Malaekahana State Recreation Area sits on Oahu’s northeastern coast between Laie and Kahuku, about 35 miles from Waikiki. It’s one of the best family camping spots on the island: a long, wide beach, shady ironwood trees, Goat Island just offshore, and far enough from town to feel like a real escape. This is a spot dominated by locals, which on a weekend in Hawaii means music, big groups, and the occasional generator running late. Go on a weekday if you want quiet. Any day if you don’t mind the company.
An Epic Camping Adventure
Fat tears rolled down his cheeks as he wailed, “I miss the campground! Can we go back tomorrow?”A delighted Mila popped into the room. “We’re going camping again tomorrow?!” I think it’s safe to say my kids love camping. The weeks following our trip were filled with random outbursts of nostalgia and planning for our swift return. “Will the tree swing still be there?” “Can we go back to the exact, exact same spot?” “What about the hammocks, and the s’mores? Can we bring them again?”One gloomy, dare I say, chilly weekend playing in the dirt with friends was a serious highlight of their little lives. On par with a stay at Aulani – the greatest thing that ever happened to them and the stick against which all events must be compared.
Letting the Kids Go Feral
Over the years they have developed a worrisome attraction to luxury. “Can we go to a nice sushi restaurant?” “When can I have diamonds?” I was a tomboy raised on TV dinners and I haven’t changed much. I’m not exactly sure where these children came from. In any case, letting them go feral for a few days of camping seems to bring them back down to earth. We usually only camp on inter-island or mainland trips, but we’ve visited some great spots of Oahu too like Bellows Beach (but oh, so crowded), Kaneohe Marine Corp Base, Camp Mokuleia, and now we can add Malaekahana to the list. For a few dollars, you can grab a camping permit from DLNR and enjoy oceanside living for a few days. Picture yourself in a hammock by the shore, rocking gently in the salty breeze. Pretty sweet.
Lounge, play in the surf, experience a tree swing (not just for kids), create art, or if you’re feeling adventurous, make the trek out to Goat Island (spoiler alert, there aren’t any goats). The hammocks alone were a big hit with the kids. So was the treehouse tent that our friends brought.
The campground was clean and quiet (but roosters … after living in Kaneohe for 8 years I’m immune but they bother some). The gloomy weekend may have kept the crowds down because I hear it can get loud. This is a spot popular with local families, which in Hawaii often means big groups, music, and people who know how to have a good time. Weekdays are noticeably quieter.
The Logistics
Malaekahana State Recreation Area has two sections. The Kalanai Point section (southern entrance, near Laie) is the one described in this post and is currently open for camping. The Kahuku section (northern entrance) has been closed since 2023 for infrastructure upgrades and is expected to reopen under new management in 2026. Check the DLNR site for current status before you go.
Camping permit: Reserve through explore.ehawaii.gov. You’ll need to create an account. Camping is available Friday through Wednesday only. No camping on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Book early for weekends, ideally when the 30-day window opens. Residents pay $20 per night.
Park hours: Summer (April 1 through Labor Day) 7am to 7:45pm. Winter 7am to 6:45pm. The gates close at 6:45pm for safety, which means your car gets locked in if you’re still there. You can park outside the gates but that’s unofficial and your car is at risk. Plan your arrival accordingly.
Showers: Cold water only.
Campsite to parking: The parking lot is close but you can’t drive to your campsite. Budget for a short carry of about 200 feet. A cart is useful if you’re loaded up.
What to bring: Tent, sleeping bags, food and cooking supplies. There are fire pits at each site but no grills. Secure your food, there are chickens, birds, cats and mongoose that will find it. Bug spray is worth having in winter months and watch out for centipedes. And yes, s’mores supplies are non-negotiable.
A note on the ocean: The water in front of the campground is rocky and not ideal for swimming. The best swimming is in a small sandy inlet on the northern edge of the park. Watch for currents between shore and Goat Island, particularly if kids are crossing on foot at low tide.
Ready for family camping Oahu?
I leave you with the most decadent s’mores recipe known to man. Homemade crispy chocolate chip cookies hugging a perfectly golden marshmallow. Nothing short of amazing. Now you want to go camping, right?
Family Photos Near Malaekahana
Malaekahana is one of those places that produces the kind of photos nobody planned for. Kids covered in sand, parents finally relaxed, everyone exactly where they’re supposed to be. If you’re spending time on this stretch of the island and want to make a morning of it, you can see what sessions look like nearby at Laie Beach, Kawela Bay, and Turtle Bay. And if it looks like something your family would be into, here’s where to start.
Family Camping at Malaekahana FAQs
A: Reserve through explore.ehawaii.gov. Create an account, select your dates, and book early for weekends. Camping is available Friday through Wednesday only. The Kalanai Point (southern) section is currently the open section. Check the DLNR site before booking to confirm current availability.
A: The ocean directly in front of the campground is rocky and not ideal for swimming. The best spot is a small sandy inlet on the northern edge of the park. The waves can be significant, particularly in winter. No lifeguard on duty, so watch kids closely near the water.
A: About 35 miles, roughly an hour with light traffic. Allow more time on weekends and during peak tourist season when everything moves slower.
A: Yes. Mokuleia Island (Goat Island) sits just offshore and is reachable on foot at low tide. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to wade across at the right conditions. There are no goats, but there are seabirds and a quiet beach on the far side. Read more about the crossing and what to expect here. Check tide times and watch the currents before you go.
A: Yes. It’s one of the more accessible, public campgrounds on Oahu. Flat terrain, flush toilets, cold water showers, and fire pits at each site. The main adjustment for first-timers is the short carry from the parking lot to your campsite, so bring a cart if you’re loaded up. The beach and Goat Island keep kids occupied for days. Weekdays are quieter and a better introduction to the campground than a busy summer weekend.
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