Introduction
Kīholo State Park Reserve is one of the most unique camping spots in the islands. It’s on the Kona Coast of Hawai‘i’s Big Island. Historic lava flows surround the place, giving it a rugged and raw feel. It’s a stark coastal park that lets you step back in time to old Hawai‘i. The shoreline has pebble beaches, tidal pools, and kiawe groves where you’ll often see honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) just chilling.
This isn’t your typical Hawai‘i beach park with manicured grass and hot showers. It’s remote and undeveloped, kept that way on purpose to protect its culture and natural resources. So, if you’re looking for a quiet, off-the-grid weekend to immerse yourself in the Big Island’s wild beauty, Kīholo is the place.
The state manages the park as a reserve and continues to plan its future use. For now, it stays mostly untouched—just wide-open lava fields, coastal kiawe trees, and an ‘ili‘ili (small black pebble) shoreline.
Remember: The lava gets hot during the day. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. Also, be sure to have your permit with you at all times.
As with other state campgrounds, the amenities are fairly basic, but you really have everything you need. Here is a breakdown.
Kīholo State Park Reserve Amenities
- Campsites located in a shaded kiawe grove fronting the beach
- Portable Toilets
- Trash Cans
- NO WATER
- No showers
- No picnic tables
- No electricity
How to Get to Kīholo State Park Reserve
To get there, take Highway 19 about 20 miles north of Kailua-Kona. From there, you’ll turn onto a gravel access road that leads to the campground. The road is bumpy but passable in most vehicles; just drive slowly and carefully. Parking is in the designated area near the camping sites.
Staff lock the gates every night. Once the gates close, vehicles cannot enter or leave the park. The gate closes at 7:00 p.m. from April 1 to Labor Day, and at 6:00 p.m. from after Labor Day to March 31.
Important Times:
- Check-out: 10:00 a.m.
- Check-in: 3:00 PM
- Set up time: No earlier than 3:00 PM
Best Time to Visit Kīholo State Park Reserve
The Kona Coast is one of the driest regions in Hawai‘i. That makes Kīholo a great spot for camping most of the year. The most comfortable months are typically April through October. The seas are calmer and the skies are clear for stargazing.
Winter months (November–March) can bring rougher surf. But if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see humpback whales offshore.
No matter when you visit, expect hot days on the lava fields and cooler nights. Bring layers.
Kīholo State Park Reserve Fees and Reservations
You need a permit to camp here, and camping is currently limited to weekends.
Big news: You can reserve a spot on the official Hawai‘i State Parks reservation system.
Fees:
- Hawai‘i Residents: $20 per campsite per night (up to 10 persons)
- Non-residents: $30 per campsite per night (up to 10 persons)
- Children 2 and under are free.
Important note:
- You can make reservations up to 30 days in advance.
- Permits are not transferable.
- You can’t make changes to a permit less than seven days before your check-in date.
- You need to request refunds more than 15 days before your check-in. No refunds inside 15 days.
- Print and sign your permit, and keep it with you while camping.
Is Kīholo State Park Reserve camper van or roof top tent friendly?
The short answer is no. The park does not allow vehicle camping, including camper vans and rooftop tents. Kīholo is a tent-only campground, so you’ll need to bring a freestanding tent to stay in the designated camping areas.
That said, the setup is still simple. You’ll park in the designated gravel lot and walk your gear a short distance to your campsite. Clearly display your parking permit on your dashboard, rangers can ticket or tow cars without permits.
The rules are strict to help protect the park’s natural resources, so just plan to camp by the book. Bring a tent, follow the guidelines, and you’ll have a great time.
Kīholo State Park Reserve Alternatives
There are not a lot of campgrounds on the Kona Coast, so your options are a bit limited. You could check out:
- Spencer Beach Park (north) – It’s family-friendly with showers, grass, and a sandy beach.
- Ho‘okena Beach Park (south) – This spot offers a cultural camping experience with snorkeling and kayaking.
- Kalopa State Recreation Area (east) – If you’re into forests, this spot has upland forest camping with great hiking trails.
Conclusion
Kīholo State Park Reserve is a gem on the Big Island’s Kona Coast, offering a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. Its mix of natural beauty and remote feel ensures a delightful camping experience. It’s a good base for exploring the surrounding area. So pack your tent, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for an unforgettable escape to the beautiful shores of Kīholo.