Lots of people dream of visiting Hawaii. That mentioned, not many individuals contemplate RV tenting in Hawaii. That is unlucky as a result of tenting is without doubt one of the best possible methods to see these stunning islands and all they’ve to supply.
All that mentioned, Hawaii is a really distinctive place, and planning a visit to go RV tenting in Hawaii requires some information you could not have with out doing a little analysis. That’s the place this information comes into play. Beneath, you’ll discover all the data it’s worthwhile to begin planning the Hawaii RV journey of your desires.
Getting ready for RV Tenting
The primary issues it’s worthwhile to do? Discover an RV to make use of whereas RV tenting in Hawaii after which pack it with all the precise issues.
In fact, even in case you have your personal RV right here on the mainland, you most likely received’t be delivery it to Hawaii for an RV getaway. Because of this, discovering a Hawaii rental RV shall be vital for this journey. Moreover, you’ll have to hold suitcase house and weight in thoughts whereas packing your gear, making packing a bit trickier than it usually could be.
Selecting the Proper RV for Your Wants
Let’s take a second to debate discovering the precise Hawaii RV rental. First, it’s good to go in realizing that you just actually received’t discover any giant fifth wheels or motorhomes on the islands. There simply isn’t room for a similar huge rigs you discover right here on the mainland.
As an alternative, one can find quite a lot of campervans and SUVs with rooftop tents. Don’t fear although, there are alternatives on the market for households. In case you plan on visiting with a bunch of extra than simply two, you may attempt a van with a rooftop tent, a van that features a conventional tent, and even two vans with the intention to guarantee you’ve sufficient house.
It’s additionally a good suggestion to search for a rental that features cumbersome necessities similar to towels, linens, cookware, and camp chairs, as packing these items for a flight may very well be tough.
Packing Necessities for a Profitable Journey
Clearly, you have to to pack your garments and toiletries, and because you’re flying, you’ll hopefully discover a rental that features many of the typical tenting necessities.
Whether or not you pack them or get them together with your rental, the gadgets under are some fundamentals you most likely don’t need to overlook:
- Garments
- Toiletries
- Drugs
- First support equipment
- Bug spray and sunscreen
- Instruments
- Leisure (books, video games, motion pictures, toys for teenagers)
- Outside recreation gear
- Electronics and chargers
- Pots, pans, and dishes
- Paper towels
- Groceries
- Flashlights
- Folding chairs
- Mattress sheets
- Pillows
- Blankets
- Pet gear
- RV leveling blocks
- Sewer hose and adapter
- Freshwater hose
- RV surge protector
Unsure this covers every part? Our extra complete RV packing listing may aid you determine what else you want.
Concerns for Tenting in Hawaii
We’ve talked about a few issues that separate RV tenting in Hawaii from RV tenting in most different states. That mentioned, these aren’t the one issues it’s worthwhile to know earlier than you go.
Hawaii visitors legal guidelines state that no trailer or motorhome ought to exceed 45 ft in size, 14 ft in peak, or 9 ft in width. Happily, this isn’t actually an issue contemplating the kinds of RV leases which are out there within the state.
It’s additionally good to know that security chains, brakes, and a breakaway swap are all required on any trailer exceeding 3,000 lbs. Lastly, in a single day parking is prohibited in relaxation areas or in any parking space that’s not particularly for tenting.
Discovering Campgrounds
Enjoyable reality: there are not any true RV parks in Hawaii. There are many locations to camp although, and a few of them are actually luxurious due to the superb surroundings and experiences they’ve to supply. There’s additionally city tenting out there for many who need to keep close to a metropolis—and for many who wish to tough it, there are many spots out within the Hawaiian wilderness.
Exploring Public Campgrounds in Hawaii
Nationwide Park Tenting
Hawaii is house to 2 unimaginable nationwide parks: Haleakala Nationwide Park on Maui and Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park on the Large Island. Each of those parks are spectacular and it would be best to go to each throughout your time in Hawaii if in any respect doable (be aware that doing so would require island hopping).
In Haleakala, RVs are capable of keep on the Kipahulu Campground. Remember that the campground is slim and winding, so solely smaller rigs can match. Moreover, as of March of 2022, reservations at the moment are required to remain at this campground.
These eager to attempt RV tenting at Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park ought to head to Kulanaokuaiki Campground. You have to to stay with a small rig to suit into this first-come, first-served campground. It’s additionally necessary to go in realizing that no water is accessible at this location.
Regardless of which nationwide park campground you select, please be ready to pay the park entrance price along with the campsite price.
