Introduction
Kulanaokuaiki Campground is a quiet, tucked-away camping spot inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. Unlike the busier Nāmakanipaio Campground near the park entrance, Kulanaokuaiki sits farther south in the remote Ka‘ū Desert at about 3,200 ft (975 m) elevation.
With only nine campsites, this campground offers a peaceful and simple experience surrounded by lava fields, native shrubs, and wide-open skies. Nights here are especially dark, which makes it a favorite spot for stargazing. If you’re looking for solitude inside the park, Kulanaokuaiki is one of the best choices.
We’re always updating this guide with new details and booking links. As of September 2025, this is the best info you’ll find on about Kulanaokuaiki Campground.
Kulanaokuaiki Campground Amenities
Facilities are basic, so come prepared to camp self-sufficiently.
- Campsites: Nine tent-only sites, each with a picnic table and a tent pad.
- Restrooms: A vault toilet (no running water).
- Water: No drinking water on site—bring your own.
- Cooking: Fires are not allowed. You may only use contained cooking stoves.
- Parking: A small lot sits near the campsites, but space is limited.
- Checkout: 11:00 a.m.
- Pets: Not allowed in the campground or anywhere along Hilina Pali Road.
- Accessibility: The vault toilet is accessible, and some campsites are too. Check the NPS accessibility info for current details.
This is a tent-only campground. There are no cabins, showers, or hookups. The simple setup makes it ideal for campers who want a quiet, natural experience.
How to Get to Kulanaokuaiki Campground
The campground sits about 5 miles down Hilina Pali Road, which turns off from Chain of Craters Road inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
- From Kīlauea Visitor Center: ~7.3 miles (≈3.3 mi on Crater Rim Drive + ~4 mi on Hilina Pali Road), about 15–20 minutes by car.
- From Hilo: ≈30 miles (≈45 minutes) to the Visitor Center, plus another 15–20 minutes to the campground (total ≈60–70 minutes).
- From Kona: ≈95 miles (≈2–2.5 hours) to the Visitor Center, plus another 15–20 minutes to the campground.
The road is paved but narrow. It’s not a good choice for oversized vehicles or trailers.
Best Time to Visit Kulanaokuaiki Campground
The Ka‘ū Desert is drier than the park’s rainforests, but the weather can change quickly.
- Daytime: Highs range from the upper 60s to 90s°F.
- Nighttime: Lows range from the upper 40s to upper 60s°F.
- Year-round: Use a tent with a good rainfly and pack warm layers. Winds can be strong, and rain showers can roll in suddenly.
Because of its small size, the campground usually feels less crowded than other parts of the park.
Kulanaokuaiki Campground Fees and Reservations
Kulanaokuaiki Campground is first-come, first-served — reservations are not available.
- Check National Park Service site for updates.
- Tent Camping: $10 per site, per night.
- Discount Rate: $5 per site, per night for Interagency Senior (Golden Age) and Access pass holders.
- Payment: Use the self-registration station at the campground.
- Stay Limit: Up to 7 consecutive nights.
- Park Entry Fee: $30 per private vehicle (valid for 7 days), or free with an annual pass.
History of Kulanaokuaiki Campground
Kulanaokuaiki sits in the Ka‘ū Desert, an area shaped by centuries of volcanic activity from Kīlauea. Early Hawaiians traveled through this rugged land and left behind petroglyphs, which you can still see in nearby areas of the park.
The campground itself is one of the newer public campgrounds in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The National Park Service created it as a quiet, low-impact camping area, different from the larger Nāmakanipaio Campground near the park entrance. Its location makes it a peaceful place to connect with the park’s volcanic landscape, far from the busier parts of the park.
Is Kulanaokuaiki Campground camper van or roof top tent friendly?
No. This is a tent-only campground. RVs, trailers, overnight vehicle camping, and rooftop tents are not allowed. Visitors park in the small lot and walk to their sites. Rules can change, so check the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park website or call the park office before your trip.
Kulanaokuaiki Campground Alternatives
If you can’t get a site or prefer more amenities, here are some options:
- Nāmakanipaio Campground: Located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, this larger campground offers restrooms, water, and rental cabins.
- Kulaniapia Falls Campground: A private campground near Hilo with a beautiful waterfall and more facilities. This is not part of the national park.
- County Beach Parks: Hawai‘i County runs several coastal parks, such as Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park. You need a permit to camp at these sites.
Conclusion
Kulanaokuaiki Campground offers a peaceful, back-to-basics camping experience in the heart of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. With only nine tent sites, basic facilities, and plenty of quiet, it’s perfect for campers who love solitude and starry night skies. Surrounded by lava landscapes and close to some of the island’s most dramatic volcanic features, this spot gives you a special way to experience Hawaii’s raw, natural beauty.
Pro-tip: Don’t visit Kulanaokuaiki Campground or anywhere around Big Island without renting a campervan far in advance, and when you rent with Lemon Drop Campers you can get 10% off your rental by using the code 7F97KR8Y at checkout.