If you enjoy camping, you may want to consider camping in Hawaii. In addition to saving you thousands of dollars on accommodation, sleeping and waking up to the sound of the ocean or forest is a wonderful way to relax to the rhythm of the island.
Now, I love being outdoors as well as saving money (without sacrificing too much fun or convenience), so camping vacations on the mainland and in Hawaii have always been something I’ve enjoyed over the years. But not everyone camps to save money.
Plain and simple, Americans love to pitch tents, sit around the campfire, and enjoy the great outdoors. The fact is that camping is the number one outdoor vacation activity in America. About 33 percent of American adults reported going on a camping vacation in the past decade, and about 27 percent reported wanting to camp again.
However, relatively few realize that they can camp in Hawaii. While the state of Hawaii doesn’t have statistics on visitors and camping, based on where most visitors stay, I estimate that less than 1 percent of those from the mainland camp here.
Locals camp all the time, they know how much fun it is! I’ve been on weekend camping trips with my kids growing up here since 1988 and have enjoyed camping vacations in Hawaii from the mainland ever since. Those who don’t live here don’t hear much about camping in Hawaii because the state doesn’t promote it.
Have you ever seen a campground featured in a Hawaii travel brochure or state tourism site? Let’s face it, the backbone of Hawaii’s economy is tourism, and hotels, even the ones that aren’t locally owned, bring in a lot of money for Hawaii. However, you don’t have to spend money on a hotel to benefit Hawaii. Be a good eco-tourist, buy local products, spend money on local activities. Have more fun and live a richer cultural experience!
Camping in Hawaii is not for everyone. If your heart is set on the pampering and luxurious amenities at a resort, you may not want to book a camping vacation in Hawaii. However, if you also like to camp, maybe try here for a night or two. A couple I interviewed on Oahu, Mike and Ghislaine Burbridge, seniors from Nova Scotia, were camping near me at the Friends of Malaekahana campground. Both world travelers had spent the first two weeks of their vacation at a five-star resort and luxury B&B. Still, they told me their 2-week Hawaii camping experience was the “highlight” of their month-long Hawaii vacation.
Many of Hawaii’s campgrounds are located on the beaches, as well as in the cool forests of the highlands. Like anywhere else, you won’t want to camp at just any Hawaiian campground. Some are party places, others are not easily accessible. But there are plenty of beautiful, family-friendly places to camp here on the islands. A few more that come to mind are Camp YMCA overlooking Maui’s Hana Coast, Spencer’s on the Big Island’s sunny Kohala Coast, Camp Sloggett in the highlands of Kauai, and the county camp at Anini Beach, both in Kauai.
Bottom line…camping in Hawaii isn’t for everyone, but if you love camping, it’s definitely worth a try!