I camped here with my son and the view was breathtaking! it was so peaceful and serene. The owner was personable and I felt very well cared for. They also have cabins for larger groups with full kitchens. We'd definitely come back. This was the perfect "home base" for our Oahu adventures! Muhalo for an amazing stay!! read more

Where the views camp-ture your heart every single time We've camped at Camp Palehua several times now, and let me tell you ...the views never get old. Like, ever. Every sunset looks like it was custom-ordered, every sunrise feels cinematic, and the mountains and coastline somehow manage to outdo themselves each visit. Mother Nature really shows off up here. This place is the perfect mix of peaceful, rustic, and refreshingly unplugged ...the kind of spot where the air feels cleaner, conversations get longer, and your stress decides to hike somewhere else for a while. The grounds are well-kept, the facilities are tidy (huge camp-win), and there's plenty of space to roam, explore, and pretend you're on a wilderness adventure... even if your idea of "roughing it" still includes snacks and a cozy sleeping bag Family-friendly, quiet, and absolutely gorgeous. Camp Palehua is one of those places you keep coming back to because it just feels good to be there. Same campsite, same mountains, same sky... and somehow it's magical every single time. Bottom line: peaceful vibes, unforgettable scenery, and views so good they deserve their own camp badge. We'll be back, again and again read more

Went to Camp Palehua to hike and see what the camp had to offer. We had to schedule in advance, as well as fill out a waiver form. Once this is done a gate code is provided. It's a few mile drive until we reached the camp mostly paved road. The camps buildings are all in the same general area. There are bunkhouses, a building set up like a stable with groups of bunk beds, and other cabins. There is a mess hall and building for meeting. The camp is all very rustic with built in pool to cool off in. The camp has some beautiful views from the buildings including two giant size chairs to sit in and enjoy views below. They make for a silly photo op. Looks like a fun place for children or adults who want to relive camp memories to stay at. The office staff member is friendly and helpful. We hiked the 2 mile out and back hike to the Nanakuli Lookout. It use to be a loop trail however at this time part of the trail leading to pillboxes is off limits. Which was a disappointment. However the section of the trail available to us did offer some beautiful views and partial shade. read more

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The staff are so kind and funny. They are also great service people and hard workers. Not a single complaint about our stay. The sights are beautiful and so peaceful. It was a much needed getaway and the perfect spot to have it. They are very respectful and do a great job of taking care of the environment around the camp. Support local and respect local. Mahalo Nui Loa! read more

Camp Pālehua - Horses, ocean view, hikes. - Summer Camps Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

Beautiful spot to camp there are a variety of accommodations available. Tent camping, bunkhouse, cabins and so on. People who work there are extremely friendly. Beautiful view from the entire camp, especially if you choose to hike all the way up to the WW2 bunker (one of the more challenging hikes I've done so far on Oahu). Shower house and shared restrooms available. The little camp office has cute merch and a coffee machine available! Had an amazing weekend, the entire fam enjoyed it throughly. Only sad part is that the pool cost an additional $30 per hour. read more

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Stayed two nights with some coworkers, very roots and culture. Not much reception but there's no need to be on your phone up here, that's the best part of camp anyways! The views and grounds were very well kept and you can tell the workers are doing a great job at it (shout outs to aunti Tina). They were all professional but interactive personalities and I'll be back up here for the hikes, horseback riding, and to get away from the city! read more

Camp Pālehua - Lookout - Summer Camps Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

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I was devastated when the hiking trails shut down last month and I am not exaggerating. It was one of the stress relievers that I had started counting on to get me through these Covid19-ridden days. When I heard the two hiking trails at Camp Palehua were still open, I quickly made a call and booked the next available weekday. Weekends are full for the next 3 weekends, but it never hurts to double check. Your options are the Nānākuli Overlook Hike - about 2 miles round trip; beginner level; safe for all ages; view of the Leeward Coast and the Puu Manawahua or WWII Bunker Hike - about 4 miles round trip; moderate level; steep incline; not recommended for children under 10 yrs old; view of South Shore (Diamond Head) out to Leeward Coast (Mākaha). Four time slots are available daily: 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. There is a fee of $10.00 per adult and $5.00 per child (5 years old and under free). All hikers are required to wear a face mask while in the campgrounds, however, hikers will be allowed to remove the mask on the trail. Hikers have a 3-hour time block allotted. read more

Camp Palehua. Here's the pro: Friendly staff and good hiking trails, the serenity and views are wonderful, free parking. Here's the cons: Don't expect resort amenities for the resort prices they charge. Their uninspiring swimming pool is available at $30 per hour, their Wi-Fi at $50 per day, expect to pay ala cart for just about everything. Cellular service is sketchy at best, there is no TV, free WiFi or cabin service, problems with their electrical outlets was frustrating.The bathtub had crud and long hairs in it when we arrived, the toilet had urine stains and urine rings, it was disgusting. Their furnitures are old and dirty looking. Even though we paid $240 per night we were responsible for cleaning the cabin before we checked out. Ouch! . read more