State Park Tenting
Lots of Hawaii’s stunning state parks supply tenting. That mentioned, the one one that permits any type of RV tenting is Waiʻānapanapa State Park on Maui, which has a small designated space that’s particularly for campervans. Reservations might be made 90 days prematurely, and van campers should acquire a allow particularly for campervans.
Exploring Personal Campgrounds and RV Parks
In search of extra superior campgrounds in Hawaii rvshare? The state has a handful of personal campgrounds that is likely to be value trying into. From easy dry-camping lodging to glamping with showers and dump stations, you’re certain to search out one thing that fits your fancy.
One in all our favourite Hawaiian non-public campgrounds is Camp Olowalu on Maui. This campground is ready up within the city of Lahaina and provides attractive views, morning espresso, restrooms with showers, simple seaside entry, and a welcoming ambiance that you just’re certain to like.
Boondocking in Hawaii
Dry tenting on the islands is plentiful, however true Boondocking in Hawaii is a bit completely different, as there aren’t quite a lot of locations that enable in a single day tenting with no allow or a price. That mentioned, there are a couple of fee- and permit-free gems on the market. Moreover, in some circumstances, required permits are free, that means you possibly can nonetheless keep with out spending cash; you simply should plan prematurely.
Questioning about these locations that don’t require a price or a allow? Take a look at Kiholo Seaside on the Large Island or Hale o Lono Seaside on Molokai. Simply be aware that you’ll want a reasonably powerful car to make both drive with out getting caught.
For an choice that requires a allow however no price, take a look at Ho’omaluhia Botanical Backyard on Oahu.
Researching Campground Choices and Making Reservations
Nonetheless in search of a campground that sounds best for you? We extremely advocate trying out Hipcamp and Boondockers Welcome for choices exterior of the handful of personal parks and authorities campgrounds.
You may additionally attempt looking out websites like The Dyrt, BookOutdoors, RoverPass, and Campspot for extra concepts.
Planning Your Itinerary
Now for one of the best half: planning your itinerary. There are such a lot of issues to see and do in Hawaii that you possibly can simply fill a number of journeys with enjoyable. Because you received’t have the ability to do all of it, we’re right here to assist.
Whether or not you intend to spend most of your time in Honolulu, discover the wilderness of Kauai, have an journey on Maui, or take within the sights on the Large Island, we might help you determine what to do.
Options and Points of interest in Hawaii
In case you like scenic drives, you’re going to like Hawaii. This state is house to among the most stunning drives within the nation, together with the well-known Highway to Hana.
In fact, you’ll additionally need to make sure that to see a few of the state’s well-known landmarks such because the aforementioned Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park, Kilauea Lighthouse, and Queen’s Baths. Nationwide websites similar to Pearl Harbor Nationwide Memorial additionally make wonderful stops, so make sure to add a few of these to your itinerary.
Festivals, Festivals, and Occasions in Hawaii
You’ll be able to add to the enjoyable of your Hawaiian trip by scheduling your journey round an annual occasion. Aloha Festivals happen throughout the state in September and they’re a good way to find out about Hawaiian tradition. Duke’s OceanFest on Oahu in August is ideal for water sports activities fans, and Kōloa Plantation Days on Kauaʻi in July celebrates the distinctive social historical past of the state.
Exploring Outside Actions
Clearly, you have to to spend a superb chunk of your time in Hawaii exploring the attractive pure areas on the islands. You are able to do this by mountain climbing or biking trails, kayaking or paddle boarding, swimming and snorkeling, and extra.
On this part, we are going to focus on a few of our favourite methods to benefit from the open air whereas in Hawaii.
Mountaineering, Biking and Nature Trails
Wish to wander manner out into nature utilizing trails? Whether or not you favor to stroll, jog, or bike, Hawaii has loads of unimaginable trails so that you can discover.
A number of the greatest mountain climbing trails within the state embody the next:
In the meantime, cyclists ought to contemplate one of many trails under:
In fact, these aren’t the one superb trails in Hawaii. In case you’re in search of one thing completely different than what we’ve listed above, make sure to search AllTrails to search out one thing that fits your wants.
Fishing, Boating, and Water Actions
It’s no secret that Hawaii has quite a lot of water. Most of that is completely stunning water, and quite a lot of it provides enjoyable leisure alternatives. Be sure you reap the benefits of these!
In case you’re into fishing, you’ll be pleased to know that there are many nice fishing spots in Hawaii. Lake Wilson on Oahu is nice for many who get pleasure from freshwater fishing. In the meantime, Nawiliwili Harbor boasts some wonderful fishing charters that may take you out to catch all kinds of fish.
