This famed stretch of eight distinct islands in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean is a highly sought-after travel destination for a reason. Hawaii is known for its surf, sand, and sunshine, yes, but also the many Hawaii landmarks that call the islands home.
From the volcanos at Hawaii Volcanos National Park to historic sites like Pearl Harbor National Memorial, there are numerous amazing landmarks to check out while van camping in Hawaii.
Top Landmarks in Hawaii
- Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
- Mauna Kea
- Hana Highway
- Diamond Head
- Hanauma Bay
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial
- Waikīkī Beach
- Waimea Canyon State Park
- Kīlauea Lighthouse
- Queen’s Bath
Hawaii Landmarks
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
It’s not everywhere on earth where you can see active volcanoes. In fact, there are very few places in the world where you can witness the unique and awe-inspiring processes of rock so heated, it flows. Fortunately though, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is one of them — and it’s home to two of the most active volcanoes on the face of the planet, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
This national park offers visitors the opportunity to hike, camp, and participate in special programs, including guided tours of the craters.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located on the “big island” of Hawai’i, this one-of-a-kind national park is also close to a variety of other recreation areas, including Kalapana State Wayside Park, Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area and others.
On top of that, the park also offers camping opportunities. Just make sure you understand stay limits and what amenities are and are not provided.
Mauna Kea
As incredible as active volcanoes are, dormant volcanoes offer their own kind of beauty and intrigue. Mauna Kea is the perfect example of this. The peak of this dormant volcano towers about 13,800 feet above sea level and is the tallest point in the entire state of Hawaii.
It’s possible to drive to the summit of this incredible volcano, but you’ll need four-wheel drive to do it and you want to make sure to use caution. Also note that driving from sea level to an altitude of almost 14,000 feet in the space of just an hour or two could easily lead to altitude sickness.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located on the northern end of the big island, Mauna Kea is close to Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area and other area wildernesses. It’s also an easy drive from communities like Pepeekeo and Holualoa.
In terms of camping spots, Spencer Beach Park is about an hour and a half away and is a wonderful place to park a van for the night and enjoy a good sleep.
Hana Highway
Considered by many to be the top attraction on the island of Maui, Hana Highway, or the Road to Hana as it’s sometimes called, is an incredible scenic drive that runs along the coast of the island for nearly 65 miles. Along the way, visitors will encounter all sorts of incredible landmark destinations, including black-, red- and white-sand beaches, waterfalls, lush gardens and more.
Constructed nearly 100 years ago in 1926, the Hana Highway is also a historically significant landmark, and one that many travelers have experienced before.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
While you’re on Maui, you’ll want to be sure to check out Haleakalā National Park, Wai’anapanapa State Park, Polipoli Spring State Recreation Site and others.
Van camping is available at Wai-anapanapa State Park and the park makes for a great home base.
Diamond Head
Perhaps the most recognizable landmark in the entire state of Hawaii, Diamond Head is a volcanic tuff cone that overlooks the urban cityscape of Honolulu. Known to island natives as Lēʻahi, this volcanic cone has been designated a state monument. It has historically been used in the construction of military fortifications, the remains of which are still visible inside the cone today.
All that said, the volcano’s history stretches back far further than our human interventions: it was first shaped approximately 300,000 years ago in a single eruption that exploded as if out of nowhere before going dormant and settling into the tuff cone that is visible and visit-able today.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located only minutes from downtown Honolulu, Diamond Head is close to a wide range of Hawaiian must-sees, including Waʻahila Ridge State Recreation Area and Waimānalo Bay State Recreation Park.
One of the best places for camping in Honolulu is Sand Island State Recreation Area. Just note that camping is only allowed on weekends and a permit is required.
Hanauma Bay
It seems as if everything in Hawaii has been touched by the state’s volcanic history, and Hanauma Bay is no different. A marine environment encircled by another volcanic tuff cone, Hanauma Bay is easily one of the most popular destinations on the island.
This is particularly true for visitors who like to snorkel and SCUBA dive. Area companies offer a variety of ways to get more familiar with the bay, including spinner dolphin excursions, catamaran sails, and more.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Another landmark close to Honolulu, Hanauma Bay is the perfect day trip for folks staying in Hawaii’s biggest city. Other things to do nearby include Iolani Palace and Bishop Museum.
