow waters. It’s a great spot for snorkeling too, so you can get into the water and find all kinds of fish and coral.
Lydgate Beach Park: This is the most expensive place to camp at $25 a night, but it is the only campground with an indoor shower. Plus, it’s the nearest one to the airport.
Koke’e State Park: If you really want to get away from it all, then this is the place to go. It gets no cell reception, so you can use this as an opportunity to get into some writing or sketching, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of your surroundings.
Salt Pond Beach Park: This is an excellent campground for those who love to enjoy nightlife. You’ll find locals here spearfishing and cooking at night, which is fascinating to see.
The Kalalau Trail: If you’re a hiker, this is the place for you. You’ll need to obtain your permits in advance, and plan for a 2-night stay if you want to do the whole trail.
Anahola Beach Park: This is one of the least crowded campgrounds, perfect for those who want a quieter camping experience. You’ll also be able to enjoy some truly stunning views here.
Haena Beach Park: This is the most northern campsite in Kauai, and is located around a mile from Ke’e Beach. It’s worth noting that it’s closed on Mondays for maintenance.
Camping In Kauai
There’s no better place to camp than Kauai, as the tropical background makes for amazing memories. If you want to camp, you’ll find the island is so camper-friendly. Follow this guide and you’ll be able to enjoy everything that the island has to offer.
Kendra Beckley
Kendra Beckley is a business development manager and editor. She helps companies enter a new market and build long-term relationships with partners. She is also interested in writing articles on various topics.
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