This review is for Malaekahana State Park Campground. It's quiet and feels somewhat secluded. You…read moredo need a reservation to camp overnight. Note: the gate closes at 6:45pm, so you'll need to plan accordingly. There are some spaces you may be able to park right outside the gate, but I don't think they're considered official parking spots. Double check signs! There are some large sinks throughout the campgrounds which allow for washing dishes, fruits, and vegetables. It's also a great place to freshen up for the day. The bathrooms were clean for a beach bathroom and there are some showers inside the bathroom space as well. The water is cold! The bathroom was pretty well stocked with toilet paper, though it can get low later at night. Bring extra toilet paper just in case. There was no hand soap. The beach was beautiful! It is covered in reef, so it's not a great swimming spot. Perhaps when the tide is high you may be able to go out--but be extremely careful of our precious coral reefs. Great space for lounging on the beach! As always, remember to pack out what you pack in (and grab some plastic from the beach too!).

Looking for a affordable weekend with the family? Look no further. If you are a kamaaina, you can…read morestay in the small Hale that sleeps 4 for $50 a night! It's roughing it but I survived a two night stay and so can you! The Plantation Hale comes with nothing. You basically have a place to sleep. No amenities. There is an outdoor shower (cold water only) and toilet (byoTP- toilet paper) both shared with others. Each Hale comes with a fire pit which is super cool! We like Hale 1, 2 , and 3 because it is ocean front. Bring everything you need as if you were tent camping (grill, sleeping bags, coolers, etc.). If roughing it is not your jam no worries. They have plantation suites which have indoor toilets! If you don't mind roughing it there are also tent only areas which is very affordable. The best thing about staying here is that the bay is awesome! My kids loved it so much we are going back again in a few weeks.

Stayed at one of the cabins at Bellows Beach, and it was a truly rustic and back-to-nature…read moreexperience. The cabin is simple and charming, giving off that classic Hawaiian camping vibe right near the beach. It's perfect for anyone looking to unplug and enjoy the outdoors without the usual hotel frills. The downside was definitely the presence of some dead bugs here and there in the cabin, which felt a bit off-putting. It's an older structure with a rustic charm, but could use a bit more attention to cleanliness and upkeep for comfort. That said, if you're into rugged, no-frills beach camping with easy access to beautiful coastline and great nature, it's worth it. Bring your own supplies and insect repellent, and don't expect luxury--this is more about the authentic island experience. Great for those who love the outdoors and don't mind living a little rough for a few days.

The condo was nice but we ended up cutting our vacation short for one reason: roaches. We had…read moreplanned on staying for two nights but ended up leaving after the first night. If you stay in the condos, do NOT stay on the first floor. As soon as the sun sets, they will invade. Up until that moment, our stay was enjoyable. We spent the day at the beach and played putt-putt. Spent the evening at the condo playing board games. The condo had a full kitchen, so I was able to cook breakfast and dinner. But once nighttime came, so did the bugs!

A hidden treasure in the mountains above Sharks Cove...Camp Pupukea! I was fortunate to be a part…read moreof my son's boy scout troop. Going up there for Winter Summit during the week of New Year's Eve was was an experience I'll never forget. Hearing from others who have been there told me it's cold, rainy and wet. Well it I true! The weather forecast predicted rain and wind. Good thing we came prepared. You wouldn't think you're in Hawaii being up there. It kind of reminds me of Lanai...lots of eucalyptus trees. They have multiple campsites throughout the property. We stayed at Po'o Huku which is probably the farthest from the dining hall and parking lot. However, it had the best drainage compared to other sites that got flooded out and were super muddy. Each site has a pair of portable toilets and sink with potable water. Showers and flushable toilets were nearby like a 2 minute walk. At least the showers have hot water! If you have a child who will be attending Camp Pupukea for the first time, make sure they bring the following... Rain jacket, warm clothing, trash bag to keep clothes dry just in case the tent leaks, mosquito repellent, good water proof or water resistant shoes.

Beautiful and fun. Hope they can open again soon, like so may places closed by Covidread more

Love it here our family go to spot , camping Friday to Wednesday,and get toilets and cold showerread more

Camped here in high school with my softball team. It's a nice quiet spot to fish and have a family…read morebeach day. I didn't see any homeless around back then and recently. Not too many cars during the day so it was fun to learn how to drive standard in the lot.

The nicest state campground on the island. While a big factor is that there is no beach at this…read morecampground, it is a botanical gardens with catch and release fishing and duck pond. It is very secure, and nice and quiet. If youre looking to party, go elsewhere.

