In Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Nāmakanipaio Campground offers an unforgettable way to experience the Big Island’s unique landscape. Just three miles from the historic Volcano House, this campground is surrounded by fragrant eucalyptus groves and endemic ʻōhi’a trees. At an elevation of 4,000 feet, the campground invites you to trade in the buzz of everyday life for the calm rhythm of nature and the thrilling backdrop of an active volcano – Madame Pele’s house. I was fortunate to have stayed in this campground as a 9-year-old kid with my mother and big brother.
A Historic Campsite with a Modern Twist
Nāmakanipaio isn’t your average campsite. Managed by Hawai‘i Volcanoes Lodge Company in partnership with the National Park Service, it combines history and convenience. For generations, locals and travelers alike have set up tents here as a base for exploring the park’s many wonders. Today, campers can choose between traditional tent camping or staying in one of the cozy wooden cabins equipped with simple furnishings. These cabins, restored in recent years, add a touch of comfort while keeping the wilderness experience intact. We stayed in one of these little one-room cabins. I mostly remember waking up in the morning to the smell of sulfur from the volcano before we set out to hike the park and Kīlauea Iki trail.
The Setting: Cool Air and Millions of Stars
One of Nāmakanipaio’s unique features is its setting. Unlike Hawai‘i’s coastal campgrounds, the higher elevation of this spot means cool nights and crisp mornings, often accompanied by mist drifting through the trees. Stargazing here is spectacular—on clear evenings, the dark skies open to brilliant constellations unobstructed by city lights.
Amenities at Nāmakanipaio
The campground is simple but well-equipped for its size. You’ll find:
- Restrooms with running water
- Picnic tables and barbecue pits
- A grassy lawn area for tents (tents are available to rent)
- Rustic one-room cabins are available for reservation
While the cabins make camping accessible to those who prefer not to pack gear, tent campers will appreciate the well-maintained grounds and easy access to the park amenities.
Exploring Volcano Country
The real magic of Nāmakanipaio lies in its location. Just a short drive away, you’ll discover Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Hiking trails wind through lava fields, rainforests, and craters, each revealing a different face of the island’s volcanic past and present. By day, head over to the Welcome Center, currently serving as a temporary replacement for the Kīlauea Visitor Center while it is being renovated. The Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association operates a park store in the Welcome Center that sells books, posters and other educational materials. Proceeds benefit park programs.
I highly recommend visiting the Park website to ensure you’re aware of any alerts and closures.
While you are in the park, a must-do is the Kīlauea Iki Trail, where you’ll walk through a once-molten crater floor. At the same time, visit the fascinating Nāhuku Lava Tube (also known as the Thurston Lava Tube), and by night, head to viewpoints like Halema’uma’u Crater, where, if you’re lucky and Pele is showing up, fiery lava illuminates the sky.
Tips for Your Stay
- Pack for cool weather: Even in Hawai‘i, nighttime temperatures here can dip into the 40s and 50s (°F).
- Reserve early: The cabins are limited and fill quickly, especially during weekends and holidays. There is a limit of two cabins per group.
- Stock up in advance: While Volcano Village has basic stores and restaurants, bring essentials with you to avoid last-minute runs.
- Embrace the quiet: This isn’t a bustling resort—it’s a place to slow down, unwind, and connect with nature.
Why Choose Nāmakanipaio?
For travelers seeking something more authentic than a hotel stay, Nāmakanipaio Campground delivers. It’s where adventure meets serenity, offering a front-row seat to Hawai‘i’s dynamic landscapes. Whether you’re admiring the stars, waking up to birdsong in the cool mountain air, or setting out to explore steam vents and lava tubes, the memories you make here will last a lifetime.
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