Permits are required at most of the parks, and it is a good idea to inquire well in advance if you want to get one.
The County begins its permit cycle on November 1st each year, for the year commencing at that time. Campers now may purchase permits for any of the County's 10 campsites over the internet and avoid a trip to the Parks and Recreation Dept. Campers may book a campsite, pay for a permit via credit card, and print an actual copy of the permit thru the state web site
www.ehawaiigov.org

Camping permits also may be obtained at Kona Community Aquatic Center, 7:45 am-4 pm, Mon. thru Fri.(excluding holidays), and at
the county office in Hilo and on a limited basis at
Waimea Community Center
Hisaoka Gym in Kohala
Yano Hall in Captain Cook
Naalehu Club House
Pahala Community Center

COUNTY OF HAWAII - DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION

Here are some suggestions that will assist you when you apply for a COUNTY camping permit, by phone or at the office.

The Office can be reached by phone, (808) 961-8311, between 7:45 a.m.and 4:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday (excluding holidays).

Study up on the campsites and the areas they are located in. Puna and Hilo have more rain than the other areas, so plan accordingly.

What nights will you be staying at a particular park?

How many Adults ($5/night), Juniors under 17 ($2/night), and Children under 12 ($1) will be in your group?

The office will tell you if the evenings are available for the nights you intend to be at the site, and will ask you to send a check for your permit, which will be sent to you upon receipt of your payment.

COUNTY CAMPING SITE	District								MAP
Isaac Hale Beach Park	Puna	X	X	-	-	X	-	-	I
Ho'okena Beach Park	S. Kona	X	X	-	-	X	-	X	F
Kapa'a Beach Park	N. Kohala	X	X	-	-	X	-	-	R
Keokea Beach Park	N. Kohala	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	R
Kolekole Beach Park	S. Hilo	X	X	-	-	X	X	-	L
Laupahoehoe Beach Park	N. Hilo	X	X	X	X	X	X	-	M
Mahukona Beach Park	N. Kohala	X	X	X	-	X	X	X	B
Miloli'i Beach Park	S. Kona	-	X	-	-	X	-	X	F
Punalu'u Beach Park	Ka'u	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	H
Spencer Beach Park	S. Kohala	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	C
Whittington Beach Park	Ka'u	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	H
Waipio Valley Overlook*	Hamakua	X	X	-	-	X	-	-	S

*Camping not available, however nearby beach in Waipio valley is perfect for primitive camping if you have 4 wheel drive (permit needed).

You might also request an information packet to be sent to you by mail.
We suggest that you print out the below information instead. It will be the same information as in the packet, and easier to read than the xerox copy sent to you by mail.

You may reserve campsites. Camping permits are required for all County Parks where camping is permitted. Permits are issued for tent camping, vehicle camping, and pavilion use. During the summer months, permits can be issued for one week per park, two weeks per park for winter months.

a. Facilities with restroom accommodations are usually adequately stocked, however, it is advisable to carry your own necessities.

b. 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 and is not suitable for drinking. Precautionary measures should be taken when you are not sure.

c. Where electricity is provided in pavilions, carry spare light bulbs. Campers and picknickers are advised to have other illuminating devices handy in case park lights are not in working order.

d. Firewood is not furnished. Bring your own charcoal and other kindling. Fires must be confined to firepits. Open fires are prohibited.

e. Deposit litter in receptacles provided.

f. 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.

g. Vehicles should be parked in designated areas 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, providing vehicular and pedestrian access is not obstructed.

h. 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 bikes, write to: Hawaii Police Department, 349 Kapiolani Street, Hilo, HI. 96720, for information on licensing, insurance, and other requirements.

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

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

k. Although camping is available at a number of parks, do your homework, and read your guidebooks as to which are recommended for out-of-state visitors.

DLNR STATE PARKS DIVISION
Hilo Office Phone (808) 974-6200 Permits for camping and reservations for cabins as well as a full informational package for parks statewide are available by calling the above number Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hawaii Time.

If you wish to make reservations, you must call between 8 a.m. and Noon!

1. The dates your party would like to occupy the camping area or cabins listed below.
2. A drivers license or passport ID number for each adult member of the party.

You will be asked to send a deposit check to secure your request. Send it in right away, as you will be required to pay with cash or money order if you wait until 30 days or less from the date of your planned reservation. The balance will be expected when you pick up your permit. Cancellations must be made at least 15 days before the date of your reservation.

Ask for the information packet to be sent to you by mail, as there are a lot of interesting safety tips and descriptions of parks on all the islands, as well as regulations and disclaimers.