For those who want to experience Hawaii Volcanoes National Park while camping, Namakanipaio campground is the easiest and most convenient way to do so. Sitting 31.5 miles south of Hilo, Namakanipaio is only a 1/2 mile walk from the Jaggar Museum on the edge of Kilauea’s Halemaumau crater. Volcano sits at an elevation of 4000 feet and at nighttime it gets downright cold. It rains in here nearly every day and evening temperatures at Namakanipaio can drop as low as 30 degrees farenheit, so if you’re camping here make sure to have rain gear and plenty of warm clothes.
The Campground is a large grassy area beneath towering Ohia and Eucalyptus trees. Camping is free and on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations, no permits required. Camping is limited to 7 nights per month.
Namakanipaio has restrooms, water, picnic tables and barbecue pits. Campfires are permitted only in the pits provided. This area is extremely wet and fire wood is not available. (Even if you do manage to find dry, dead wood, it’s against park regulations to remove it) If you plan on making a fire you’ll need to bring your own firewood or fuel.
Namakanipaio also has rustic cabins for rent by reservation only. As of April 2012 the cabins are being renovated and are scheduled to reopen in late 2012.
1 comments on “Namakanipaio Campground”