Camp Mokulēʻia — Attraction in Oʻahu

Oh my gosh, if I could leave this place 10 stars, I would. I debated about leaving a review, since this place is a well-kept secret, but if you are a parent trying to figure out the best place to stay like I was, this review is for you. Are you looking for a beautiful beach location for your family to stay that isn't an expensive hotel? This is it. Looking for a place where grandpa can roll his walker out and sit and enjoy the waves? This is it. Need a place where mom and grandma can make coffee and breakfast and bask in peace and quiet in the morning? It again! Want a place where your kids be wild, encounter monk seals, sea turtles, and whales, see skydivers, and play basketball without bugging anyone? ALL OF THIS AND MORE. Need a place with extra space? Stretch out here! Need a grocery story and cute town nearby? This is it. Want super fancy rooms and room service? This...isn't it. But hey, fancy ain't for everyone and if you just want a place literally ON THE BEACH ran by good people, go here!

Lodge rooms could use some updating, and if you are more than ~3 people, you will need to get two rooms, but parent alone time is also needed and some rooms adjoin, so kids aren't far away. Rooms are $160/night, so $320 for two rooms, but even then it is still cheaper than the nearby hotels for a family of four since there aren't any added fees. They do have good, free wifi, and the lodge provides towels, bedding and soap, but you will need to bring your own shampoo and may want to grab some paper plates and plastic utensils if you're staying for awhile. If you're looking to camp, the campground was clean and right on the sea wall so you could see the beach, but not worry about getting wet or people messing with your stuff.

Not Episcopal? Not a problem. We stayed in the lodge for four nights in March and everyone from my senior parents to my boogie husband (who usually goes for fancy) to my wild children adored it. Staff we encountered were polite and helpful. Just call to book or email and they will send you the paperwork - a bit more hassle than booking a hotel, but worth it. 1,000% would stay here again, but if becomes too popular because of this review and I can't book it, I will be sad. But you will be happy. Camp...

My husband and I enjoyed camping in a tent here for 4 nights. We got a spot right on a super chill beach and had awesome views from our tent. We were arriving late and had a hard time reaching the staff but eventually got a gate code from them. I was originally hesitant to camp here because it seemed like a religious place and we’re not religious, but it really didn’t give off an awkward church vibe while we were there, which was great. We chose to camp here because all the other Oahu campgrounds cite safety concerns in the reviews and rampant homeless populations. At this campground, I felt safe and had no issues with theft or random people wandering around. There was one night that was really loud with partiers until 10pm but it was otherwise quiet. I wish they would rent snorkel gear here! The outdoor showers are private and some have hot water. Not the cleanest but better than I expected. Toilets and sinks are in a yurt and decent, although lights only occasionally go on, no mirrors in all of them, and are sometimes out of toilet paper. Staff is friendly and easy going. Decent price. I would stay here again for the great beach access and chill vibe that you don’t find many other...

I have to be fair with this review. When the place is quiet, midweek, it is a joy to be there. But if you happen to be there when there is a large group, it is a total nightmare.

We had many great nights there recently, and there is a mass of space for your tent to be put up, and you share the facilities with generally very nice people.

The shower block leaves a lot to be desired, but it's OK when it's quiet.

My issue is when it's crowded. No longer is it quiet. No longer can you find any spiritual renewal. It is AWFUL.

The showers run out of water quickly, and there is no space to park a car at all.

It just becomes awful. Dreadful.

We pre-paid for the visit, and when I asked for money back when we left in disgust, there was no offer at all.

I would NEVER recommend this place to anyone. You just don't know what you are going to find when you arrive, Peace and quiet, or an absolute horror story.

So, as to scoring this place? Management? Zero. On a good day? Nine out of 10. On a bad day? Zero.

I bought camp t-shirts when we arrived. They are now...