We had morning visits from this couple. Our cottage was a few feet from the beach. Very quiet.read more

To me these cottages are great…read more I'm in 1610. It looks like it's been renovated since most of the Yelp Reviews. It's a 2 bedroom 1 bath with a sitting area and a dining table. It's advertised as a full kitchen but be prepared you get a single pan, toaster, random cookware, and a grill. If you read the occupancy its mentions 6 or maybe 7 can stay here? I have no idea how that would be possible as I am here with my wife, daughter, and mother in law and daughter is sleeping on the couch. All this aside it's still decent for the price. I am giving 2 stars mainly for the housekeeping people. They come at random times and maybe not at all? I have taken my own trash out several days because ants are common in Hawaii. I was stationed here and gave my family the info on that. The main issue is we have had 4 towels for our stay and these housekeepers have not changed them for a days. We even left them on the floor in a bundle in an attempt to make it more obvious they need changing and they still disregarded providing fresh towels. They have also provided 2 rolls of toilet paper for a 14 day stay. I expect things to not be provided by virtue of spending a career with Marines so we preemptively bought toilet paper at 9 pm on the way back from day adventures and thankfully we did or we would be out of luck because housekeepers didn't check that. We also have not had our sheets changed once in over a week of staying here. We were able to book the 7 days for myself (active duty) and my wife got her 7 day stay (also active duty). When the housekeeper crew shows up while we are here and knock on the door, I politely answer with "hey good morning come on in" And the lady looks at me like I'm some Kind of jerk off. Gives me a sense that she expects me to hand her the trash rather than coming in and getting it (like she would do if I weren't in the unit anyway). I think these units being further from the base gives the cleaning crew a "out of sight, out of mind" feeling? Or possibly that the price point on the unit becomes a "well you get what you pay for" type service. I have no idea. I'm looking forward to speaking with the front desk when it opens in the AM. Maybe it will be resolved.

Camp Hawkins is right outside of Camp Smith through the side pedestrian access gate to Aiea loop…read moretrail. IThere is a stone cabin built in 1943 located here. I believe that it is currently used as a Boy Scout / Girl Scout camp. At one time they were great views of central Oahu towards Diamond Head from this ridge, but the trees have grown and it is not as spectacular as before. There are picnic tables around the area that would make a great place to come and enjoy a secluded lunch, if you are working on Camp Smith.

Moanalua Gardens is a nicely maintained wide open park with many large "Hitachi" monkeypod trees…read morespread out. Definitely more so a park than a garden. Been wanting to visit here for years as the last time was probably in elementary school for a field trip, and I forgot what exactly was here. It was closed during and after covid for years, then reopened to private functions only, and had no idea when it was reopened to the public. $10 for adults ($4 for Kama'aina and military) 7 for ages 6-12, under 6 (and Kama'aina and military) is free. Moanalua Gardens is conveniently located right next to the H-1 freeway. Heading westbound direction is very easy. Note: the parking entrance is literally right before the off ramp. Look for the "Moanalua Gardens" signs. Take the Tripler exit. Look for the entrance on the right. If you're on the off-ramp, you passed it. But that's okay! You can make a right (H-1 eastbound, you'll make a left at the Triper off-ramp), then left on Mahiole St, and turn in the next driveway. You'll drive through the service entrance to the parking lot. Plenty of parking! Pay at the entrance kiosk where they also sell snacks and drinks. Once inside, there's a moss/algae and leaf filled pond. There's koi fish, but the water is dark and murky, you can barely see their bright colors. King Kamehameha V's cottage that looks like a like a usual house. A Chinese style structure that looks like it has seen better days. Both are not accessible. As for the rest, the "Hitachi" monkeypod trees are all well maintained. Even though, there's PLENTY of monkeypod trees around the island, there's not many that's grown in this wide, umbrella shaped figure with branches close to the ground. Overall, it's cool to see the umbrella shaped Hitachi trees in a wide open, park-like space, but the other areas are not very well-maintained. There's not much else to do with some places restricted making it difficult to appreciate the history and importance. Charging $10 regular entrance fee, even the $4 Kama'aina fee, isn't worth it to just go in a what is basically a park. Isn't Hitachi paying atleast $400,000 per year to use the image of the tree in their advertising?

5star beautiful trees,ginger, taro patch, mango trees, ulu, koi pond right off the freeway,…read moreliterally. Look for the green patina gates. Lots of free parking on a Monday morning . Entree fees are a bit pricey if u not a kamaaina @ $10, so minus a star. Restrooms available, no food or drink to buy, so bring your own bentos and mat,only about 4 tables. And its hawaii, so ants and flies!