Camping with Small Children

If you’re a fan of beachfront property, sunsets, and sandy toes, you may love Hawaii camping. We often camp while traveling to stretch our limited funds, experience remote areas, and spend more time in nature. However, with two young children, I’m at the point in my life where I value sleep a little more.

Micah has never been a great sleeper and Mila at eleven-months-old still doesn’t sleep through the night. She’s up twice a night, three times, four … A growth spurt, a new tooth, a cold, learning to crawl, learning to walk, another tooth. It’s been over three years since I had a good night’s rest. I miss sleep.

But we decided to take a gamble on sleep this weekend and took the kids camping on the north shore. I’ve been to many public campsites in Hawaii that tend to have loud music and parties that go on well into the night. I’ve been a part of those parties, but at this stage in my life, not so good. We decided to try Camp Mokuleia which is kind of expensive for camping ($15 pp) but has hot showers and an enforced quiet time. Not sure if that includes screaming babies?

Easy Beach Camping on Oahu

Although not quite glamping, Camp Mokuleia was easy and comfortable. With thick clouds overhead, we set up the tent right away. The kids played hide and seek in the covers and bounced on the air mattresses and didn’t want to leave. This must be why some people camp in their own backyard.

We coaxed them out mid-afternoon with a promise of tidepools and were delighted to find that the beach was beautiful and virtually empty. We only saw a handful of people over the entire weekend. The coast around the campground is too rocky and rough for swimming, but there was a tidal shelf with pukas to explore. We found crabs, anemones, sea cucumbers, and more. We meant to return with flashlights at night, but the kids crashed post-marshmallow roasting.

We were also right across from Dillingham airfield. In the morning airplanes buzzed overhead and dropped off scores of sky-divers. We watched them turn somersaults and speed to the ground. And as far as sleep, well, I’ve had worse nights.

Do You Have a Family That Likes to Camp?

Mokuleia is a great spot for a bit of solitude. If you visit in winter, don’t forget to hike out to Kaena Point for a dose of seals, albatross, whales, and waves. If you prefer free camping, check out another favorite campsite on the windward side of the island.

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