Camp in Hawaii and Pitch Your Tent on a Beach or Volcano

Imagine awakening to dawn's first light glistening on a sleepy blue ocean. The day's sun bathers and swimmers haven't yet arrived. The silence is broken only by the rising tide splashing into tide pools, kissing the starfish and urchins. The beach is yours! Or dream pitching a tent in Volcanoes National Park. As daylight fades and a soothing fragrance from the rain splashed Eucalyptus wafts straight through the cool air, an outdoor fireplace provides cozy warmth.

The sounds are soothing: rain moderately splashing on the pavilion's roof and the broad shiny leaves of surrounding plants, the crackling fire, and the hushed chirping of native birds nesting in the high canopy of gigantic Koa and Eucalyptus that stand sentinel. E komo mai (welcome) to camping in the Hawaiian Islands!

Tents Travel

While Hawaii's world famous luxury resorts are tempting, one might do well to trade in those plastic lei and simulated waterfalls for a taste of true Paradise, at least for a night or two.

And spending less at pricey resorts (that tend to stress brittle coastlines and often retain mega corporations face of Hawaii) means more to spend on extra mementos, good fun and local merchants and artists. Shopping at a grower's market for example is a nice alternative to spending for half a papaya in a resort. For a great encampment breakfast, pick up some fresh fruit (how's five papayas for a buck sound?), mac nut bread and Kona coffee ("talk story" with locals while you're there, and you'll learn a lot more than you will lounging at a resort). Then there are the kayaking adventures, sunset supper cruises (even frugal, backpacker types appreciate a diminutive wining and dining!), horseback riding on the beach, snorkeling with the dolphins...well you get the idea!

Pitching a tent on a tropical beach or in a fragrant volcano forest is easy in Hawaii where campgrounds range from drive-up parks with full amenities to wilderness settings accessible only to hikers. Communal campgrounds are run by Hawaii's National Parks, State Parks and County Parks and are as prolific in Hawaii as papayas.

Camp in Hawaii and Pitch Your Tent on a Beach or Volcano