One of the most popular novelists of all time once said they are, "the loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean." Mark Twain was, of course, talking about the Hawaiian Islands. They have everything - mountains, beaches, surf, multicultural amenities and more, which is impressive considering its remote location compared to the rest of the world and its significant population - over 2,000 miles away from the mainland USA and over 3,000 miles away from Tokyo.
So what about camping?
Turns out, camping is a popular activity for locals, travelers, backpackers - everyone. The majority of camping on the eight islands is tent camping, as hookups are nonexistent, though there are options for vehicle camping. The Buzz got the inside scoop on how to camp in paradise.
"There are many state park campgrounds throughout the islands and each county has a lot," explained State Park staff Member Tina Lee. Lee explained that on the island of Oahu, where Honolulu is, the state park has 4 campgrounds whereas the county of Honolulu has 18.
Camping has recently been trending up for a variety of reasons. First, it is significantly cheaper than many other accommodations. "Many people will go buy their gear from Wal-Mart or Costco and it still ends up being a lot less than any hotel you would find," Lee said.
Vintage camper van off the highway with a spectacular view in Hawaii. [Photo/Hawaii Surf Campers]
Another reason is there were recent changes to Airbnb rentals on the islands - where the islands are significantly lowering the amount of Airbnb rentals available for rent. Basically, all Airbnb rentals must be licensed in order to be considered legal. If they are operating illegally, significant fines result to the owner, which creates a situation of visitors having unreliable accommodations should they choose to find an Airbnb without a permit.
These factors lead people to consider camping. There are camping options on all the islands, though many people camp on the island of Oahu because it is the main island for visitors and tourists. Besides the many state and county campgrounds situated on the eight islands, there is the unique opportunity to hike and camp the 11 mile Kalalau Trail (22 mile round trip) on the island of Kauai. The Kalalau Trail has been called the “most incredible hike in America” by the Huffington Post, but also called one of the most dangerous by magazines like Backpacker and Outside magazine. It isn’t for a beginner, as there are steep climbs, creek crossings and narrow trails, but its rewards are astounding. To hike the trail, one needs to get a permit through the State Parks department. “We only give out 60 permits a day, so you won’t see that many people on the trail with you,” Lee explained. With the permit, hikers can camp the night at Hanakoa Valley, 6 miles in, or on the beach at the end of the trail before heading back.
One of the most popular camping spots is on the north shore of Oahu called Malaekahana Beach Campground. The campground is 36,288 acres and has several sites that are right on the beach. People can swim, bodysurf, kayak, sail and surf right from their campsite.
"Our rates are pretty cheap," explained Malaekahana Receptionist Tessa Taipu. "A tent site is under $10. Guests love coming because they get to do what they came for - be on a beach." Taipu said that people from all over the world and all ages come to the campground. "We get families, backpackers who are traveling the world, international guests and more. People feel really comfortable here because we have a security guard on site 24 hours a day." They also have cabins and vehicle areas for camper vans, jeeps with tents and pickup trucks.
One user writes about his experience of camping in Hawaii, "Camping on the beach in heaven! What else could I ask for? Woke up to some chickens laying eggs next to our tent. If tent camping isn’t your idea of fun, there are some other options. Maybe we will try those out next time. There were romantic views at all hours. Walking on the beach for days. Helpful and friendly staff, knowledgeable of the area."
Even though rates for tent camping are really cheap, you may be tempted to try to find places to boondock or camp for free. There are instances where you can probably get away with it - sleeping in the car or on the beach - but it is illegal to do so and not recommended. All public beaches, which are owned by the state or the county, require permits to camp on. And with permits easily obtained by online resources, such as the County of Hawai'i website, it is better to simply get a permit and go the legal route.
If tent camping is not your thing, there are options to rent camper vans on the islands. Lucas Baggio has run Hawaii Surf Campers for four years. "It was all a personal dream of mine," explained Baggio, who is Brazillian and came to live in Hawaii to surf. "I originally wanted to take a camper van from Alaska down to Brazil, but that didn't pan out. So my business partner said instead of doing the trip, get one in Hawaii and start a vintage camper van business. So we did and it's great."
To get around Oahu, where Hawaii Surf Campers operates, it only takes about 4 hours without stopping, but there are plenty of places to stop and camp for the night. Baggio said that their average rental is about 4 nights, and the vintage vans they have are ready to be your home for that entire time. "It isn't necessarily a budget option, but it is cheaper than renting a car and staying at a hotel. Plus, who wouldn't want everything you need right next to you while you are hitting the beach?"
So if you thought that camping is limited to North America, think again - paradise awaits.