Clearly, seaside time is a should whereas in Hawaii. Waikiki Seaside on Oahu is without doubt one of the most well-known and most stunning seashores within the state. Different nice choices embody Punaluʻu Seaside on Large Island the place you possibly can sink your ft into Black Sand and Makena Seaside on Maui, which provides some significantly stunning views.
One other factor must-do whereas in Hawaii? Chase waterfalls! There are so many attractive waterfalls on these islands that we couldn’t even start to listing all of them. A number of favorites embody Wailua Falls on Kauai, Manawaiopuna Falls (aka Jurassic Park Falls) on Kauai, and Manawaiopuna Falls on Oahu.
Wildlife Viewing and Pictures
One of the crucial fascinating issues about Hawaii? The various distinctive animals discovered there. On these islands, you’ll discover such species as Hawaiian monk seals and the Hawaiian hoary bat. You may additionally see inexperienced sea turtles, humpback whales, and manta rays.
Unsure the place to go to see these superb creatures? Many ocean animal sightings occur at native public seashores, each from the seaside and by snorkeling the near-shore coral reefs.
You may as well head to locations like Hanauma Bay Nature Protect, Kilauea Level Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, and the numerous state and nationwide park websites throughout the state to see all types of wildlife.
Household-Pleasant Actions and Points of interest
Planning to take the little ones to Hawaii with you? You’re going to have a tremendous time on your loved ones trip. Go forward and do all the issues talked about above, however make sure to toss a few of these kid-friendly points of interest under into the combination as effectively.
Historic Websites and Museums
The most effective issues you are able to do when touring with children is add some schooling into the expertise. There are tons of the way to be taught one thing new whereas touring, and you’ll have a blast doing it!
An effective way to get in a little bit of schooling whereas exploring Hawaii? Visiting Hawaii’s nationwide websites. We talked about Pearl Harbor Nationwide Memorial above (and that may be a must-see if in Oahu), however we additionally actually love Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau Nationwide Historic Park on the Large Island for studying much more in regards to the historical past of Hawaii.
Museums are additionally nice locations to be taught. The Pacific Tsunami Museum in Hilo on the Large Island is one prime choose. We additionally love the Bishop Museum in Honolulu and the Kona Espresso Dwelling Historical past Farm in Kona.
Amusement Park, Zoos, and Wildlife Refuges
One other great spot to take the youngsters? Hawaii amusement parks, in fact. Admittedly, there aren’t quite a lot of amusement parks on the islands, however the ones that do exist are quite a lot of enjoyable. Moist ‘n’ Wild Hawaii in Kapolei is a superb place to chill off and have some household enjoyable!
Zoos and aquariums additionally supply some enjoyable methods for households to spend time collectively. Honolulu Zoo is one of the best within the state, however we additionally love the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo in Hilo on the Large Island, Waikiki Aquarium in Honolulu, and Sea Life Park Hawaii on Oahu.
Security and Preparedness when RV Tenting in Hawaii
One ought to all the time head into any journey hoping for one of the best however ready for the worst. In Hawaii, planning for the worst means being ready for hurricanes and tropical storms and native wildlife.
Climate Situations and Pure Catastrophe Preparedness
Hurricane season in Hawaii runs from June 1st via November thirtieth. Throughout this time, hurricanes usually tend to strike, however this doesn’t imply one will certainly damage your journey.
To be able to keep ready, we advocate downloading a couple of climate apps and permitting each to ship you push notifications. In case you obtain an alert, heed it and take steps to make sure you are secure. An emergency equipment with a radio, flashlight, first support equipment, water, and snacks is all the time a good suggestion, as is realizing the place you possibly can search shelter ought to a extreme storm hit.
Wildlife Encounters and Precautions
Hawaii is a comparatively wild place. That is nice in some ways, nevertheless it additionally means you do should take steps to make sure you are secure, particularly whereas out exploring pure areas similar to rainforests and seashores.
At all times watch your step to keep away from stepping on snakes, jellyfish, and different small creatures, keep away from reaching into enclosed darkish areas the place bugs may lurk, and get out of the water if a shark is noticed close by. In fact, it’s best to by no means strategy or feed any wild animal, and all the time give them loads of house.
Extra Inspiration for Your Hawaii Travels
As you possibly can see, Hawaii is a fully superb place and we’re sure you should have a tremendous time exploring it. Need much more concepts in your upcoming journey? Take a look at the hyperlinks under for extra journey inspiration: