Mālaekahana State Recreation Area Campground

Mālaekahana State Recreation Area Campground is a great place for anyone on the windward side of O'ahu to spend a few nights. Campers can enjoy the tropics from their tent straddled by two beautiful bays and wide beaches that stretch into the distance. There are indoor and outdoor showers, bathrooms, picnic tables, and 37 developed campsites available for tent camping from Friday to Wednesday. There are plenty of large trees for shade and shelter from the afternoon showers. Goat Island sits just offshore, and there are some views of the Ko'olau Mountains running along the shore.

Camping is not a big part of the culture for many people growing up in Hawaii, but it seems like everyone has stayed at Mālaekahana at least once. It is a very popular destination for people in Kailua who are trying to get away from the quickly growing town. The ocean here is usually calm in the summer and more dangerous in the winter, but it is nothing like the North Shore. You can stand-up paddle and bodysurf, and the shore fishing isn't too bad either.

Mālaekahana State Recreation Area Campground is located on the southern end of the bay of the same name. Farther north is the similarly named Mālaekahana Beach Campground, and it can be easy to get the two confused when making reservations or looking for your site. Keep an eye on your valuables especially when entering the water. Reservations are available.