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I had Palehua on my general things to do list. Randomly I saw on this residents only facebook hiking group that there was a community hike sponsored by the Blue Zones Project. Typically the trails here are only private access. You can't just walk up and hike it like the other trails on Oahu. It has secure gated access. Camp Palehua one of the property owners on Palehua. I think there are three others including the state government and some cattle farms. The drive up from the gate takes about 15 minutes up a windy narrow road with cows and views all the way to diamonhead. Luckily Camp Palehua (formerly Timberline) does group tours, activities, corporate team building, and hikes. I actually grabbed some brochures. I think its a minimum group of ten. I'll upload some screen shots later. They do four hikes. I think we did probably one of the easiest to the Nanakuli lookout overlooking the valley, about 2 miles round trip. Amazing views. You can see from the pink pillboxes to the mouth of pearl harbor. It took about two hours at a meandering pace. The camp has a lot of facilities like native gardens, playgroup areas, picnic area, and pool. They also have a low ropes park along the route back. I definitely would like to go back to try out the summit trail which has more expansive views, a bit longer and steeper. Definitely recommend checking it out. read more

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Last time I was here, I was in the 7th grade back in 95 lol nice to be back with my own little family. Place looks the same. Beautiful views of Kapolei and the Westside of the Island read more

Camp Pālehua - Outdoor movie - Summer Camps Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

Went with the family- there s a windeee one way road to and from- so pack all food and essentials so you can just enjoy the hiking and relaxation- we self hiked two beginner trails - and cane back to relax and eat together- bring your own pans - pots are fine but the pans there need to thrown out- i left a good pan there for future guests- I also like a big cup for coffee in the morning so bring your own mug if you are like me- bring house slippers- your own pillow case and your own blanket- the blankets are not "fresh " there- reserve grill or bring your own- although there are other bathrooms besides the one in your hale- they do not smell good - my advice is to get some take out for the first night so you can just relax- bring flashlights amd good hiking shoes for the hikes- no pets allowed :( we self hiked so it was free read more

Friendly and helpful office staff. Gave us clear instructions on how to access the hiking trail!

So beautiful and peaceful. Prices are super reasonable for the view and the camp grounds. Plenty bathrooms, cooking areas, fire pit.... you name it. Sad I did not have time to do the trails and horseback riding but as a local will deff come back to this spot. Aunty was so kind and accommodating and made us feel like we were at the most beautiful home ever. At night it gets nice a cool as a hot sleeper I was a bit chilly and the air is so clean and pure. Kinda don't want to have to many folks come as this is a hidden gem here on Oahu! With all that thank you Camp P and I will deff be back for more camping! With love from the zip crew down the road read more

Camp Pālehua, my family and I can never thank you enough for allowing us to host my 20 year military retirement ceremony at the camp! It was truly an experience that we will never ever forget. Before I even get into the actual review, I first want to say the property at Camp Pālehua and surrounding area is some of the most beautiful and untouched backcountry that you will find on the island. It is truly that mountainside oasis that we all grew up enjoying or dreamed of one day getting to experience. With the singing of the birds, the smell of the passing rains, the whistling of the wind and the most epic of sunset views, this place is pure magic. This place will not be the fancy hotels and it will not be the big crowds. But it is not mean to be, it is meant to be the place to slow down, reconnect, recharge, a place to enjoy beautiful living during your event, your adventure, or even your stay. But back to my ceremony. I can not say enough nice things about Lindsey and Tina. These two are phenomenal hosts. We first reached out to the staff a month prior about the idea of hosting my retirement on the grounds more specifically inside the Hālawai conference building. After exchanging emails, Lindsey invited us to the Camp to take a complete tour of the grounds and truly look to what would fit our desires for the ceremony. It truly felt custom tailored to us. Lindsey was extremely thorough in all aspects of the logistics, to include the chairs, podiums, tables, food, restrooms, parking, even things that my wife and I wouldn't have thought of. She knew!! It was perfect! But it didn't stop there, the few weeks that led up to the ceremony we were able to keep in good contact with Lindsey and the team as they checked on us to see if we needed anything and asking how our planning was going. All of this felt very above and beyond. It made us feel extremely welcome and almost part of a family environment. My wife and I had the privilege to even come up to the camp a week prior to the event and hike some of the trails, learn more about the region, and to get to know the staff even more. The most impressive part of the whole lead up experience was during the remaining two days prior to the event. Oahu was experiencing some heavy rains and Lindsey and Tina took the time to reach out to us with weather reports and road conditions, helping us inform our own guests prior to the event. Then to the event. Just wow!! When we arrived Lindsey and Tina were already at the camp awaiting us, assisting with all of the details of set up, to include best parking arrangements, bathroom set ups, rubish cans, truly all of the little details. But the most impactful moment that my family experienced with both Lindsey and Tina was at the end of the ceremony when they both came inside Hālawai and congratulated us. That small gesture meant the world to me and my family! These two wonderful ladies from beginning to end were extraordinary and I have no doubt this is a reflection of who they are and who the staff is at Camp Pālehua. The camp is beautiful, but it is the people there that make it one of a kind. I know this review is long, but if there is one thing that I want people to know: This place is more than just a bunkhouse, cabin, or hike. This place is an experience, it is an adventure, it is a connection that you didn't know you need, but once you do, you can't live without. Simply put Thank you Lindsey, Thank you Tina, Thank you Camp Pālehua for treating our family like your family. read more