If camping at Sand Island Recreation Area doesn’t work out, check out Hipcamp to find camping spots on private land.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Most Americans know about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor back on December 7, 1941 — a day that, as FDR so eloquently put it, will continue to “live in infamy.” But seeing the place where that historic event happened in real life is a much different matter.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial offers educational exhibits that explain not only the events of that day, but its historical significance as the American entry point into World War II. Visitors also have the opportunity to step aboard the USS Arizona and explore a variety of museums and a visitors center on site.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located, like so many other landmarks on our list, in the southern section of Oahu, this memorial is close by to Honolulu — but make sure you don’t miss some of the beautiful protected wildernesses further afield.
A journey across the island to Ka’ena Point State Park or Mālaekahana State Recreation Area only takes an hour or so, and pays dividends.
The camping options mentioned above are probably your best bets if you plan to sleep in a van.
Waikīkī Beach
Perhaps the most famous beach in the entire world, Waikīkī Beach is located immediately adjacent to Honolulu and close by to a range of the city’s most unmissable tourist locations, including the Honolulu Zoo and Waikīkī Aquarium.
The beach is known for its soft white sands, calm-yet-surfable waters, and remarkable sunsets… though honestly, you can’t go wrong no matter what time you decide to visit.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
As mentioned above, Waikīkī Beach is another Honolulu must-see and is surrounded by all manner of tourist attractions and hotels. More options for things to see and do in the area include Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail and Honolulu Museum of Art.
Waimea Canyon State Park
Known by some as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon State Park is an incredible mountain-top gorge nestled on the island of Kauai.
Measuring about 10 miles long and approximately 3,000 feet deep, these expansive views offer a completely different side of Hawaii to get familiar with. This area may make you think more of the continental southwest than the beaches and palm trees other portions of the state are known for.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
On Kauai, it’s all about getting outside, and there certainly is a lush abundance of woods and wildernesses to do it in. One of the best is nearby Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, which is known for its dramatic rock walls and cliffs immediately alongside turquoise waters. Small towns like Hanalei and Kīlauea are also worth exploring.
While we don’t see any van camping near this Hawaii landmark, Koke’e State Park is an excellent place for tent camping.
Kīlauea Lighthouse
This far out at sea, sailors need guidance more than ever. This is why the Kīlauea Lighthouse was built, and has been standing for more than 100 years.
First constructed circa 1913, this picturesque and historic lighthouse is tucked into the larger Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is a gathering place not only for thousands of human visitors, but also for droves of sea bird species and whales who pass by this spot on their long journeys around the planet.
The 52-foot structure sits on a rocky peninsula some 180 feet over the crashing waves below. Tours of it are available by appointment.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The nearby town of Kīlauea offers basic necessities and some cute eateries, not to mention nearby Kauapea Beach — one of the more secluded stretches of coast in the entire state. Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Park is another close by spot worth putting on your itinerary.
Anahola Beach Park is a good place for camping.
Queen’s Bath
A unique sinkhole tucked on the northern coast of Kauai near the town of Princeville, Queen’s Bath was carved out of the indigenous rock that surrounds it. Today, it presents a one-of-a-kind opportunity for swimmers, sunbathers, and those who simply like beautiful views.
A short hike of about 25 minutes one way is required to reach the sinkhole. Although the hike isn’t particularly strenuous, the area is rocky and slick, and when the tide comes in it can be easy to get accidentally swept out to sea. Always heed warning signs posted at the trailhead!
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Princeville is a bustling little town with a population of almost 1,700 offering multiple beaches, a golf course, and more. Plus, nearby Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge is a great spot if you’re in need of even more hiking opportunities.
Anini Beach Park Campground is nearby and is a great place to catch some shut eye.
Planning an RV Trip to Hawaii
Although it might be pretty tough to take an RV from the mainland out to Hawaii, you can certainly fly out and rent a rig once you arrive!
Thanks to all its incredible state parks and wildernesses, the Island State is actually a wonderful place to take an RV trip. Make sure to check out all the best campgrounds in Oahu, the Big Island, Maui and Kauai!
