If you are looking for a primitive stay in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park than Kulanaokuaiki Campground is the perfect place to camp. This campground is located down a 5-mile road that barely fits two cars passing each other.
The campground is primitive and does not have running water or electricity. You will need to bring water with you and plan for constantly changing weather.
When we visited the campground it was dreary and cold. This is hard to believe for Hawaii but it was just grey and ugly.
The next day in the park it was bright and sunny with barely a cloud in the sky and then two hours later it was pouring rain.
Kulanaokuaiki Campground - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This is a tent only campground. RV's are not allowed in the campground
There is a vault type toilet near the parking area. There is no water at this location.
Wood, charcoal and all fires are not permitted with the exception of fueled cooking stoves.
Plan for cool days even though some days the highs 60s to 90s the weather can change quickly. I would plan on highs 40s to high 60s but be prepared that it can get a lot hotter than this.
Make sure you have a rain cover for your tent and are prepared for moist weather.
Season: Year Round
This campground is subject to closure when the area is dry and during times of high fire risk.
Number of Sites: 9
Location in the park: Kulanaokuaiki Campground is located about 5 miles down the Hilina Pali Road
Campsite Cost: $10.00 a night per site
$5.00 a night per site for campers who hold the Interagency Senior (Golden Age) and Golden Access passes
All guests must pay the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park entrance fee
Reservations: No, first come first serve
Campground Address:
Longitude/latitude: 19.34315, -155.27361
Elevation: 2,700 elevation
Accessible Sites: Three campgrounds are wheelchair accessible
Pets Allowed: Pets are not allowed in the campground or anywhere on Hilina Pali Road
Maximum Stay Limits: 7 days
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Entrance Fee
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $30.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $25.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $15.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Annual Park Entrance Pass - $55.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.
$40.00-$75.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)
$75.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats
$100.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats
$200.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
Campground Amenities
Flush Toilets: No, accessible vault toilet
Payphone: No
Is wifi Available? No
Is cellular Phone Service Available? No
Is firewood available for purchase? No fires are allowed in the campground
Amenities at each campsite:
Fire pit in the site? No fires are allowed in the campground.
Picnic Table in the site? Yes
Bear Box in site/area? No
Potable Water? No
Campground Regulations
The maximum number of people in a campsite: 6 people per site
The number of cars per campsite: parking is in one parking lot
Check in Time: 3 pm
Checkout time: 12 pm
Quiet Hours: 10 pm to 6 am
Maximum Stay: 7-day maximum stay limit.
Kulanaokuaiki Campground Map
Photos of Kulanaokuaiki Campground
If you are looking for a traditional campground check out Nāmakanipaio Campground.
There is one lodge in the park, Volcano House, that is located on the rim of the crater and well worth visiting.
Check out the best things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Check out all of our articles on Hawaii Volcanoes.
Where to stay when visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
There is one National Park Lodge within the park.
Volcano House is the Big Island of Hawaii's oldest hotel site and the only hotel/lodge within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The lodge was first built in 1846 and is perched on the rim of Kilauea and offers stunning views of the active volcano.
Lodging near the park includes:
Colony I at Sea Mountain - Guests of this beach condo building will appreciate convenient onsite amenities such as a spa tub or barbecue grills. Each condo provides a kitchen with a refrigerator, a stovetop, a microwave, and a dishwasher. Guests will appreciate conveniences like a washer/dryer and a coffee/tea maker, while a TV with cable channels and a DVD player provide a bit of entertainment.
The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls - 3.5-star boutique bed & breakfast by the river. Take advantage of a terrace, a garden, and a library at The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. Active travelers can enjoy hiking/biking, rock climbing, and a ropes course at this bed & breakfast. Guests can connect to free Wi-Fi in public areas.
Outrigger Kona Resort - 4-star family-friendly resort by the ocean. In addition to shopping on site and a coffee shop/café, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton - 4-star hotel in the heart of Keaukaha. Active travelers can enjoy cycling, snorkeling, and fishing at this hotel. Be sure to enjoy a meal at Hula Hulas, the onsite restaurant. Enjoy the 24-hour gym, as well as activities like boat tours, rowing/canoeing, and sailing. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi, and guests can find other amenities such as dry cleaning/laundry services and a fireplace in the lobby.
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