Kulanaokuaiki
The Quick Take
Kulanaokuaiki is the campground you pick when you want Hawai'i Volcanoes without the parking lot circus. Tucked off Hilina Pali Road at about 3,200 feet, this tiny walk-in camp offers just nine sites -- making it one of the smallest and quietest spots in the entire park. The trade-off is real: no water, no fires, no frills whatsoever beyond a vault toilet and a picnic table. But what you get in return is a front-row seat to some of the most remote terrain on the Big Island, near the start of several backcountry trails that drop toward the coast. Nights here are cooler than at sea level and genuinely dark. If you want solitude over convenience and you are willing to pack in every drop of water you need, Kulanaokuaiki rewards the effort. Best for self-sufficient campers who treat amenities as optional.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 9 sites are reservable.
What You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. No electrical hookups.
Accessibility
Three campgrounds are wheelchair accessible Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Rules to Know
- Fires:Campfires, pets (except leashed service animals), driving off road, and operating Unmanned Aerial Systems (Drones) are prohibited.
- Bear Safety:Feeding of wildlife is prohibited.
Pro Tips
Bring more water than you think -- there is zero available at the campground, and the dry volcanic air at elevation dehydrates you faster than you expect. Plan on at least one gallon per person per day, plus extra for cooking.
Hilina Pali Road is the gateway to some of the park's best backcountry hiking, including the trail down to the coast. Set up camp here and use it as a base for day hikes toward Hilina Pali Overlook, which delivers a jaw-dropping view of the coastline far below.
The campground closes during high fire-risk periods, which can happen with little notice in dry months. Check the park's alerts page the morning you plan to arrive, and have Namakanipaio campground as a backup plan so you are not scrambling at sunset.
Photos
NPS/Ed Shiinoki
NPS Photo/J. Wei
NPS Photo/J. WeiGetting There
Directions
From Kilauea Visitor Center, turn left on Crater Rim Drive for 3.3 miles (5.3km) to the intersection of Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road. Turn left on Chain of Craters Road for 2.3 miles (3.7km). Turn right on Hilina Pali Road for 4 miles (6.4km) to the campground.
Get directions