In addition to having some of the best beaches in the world along with airports, there are endless activities in the Hawaii campgrounds and RV parks. Getting your RV there just isn't practical. Fortunately, there is another solution. RV Rentals are a great way to experience the islands and allow you to RV in the 50th state.
You may have to adjust your expectations to meet the realities of island life. First, RVing is not a big activity on the islands. Because of that, there is a lack of real RV campsites available. Larger RVs are equally rare. The campsites here are instead referred to as drive-up sites suitable for a car and tent, or a campervan type of RV.
There are a number of state, local and national park facilities where you can camp with the appropriate permits. You cannot camp in non-camping designated areas like most of the roadside beaches in Hawaii.
Here we will look at the top RV camping spots in Hawaii.
1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawai'i Volcanos National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawai'i. The park has 2 drive-up campgrounds, Nāmakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki. Both are located on the eastern side of the island with Hilo being the closest major airport. Either campground offers a great base camp for exploring the park or the surrounding areas.
Nāmakanipaio is the larger and the nicer of the two campgrounds and has access to water. Kulanaokuaiki has only 9 sites with no drinkable water provided on site. Hawai'i. Hawai'i Volcanos National Park has been recovering from the major volcanic eruptions. There are many locations in the park which are still closed, but the majority is open so now is a great time to visit this area.
2. Haleakala National Park
Hawaii is best known for its surreal beaches but the island's vegetation and greenery is some of the best in the world. Maui's Bamboo Forest is the perfect adventure to immerse yourself in the islands beauty. The Bamboo Forest is located along the Pipiwai Trail in the Haleakala National Park. Large number of tourist from all over the world visit this place.
The hike to the forest is a little over a mile but it is a little steep, which deters many tourists from visiting. However, the Bamboo Forest is worth the climb as it truly feels like a fairytale oasis. The thick bamboo trees reflect the golden Hawaiian sun amongst some beautiful local birds. There is even a waterfall right in the middle of the greenery (however, it is advised not to go swimming in near it for safety reasons).
One of the best places to visit in Maui is the Haleakala National Park which is famous for its dramatic scenery and its volcanic ranges. Haleakala National Park in Maui covers a large area from the top of the Haleakala Volcano down to the seashore south of Hana. With that large expanse of land, they have broken the park up into three major districts.The Summit area is located at the summit of Haleakela. The Kipahulu area is the seaside area south of Hana. The wilderness area connects the two other areas and is only accessible by foot. Summit and Kipahulu are accessible by car or campervan. There is a huge amount of diversity between the Summit area and Kipahulu. The summit is at 10,000 feet and is typically much cooler than the coastal areas due to the altitude.
It is also above the tree line and tends to be a very desolate area. The Summit Area has drive-up camping at the Hosmer Grove Campground. It is located just at the tree line on the way up the mountain. The actual summit of the mountain is about a 27 min drive up the switchbacks. This area offers outstanding hiking and some of the best night sky watching anywhere in the US.
Kipahulu on the other hand is in the heart of the rainforest with lush jungle, bamboo forest, large waterfalls, the Pacific coastline and 'Ohe'o Gulch. The drive to Kipahulu is typically over the Hana highway which is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. Take your time on the drive and enjoy the sights and stops along the way.
Doing so really adds to the experience. Once you arrive at Kipahulu, you'll be able to stay the night at one of their many drive up campsites.
3. Lahaina Banyan Court Park
Before traveling to Maui you should know that the city of Lahaina, was for a long time one of the most important ports of the archipelago, being at the time capital of Hawaii and the most important city of the island. First of allvisit the port area. Between Front Street and Moana Street you will find the Jobo Mission, the largest statue dedicated to Buddha located outside of Asia.
Then go to Baker Street, where you will find the Wo Hing Temple Museum, built in 1909 by Chinese immigrants who arrived on the island of Maui. This site is a corner of Lahaina that you should not miss.
