There is something truly special about sleeping under the stars at 4,000 feet. You wake up to crisp mountain air and the chorus of forest birds. The Kokeʻe campground offers a rustic and memorable experience for the well-prepared camper.
The Experience
This isn't beach camping. This is mountain camping. Expect cool temperatures, misty mornings, and a profound sense of being immersed in the forest.
Permits and Logistics
Camping is by permit only. You must book a specific campsite online through the DLNR's official reservation portal. I recommend doing so as soon as your plans are firm—up to 90 days in advance, as sites fill up quickly.
Fees (2024)
- • Hawaiʻi Residents: $20 per night
- • Non-Residents: $30 per night
- • Maximum Stay: 5 consecutive nights
- • Booking Window: Up to 90 days in advance
How to Book
- • Visit the DLNR camping reservation website
- • Create an account if you don't have one
- • Select Kokeʻe State Park
- • Choose your dates and campsite
- • Pay online with credit card
- • Print or save your permit confirmation
⚠️ Important Permit Information
- • You must have your permit with you at the campground
- • Rangers do check permits, especially on weekends
- • Permits are non-transferable
- • Check-in time is typically 2 PM, check-out is 11 AM
- • Review the cancellation policy when booking
Campground Facilities
The campground is minimally developed but has the essentials for a comfortable stay:
✅ Available
- • Restrooms with flushing toilets
- • Cold outdoor showers
- • Drinking water spigots
- • Picnic tables at each site
- • Fire rings (no wood fires allowed)
- • Trash receptacles
❌ Not Available
- • Hot showers
- • Electrical hookups
- • WiFi or internet
- • Cell phone service (limited)
- • Firewood sales
- • Camp store
📍 Nearby
- • Lodge restaurant (limited hours)
- • Kōkeʻe Museum
- • Multiple trailheads
- • Lookout points
- • Nearest store: Waimea (45 min)
Critical Rules and Tips
🥶 The Cold: Most Important Tip
This is the most important tip I can give you. It gets cold at night, year-round. Temperatures can easily drop into the 40s (°F), and in winter, even into the 30s.
- • A warm sleeping bag (rated to at least 30°F) is essential
- • A sleeping pad to insulate you from the cold ground is not optional
- • Bring layered clothing for sleeping
- • Warm hat and gloves for early morning
- • Don't underestimate how cold 40°F feels when you're trying to sleep
🚐 No Campervans
The state park rules are very clear on this: camping is for tents only in the designated campsites.
- • Campervans are not permitted
- • RVs are not permitted
- • Rooftop tents are not permitted
- • You must use a traditional ground tent
- • Sleeping in vehicles is prohibited
🔥 No Campfires
To protect the forest, open wood campfires are strictly prohibited.
- • You must use a campstove for cooking
- • Portable grills are allowed
- • No burning of wood or charcoal in fire rings
- • Bring a camping stove with fuel
- • Violations can result in fines and ejection
🦆 Wildlife Safety
The campground is home to native wildlife, including the endangered nēnē (Hawaiian goose).
- • Never feed wildlife—it's illegal and harmful
- • Store all food in your vehicle or sealed containers
- • Keep a clean campsite
- • Observe nēnē from a distance
- • Report aggressive wildlife to rangers
Complete Camping Packing List
Mountain camping at 4,000 feet requires different gear than beach camping. Here's everything you need:
🏕️ Shelter & Sleep
- • Tent with rainfly (waterproof)
- • Ground tarp or footprint
- • Sleeping bag (30°F rating minimum)
- • Sleeping pad (insulated, not just foam)
- • Pillow (camping or inflatable)
- • Extra blankets (seriously, bring extras)
👕 Clothing
- • Base layers (moisture-wicking)
- • Fleece or insulated jacket
- • Waterproof rain jacket
- • Rain pants
- • Warm hat and gloves
- • Extra socks (wool or synthetic)
- • Sturdy shoes/boots
🍳 Cooking
- • Camp stove with fuel
- • Pots and pans
- • Utensils and plates
- • Cooler with ice
- • Water bottles (refillable)
- • Dish soap and sponge
- • Trash bags
🔦 Essentials
- • Headlamp/flashlight with extra batteries
- • First aid kit
- • Toiletries (biodegradable soap)
- • Towel (quick-dry)
- • Sunscreen and bug spray
- • Matches/lighter
- • Multi-tool or knife
Optional but Highly Recommended
Food Planning Tips
The nearest full grocery store is in Waimea, about 45 minutes down the mountain. Plan your meals carefully and bring everything you need.
Meal Ideas for Mountain Camping
Breakfast
- • Oatmeal with dried fruit
- • Eggs and bacon
- • Pancakes
- • Hot coffee/tea
Lunch
- • Sandwiches
- • Trail mix and fruit
- • Soup in a thermos
- • Energy bars
Dinner
- • Chili or stew
- • Pasta with sauce
- • Grilled meats/veggies
- • Hot chocolate
Pro Food Tips
- • Pre-cook and freeze meals at home—they'll thaw in your cooler and stay cold longer
- • Bring hot drinks—coffee, tea, hot chocolate are essential in the cold mornings
- • Pack high-calorie snacks for hiking
- • Store all food in your vehicle overnight to avoid wildlife issues
- • Bring extra water—the spigots can sometimes have low pressure
Weather Considerations
Summer Camping (April-October)
Generally drier and warmer, but still cool at night.
- • Daytime: 60s-70s°F
- • Nighttime: 50s-60s°F
- • Less rain but still possible
- • More crowded campground
- • Book further in advance
Winter Camping (November-March)
Colder and wetter, but fewer people and a true wilderness experience.
- • Daytime: 50s-60s°F
- • Nighttime: 40s-50s°F (can drop to 30s)
- • More frequent rain
- • Fewer campers
- • Bring extra warm gear
🌺 Leave No Trace Principles
Kokeʻe is a fragile mountain ecosystem. Please follow these principles:
- • Pack out everything you pack in—leave no trash
- • Use established campsites and trails only
- • Dispose of wastewater properly (not on plants)
- • Keep noise levels down—respect other campers and wildlife
- • Don't pick plants or disturb wildlife
- • Clean your boots before and after hiking to prevent disease spread
- • Leave what you find—take only photos
Explore More of Kokeʻe
Discover the trails, lookouts, lodge, and wildlife
ℹ️ Camping Info
- Elevation: ~4,000 ft
- Residents: $20/night
- Non-Residents: $30/night
- Max Stay: 5 nights
- Temp Range: 40s-70s°F
- Permit: Required
🗺️ Kokeʻe Guide
🗺️ West Side Guide
⚠️ Critical Rules
- Bring warm sleeping gear (40s°F)
- Tents only—no campervans/RVs
- No wood campfires allowed
- Never feed wildlife
- Pack out all trash
🎒 Must Bring
- Warm sleeping bag (30°F rated)
- Insulated sleeping pad
- Rain jacket & rain pants
- Camp stove with fuel
- All food from Waimea
- Headlamp with extra batteries