Introduction
Kalaeloa Beach Park is once part of the former Naval Air Station Barbers Point, the park now offers a quiet, oceanfront camping experience that feels worlds away from Honolulu’s crowds. The park is loved by locals for its fishing, surfing, and remote island feel, yet it’s just minutes from the conveniences of Kapolei.
In June 2024, the City and County of Honolulu officially received ownership of roughly 400 acres of the former base land from the U.S. Navy. This historic transfer allows the City’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to develop the area into a true regional park with upgraded facilities, new recreation zones, and a long-term Master Plan to guide its growth.
We keep this guide updated with fresh details and booking links. As of November 2025, this is the latest info on Kalaeloa Beach Park.
For now, Kalaeloa Beach Park remains a simple, natural, and affordable place to camp by the sea — ideal for travelers who enjoy peace, open skies, and west-side sunsets.
History of Kalaeloa Beach Park
The land known as Kalaeloa has a long and storied past. For centuries, it was considered a sacred coastal area, believed to be the birthplace and burial site of Hawaiian aliʻi (chiefs).
In 1796, British sea captain Henry Barber wrecked his ship Arthur in a hurricane off this coast. He and several crew members came ashore safely, and ever since, the area has been known as Barbers Point.
By the late 1800s, James Campbell purchased tens of thousands of acres here for sugar production, leasing the land to the Oahu Sugar Company. Agriculture dominated the area until the early 1900s, when the U.S. Navy began using the land for military air operations.
The ʻEwa Field and later the Naval Air Station Barbers Point (NASBP) became key military installations, even suffering heavy damage during the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. The airfield remained active throughout World War II and the Cold War.
In 1999, NAS Barbers Point officially closed under the Base Realignment and Closure Act, freeing large portions of land for community use. After years of coordination and environmental review, the City formally took title in 2024 to redevelop the area as Kalaeloa Regional Park.
Today, Kalaeloa Beach Park represents both history and renewal — a place where Oahu’s past meets its future, transforming from a former naval base into a community recreation haven.
Safety and Experience
Kalaeloa Beach Park feels calm and uncrowded, but it’s also quite rugged. Come prepared and plan to be self-sufficient.
Here are key things to know:
- Reef terrain: The nearshore reef shelf can be sharp, wear reef shoes if entering the water.
- No lifeguard on duty: Swim or surf only if conditions are calm.
- Winds: The west side can be breezy in the evenings, secure your tent and gear.
- No parking beside campsites: Vehicles must park along Eisenhower Road within the campground.
- Limited shade: Bring a canopy, hat, or sunshade.
- Comfort station closed: Portable toilets and outdoor showers are provided.
At night, you’ll hear ocean waves and occasional wind gusts. The area feels remote, but DPR staff and volunteers from 808 Cleanups regularly maintain and protect the park.
Kalaeloa Beach Park Amenities
Facilities:
- 13 official campsites (each accommodates up to 10 people).
- Outdoor showers (operational).
- Portable toilets (comfort station closed until further notice).
- Picnic tables and open grassy areas.
- Beach access for fishing and surfing.
- Trash bins.
- Unpaved parking along Eisenhower Road.
Important Notes:
- No potable water — bring your own.
- No electrical hookups or lighting.
- No campfires on the sand.
- All City campsites are closed Wednesdays and Thursdays for maintenance.
- Printed permit required for camping.
How to Get to Kalaeloa Beach Park
Location:
Eisenhower Road, ʻEwa Beach, HI 96706
Directions:
Take H-1 West toward Kapolei and exit at Kalaeloa/Barbers Point (Exit 1A). Continue on Roosevelt Avenue, then turn onto Coral Sea Road. Drive makai (toward the ocean) and follow signs to Eisenhower Road, which leads directly to the campground area near Barbers Point Lighthouse.
Parking:
Vehicles must park along the unpaved Eisenhower Road inside the campground. Parking directly beside campsites is no longer allowed.
Best Time to Visit Kalaeloa Beach Park
- May – September: Warm, dry, and ideal for beach camping and sunsets.
- April – May or October: Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and mild surf.
- November – March: Stronger winds and occasional rain, but peaceful atmosphere.
Because the park faces west, Kalaeloa is one of the best sunset-viewing beaches on Oahu, photographers will love the light near dusk.
Kalaeloa Beach Park Fees and Reservations
Reservations: Book directly through the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation portal. Reserve your Kalaeloa Beach Park campsite here
Camping:
- 13 campsites total.
- Maximum 10 people per permit.
- Permit valid: Friday 12 p.m. – Monday 8 am.
- Closed: Wednesday and Thursday for maintenance.
- Printed permit required on-site.
- All fees are non-refundable.
Things to do Nearby Kalaeloa Beach Park
- Surfing: The waves at Kalaeloa can be powerful during south swells; best for experienced surfers.
- Fishing: Excellent shoreline fishing; locals often catch papio (trevally) and ulua.
- Barbers Point Lighthouse: A short walk north of the campground; a great photo stop at sunset.
- History buffs: Visit the ʻEwa Field Battlefield Site nearby listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Kapolei amenities: Grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations are just 10–15 minutes away.
Is Kalaeloa Beach Park Camper Van or Roof Top Tent friendly?
Yes. Kalaeloa Beach Park is campervan and rooftop tent–friendly, as long as you follow all City rules and hold a valid permit.
Since parking beside campsites is no longer allowed, most van campers park along Eisenhower Road and set up nearby. The area is flat and open, perfect for vehicle-based camping setups.
Rangers may check permits, so always print your permit and display it when parked.
Pro tip: If you’re renting a campervan for your trip around Oahu, book early. You can save 10% when you rent with us through Outdoorsy using the code 7F97KR8Y at checkout.
Kalaeloa Beach Park Alternatives
If Kalaeloa Beach Park is full or you’d like to explore other camping spots.
- Mākua Beach Campground. Wild, scenic coastline with dramatic cliffs and open beach camping.
- Mokulē‘ia Beach Campground. North Shore site with calmer swimming and kite surfing.
- Bellows Field Beach Park. East Oahu campground with family-friendly facilities and turquoise water.
Conclusion
Kalaeloa Beach Park Campground is one of Oahu’s most unique camping spots, a blend of history, natural beauty, and future promise. From its naval past to its present role as a peaceful community campground, Kalaeloa embodies how Hawaii reclaims and restores its land.
The facilities may be basic, but the experience is rich, warm sunsets, quiet nights, and a sense of old Hawaii you can’t find elsewhere on the island.
So print your permit, pack extra water, and come camp under the west-side stars at Kalaeloa Beach Park.
Learn more and book permits at the official City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation Kalaeloa Beach Park page.
Pro-tip: Don’t visit Kalaeloa Beach Park Campground or anywhere around Oahu 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 or click our Outdoorsy link.