Free Camping on the Beach
Kea'au Beach (North Beach) is a popular beach along Oahu's north-west side where people frequently camp and get away with it. It's located north of the official Kea'au Beach Park where camping requires a reservation. But this beach to the north, remains free to access, with no facilities. Even though free, dispersed camping is not allowed within the state, Kea'au Beach is one of a handful where law enforcement seems to leave people alone.
Particulars
GPS: 21.4941, -158.2297
Elevation: 16 feet
Reservations: First come, first served
Camping Fee: None
Permit: None
Max stay: Unknown
Amenities: None
Camping at Kea’au Beach
Kea’au Beach North is officially the northern, undeveloped stretch of Kea’au Beach Park. The beach park has a developed campground which requires a reservation and a fee. However, this northern undeveloped stretch is popularly used as an unofficial campground. In recent years, this area of the beach has become a homeless encampment.
The County of Honolulu has placed boulders to prevent vehicle access to the beach, though many of these boulders have been moved aside, and vehicles are still a common sight. The sand is soft, so only 4WD vehicles are advised.