MCBH Camping windward Oahu |Close to home, but so far away

Best season in Hawaii?

My love for August is only surpassed by my love for September. Best months of the year in Hawaii. We celebrated the start of August with a camping trip to Kaneohe Marine Corp Base (MCBH). That sounds a little weird, but there is actually a campsite next to the “Cabanas at Kaneohe Bay”. It’s on the north side of the runway, right along the water with a stellar view of Kaneohe Bay. We’re not in the military, but our friends brought us along as guests. If you have base access you can rent a spot for $20/night here. Thank you amazing military friends!

Kid Heaven

I’m pretty sure the beach campground adventure on base was Micah heaven. First of all, there are airplanes everywhere on base. Micah actually wanted to camp next to the airplanes at the entrance gate. Combine that with the beach, playing in the dirt, climbing trees, glow swords, fire, and junk food all with his best-est buddy … What could be better? Mila was wary of the boys. She preferred to watch them from a distance like exotic, but dangerous animals. If any came close, she sets off alarm bells.

A Visit to North Beach

We made a trip to north beach on our second day and it was amazing. It was really calm and the water was crystal clear -so, so nice for swimming. Plus it was low tide so we could walk out onto the shelf and look for crabs and fish in all the pukas. It was so nice that I didn’t want to leave. It really felt like we were far away, on another island, but within 10 minutes we were back home in Kaneohe. Surreal.

Parting Words + Tips for MCBH camping

If you decide to go camping, my words of wisdom are :  glow swords make everything better and s’mores are essential. Update: we did return to this spot to camp again the following year and although it was just as fun, it was also loud. You are camping next to a training runway after all. Those late night opps can make it tough to sleep. So bring ear plugs and have fun!

Looking for more family camping opportunities on Oahu? Check out my personal favorites for a country getaway at this campground in Laie and this private campground on the north shore.