There’s a moment driving out on Farrington Highway, past the last gas station and past the last strip mall, where the road narrows, the mountains creep closer, and the ocean gets louder. That’s when you know you’re getting somewhere special. Camp Mokulēʻia has that effect on people.
It’s not the most talked-about campground on Oahu, and honestly, that’s part of what makes it great. No crowds fighting for parking. No resort next door jacking up the vibe. Just ironwood trees, a long stretch of beach, and the kind of quiet that’s hard to find on this island.
Here’s everything you need to plan your stay.
What Is Camp Mokulēʻia?
Camp Mokulēʻia is a privately run retreat and campground on Oahu’s North Shore, operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaii. It sits on 40 beautiful acres right along a pristine stretch of the Mokulēʻia coast, about 50 minutes from Honolulu.
Here’s the important part: you don’t have to be religious to stay here. The camp welcomes campers of all backgrounds, including families, solo travelers, groups, and vanlifers. Hawaii families have made this a tradition for generations, and visitors from the mainland discover it every year. The camp has been here since 1947, when the Episcopal Church purchased the land from the McInerny family. What started as a small 2.5-acre setup grew into a full 40-acre retreat center with multiple accommodation types, dining, and activity programming. Two original 1920s structures still stand on the property.
Accommodations at Camp Mokulēʻia
This map is from Camp Mokulēʻia. You can also view or download the map of camp at this link.
Tentalos
The tentalos are the signature option here, and they’re the reason a lot of people pick this campground over the county parks. These are permanent wood-and-fabric tents built on raised platforms, kind of like glamping lite. Each one sleeps up to 4 people, sits close to the beach, and comes with its own private fire pit and picnic table right on the ocean shore.
Ventilation is genuinely good. The ocean breeze flows through even on warm nights, which matters a lot when things heat up on the North Shore. There are only 3 tentalos total, so they book up fast. Just remember to bring your own cot or air mattress, as the camp doesn’t provide sleeping pads or bedding.
Tent Sites
Camp Mokulēʻia has 7 named tent sites that range from small and secluded to large group-friendly spaces:
| Site | Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manini (Site #1) | Up to 10 guests | . |
| Weke (Site #2) | Up to 10 guests | . |
| Ulua (Site #3) | Up to 30 guests | Minimum 24 guests |
| O’io (Site #4) | Up to 15 guests | Minimum 12 guests |
| Uhu (Site #5) | Up to 10 guests | Minimum 8 guests |
| Right ‘Oama | Up to 15 guests | Minimum 12 guests |
| Left ‘Oama | Up to 15 guests | Minimum 12 guests |
Some sites sit tucked into wooded areas, others open directly onto the beach. A beachfront spot means waking up to sunrise over the Pacific, and that’s hard to beat.
Lodge Rooms
The camp has 18 lodge rooms available for rental groups. Fourteen rooms have two twin beds and four have a queen bed. The windows open wide and let in fresh ocean air, and the views make falling asleep pretty easy. Rollaways run an extra $35/night.
Single occupancy: $100/night.
Double occupancy: $160/night.
Cabins
Four larger cabins (Kalo, Ulu, Ilima, Kukui) hold up to 16 guests each at $30/person per night with a 12-guest minimum. Two smaller cabins (Pu’eo, Iwa) hold up to 10 guests each at the same rate with an 8-guest minimum. These work great for family reunions, sports teams, or larger group trips.
2026 Camping Rates
These are the official 2026 rates straight from the camp’s current rate sheet:
Campgrounds:
Tentalos: $100 per tentalo (max 4 guests).
All tent sites: $20 per person per night.
Meals (add-on, 10-person minimum):
Breakfast: $15/person.
Lunch: $16/person.
Sack Lunch / Bento Box: $13/person.
Dinner: $18/person.
Optional Add-Ons:
Campfire Pit: $50/night.
Pool: $100 for 2 hours (up to 25 guests).
Water Sports (kayaks, paddleboards, or Mega SUP): $150 for 2 hours.
Zip Line: $15/person (15-person minimum).
Challenge Course: $40/person (ages 12+, 15-person minimum).
Check the official Camp Mokulēʻia rates page for the full breakdown.
How to Make a Reservation
Campsite and tentalo reservations go through Campspot. It’s a simple online system. Browse dates, pick your site, and you’re done.
For lodge rooms, cabins, or group programming, head to the main reservations page or call the camp directly at (808) 637-6241.
Popular dates, especially summer weekends and holidays, fill up fast. If your trip is more than a month out, don’t wait on booking.
Getting There
Address: 68-729 Farrington Highway, Waialua, HI 96791
From Honolulu or Waikiki, plan about 50 minutes with normal traffic. Take H-2 North toward Wahiawa, then follow Kaukonahua Road (Route 803) to Farrington Highway (Route 930). Keep going past Waialua town. The camp sits on your right, directly across from Dillingham Airfield.
Stock up before you arrive. The nearest gas and groceries are in Waialua or Haleiwa, about 10 to 20 minutes back the way you came. Once you’re out there, you’re committed.
The camp uses a locked gate system and you’ll get arrival instructions and a gate code when you book. Plan your check-in and any late-night runs around the gate schedule.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (May through September) is the sweet spot. Ocean conditions stay calm, swimming is safe, and the weather is warm and sunny. This is when Mokulēʻia’s beach really shines.
