Kaiaka Bay Beach Park (Camping & Visitor Guide)

Kaiaka Bay Beach Park is a beautiful peninsula on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, offering a blend of local history and recreational opportunities. Whether camping or visiting for the day, this guide has all the info you need to plan your visit.

Kaiaka Bay Beach Park is known not only for its campgrounds but also as a sacred site where Hawaiian kings and chiefs once worshipped their gods, offering a tranquil escape from Honolulu's hustle and bustle.

With stunning views and a large, grassy lawn landscaped with tall, mature trees, this 53-acre park provides a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation. No wonder it's a popular place with local families and tourists alike.

Heading towards the north end of the peninsula, you'll find a sandy beach perfect for sunbathing and water activities. In contrast, to the west, the shoreline transforms, dotted with reefs and tide pools that attract local fishermen.

Where is Kaiaka Bay

Kaiaka Bay Beach Park on Oahu's North Shore is just a 3-minute drive from historic Haleiwa Town. This convenient location puts you close to essential supplies for camping, delicious local food, and charming shops for exploring.

Easily accessible by car, the park is roughly an hour's drive from downtown Honolulu or Waikiki. Although there is a bus stop nearby, we highly recommend having a car to get there.

Nearby are several well-known beaches that you may have heard of, including Haleiwa Ali'i Beach Park, Haleiwa Beach Park, Pua'ena Point, and the Haleiwa Boat Harbor.

Best time to visit

Kaiaka Bay invites visitors year-round. No matter the season, you feel the tranquility and peacefulness as you explore this welcoming beach park.

In the summer months, from May to September, the weather is drier, and the ocean conditions are calmer. Winter months can be wetter, the seas rougher, and a bit cooler, especially at night, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit.

On weekends and holidays, we tend to see a lot of local families camping at Kaiaka. And on weekdays, we find it pretty uncrowded on most days.

Camping at Kaiaka Bay Beach Park

Camping is one of the main activities at Kaiaka Bay Beach Park, offering visitors a chance to have fun overnight stays with friends and family right by the beach. Here’s what you need to know about camping at the park:

Permits and Fees

Kaiaka Bay is officially called Bill and Peggy Paty Kaiaka Bay Beach Park, and to camp here, you need a camping permit.

You can apply for a camping permit from the state for $53.22. The permit is valid for 5-days, and only one permit is given per customer per week of camping.

Campsites

The campsites are situated in a grassy area right by the shoreline, giving you stunning views of the water.

There are seven (7) designated campsites, and two are now ADA-compliant! This is great news because now, even people with disabilities can enjoy overnight camping here.

That's not all! Each campsite offers a spacious 900 square feet, providing you with plenty of space to spread out, and with parking just steps away, unloading camping gear is effortless.

Rules and Regulations

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, campers must follow some rules:

Campsite capacity: Each campsite can accommodate a maximum of:

• 10 people
• 1 canopy (10x10 feet)
• 3 tents (10x10 feet each)
• 3 vehicles

Closed days: Camping is not allowed on Wednesdays and Thursdays, although visitors are still welcome to enjoy the park during the day.

RV Camping: Overnight vehicle parking is not allowed at Kaiaka Bay.

Amenities & facilities

Here are the amenities and facilities you'll find at Kaiaka Bay Beach Park:

• Restrooms with changing areas
• Outdoor showers
• Picnic tables
• Ample free parking

Important notes:

• Lifeguards are not on duty at this beach.
• RV hookups are not available at the park.

Things to Do

Kaiaka Bay offers many activities that keep tourists and local families coming back. Here are 7 things to do beyond camping:

1. Visit the Pohaku Lanai

When visiting, plan to check out the legendary Pohaku Lanai, a mushroom-shaped balancing rock that whispers tales of the past.

Legend says it miraculously washed ashore from the mythical land of Kahiki (Tahiti). For Hawaiian royalty, it was once a site to worship gods, and later, it served as a lookout for fishermen.

Today, Pohaku Lanai holds special significance, especially for visitors from Japan who believe it possesses magical powers. They say that once you put your hands in between the two rocks, miracles can happen for you!

2. Fishing: For those who enjoy fishing, Kaiaka Bay is a good spot. We often see fishermen lining the rocky shores catching fish.
3. Swimming and snorkeling: Located to the north of the campsites, Haleiwa Beach offers a great opportunity for swimming and snorkeling. The beach features a section of sand and reef followed by a long stretch of sandy beach. It's a perfect spot to enjoy water activities.

4. Park activities: Enjoy a variety of activities at the park's spacious grassy lawns. The area is peaceful and shaded by trees, making it perfect for picnics, barbecues, and games. The park is also ideal for hosting a wide range of events, including birthday parties.

5. Surfing 'Walls': Experienced surfers can access a high-performance right-hander called 'Walls' through this beach park, but be prepared for a good 10 to 15-minute paddle out from the shore.
6. Bring your dogs: This is a great spot for walking and playing with your dogs on the grass, but please remember to keep them on leashes.

7. Watching the sunset: The views from this park are so beautiful, and this is a great spot to come watch the sunset on the North Shore!

Local tips & insights

Gate closure times: Be aware that the gates are locked from 8:30 PM to 7 AM. If you find yourself locked in after hours and need assistance, call the park's main number at (808) 637-4480, or in emergencies, call 911.

Camping permit: A printed permit is mandatory for camping. Ensure you have this on hand to avoid any issues during your stay.

Book in Advance: Camping spots can fill up quickly! To secure your spot, plan ahead and continuously check the park's website for any newly available openings.

Reef walkers: We suggest bringing reef walkers to explore the tide pools or to walk on the rocks by the shoreline. Some areas can be sharp!

Don't forget the essentials: Bring towels, a hat, reef-safe sunblock, sun shirt, sunglasses, beach chairs, snorkeling gear, snacks, and a BBQ grill.

Ready to explore Haleiwa? We've got everything you need to know for an amazing trip to the North Shore. Check out these other posts: