Anyone camping overnight must possess a valid camping permit. Permits are $18 per campsite per day (Accommodating from 2 to 10 campers per campsite). Good news if you are a resident, you get a $6 discount on the campsite.
Availability- There are 9 designated campsites in Waimanu Valley. There is a Trail Shelter a little over halfway along the trial. Camping is permitted there by one of the 9 permit holders on a first come, first served basis. Permits are sold no earlier than one month in advance.
You must PURCHASE and PRINT a copy of your permit in advance and have it in your possession while camping or lodging within any park or Forest Reserve. Permits may ONLY be purchased online or in person at District Offices. They are NOT available at the camping locations.
Online Reservation System- You can check for permit availability and purchase camping permits online. Visit the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resource Online Reservation System to reserve your permit.
Instructions
- Visit the Hawaii DLNR reservation system at this link.
- Click “Continue” at the bottom of the page.
- Select Island “Hawaii”.
- Select Location “Waimanu Campsite”.
- Click “Continue” at the bottom of the page.
- Click Browse for Availability.
- Click Make Reservation at the bottom of the page.
(You’ll have to create an account)
Camping Notes
- Maximum length of stay is 6 consecutive nights.
- Parking at Waipio Lookout is limited to 24 hours.
- There are 4 emergency helipads along the trail. Do not camp on them.
- Do not bury or burn your trash. Pack it out.
- Hiking & Kayaking are the only legal modes of access to Waimanu Valley.
- There are 2 composting outhouses at the Waimanu Camping area.
- There is one pit toilet at the Half-way house trail shelter.
- There is no cell phone service on or near the trail.