Plush Camping on the North Shore Oahu : Camp Mokuleia

Camping on the North Shore Oahu 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, our oldest, 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 with friends on the North Shore Oahu. 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 much. We decided to try Camp Mokuleia which is kind of expensive for camping ($20 pp as of 2024/5) 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 the cozy tent. 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 easy 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 over morning coffee. And as far as sleep, well, I’ve had worse nights.

Exploring the Area

One of the draws of Camp Mokuleia is it’s remote location. Take advantage of the solitude with some adventures in the area.

• Take a wonderful coastal hike to Kaena Point at the very tip of Oahu
• Make the steep ascent up the cliff face to submerge yourself in unexpected pine trees
• Vsit nearby Dillingham airfield to skydive or take a peaceful glider flight.
• Family photos! Let me meet you for a fun evening of photos playing along the beach and roasting marshmallows – memories you’ll want to hang onto. You can see some family photo sessions here, here and here.

Do You Have a Family That Likes to Camp?

If you prefer free camping, check out another favorite campsite on the windward side of the island. Looking for more? Sign up for the Little Bird Post below for monthly tips on Oahu family fun.