Whether you're planning on staying at beach campgrounds in Hawaii or at frostier elevations in the islands, or both, a little planning can help make your adventure a camping trip from heaven.
I was ill-prepared for my first camping trip in Hawaii, but after gathering some tips from my local friends and planning better, I learned to camp in comfort.
While nothing more than a light blanket is needed to camp at lower elevations, camping at frosty higher elevations such as at Volcanoes National Park - where night time temps can dip as low as 30 degrees - may require a down sleeping bag - or a combination of thermals and wool blankets to supplement an ordinary bag.
Many campgrounds don’t allow “under the stars” camping. No problem here. I much prefer a tent with a rain fly and floor that will keep me dry and keep out those nasty centipede and other creepy crawlers. Plus, even the leeward sides of the islands get unexpected downpours. For campgrounds that don’t provide pavilions, a tarp or two can also come in handy.
Because few beach camp sites sit close enough to the water to be on soft sand, bring quality air mattresses (not the kind that go flat by morning or are so small you have to fight to say on all night). A sleeping bag/air mattress combo where the mattress zips onto the bag - so it can’t slide off is nice. And, there are some high tech, very comfy ground pads too as well as the ones for more rugged types.
Speaking of creature comforts, try a hammock. The frameless kind that hangs between two trees can fit neatly in luggage. Do make sure the trees are free of ripe, ready-to-fall coconuts! Portable solar water heaters seem like a good idea, although I’ve never felt the need for one. Either the campground’s pipes heated in the sun kept the water warm, the campground had hot water, or when the water was cold, I happened to be on a warm beach and it didn’t seem like to big of a deal – once the initial shock wore off!
Bring a first aid kit with anti-bacterial cream to ward off infection of cuts and scrapes (it’s not only the beautiful plants that grow well in Hawaii’s tropical climate; bacteria thrive here also.) Meat tenderizer (the kind with papaya), which is a great pain reliever if bitten by a Portuguese Man-of-War. Vinegar will break down and relieve the pain caused by wana (spiny sea urchin). Aloe Vera and tannic acid (found in tea) are often very helpful for sunburn. And, don’t forget the waterproof sunscreen. Hawaii’s trade winds act as natural air conditioners, making one quickly forget about the strong tropical sun rays.
Don’t forget the water. Some campgrounds do not have any potable water. Even the most beautiful, clear streams can be biologically polluted from animals upstream, so if you must drink from a stream, purify the water first. Check ahead of time with appropriate officials for guidelines on drinking water.
Weather conditions change quickly in the islands, both geographically and climatically, so be prepared for sudden showers and bring a light weight rain jacket and/or one of those ponchos that folds up neatly into your pocket, rain guard for your hiking boots and an umbrella.
Wild foods, especially fruits are plentiful, but can’t be depended on for sustenance (unless one plans to hunt wild pig, spear fish, or scrape opihi off rocks while dodging dangerous surf). Plan on spending about one third more for food in Hawaii. To save money and make use of the space in your cooler, take a tip from locals traveling on inter-island flights. Fill your cooler with food, and then after, not before it’s inspected, tape it shut with packaging or duct tape. We like to fill ours with things like peanut butter, cereal, nutrition bars and soy milk.
To save money in Hawaii on groceries, try the growers markets. You'll find awesome deals on papayas, like three for $1. And you'll also find homemade goodies like mango jam, as well as flowers for your picnic table.
Speaking of food, check on what type of cooking tools you will need to bring. Some campgrounds don’t offer any cooking facilities, while others have fire pits, grills and even wood. A small stove can always come in handy, especially when it’s raining or you don’t want to build a fire just for a cup of coffee, even if it is fresh from Kona.
With a little planning and gathering of the right supplies, you'll go a long ways towards ensuring your adventure in Hawaii is a camping trip from Paradise, not the other place. Hawaii's most beautiful offering is its natural environment. Enjoy!
MORE HAWAII CAMPING INFORMATION
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