C  A  M  P  I  N  G

DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION

General Information

If you need help planning your trip, the Big Island Visitors Bureau (BIVB) in Hilo and West Hawaii, or the Wailoa Center in Hilo near the State Building (Kalaniopu) will be glad to assist you and provide you with local literature and maps.

 

BIVBhours in Hilo and West Hawaii are 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
Monday through Friday. Wailoa Center hours are Mondays, Tuesdays,Thursdays and Fridays - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm and Wednesdays 12 noon - 4:30 pm.

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For information regarding Hawaii County Parks, write or call:

Department of Parks & Recreation
County of Hawaii
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 6
Hilo, HI 96720 Office Hours:
M - F 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (except holidays)
Phone/TTY: (808) 961-8311

Camping permits are required for all County parks where camping is permitted.
Permits are issued for tent camping, vehicle campers and pavilion use.
Reservations for exclusive use of park pavilions may be made by calling the
department's main office in Hilo and for Kona parks at Kona Aquatics,
Kailua-Kona (808) 327-3560. Camping is not allowed in the pavilions.

You may reserve campsites. During the summer months, permits can be issued
for one (1) week per park, and during the remaining months, two (2) weeks per
park.

Camping fees at County parks are:
Adults (18 yrs and over) - $5.00 per day
Juniors (13 to 17 yrs) - $2.00 per day
Children (12 and under) - $ 1.00 per day

Refund of unused camping fees will be made only when:

a.  Request for refund is made to department not less than one working day
before date of use;

b.  Request is made in writing, accompanied by appropriate permit issued
by the department; and

c.  The amount of refund exceeds $5.00.

Picnic Pavilion - Exclusive user fees for non-benefit group activities is $10.00 per day with a $50.00 security deposit; Kitchen Pavilion is $25.00/day rental with a $50.00 security deposit.

For more information regarding the Volcanoes National Park and Pu'uhonua o' Honaunau National Historical Park, please write or call:

Helpful Hints:
Facilities with restroom accommodations are usually adequately supplied; however, it is advisable to carry your own supplies.

Before drinking water, be sure to check signs where water storage tanks are in use. At some facilities, brackish water is used for toilet and shower
accommodations and is not suitable for drinking. Precautionary measures should be taken when you are not sure.

Where electricity is provided in pavilions, carry spare light bulbs. Campers and picnickers are advised to have other illuminating devices handy in case park lights are not in working order.
Firewood is not furnished. Bring your own charcoal and other kindling. Fires must be confined to firepits. Open fires are prohibited.

Deposit litter in receptacles provided.
Maps of the Island of Hawaii are available at the Department of Transportation offices located at the Hilo Airport and also at the Kona Airport.

Vehicles should be parked in designated areas only and should be fully secured.

"Break-Ins" are not uncommon. Do not leave personal belongings unattended.

There are no motor home courts but recreation vehicles are permitted to park in parking areas in the campgrounds, provided vehicular and pedestrian access is not obstructed.

Bikeways are not delineated in most areas but bicycles are permitted on all highways and are subject to laws governing other vehicles, including licensing and traffic regulations.

If you plan to ship over your own vehicles, write to Hawaii Police Department, 349 Kapiolani Street, Hilo, HI 96720, for information on licensing, insurance, and other requirements.

The climate varies depending on the visitor's destination; generally, mild
tropical weather prevails the year-round.

Please report any unpleasant situations experienced at any of the public
facilities. Also report hazards, acts of vandalism and other accommodation problems. Persons should use good judgment while staying at camp and picnic sites. Security service is not provided at camp and picnic sites.