DawnCt

I have two retired friends who are planning to camp in Hawaii from March to April, Maui, The Big Island and Kauai. How feasible is this? It seems that many of the state parks and camping areas are located on the north side or the rainy side of many of the islands. How practical is this? I think that they should include a couple of affordable condo stays in their vacation but they are planning tents and backpacks. Any opinions?

GP

Hi DawnCt

I like to camp and do. I visited Kauai once and Maui twice checked out most but not all the camping areas on both islands. We even rented a cabin from the state parks in Maui near Hana. IMHO camping is not the way to go. In most cases camping areas are roped or fenced off place to pitch your tent. Nothing like the State or Forest Service campgrounds found in the western United States. On the other hand you are in Hawaii it is beautiful and every campground had people camping at them so it is done. I would guess you would meet some pretty interesting people, yet I would be worried about petty theft.

Have fun
GP

DawnCt

GP. This would not be my idea of a Hawaiian vacation, so I am not particularly open minded about camping. I know that they are planning on staying in the cabins at Waianapapa State Park, near Hana. I can see how that is "doable" because presumably you can lock the door. However I understand that there is a five day limit on rental. I know too that they want to hike the Kalalau trail on the Na Pali coast. It seems to me that they would have to lug everything they own with them if they are camping. Anything of value or not value is always at risk left in a car. Does the rainy season extend into March and April on the north sides of the islands? particularly Kauai and Maui?

dejahma

Aloha;

We camped on Maui and Lanai this summer and had a great time. Hana side can be rainy any time and while we were at Wainapanapa it really poured. Didn't worry about leaving stuff in our tent or car. We were there for 2 months (only camped for about a week) and never locked the car and never lost anything (maybe cause we rent a junker and it looks like we have nothing).

We also camped on Haleakela and that was great, a little crowded because some cub scouts were there but they were a lot of fun. Every week or so the rangers do a constellation tour which we planned our trip around. Whats nice about camping on Haleakala is that you don't have to get up so early to see the sunrise and you have more time to see the sites.

While we were up there one day this dad and his two kids blew thru. Dad was swearing that someone he talked to had lied to him about the visibility. At first I thought he was kidding, but he was entirely serious. They stayed at the summit for about a total of 10 minutes dad swearing and complaining the whole time how they had wasted a day of their vacation because the clouds obscurred the view. Funny thing about 15 minutes after they left the clouds left too. Clear view all the way to the big island, hehehe. Weather is very changable up there.

Camping at the "seven sacred pools" looked pretty good, but you can't go into the ocean there. It is really beautiful but really dangerous.



And all this for only $5 per night per person.

dejahma

Aloha again;

Just thought of something else your friends need to know. These places have virtually no shower facilities. Outdoor cold shower at Wainapanapa and Lanai, no shower stall at Wainapanapa you have to bath in your swimsuit. Now showers at all at Haleakala and "seven sacred pools". Also no potable water at "seven sacred pools"

Sooooo your friends probably want to intermix camping and staying at inexpensive hotels, condos b&b's

islandmom

Some places are only open for camping on the weekends.