Camping in Kauai: Guide to Campgrounds and Permits

Camping in Kauai: Ultimate Guide to Campgrounds and Permits

Camping in Kauai is an amazing way to spend time on the island and to really take in its beauty. In addition to seeing the best of Kauai, it’s also a great way to save money while visiting this island. But booking a campsite is not as easy as you may be anticipating.

The permit system for Kauai camping is not centralized, so depending on which department has oversight (county, state, etc.), there are different methods for booking a reservation. It can get a little tricky, so read on to learn all you need to know about how to get permits to camp on the beautiful island of Kauai!

Content and photographs provided by Yana Kogan and Timon.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).


How to Rent Camping Gear in Kauai

Even if you aren’t planning to bring your own gear for camping, don’t exclude camping as an option in Kauai. There are several places on the island to rent all the camping gear you’ll need.

Depending on the type of equipment, gear rentals items can run between $25 and $40 per day from Kayak Kauai or Just Live. And you can purchase fuel canisters (i.e. MSR) in Lihue from Walmart.


How to Buy Camping Gear in Kauai

Kauai Camping Permits: Way to Kalalau Beach
On the way to Kalalau Beach

Another option to renting gear is to buy all the gear you need in Kauai. This is a good option since you can keep most of the items (but don’t fly with any fuel canisters). You can get an entire camping setup for a few hundred dollars (still probably cheaper than paying for a hotel in Kauai for a week).

Most camping staples are available at Walmart. And if you plan ahead, you can buy these items (better quality and prices too) from Amazon. Here are a few of our suggested Kauai camping essentials:


Permits for Kauai Camping

Kauai County Permits

Kauai Campgrounds: Anini Beach
Camping at Anini Beach

There are seven county campgrounds on the island at different beach parks. County permits are $3 per person per night for non-Hawaiian residents (free for Hawaiian residents). To get permits, you can complete the online registration with the county of Kauai.

If you have no computer or internet access, you can call Parks & Recreation to schedule an appointment.

Campsites are closed 1 or 2 days per week for maintenance and the locations to get the permits may also be open for limited hours. Find out more information at the county website.

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County Campgrounds in Kauai

Kauai Campgrounds: Salt Pond Park
Beach Camping at Salt Pond Park
  • Haena Park (as of March 2022, closed until further notice)
  • Hanalei Blackpot Park (as of March 2022, closed until further notice)
  • Anini Beach Park (closed every Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am to 12 pm)
  • Anahola Beach Park (closed Thursday and Friday from 10 am to 12 pm)
  • Hanamaulu Beach Park: day use only
  • Salt Pond Park (closed Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 am to 12 pm)
  • Lucy Wright Park (as of March 2022, temporarily closed until further notice)
  • Lydgate Park Camp Ground  (closed Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am to 12 pm)

Our favorite campgrounds for camping in Kauai were Salt Pond, Anini Beach, and Haena Park. Some of the county campgrounds are known to have some homeless people as well as people on drugs. If you do not feel safe, do not stay the night. We preferred Anini and Haena Park the most in terms of comfort and safety.


Backcountry Permits for Kauai

Camping permits for backcountry locations can be obtained with the Forestry and Wildlife office and the permits are free. Backcountry camping is available in Waimea Canyon but not in Koke’e State Park. The office can help with information on hiking trails and places to camp in Waimea Canyon.


State Park Camping Permits

Camping within Kauai state parks costs $20 per campsite per night for Hawaiian residents and $30 per campsite per night (up to 10 people) for non-residents. The only exception is camping within the Na’Pali Coast State Park on the Kalalau Trail, which costs $35 per person/night for non-residents.

There are three excellent state parks to explore with camping options. If county campgrounds are not your cup of tea, the state park campgrounds are safe, spacious, and usually more private. Permits can be obtained with the Forestry and Wildlife Division and book ahead.

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State Parks for Camping in Kauai

1. Koke’e State Park

Kauai Camping: Awa’awapuhi Trail
The Viewpoint at Awa’awapuhi Trail

Koke’e is accessed from the town of Waimea. With endless amounts of hiking, coastal views, mountains, and lush jungle, this is the best state park to explore in Kauai.

There is a wonderful scenic drive to the Kalalau Lookout. Don’t miss the Cliff Trail and the Awa’awapuhi Trail. There is one campground in Koke’e.


2. Na’Pali Coast State Park

Kauai Camping Rental; Napali Coast
View of the Na’Pali Coast

The Kalalau trail located on the Na’Pali Coast is one of the most famous hikes in the US. It boasts amazing coastlines and lush valleys filled with waterfalls.

The Kalalau Trail can be visited as a day hike for the first 2 miles, beyond that, you’ll be required to get a camping permit whether or not you camp. Permits cost $35 per person per night and must be reserved ahead online.


3. Polihale State Park

Kauai Camping Permits: Waterfall at Kalalau Beach
Tent site right near a waterfall at Kalalau Beach

Polihale State Park is on the northwest corner of Kauai. This beautiful long stretch of beach is accessed by a dirt road and can be reached by 2WD car. However, if it has rained recently, driving may in impassable in a small vehicle.

There is a designated area for camping at Polihale. This beach is pretty remote and far from any stores, so make sure to stock up on all your provisions and enough water for your entire stay.

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That’s it – all you need to know about camping in Kauai! We hope you have a wonderful vacation!


Planning a trip to Kauai? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!


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About the Author:

  • Yana and Timon

    Yana & Timon met at college in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating, they started their professional careers. They moved to San Francisco in 2010, a city they loved living in for nearly six years.

    After working and saving up money for several years, they quit their jobs and set off on an adventure of a lifetime. They started living a nomadic lifestyle in December 2015 and have not looked back since.

1 thought on “Camping in Kauai: Ultimate Guide to Campgrounds and Permits”

  1. Monika Čápová

    Hi, we are planning to go to Kauai in June 2022. We have tried to get the permit from the website http://www.kauai.gov/camping. However, this website doesnt work for a while. Any ideas how we can get the permit for camps which are not state such as Salt Pond beach park camp?

    Thank you very much

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