Kauai Hawaii Winter Camping – Custom by Nicole Photography : Adventure wedding & elopement photographer based in Hudson Valley NY available for travel

December in Kauai

It doesn’t get much better than Kauai Hawaii for a winter getaway! This trip was on the short side, four and a half days. We decided to try out camping! Overall it was a fun experience and it helped to feel more connected with the land. Plus we were out exploring every day from sunrise until sunset so paying for a hotel mainly just to sleep didn’t seem necessary for this visit. I’ll share some information in case you are thinking of this option for your stay. As far as location and scenery, there’s some fantastic options for campsites on the island! The facilities are decent at each with the exception of a good shower.

County Campgrounds

We stayed the first night at Anini Beach Park on the north shore which offers a nice long flat stretch of grass to setup on. The grassy area sits right up against the beach so you can pitch your tent right next to the ocean if desired! The 2nd and 3rd nights we stayed at Salt Pond Park on the south side of the island. It also was beach front. I especially enjoyed this beach for how gentle it was. The ocean is more aggressive during the winter months. Reefs surround Salt Pond which make calm pools at the shore to swim in year long. It’s a really great place for children! I enjoyed the snorkeling here.

Both of these parks require an overnight camping permit from the County which you can reserve through the mail prior to arrival or by visiting their office Monday through Friday. The fee is very minimal.

State Park Campground

The final night, we stayed at the Koke’e State Park campground. The permit for this campground must be reserved online on Hawaii’s State website, here. We enjoyed that this campground is so close to the wonderful hikes around Waimea Canyon and the Napali mountains!

Seeing the Napali coast from the top of the mountains, whether it’s from one of the drive up lookouts or you take a hike on one of the ridges, is a must when visiting this island! Though we didn’t have the opportunity on this trip, a helicopter tour and a hike along the base of the coast on the Kalalau Trail are also very highly recommended activities! Note that a permit is required now for day hikes on this trail and spots fill up fast! You can reserve a spot at www.gohaena.com. The Koke’e campground is in the mountains, far from houses, stores, and hotels so it is very peaceful. With no light pollution, the evening sky is especially beautiful to stare at!

Here’s photos from exploring this incredible island for a few days!