Of 2015, the camp was renamed Camp Palehua after a change in administration. Gill 'Ewa Lands, LLC owns Camp Palehua and 1,600 acres of conservation and agricultural property. Oahu's southern and western coastlines may be seen from Camp Palehua, which is positioned on the southern slopes of the Wai'anae mountains, ensconced in a dense forest. There is a strong desire among the landowners to preserve and restore the natural environment and historically significant places. Natural resources are at the heart of their mission: They utilize them to teach children and adults how to be successful land stewards and involved citizens who can make a difference in the world. As part of our facilities and instructional programs, Camp Palehua focuses on conservation and sustainable land usage. read more

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We celebrated our son and daughter's birthday parties at camp palehua recently and everyone who came had such a great time! The kids had a blast. The staff there were amazing to deal with. Everyone I spoke to on the phone prior to the party was so nice and helpful. The day of the party we had Lindsey and Tina who went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly. They were so awesome! We did a hike there years ago as well and every experience we've had a camp palehua has been an amazing one. The views on the way up and down are great, the prices are very reasonable, and everyone there is so nice and helpful. Thank you Camp Palehua for making our children's birthday so special and a great time for all! We will be back and everyone who came to the party was so impressed with this hidden gem on the west side and said they'd be back as well. read more

Loved coming to Pokai Bay as a keiki with my ohana. If you not military ok to park outside the gate and walk in. Got bathroom and showers even 604 Restaurant, however the food not great, but happy hour drink price is descent. On a calm day the ocean is so blue and can float effortlessly also if you lucky a honu will grace by you on the shoreline. read more

It's a disorganized mess. A gate almost two miles from the camp is the only way in or out. The gate cannot be opened remotely and the code is not given out. I waited 20 minutes to be let in and an hour to pick up my children. The kids were sent from their high school to volunteer. They didn't feed them and were quick to blame them for being at city there. read more

The friendliest staff and such an amazing property! Sad we discovered it's beauty just before moving off island. My 2 year old and 19 year old had an amazing time exploring! read more

Camp Pālehua - Summer Camps Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

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For those who do not mind roughing it but enjoy nature and interacting with people, this is the place. The staff were the highlight. Always friendly and helpful. This area should remain a "wilderness" area so island residents can come to understand and appreciate what natural beauty the islands possess. Care is required to assure the area is preserved by avoiding full time residents or squatters. Groups of 10+ are needed in order to reserve access to the camp and trails. read more

Camp Pālehua - Great view from the top! - Summer Camps Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

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Relaxed cozy environment in the hills! Good pool and barbecue pits. Great for family weekend trips but reserve early!

Fabulous views, very friendly staff. From the gate it's about a 6-7 min drive through cattle ranching lands. Just beautiful. Call or email in advance to make hiking reservations. read more

A great view of the Windward side like no other place on the island. Friendly workers too! It's a great family friendly place. read more

