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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.

NATIONAL PARK
(as of December 23, 2003)

HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
P. O. Box 52
Hawaii National Park, HI 96718-0052
(Volcano Area)
Tel. (808) 985-6000 (Park is open 24 hours per day, all year)
Distances to the Park: From Hilo - 30 miles southwest on Highway 11; From Kailua-Kona - 96 miles southeast on Highway 11, or 125 miles through Waimea and Hilo via Highways 19 and 11.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park encompasses 333,000 acres from sea level to the 13,677-foot summit of Mauna Loa, the world's largest and most active volcano. It is home to Kilauea Volcano, Mauna Loa's dynamic smaller sibling which provides frequent opportunities for lava viewing. For your safety, upon arrival talk to the ranger in the Kilauea Visitor Center about current lava flow conditions. The following information applies to the park's two drive-in campgrounds (Namakani Paio and Kulanaokuaiki) and backcountry campsites and cabins. For more information, please visit the park's Website.

  • The 7-day park entry fee is $10 per vehicle; $5 per bicyclist or pedestrian; free for Golden Age/Eagle Passport holders.
  • Permits are not required to camp at the drive-in campgrounds.
  • Permits are required for backcountry campsites and cabins.
  • To obtain a backcountry permit apply at the Kilauea Visitor Center (7:45 am - 4:30 pm) no earlier than day before camping.
  • There are no fees for permits, camping or backcountry cabins.
  • Cabins at the Namakani Paio drive-in campground are not free (see below).
  • Campsites and backcountry cabins are shared on a first come/first served basis. Reservations are recommended for cabins at the Namakani Paio drive-in campground (see below).
  • The U.S. Dept. of Defense operates the Kilauea Military Camp in the park for active and retired military personnel and civilian employees. Call (808) 967-8335 for information on the camp.
NAMAKANI PAIO DRIVE-IN CAMPGROUND (Campsites/cabins)
Located at the 4,000-foot elevation on the eastern slope of Mauna Loa. Tent camping and cabins. Self-contained mobile campers permitted. Maximum stay of 7 nights allowed. Note: Volcano House (park concessionaire) operates cabins at the campground. To make cabin reservations, please contact Volcano House (see below). Facilities include pavilion with fireplace, picnic tables, barbecue grills, drinking water, restrooms, pay phone.

KULANAOKUAIKI DRIVE-IN CAMPGROUND (Campsites)
Located at the 2,700-foot elevation. Eight walk-in campsites. Some sites are wheelchair accessible. Self-contained mobile campers permitted. Maximum stay of 7 nights allowed. Facilities include barbecue grills, a vault-type toilet (no running water), and picnic tables. There is no water at this location.

VOLCANO HOUSE (Cabins)
P. O. Box 53
Hawaii National Park, HI 96718
Tel. (808) 967-7321
Ten rustic cabins (4 persons max. per cabin) at the above Namakani Paio drive-In campground. Reservations are recommended, permits are not required. Rates (Jan.1/04): $45 per night (single or double occupancy) plus $8 for each additional person.

BACKCOUNTRY (Campsites/Cabins)
The park's backcountry campsites and cabins are all at remote wilderness locations reachable only via hiking trails. All have a maximum stay of 3 consecutive nights. No pets or fires allowed. Following is a list of the backcountry campsites and cabins:

Backcountry Campsites
There are five hike-in campsites (see below). Four are along coastal trails, one is on Kilauea's east-rift. Permits are required and may be obtained at the Kilauea Visitor Center no earlier than the day before your trip. Camping is limited to 16 people per site; no group size may exceed 12 people. Facilities vary by campsite.
  • Kaaha, Halape and Keauhou: three campsites located along coastal trails. Each has a simple 3-sided shelter, pit toilet and water.
  • Apua: fourth campsite located along a coastal trail. Apua has a pit toilet but no water or shelter.
  • Napau: campsite located on Kilauea's east-rift. Napua has a pit toilet but no water or shelter.
Backcountry Cabins
There are 3 hike-in cabin locations (see below). Two cabins are located on Mauna Loa, the third is located in the Kau Desert. Permits are required and may be obtained at the Kilauea Visitor Center no earlier than the day before your trip. Facilities vary by cabin.
  • Red Hill Cabin: located at the 10,035-foot elevation on the Mauna Loa trail (8 persons maximum). Facilities include drinking water, pit toilet, 8 bunks with mattresses, table and chairs.
  • Mauna Loa Cabin: located at the 13,250-foot elevation on the Mauna Loa trail (12 persons maximum). Facilities include drinking water, pit toilet, 12 bunks with mattresses, table and chairs.
  • Pepeiao Cabin: located on the Kau Desert coastal trail (3 persons maximum). Facilities include drinking water, pit toilet, 3 bunks with mattresses.


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