Activities

Malaekahana Camping

Malekahana Beach Campground

Malaekahana Beach Campground (MBC) is the perfect place to unplug, appreciate nature, and enjoy your Hawaii Life. MBC is located on the northeastern shore of Oahu in between Kahuku and Laie. It’s approximately 35 miles from Waikiki and well worth the drive!

Accommodations

A sprawling campground with over 74 campsites on 36,000 acres provides plenty of room to escape the hustle and bustle of Honolulu. MBC offers a variety of campsites ranging from primitive to glamping.

  • Tent or vehicle camping
  • Plantation Hales — a simple 96 square feet hut that includes beds, but no bathroom or electricity.
  • Plantation Suites — a larger 480 square feet hut that includes beds, a bathroom, and electricity.

We camped in the Plantation Hales this go around, and I’m so happy we did as it rained the first night. In previous trips to MBC, we camped in tents which was just as enjoyable.

Our  Plantation Hale had a covered lanai, a queen bed, and a bunk bed — a highlight for the kids. Mattresses are provided, but you need to bring your own sheets and pillows. The Plantation Hale was literally right on the beach. We could wake up in the morning and take 15 steps (yes, I counted) to get to the beach. Although there are other Plantation Hales on the beach, it felt fairly private as there are a lot of trees and vegetation. The campsite included a picnic table and a fire pit. The bathrooms and showers are just a short walk from the Plantation Hale.

We spent all day at the beach playing in the waves, building sandcastles and catching crabs. The beach is great for body surfing and boogie boarding and even learning how to surf. You can rent surfboards, kayaks, and SUPs from MBC if you forget your beach gear.

There are several rope swings sprinkled throughout the campgrounds as well as trees to climb and explore.

This is the back of our Hale. There are many campgrounds on Oahu, but MBC is one of my favorites — look at the gorgeous ocean right in front! It is usually less crowded and more serene than some of the other campgrounds.

Tips for Camping at Malaekahana Beach Campground

  1. You get 15% off if you’re Kama’aina (Hawaii state resident)
  2. Have you seen the solar-powered lanterns? Check them out! They are a great way to keep your campsite lit once the sun sets.
  3. Bring a boogie board – you will love catching the waves.
  4. Make sure you have everything you need as the Foodland and many of the businesses in the area are closed on Sunday.
  5. Bring clothespin/clips. It can get pretty windy, and they will come in handy to secure your towels and wet beach clothes.
  6. Bring toilet paper — just in case they run out.
  7. If you opt to rent a Plantation Hale or Plantation Suite, bring your own lock to secure the building.
  8. There is a small store by the front office to purchase last-minute items.
  9. They do offer rentals if you forget your beach toys — surfboards, kayaks, etc.

Get outdoors and make some memories with your family!

Make your reservation here.

I love my Hawaii life because you can literally be outside 365 days a year…and I like spending a few of these days at Malaekahana Beach Campgrounds.

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