CAMPING / CABINS
(see also Other
Accommodation Categories)
Requirements regarding camping in Hawaii
vary by jurisdiction, island, campsite, and facilities. The following
information applies to the Island of Hawaii (Big Island)
Note: Camping information is subject to change without notice.
Please contact the applicable local office for current information.
STATE FOREST RESERVES
(as at February 20, 2004)
HAWAII STATE FORESTRY & WILDLIFE
Island of Hawaii District Office
Dept. of Land & Natural Resources
P. O. Box 4849
(19 E. Kawili Street)
Hilo, HI 96720
Tel. (808) 974-4221
Hours: 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Mon-Fri. (Closed Weekends/State Holidays)
The following information applies to camping and lodging (shelters,
cabin, bunkhouse) in Big Island's Forest Reserves. For additional
information and free site maps, please contact the above office.
- Campgrounds are open 7 days per week, all
year.
- Tent camping is permitted. (Self-contained
mobile campers are not allowed - campsites are hike-in only.)
Lodging is available at certain campgrounds (see below).
- Except for the Muliwai Trail Shelter, permits are required for tent camping and
lodging. Applicants must be age 18 or older.
- To obtain a permit, please telephone the
above office no earlier than one month in advance of actual
date of camping.
- Permits for tent camping are free. Fees
for lodging vary (see below).
- The max.stay allowed varies by campground
(see below).
- Except for the Muliwai Trail Shelter, reservations
are required for all tent camping and lodging. (The Muliwai
Trail Shelter is shared on a first come/first served basis and reservations and a camping permit are not required.)
- Once a camping reservation has been made,
written permits may be obtained from the above district office,
or from the Kamuela State Tree Nursery in Waimea.
STATE FOREST RESERVES WITH CAMPSITES/LODGING
WAIMANU VALLEY / MULIWAI TRAIL (Campsites)
The Waimanu Valley/Muliwai Trail cuts across both the Waipio and
Waimanu Valleys on the Hamakua Coast. These beautiful valleys are
rich in cultural history having supported large populations of Hawaiians
in the past. The Trailhead (Muliwai Trail) starts at the bottom
of the west wall of Waipio Valley. Vehicle access into the valley
is by 4-wheel drive only. The trail is challenging and measured
from the trailhead it is a 15.3 mile round trip. (Note: If starting
the hike from the Waipio Lookout County Park, the round trip is
approximately 19 miles. Parking at Waipio Lookout County Park is
limited to 24 hours. Longer term parking is available for a fee
at the Waipio Valley Artworks (808) 775-0958.)
- Waimanu Valley Campsites:
There are 9 designated campsites. The campsites can accommodate
from 2 to 12 campers. There are three composting outhouses among
campsites in the Waimanu Valley. No drinking water - all spring
and stream water must be treated. Tent camping is free. A maximum
stay of 6 nights (7 days) is allowed.
- Muliwai Trail Shelter (half-way
house): Floored shed with half-walls and a pit toilet. No
drinking water. The shelter is shared on a first come/first
served basis. A camping permit is not required. Tent camping
is free. A maximum stay of 1 night is allowed (overnight only).
Note: There is currently no camping
in Waipio Valley.
AINAPO TRAIL (Lodging)
The Ainapo Trail, from Kapapala to Mokuaweoweo, the summit caldera
on Mauna Loa, was pioneered by prehistoric Hawaiians. The trailhead
for the Ainapo Trail begins at the 5,650-foot elevation, within
the Kapapala Forest Reserve. It is accessible via an 8 mile, 4-wheel
drive road originating at the cattleguard between mile markers 40
and 41 on Highway 11. The distance from the trailhead to the Ainapo
Trail Shelter at Halewai is approximately 2.7 miles (hiking time
approx. 2.5 hours). After Halewai, the trail ascends 5,500 ft. in
7.5 miles (hiking time approx. 8-12 hours) to the Mauna Loa cabin
on the rim of Mokuaweoweo within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
(This latter section of the trail is considered challenging and
should not be attempted by novice hikers or those unfamiliar with
the extreme environmental conditions which may be encountered.)
- Ainapo Trail Shelter: located
at the 7,750-foot elevation on Mauna Loa. The shelter has 6
bunks with mattresses, table and stools. A separate structure
houses a dishwashing area. There are no heating facilities.
Open fires are not permitted. A 400 gallon water catchment tank
provides water for washing only - not recommended for drinking
unless it has been treated. A composting toilet is provided.
Stay at the shelter is free. Maximum stay of 2 nights (3 days)
allowed.
Note:
- Use of the Ainapo Trail requires
hikers and campers to contact Kapapala Ranch at (808) 928-6202
to obtain the combination for their locked gate. This combination
is changed on a daily basis. Please contact the Ranch during
the "evening" hours of 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. prior
to your hike.
- Hikers who intend to travel through
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in conjunction with the Ainapo
Trail must obtain a permit from the National Park's Kilauea
Visitor Center (see separate section on National Park).
KEANAKOLU CAMPGROUND (Lodging)
Located at the 5,280-foot elevation of Mauna Kea, along Mana Road.
Accessible only via 4-wheel drive.
- Keanakolu Ranger Cabin: accommodates
up to 5 persons (living room and 2 bedrooms). Rates: $15 per
cabin per night. A refundable deposit of $40 is required.
- Keanakolu Bunkhouse: accommodates
up to 20 persons (20 metal bunks without mattresses). Rates:
$30 per night for bunkhouse. A refundable deposit of $40 is
required.
The above facilities:
- each have an iron fireplace, composting toilet, covered BBQ area.
Keanakolu Ranger Cabin has an inside wash basin. The Bunkhouse has an outside sink.
- do not include kitchen facilities, bedding, bathing facilities,
firewood, power or lanterns, cooking or eating utensils, screened cooler, rubbish dump or
rubbish cans. There is no drinking water - catchment water must be treated. Taking your own
stove is recommended to conserve firewood.
- have a maximum length of stay of 2 consecutive nights. Weekend
reservations are limited to one weekend only during a six month period (Fri-Sun). There is
no restriction on number of reservations for weekday use.
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