Following the route through Lahaina, head to the intersection of Front Street and Dickenson. Continuing along this new street you will find the Baldwin Home. To continue the tour of Lahaina, take Calle Wainee and continue towards the junction with Calle Prison, since there you will find the Hale Paahao Prison.
To finish the route through Lahaina, head back to Front Street and head to Banyan Tree Park. This park is interesting to see because it is the park with the largest fig trees in the USA. It is a plantation of fig trees that were exported from India and planted in front of the port and the Palace of Justice of Lahaina with the aim of creating a green park that would symbolize the great diversity of this archipelago.
Among things to do in Maui with kids in the RV parks in Hawaii, surrounded by the beauty of the Pacific Ocean, this chain of islands extends kilometers with shipwrecks, pristine reefs and many adventures.
If you don't want to go to the hostel, the cheapest option is Airbnb. There is a great variety of accommodations. A very good option to stay is in one of the Airbnb in Kihei. Kihei is a good base to see the entire west coast of the island, to go to Haleakala and from there on the Road To Hana.
4. Malaekahana State Recreation Area
Among the things do in Oahu, dive between the caves of Lana'i, the shipwrecks of Oahu, the reefs of Maui, the waves of Moloka'i or just enjoy the sunsets in Oahu.
Malaekahana State Recreation Area in Hawaii is on the Northeastern side of O'ahu, far away from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu. Here, you will experience a much more laid-back Hawaiian atmosphere. In addition to camping there is a sandy beach for swimming, surfing and shore fishing. This makes an excellent place to stay if you want to tour the island and get the complete island experience.
5. Sand Island State Recreation Area
One of the best RV parks in Honolulu, the Sand Island State Recreation Area offers weekend only camping and is located within the city of Honolulu. This will provide easy access to all the activities in Hawaii, historical sites, dining and beaches that the city has to offer. There is also beach/ocean access adjacent to the camping area.
The major benefit to this camping area is its proximity to downtown Honolulu, Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach. All of which are less than 30 minutes away.
6. Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
Hapuna is one of the most famous due to its great extension and its white sand.
7. Polihale State Park, Kauai
You'll be needing a four-wheel vehicle to get to this beach. This can be accessed via a rough and rocky four-mile road via Kauai's Polihale State Park. This beautiful stretch of golden beach is bounded by the towering Napali Coast cliffs and hundred-foot high sand dunes. Thus, it is one of the gorgeous places in Hawaii where you can set up camp.
You can choose your spot in this 15-mile beachfront, as there are a couple of campsites along the beach, you'll have to get a camping permit, and you're good to go. The clear waters invite you to take the plunge and swim, watch the spectacular sunset, and go stargazing afterward.
Kauai is home to many green turtles in Hawaii. Visit Turtle Bluff and explore its caves while watching reef sharks. Do not miss Tunnels Beach if you want to see octopus.
If you want to admire the strong waves and wind, head to Kekaha Beach, located at Kauai's far west end. It's also known as the mouth of the longest stretch of fine white sands. If you compare it to Waikiki, Kekaha is a more private beach. This no-frills, the more secluded spot, offers a perfect place to unwind.
Surfers frequent this place and a couple of laid-back tourists who want to sit back and watch the glorious Hawaiian sunset. Visitors can also bring their food and enjoy a fun picnic by the beach.
8. Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
This RV park in Hawaii has one of the most dramatic landscapes you will find in Hawaii. It is located on the Northwestern shore of Kauai and is home to stunning 4,000-foot tall cliffs, deep valleys, waterfalls and beaches. Here you will find the Kalalau trail which runs for 11 miles along the coast. It spans between two beaches and traverses 5 valleys where you'll experience waterfalls and the untouched flora and fauna indigenous to the area.
This is the heart of unspoiled Hawaii where visitors can get a true sense of what the islands were originally like.
Here we have covered the top RV destinations in Hawaii. There are many more and nearly every populated island has at least one park that allows drive up camping. Compared to the mainland US, each island is extremely small. With the smaller campervan type RVs you can easily camp at many of these locations and drive around to the other sites of the islands during the day, making the whole island the true destination.