Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park guide · 1 min read
Nāmakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki Campgrounds
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has two drive-in tent campgrounds, Nāmakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki.
Both work on a first-come, first-served basis, so there are no reservations to make. Nāmakanipaio is the larger of the two, with 16 sites, while Kulanaokuaiki has nine. Stays are limited to 7 days.
Nāmakanipaio sits at 4,000 feet, about 31.5 miles south of Hilo on Highway 11. It is a large, open grassy area dotted with tall eucalyptus and ʻōhiʻa trees. Restrooms, water, picnic tables and barbecue pits are available, and campfires are allowed only in the barbecue pits. The area may be cool and damp year-round, with nighttime temperatures from the 30s to the low 50s, so a tent with a good rainfly and warm clothing is recommended.
Kulanaokuaiki lies at 3,200 feet off Hilina Pali Road. Its nine walk-in tent sites come with picnic tables, and two of the sites are wheelchair accessible. An accessible vault toilet is on site, but no water is available. Campfires are not permitted, so visitors must use fueled camping stoves only. No dogs or pets are allowed, which helps protect the endangered nēnē.
The drive to Kulanaokuaiki follows Hilina Pali Road, which branches from Chain of Craters Road and offers scenic views. From the Kīlauea Visitor Center, take Crater Rim Drive to Chain of Craters Road, turn onto Hilina Pali Road, and go about 4 miles to the campground. The road is a narrow, one-lane paved route about 9 miles long that leads to Hilina Pali Overlook, and there are no services anywhere along it. Before you set out, check current road conditions at the Kīlauea Visitor Center, and pack water, extra layers and sturdy footwear.
