4 Strategies That Can Help You with Your RV Adventure in Hawaii
Embarking on an RV adventure across the country is a common dream. It thus makes sense that the practice of mobile accommodations has risen in Hawaii as more tourists take their vacation rentals to the beach. In Aloha State, however, this is a little trickier to achieve because camper vans are unfortunately banned from nearly all state parks.
Furthermore, typical RVs aren’t suited for Hawaii’s narrow roads with smaller load limits. These factors are bound to make your RV adventure in Hawaii extremely challenging — but not impossible. With our four strategies, smoother RV adventures in Hawaii are absolutely possible.
Renting an RV
Shipping a small car from Hawaii and back again can cost a minimum of USD 3,500.00. Shipping an RV can cost even more. That is why it's recommended that you rent an RV from a local service if you're only staying for a short vacation.
The best part about renting an RV from a reputable service is that the vehicle often comes with a place to park it. Hawaii is strict with parking, and State Law 291C-112 prohibits sleeping in a vehicle between the hours of 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM when the vehicle is parked on any roadway, street, or highway or other public property. The exception is private properties with the authorization of the owner — which reputable services often provide — or specific RV camping sites which mostly require an early reservation.
Planning the route ahead
Tourists can have a more relaxing trip if they know where they can park their RV. There are a few popular RV parks, like the Malaekahana State Recreation Area, but these often require camping permits and are only open on specific days in the week. Meanwhile, most drive-up campgrounds like the ones at Haleakalā are first-come, first-serve. Planning ahead by getting your permit online or heading to the campground early can help you secure your parking.
However, doing so doesn’t always guarantee a spot. Campgrounds are often fully booked, given the demand. That is why it is important to map out alternatives. There are free or cheap parking locations in Waikiki to make up for the lack of RV parks or campgrounds in Honolulu. Tourists can enjoy Hawaii’s capital and the nightlife of the Waikiki neighborhood before parking their RVs at the Ala Wai Boat Harbor area or the Honolulu Zoo and finding cheap hotel rooms for the night.
Additionally, not all roads will be accessible to your RV. The backroad to Hana, for example, includes unpaved or one-lane roads. Ask the rental company or other locals for tips in advance, and determine whether your driving capacity will allow you to make the trip. Don’t forget to detail the different scenic points you hope to stop over. While staying overnight is illegal, there are limited hours that you can pull the RV over for lunch or photographs.
Budgeting and stocking up on Supplies
It may be difficult to find RV centers in smaller towns. Before you begin your trip, try to check into one of the bigger cities like Honolulu to stock up on propane and other supplies at Walmart or Home Depot. This prevents emergency situations while you’re on the road.
It's also important to note that many commodities like gas and food are more expensive in Hawaii than in most places on the mainland. In fact, Hawaii’s gas prices are the most expensive in the US, with the AAA listing the national average as $3.26 and Hawaii’s average as $5.03. Calculate the gas you’ll need based on the route you planned earlier and tailor this to Hawaii’s prices. Otherwise, Kaimuki resident Marie Montgomery suggests using a gentle driving style to maximize your gas mileage and fuel economy.
Follow experienced RV owners' advice
RV rental owners have also accumulated various tips for their clients. An example is parking and pitching a tent at a state camping spot where tents are required while sleeping in the camper van. Of course, you can also sleep in a tent for a different experience. Our previous article on Camping Tents lists unique tents like the Zipper Hennessy Hyperlite that will allow you to peacefully drift to sleep on a hammock to the salty air of Hawaii.
Dan Dennison from the Department of Land and Natural Resources explains that they don’t encourage people to skirt policies. However, the explosion of interest in vehicle camping is leading their offices to explore some rule changes. Vehicle camping in select locations around the state may become more accessible in the near future. Until then, follow any or all of our strategies above, and your Hawaiian RV vacation will be an adventure to remember.
For more traveling advice do read our post on ‘21 RV Travel Tips and Hacks’.