Introduction
Sugi Grove is a really special campground because it looks different than what you’d typically expect in Hawaii. Sugi Pine Trees are native to Japan. In the 1820s the Japanese immigrant population in Hawaii made up 40% of the overall population. When you’re ready to take a break from the beach and spend some time in the mountains, this is the campsite for you. Click here to reserve a spot at the campground.
Important notes: Please note that you definitely need 4WD to visit this campground. If it looks like it is going to rain, don’t go. You’re going to have to go on some pretty serious mud and rocks and cross a river. When it’s dry, you should be good though. The river is pretty small. I’ve taken all of the 4x4s that we rent over there and it’s been really fun.
Campground Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Picnic Tables
- Camping Area
- Trash Cans
- Pavilion
- Non-Potable Water
- No Cell Phone or Wifi Service
How to get to Sugi Grove Campground
Drive up Koke‘e Road (Highway 550) until you reach the Koke’e State Park Campground. Just past the campground on your right you’ll see a dirt road. When you turn onto the dirt road I recommend resetting the trip meter on your car. You’re going to be driving 3.4 miles until you hit Sugi Grove.
When you get to the fork for Camp Sloggett, keep left.
When you see this other fork, keep right.
After just 1.2 miles you’ll see the Mohihi Road sign. Keep left.
Around 1.8 miles in you’ll hit the first bridge.
Around 2.2 miles in you’ll hit the second bridge
Around 2.4 miles in you’ll hit the third bridge.
When you get to 2.8 miles you’ll come to the Alaka’i picnic area. You want to go straight and to the left to head to the campground, or you can go right to visit the picnic area. It’s actually a nice lookout and I would recommend stopping to check it out. Although not an official campsite, I’ve seen people camp there before and it looked pretty nice.
When you’re at 3.3 miles you’ll find the Kawaikoi Camping Area. I don’t really like that campground as much, but if for some reason the river is too high you could always stop there before you have to cross the river to Sugi Grove.
At 3.4 miles you’ve made it to the campsite! Congratulations! On your way to the camping area you’ll pass the small bathroom
The bathroom is not the greatest…but it’s okay. Be sure to bring toilet paper!
After that you’ve really arrived! Enjoy exploring the woods, playing in the river and going on some fun hikes.
Best Time to Visit Sugi Grove (Kokee State Park Campground)
Sugi Grove is a peaceful and beautiful place, but it is NOT a destination that you can visit anytime. The best time to visit Sugi Grove is when the weather looks good and the weather forecast looks good. I know, I know, you booked far in advance and didn’t expect the weather to take a nasty turn for the worse, but it’s better to play it safe because flash floods can absolutely happen in the area.
As a backup, you could always set up camp somewhere before the river crossing. Maybe stay at Koke’e State Park Campground or if you’re already down the road just stop at the Alaka’i picnic area.
Sugi Grove Campground Fees and Reservations
Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance and you’ll want to book far in advance, especially if you’re staying over a weekend as this campground can be popular with locals and tourists, alike. The current fee (Winter 2023) is $18 for non-residents (up to 6 people and $3/per additional person) and $12 for local residents (up to 6 people and $2/per additional person). You can reserve a spot on the official Sugi Grove Campground reservation system.
Is Sugi Grove Campground Roof Top Tent or camper van friendly?
Yes! It is absolutely roof top tent friendly and absolutely not camper van friendly. You need 4WD to go to Sugi Grove as the roads can become muddy and slick and you will need to cross over a small stream (that can become big if it rains). I think Sugi Grove make a great base for experiencing the nature of Kauai, away from big crowds and something very different than the beach.
Sugi Grove Campground Alternatives
Fortunately, there are nearby alternatives to Sugi Grove and they’re pretty great, too! You can stay Waikoali which is just a few minutes drive further down the road, or Kawaikoi which you passed by on the way to Sugi Grove. You can also stay at Koke’e State Park Campground. All of these can be reserved on the same State of Hawaii Campground Reservation System.
Conclusion
If you came to Kauai to experience the nature, this is nature at its finest. The Sugi pines are beautiful and if you enjoy hiking and views, you can find plenty of that in the area. If you want to learn more about other places to camp around the island, check out our comprehensive list of Kauai campgrounds.