Our manager at work, who loves to hike, scheduled our annual team-building/strategy meeting here. We were here for a full day, using the meeting, dining and hiking facilities. There were about 25 in our group. I grew up in Makakilo and had never gone to this facility until now. My son attended camp here a few years ago and he liked it. I will be reviewing just the meeting, dining and hiking aspects of this facility. We used the building called "Pavilion" on their official map (http://www.camppalehua.org/waiver-forms-extras), which used to be called "Timberline Lodge". This building is one, large multi-purpose room with 3 large round tables, couple of rectangular tables, and 7-8 love seats along the perimeter of the room. The nearest bathroom is either in a separate purple building below the Pavilion, about 50 yards away, or the Paniolo Stables, about 100 yards below the Pavilion. To be honest, the stable bathrooms were kinda creepy, so I used the purple building bathroom throughout the day. We attended two hikes the day we were there. Pros: Breathtaking views of the Kapolei, Kalaeloa, Ko Olina and even Diamond head! You can see Diamond Head if you look east from camp and when leaving camp, look all the way to the left and you'll get a clear view. Great hiking. Great guide - can't recall the woman's name who guided us on the hikes. Our guide gave us an extensive history of how the facilities came to be owned by the Gill Ewa Lands (as in Gary Gill). Gill and two other landowners, including the State of Hawaii, purchased large tracts from Campbell Estates in 2014. According to our guide, over the next chapter in the site's history, they hope to replace the invasive Australian forest on Mauna Kapu (the name of the mountain where Camp Palehua resides) with the original native plants that were there before cattle was introduced sometime in the 1800s. So far, they have successfully removed several invasive plant species that were suffocating native plants underneath. The native plants have since regrown. They have a long way to go, however, as you can see tons of ironwoods on the property, not to mention zillions of smaller species apparent all around. A hiker's blog documents better pictures of one of the Palehua hiking trails here: http://kenjisaito.com/hiking-palehua-ridge/ Along the hike, we used three of the group activity sites for building group cooperation, communication, strategizing, and comraderie. There's many more along the trail. Clean dining area. Facilities were simple and conducive to our meeting for the day. The camp grounds are quiet and secluded despite being near to the upper Makakilo area. You need permission to get onto the property since there is a secure gate between Umena St and Palehua Rd. Residential homes line Umena St in Makakilo as you approach the gate. From the gate to the camp, it's a pretty quick ride. Google maps estimated the ride from the Makakilo off ramp to the camp to be 24 min, but it took about 15 min. When you leave camp, allow some time to pause and take in the breathtaking views and take pictures of the ocean and sky. Cons: Very few, but worth mentioning: The water tasted bad. A simple water filter from Costco that you can install on the faucet would easily correct that. The drinking water was offered to us in a large round cooler dispenser, however as mentioned, they could obtain the water from a specific faucet designated for water, with a filter installed on it. No coffee. I don't know if our manager simply forgot to request it, or if Camp Palehua does not provide it, but for a day-long meeting, coffee is essential! Breakfast was ok - eggs, sausages, rice, fruits were offered. As mentioned earlier, no coffee. Lunch however was unappetizing due to the slathering of what looked like very yellow mayonnaise piled on thickly on each bread slice for the cold cut sandwiches. It didn't taste like mayo + mustard - it just appeared to be very yellow mayo. I would suggest that the sandwiches be presented so that guests can "build" their sandwiches from the buffet, with the components presented in separate containers, especially the mayo. I don't know too many people who like mayo - both men and women. If people want it, they should be given control of how much condiments and where they want it. As with breakfast, no coffee during lunch. Concluding remarks: Their official website fairly represents what i experienced there, and i believe prospective users should consider supporting the facility to help them with their mission of restoring the plants on the land to its original flora and fauna. I have been to a limited number of facilities with a similar purpose (such as Kualoa Ranch) where the goal is to maintain or restore the land as well as use it for commercial purposes. Palehua is in its infancy with their plan. It takes the right balance of conservation efforts and commercial pursuits to sustain that type of mission. read more

I love this place! I've camped here three to five times per year for the last six or seven years. In the last few years, they've made some big improvements - adding yurts, painting everything nicely, adding new bathroom/shower facilities, etc. They have activities like ropes courses and a climbing wall available. They're very flexible in working with groups. I like the variety of accommodations, too (houses, cabins, yurts, or tent camping), though the yurt pricing seems high ($100 per night; Malaekahana charges only $40-$60). I think this would be a great place to hold a company or church retreat. The food services (arrange in advance for groups) is even pretty good! The pool is a nice, and watching the sunset from the main field is one of my favorite activities. They do not allow pets or alcohol. The temperature is about 5 degrees cooler than at sea level, and the wind can kick up at night, so bring extra layers to wear. read more

What used to be called Camp Timberline is now Camp Palehua. Under new ownership I called and left my name and number in order to get some information on summer camping with my family. I received a call back the same day from the business manager, Laura. She was friendly, professional and invited me up to the camp for a quick tour whenever I was ready. Reservations are need for cabins, but for $5/person you can tent camp in a field they have designated for that specific purpose. There's also a kiddy fort play area and an available pool, which parties can rent for $100/day, but they need to supply their own certified lifeguard. Bathrooms and outdoor showers are available and guided hikes can be scheduled for a nominal fee. Overall I look forward to planning a family camping trip at Camp Palehua in the very near future. The lack of a 5-star rating would be due to the need to supply your own lifeguard, not something every family can readily find. Other then that, sounds like a great experience!! read more