Camping Gems - Places to Go in Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island
The park highlights two of the world's most active volcanoes, and offers insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and views of dramatic volcanic landscapes. This is also a great place to enjoy a hike, a bike ride, scenic drive, or to learn more about Hawaii's plants, wildlife, and Kilauea, the world's most active volcano.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Oahu
Swim with the fishes at Hanauma Bay!  The nature preserve is well prepared to help families explore Hawaii.  You can snorkel in the bay, carrying a laminated fish chart to help you identify the colorful fish you see swimming below. 

Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu
Bring a flashlight and good walking shoes when you tackle Diamond Head.  This stunning landmark is easy to summit via a 1.4 mile hike, but the trail goes through long tunnels in places and is steep enough to warrant handrails.  In Hawaiian, this landmark is called Le'ahi because it resembles the forehead (lae) of the yellowfin tuna fish ('ahi). From the top, you'll have an unparalleled view of Honolulu and the ocean surrounding the island.

Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge, Kauai
If you've come to Hawaii to see exotic wildlife, this is the place to go.  At the Kilauea refuge, you can see red-footed boobies, Laysan albatrosses, shearwaters, and many other seabirds including Hawaii's State Bird (the nene). Just off shore you might glimpse humpback whales, Hawaiian monk seals, spinner dolphins, and green sea turtles.

Haleakala National Park, Maui
The journey to the summit of Haleakala brings you from coastal Maui to the remote, native, high-elevation world protected by the park. Here on Maui's highest peak you find an island in the sky where the clouds spread out below you like a second layer of ocean. Cindercones, rare plants, native birds, and hiking trails await your discovery. Don't mis the hike through Oheo Gulch and a swim in one of the lower pools.

USS Arizona Memorial, Oahu
See the place where American involvement in World War II began -- The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.  This is also the final resting place for many of the battleship's 1,177 crew members who lost their lives on December 7, 1941.

Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Big Island
Step back in time to a sanctuary of Hawaii’s past where traditional Hawaiian lifestyle is preserved. Ancient temples and ki’i (wooden images) whisper stories from the past. This place provided refuge to Hawaiians who came here, people who had broken ancient Hawaiian law. Be sure to watch for green turtles on the beach.

Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, Big Island
Visit the only tropical rainforest zoo in the United States!  This Hilo zoo is bursting with color, from the brilliant plumage of the rainforest birds to the bright mammals like white Bengal tigers, spider monkeys, lemurs, and over 80 other animal species. Be sure to bring your camera, so you can capture both the animals and the amazing array of palms, orchids, and other flowers growing in the zoo.

Kalalau Valley & The Na Pali Cliffs, Kauai  
Catch incredible views of the Hawaiian islands and the ocean from the Na Pali cliffs.  Follow the trail through the Kalalau Valley as it climbs more than 4,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean.  Lush green forests and "garden" landscapes fill the stunning Kalalau Valley.

Waimea Canyon, Kauai
Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, this landscape of rocky crags, red canyon walls, dramatic plinths extends for miles.  The canyon is 3,000 feet deep. Bring your camera and your hiking shoes and get ready to enjoy a unique view of the Hawaiian landscape.