Fall (October through November) is great too. Fewer people, solid ocean conditions, and that laid-back shoulder-season energy.
Winter (December through March) brings serious North Shore swells. Swimming gets dangerous, but watching those waves is spectacular. And from December through April, you can spot humpback whales offshore, which is a pretty amazing bonus.
Spring (April through May) is the transition period. Swells wind down and conditions improve, especially by May.
One thing stays consistent year-round: this part of Oahu is hot and dry. Pack sun protection and plenty of water no matter when you come.
What to Do Nearby
The North Shore location puts a lot of great stuff within easy reach.
Ka’ena Point State Park. A stunning 2.5-mile coastal hike out to Oahu’s westernmost point. Expect native seabirds, monk seals, and whale sightings in winter. One of the best hikes on the island, full stop.
Haleiwa Town. 15 minutes away. Get shave ice, grab a plate from Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, and browse the Waialua Sugar Mill. This is the social hub of the North Shore and worth a stop every time.
Dillingham Airfield. Right across the street from camp. Skydiving, glider rides, and hang gliding are all available here, and the views from above the North Shore coastline are absolutely unreal.
Hawaii Polo Club. Less than a mile from camp. Sunday polo matches run in season, with the Waianae Mountains as your backdrop. It’s a low-key and genuinely fun local experience.
Mokulēʻia Beach Park. The adjacent county park has picnic tables, restrooms, and good conditions for kiteboarding, snorkeling, and tide pool exploring when the ocean cooperates.
North Shore Surf Spots. Waimea Bay, Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Shark’s Cove are 20 to 30 minutes away. In summer they’re calm snorkeling paradise. In winter they’re world-famous spectacle.
Waimea Valley. About 9 miles east. A botanical garden with a swimmable waterfall, 5,000 plant species, and Hawaiian cultural programming. A great pick for a rainy afternoon.
Is Camp Mokulēʻia Campervan Friendly?
Yes, and it works really well for van camping. Several sites have enough space for campervans and rooftop tent setups, and the ground stays mostly level. You get access to the same bathroom and shower facilities as tent campers.
One thing to keep in mind: beachfront tent sites are walk-in only. You can’t drive right up to the water. If you’re in a van and want to sleep close to the ocean, you’ll park in the designated lot and walk your gear to a beachfront tent spot, or go for a tentalo instead.
The locked gate system actually works in your favor here. Your campervan is more secure inside the gated property than in most public beach parking lots around Oahu.
Pro-tip: If you’re renting a campervan for Oahu, book early. You can save 10% on your rental through our Outdoorsy link. Click through first so the discount applies, then use code LMONDROP10 at checkout. Rent a campervan for Oahu through our Outdoorsy link
Campground Rules Worth Knowing
Bring your own sleeping gear for tentalos. No cots or pads are provided.
The gate locks at night. Get your code at check-in and plan around it.
There are no lifeguards on duty. Ocean safety is on you. Always check surf conditions because the shore break at Mokulēʻia can be powerful, especially in winter.
Campfires go in designated pits only. Tentalo sites have their own. For a tent site fire, add the campfire pit for $50/night.
Pets are generally not allowed, with the exception of service animals.
Respect quiet hours. The camp hosts a mix of families, church groups, and solo travelers, so it’s a shared space.
Leave no trace. Trash receptacles are on-site, but the expectation is you pack out what you pack in.
Keep 50+ feet from monk seals and 10+ feet from sea turtles. These rules apply across Hawaii and people take them seriously.
Alternatives If Camp Mokulēʻia Is Full
If the tentalos are booked or you want to compare options, here are solid nearby alternatives:
Northeastern shore with tent sites, cabins, and a beautiful beach. Book through Hawaii DLNR.
A county campground in Haleiwa with ocean views. Book through the Honolulu county camping system and go early because it fills fast.
On Waimanalo Beach and open to the public on weekends. Gorgeous beach and well-maintained facilities.
Windward side camping with dramatic Ko’olau Mountain views and the iconic Chinaman’s Hat offshore.
For county and state parks, book at camping.ehawaii.gov. Spots open 30 days in advance and go quickly.
Final Thoughts
Camp Mokulēʻia is genuinely one of the best camping spots on Oahu. It hits that sweet spot between accessible and remote. Close enough to Haleiwa for a supply run, far enough from the crowds to actually feel like you’re on a real island and not a theme park version of one.
Go for the tentalos if you want comfort with a beach view. Go for a beachfront tent site if you want that woke-up-20-feet-from-the-Pacific feeling. Either way, you’re going to have a great time.
Book early, bring your own bedding, stock up on supplies before you head out, and check the surf reports before you get in the water.
Reserve your spot at Camp Mokulēʻia →
And if you need a campervan to make the most of your time on Oahu, use our Outdoorsy link to save 10% with code LMONDROP10 at checkout.
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Pro-tip: Don’t visit Camp Mokulēʻia or anywhere around Oahu without renting a RV / campervan far in advance, and when you rent with Lemon Drop Campers you can get 10% off your rental by using the code LMONDROP10 at checkout. Click our Outdoorsy link.
- By
- Adeline Dela Cruz
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