A Hawaiian vacation can get pretty pricey. Hotels are a huge expense. But if you like camping, there’s a few great campgrounds that can make your stay a little more affordable, and get you out there in nature. This one is located right outside the national park.
Tent sites are $15 per night and are first come, a self pay station is available at the campground for cash or check. The cabins require reservation. Weekends ca be busy with locals so arrive on a weekday for your best chances. It is usually pretty quiet Monday through Thursday. This link will take you to their website where you can find out more.
https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/camp.htm
I recommend you fly into Kona not Hilo and stay at a hotel there on the sunny side for the first couple days, then drive to Volcano and camp for up to 7 days (depending on how long your here) then back to a nice hotel for the last night or two.
While camping at Namakanipaio you are right at Volcano National Park with all its wonders. Besides the volcano, you can explore Hilo and the lush jungles, waterfalls and valleys of the windward side. All this while spending only $15 per night for the campsite. Hilo gets the most rain of any city in America, remember that when planning your Big Island vacation.
The Kona, or leeward side is where you’re going to find the hot dry weather, gorgeous white sand, and picturesque sunsets. This is where you can do your snorkeling, surfing, sunset photography boat trips and such, as well as do any shopping. Hilo is a good sized town too, and has everything you could need, I would just recommend Ali’i Drive in Kona for locally made products and souvenirs. Staying right on Ali’i Drive is really nice because you can walk to all the best shops and dining as well as the outdoor markets. Both Hilo and Kona have a Walmart, Kona has Costco.
This giant eucalyptus tree is the biggest of many large trees in the campground. It’s so beautiful, imagine what eruptions it has witnessed, and survived. Such amazing energy here. It’s a rest stop to stretch my legs and use the restroom on the drive from my house to Hilo, which is around 70 miles.
The cabins have been recently renovated and I’ve seen lots of people staying in them. Not sure the cost but the link above will have the info. If tenting isn’t your thing, these might suit you better.
Thanks for checking out my Hawaii travel blog. Watch for more in this series as I share what I know and love about my home, this tiny speck of paradise in the vast Pacific.
Remember to #growyourown if you can,
If not, #knowyourfarmer , and always, #choosefreedom
