Hawaii Island encompasses more than 400 square miles. While not all of that is accessible, as a Hawaii van camper you'll discover the freedom to go where you want, stay as long as you like and experience beauty of Hawaii from the comfort of your own vehicle. Choosing the restored and classic Westfalia VW pop-top camper allows you to sleep in comfort on the top level and cook in the kitchen below. This model also gets decent mileage in a state where gasoline prices can be astronomical.
For most rentals, you will not need to bring much in the way of camping gear. The camping van companies give you almost everything you need for comfy camping, including linens, utensils, propane-powered cook stove, ice-cooled coolers, Big Island travel guidebooks, beach mats, portable camping table and even a clothesline. Most vans accommodate four adults comfortably, but if you wish to rent extra tents, they are usually available. Though van breakdowns are uncommon, 24-hour roadside assistance comes with your rental.
Clean, detailed, stocked and fully restored Westfalia VW camper vans are available for rent from Hilo-based Happy Campers Hawaii for $130 per day plus tax for pop tops and $120 per day for vans with sunroofs, as of July 2013. These prices do not include Hawaii tax of $3 and a cleaning fee of $35. The company requires a seven-day minimum booking. Much larger, more traditional RVs are available from Kona-based Island RV, and prices vary depending on the model chosen.
Hawaii Island is replete with campgrounds that are either free or charge a modest fee. County parks require small a permit fee for each adult, while some state and national parks and other off-the-track locations don't ask for a fee. One of the best free campsites on the island, Namakani Pai'o, is within the boundaries of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, 3 miles from the entrance. Restrooms, picnic tables and cooking areas are provided. Showers are only available for cabin renters, though. Issac Hale Beach Park, an oceanfront park with full facilities past Pahoa town, is known for its often-large surf break called "Pohoiki." At Ho'okena Beach Park in South Kona, which fronts a sandy beach and bay teeming with dolphins, you'll find fun shore break and full facilities, but will need a permit reserved in advance.
