Best campgrounds by island · Permits · Water quality tips
One of Oahuʻs best beach camping spots. State park with tent camping on the sand near Laie. Good swimming conditions in calm summer months. Access to Goat Island offshore (wade at low tide only).
Open for camping Fri-Sun only. Beautiful white sand beach on the windward coast. Stream nearby creates moderate bacteria risk after rain.
Calm, protected bay ideal for families. Kahana Stream mouth nearby means waiting after rain is essential. County permit required.
One of Hawaiiʻs most iconic camping spots. Black lava sand, sea caves, and dramatic ocean views. Swimming at the black sand beach can be rough — check conditions carefully.
County park camping on north Mauiʻs best beach. Lifeguards on duty during the day. Stream mouth at east end — avoid that area after rain.
Hawaiiʻs longest beach at 17 miles. Extremely remote. Swimming is dangerous due to shore break and currents — this is a beach for sunsets and stargazing, not swimming.
Protected swimming, good facilities, and historically significant Hawaiian salt ponds. The safest beach camping with swimming on Kauai.
Calm, protected swimming adjacent to Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site. Full facilities including showers. Good water quality from the dry Kohala Coast climate.
World-class beach with A-frame shelter camping. Lifeguards on duty. Excellent swimming in summer but dangerous shore break in winter. Book well in advance.
Know before you go — free alerts when water quality changes at Hawaii beaches.
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health or DLNR. Always verify with the Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch and obtain required camping permits before visiting.
When in doubt, donʻt go out. 🤙