Camping on Oahu doesn’t mean you need to fly in with a suitcase full of gear. Instead, you can rent what you need on the island and travel lighter. While camping gear rentals on Oahu stay more limited than on the mainland, you still have a few solid options if you plan ahead.
This guide covers verified places where you can actually rent camping gear on Oahu in 2026, what you can rent, and which option makes the most sense for your trip. As of January 2026, everything below reflects confirmed and available services.
What Camping Gear Can You Rent on Oahu?
Most rental providers on Oahu focus on the basics you actually need, instead of bulky extras that are hard to travel with.
Here’s what you can usually rent:
- Tents in different sizes.
- Sleeping bags.
- Sleeping pads or mats.
- Lanterns or basic lights.
- Coolers.
- Other basic camping essentials, depending on availability.
Some providers rent items individually, while others bundle everything into a pre-packed camping kit, which saves time and makes planning easier. Since camping gear rentals on Oahu are limited, it’s best to book ahead, especially during busy travel seasons.
Where to Rent Camping Gear on Oahu?
1. Surfboard Rentals Hawaii (Camping Gear Rentals)
Surfboard Rentals Hawaii is one of the few local businesses on Oahu that openly rents camping gear to the public.
They offer:
- Tents from 2-person to larger group tents.
- Sleeping bags.
- Sleeping pads.
- Lanterns and basic camping items.
They also provide delivery around Waikiki, with limited delivery options in other parts of Oahu. Suggested locations for renting this camping gear are Waimanalo, Bellows, Northshore Camping, and Sites Island Wide. This makes things easier if you’re staying in town and don’t want to drive across the island just to pick up gear.
This option works best if you already have a rental car and just need basic camping gear for a few nights. You can rent here at their official website.
2. Camping Gear Rental Experience via TripAdvisor
You can also book a verified camping gear rental experience through TripAdvisor. This option gives you a full camping setup in one go.
The kit includes:
- Tent.
- Sleeping bags.
- Sleeping mats.
- Cooler.
- Lanterns.
- Other basic camping gear.
You pick up the gear from a set location in Honolulu. Since everything comes pre-packed, this option works well for first-time campers who want an easy, no-stress setup.
3. Hickam Outdoor Recreation Equipment Rental (Military Only)
Hickam Outdoor Recreation, part of Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam, rents outdoor and recreational equipment, including some camping gear.
This service is only available to military personnel and their dependents with a valid DoD ID. It’s not open to the general public or visiting travelers. Check more at their official website.
4. University of Hawaii at Mānoa Outdoor Equipment Rentals (Students & Staff Only)
The University of Hawaii at Mānoa also runs an outdoor equipment rental program.
Students and staff with a valid university ID can rent:
- Tents.
- Sleeping bags.
- Sleeping pads.
- Camp stoves.
- Coolers.
- Other outdoor gear.
This option doesn’t work for tourists, but it helps students or staff who want to camp without buying their own gear. Check more information here at their website.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent Camping Gear on Oahu?
Prices change based on season and availability. In general:
- Individual gear rentals charge daily or weekly rates.
- Pre-packed camping kits cost more upfront but save time and effort.
Because Oahu has fewer rental providers, prices can change quickly. Always check current rates before you lock in your plans.
What’s the Best Option for Your Trip?
Your best choice depends on how you want to camp:
- Short trips like 1 to 2 nights: Renting basic camping gear locally works well.
- Easy setup with less planning: Pre-packed camping kits keep things simple.
- Multi-day trips or road trips: A campervan can replace most camping gear.
Oahu camping comes with permits, rules, and parking limits. When you plan early, everything feels smoother and less stressful.
Thinking About a Campervan Too?
If you’re still deciding how you want to camp on Oahu, this helps: many campervans already include basic camping gear. That means you might not need to rent tents or cooking gear separately.
Depending on the vehicle and the host, campervans often come with:
- A bed setup with a mattress or sleeping pads.
- A basic cooking area with simple cookware.
- A cooler or small fridge.
- Camp chairs or a small table.
That said, every listing is different, so always check what’s included before you book. Also, not all campgrounds on Oahu allow overnight vehicle camping. Because of that, some travelers still keep a tent handy for campgrounds where vehicles aren’t allowed.
If you like the idea of fewer moving parts and less setup, a campervan can make camping much easier.
Since you’re already looking into renting camping gear on Oahu, you might also want to check out our guides on renting a campervan in Oahu and which campgrounds are campervan-friendly around the island. They help you figure out where campervans work best and where you’ll need a tent instead.
If you decide to go that route, Outdoorsy is a good place to start. They offer a wide range of campervans and SUVs at different price points. Plus, when you book through our Outdoorsy link and use the code 7F97KR8Y, you can get a 10% discount, which always helps when planning a Hawaii trip.
Some travelers even mix both options by using a campervan for flexibility while keeping a tent for campgrounds where vehicles aren’t allowed.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to overpack or overthink camping gear on Oahu. While rental options stay limited, planning ahead makes a big difference. You can keep things simple with a tent or choose a campervan with gear included, Oahu offers plenty of ways to enjoy camping when you prepare properly.
Once you sort out the gear, all that’s left is to slow down, enjoy the views, and soak up everything that makes camping on Oahu special. Enjoy camping. Mahalo!