Map showing campground location near Hilo, Hawaii

Camper submitted image from Kalopa State Recreation Area Campground

Kalopa State Recreation Area Campground

Hiking enthusiasts will find well-maintained trails winding through native Hawaiian forest at Kalopa State Recreation Area Campground. Located in the mountains above Honokaa, this state park campground operates year-round at an elevation that brings cooler temperatures and frequent mist. The property includes both tent sites and cabins, with tent camping starting at $20 per night while cabins range up to $70.

The campground features three designated tent sites with covered platforms that protect campers from rain on concrete floors. A shared pavilion provides gathering space, and separate restroom facilities serve the camping area. Karrieanne W. notes that "since this location is up in the mountains, it is cold at night" and recommends bringing warm layers. The elevation also means frequent rainfall and morning mist that hangs over the forested landscape.

Campers can explore the easy one-mile Kalopa Nature Trail loop, which passes through dense native vegetation and rare plant species. The park maintains a small gated garden with labeled native plants for educational purposes. A dining hall with kitchen facilities serves cabin guests, though visitors should bring their own coffee equipment. Mosquito repellent proves essential, and coqui frogs provide constant nighttime sounds that some find disruptive to sleep.

Advance reservations are required for this small facility, with different rates for Hawaii residents versus visitors.

Check Availability Suggest an Edit

Location

Public Campground

Kalopa State Recreation Area Campground is located in Hawaii

Address

44 3480 Kalaniai Rd, Honokaa
Honokaa, HI 96727

Coordinates

20.0404491424561 N
155.437316894531 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 3/3/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Good Coverage

Is Kalopa State Recreation Area Campground sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 3/3/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Good Coverage

Access

Have you camped here? Help us improve this campground page.

Add Access Type

Site Types

Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Make reservation

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the lush tropical mountain setting, well-equipped facilities, and excellent value for money. Several guests reported the coqui frogs can be quite noisy at night, so earplugs are recommended.

taylor C.

Scout

Reviewed Jan. 5, 2021

Upland forest beauty

Awesome hiking/running trails, many native plant species difficult to find elsewhere. Pavilions and cabins for rent. check the county website for availability.

Sasha W.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 26, 2018

So much fun

The Kalopa State Rec Area park/beach is one of my favorites. It has such a jungle feel to it is why I think I really love it. It is located in Honokaa. There are so many beautiful plants and trees, and the people who work there say that they are pretty rare plants. The hibiscus plants are amazing, and they are everywhere. Loved seeing these flowers everywhere that I walked. The weather was okay when we went. It rained quite a bit, it was damp and pretty cloudy. One thing we enjoyed doing was hikes nearby. You can do the Kalopa Nature Trail. It is super easy, and only about 1 mile long. The loop takes you through all the gorgeous greenery and pretty trees. You can stay in little cabins in the campground, which were about $90 per night. A lot cheaper than staying in a hotel. You can also camp, which we didnt do but I saw that it costs around $20 a night to do this, even cheaper! The cabins were pretty small. There was 4 of us staying in here, and it felt a little tight. We made it work, though! Restaurants are nearby, maybe a 10 minute drive. Some great yummy places to eat. There is also a grocery store around there too. We went here and grabbed a few groceries to have for snacks, breakfast and dinners. We also went down to the beach that isnt far away. Drove about 15 minutes to reach the beach. Loved swimming and body boarding.

Month of VisitAugust

(10) View All

Karrieanne W.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 15, 2018

Great hiking, and a nice cool place to escape the heat.

Kalopa is one of my favorite campgrounds here on the Big Island. the cabins are affordable, and including a large dining hall with a kitchen. The kitchen does have a few pots and pans, but if you want coffee, bring a press. Showers in the cabin are small, but nice and hot. Just don't forget to turn on the water heater. Since this location is up in the mountains, it is cold at night. It rains often, and has a wonderfully magical mist that hangs around morning and evening. My husband and I chose this location to get married, since it is such a beautiful and cool spot, hurricane Issel had other plans for us. The trails there range from easy to difficult. The native plants in the area are beautiful, there is even a small gated garden with all the native plants inside labeled. The staff at the park are a wealth of knowledge, and are amazingly kind.

(4) View All

Christie L.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 27, 2018

Undescriblable

Year round accessibilty. Phenominal views of the mountains and ocean.Super friendly camplers on site!

Month of VisitJanuary

Sharon N.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 3, 2017

"Coolest" place to camp

I live on the island, but down at sea level. I had always wanted to come up and camp here because the nights are cool and the tent site is in the woods. Some times we need to escape the heat. :) It is a small location that needs to be reserved in advance. The cost is different for residents and visitors. We stayed at the tent sites, but have heard good things about the cabins. There are three tent sites, with a men and women bathroom and large shared pavilion. I liked how the sites have raised and covered places you can pitch your tent under in case it rains. Make sure you bring a mattress of some sort as the shelter floor is concrete. Also bring mosquito spray they like this campsite as well.

We met the others camping that night and had great conversation under the shared pavilion. There are also a couple really lovely hiking trails to explore during the day!

Month of VisitJanuary

Elliott B.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 27, 2016

Beautiful, but oh so noisy...

Amazing section of the island. You need a permit to camp, but you'll find yourself immersed in a tropical lush wonderland. Bring ear plugs unless you sleep like a log... The crogui frogs will wake the dead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there cabins available at Kalōpā State Recreation Area?

Yes, Kalōpā State Recreation Area offers affordable cabins for overnight stays. The cabin accommodations include access to a large dining hall with a kitchen facility. The kitchen comes equipped with some basic pots and pans, though guests should bring their own coffee press if they want coffee. The cabins feature small but nice showers with hot water. Be sure to make reservations in advance as these facilities are popular.

What camping options are available at Kalōpā State Recreation Area?

Kalōpā State Recreation Area offers tent camping in a wooded area that requires advance reservations. The campground is relatively small, so securing a spot ahead of time is essential. Camping permits are required with different pricing for residents and visitors. The camping area provides a unique experience in a tropical, lush forest environment with cool nighttime temperatures, making it a pleasant escape from the heat of lower elevations on the Big Island.

What hiking trails can I access at Kalōpā State Recreation Area?

Kalōpā State Recreation Area features hiking trails through a lush tropical forest environment. The trails showcase rare and beautiful plant species, including impressive hibiscus plants. While walking the paths, you'll be surrounded by the unique jungle-like atmosphere that makes this park special. The recreation area offers phenomenal views of both the mountains and ocean during your hikes. The trails are accessible year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy this natural wonderland regardless of when they visit.

Keep Exploring