Campgrounds and RV parks near Wainaku, HI

Wainaku sits on the windward coast of Hawaii Island, immediately north of Hilo along the Hamakua shoreline. The area works as a base for RV travelers exploring the east side of the Big Island, with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park roughly an hour south, Akaka Falls a short drive north, and Mauna Kea accessible via Saddle Road. Campground options in the immediate Wainaku area are limited. Hawaii's Best Campspot is the closest listed option and works as a launch point for day trips up the Hamakua Coast and inland toward the volcano. Hawaii County parks and the two state-park campgrounds on the island round out the developed public options. RV renters should note that the in-park campgrounds at Hawaii Volcanoes are tent-only, and the two Hawaii Island state parks that allow camping, Kalopa State Recreation Area and Kiholo State Park Reserve, are also not configured for RVs. Private campgrounds and county parks with vehicle access are the practical fit for a rented RV.

Private campgrounds near Wainaku, including Hawaii's Best Campspot, are typically booked directly through the operator or through the RV rental marketplace listing. Reserve early for June through August and the December holiday window. Hawaii County parks require a paid permit for camping, purchased online through the County of Hawaii Department of Parks and Recreation or in person at the Aupuni Center office in Hilo. Hawaii State Parks has transitioned to a new camping reservation system at explore.ehawaii.gov, where users create an account to book, with Kalopa State Recreation Area bookable 90 days in advance and Kiholo State Park Reserve 30 days in advance. The two drive-in campgrounds at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are Namakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki. Namakanipaio and its cabins are operated by the Volcano House concession and generally require reservations through the lodge, while Kulanaokuaiki is first-come, first-served with a nightly fee paid at a self-registration station.