Can you rent a camper in Hawaii?

Yes, but options are limited compared to the mainland. No fleet companies like Cruise America or Escape operate in Hawaii. Peer-to-peer platforms have listings on Maui, the Big Island and Oahu. Most are campervans and converted vans — no large motorhomes. Expect to pay $100-$250/night. The Big Island has the best camper infrastructure.

Where can you camp in Hawaii?

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island has two campgrounds. State parks across all islands offer camping permits ($30/night for non-residents). County beach parks on the Big Island and Maui allow camping with permits. Maui's Hosmer Grove in Haleakala National Park is free. Wild camping is illegal on all islands.

USA / Hawaii

Rent a Camper in Hawaii Island Camping on a Different Level

Hawaii camper travel is growing but still niche. No fleet companies operate here. Your options are converted vans and campervans listed by local owners on Outdoorsy and RVshare. The Big Island has the best setup for camper travel. Maui works too. Oahu is tough — limited camping and heavy traffic.

Hawaii Rental Pricing

Platform	Pricing	HI Notes
Outdoorsy	$100-$250/night	Best selection — Maui and Big Island listings
RVshare	$90-$225/night	Fewer options, mostly Big Island
Cruise America	N/A	No Hawaii locations
Escape Campervans	N/A	No Hawaii locations

Hawaii has far fewer rental options than any mainland state. Book 2+ months ahead — inventory is limited and demand is constant.

Best Islands for Camper Travel

Big Island (Hawaii Island)

The best island for camper travel by far. Biggest landmass, most camping options and less traffic than Oahu. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has two campgrounds (Namakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki). County beach parks like Spencer and Kolekole allow camping with permits ($20/night for non-residents). The Hamakua Coast from Hilo to Waipio Valley is a gorgeous 2-day drive.

Maui

Second-best option. Hosmer Grove campground in Haleakala National Park is free and puts you at 6,800 feet for sunrise views. Kipahulu campground near the Pools of Oheo is on the other side of the park. Waianapanapa State Park (black sand beach) has campsites with permits. Road to Hana has tight turns and one-lane bridges — only do it in a small van.

Oahu

Hardest island for camper travel. Heavy traffic, limited camping and strict enforcement against sleeping in vehicles. Malaekahana State Park on the North Shore has legal camping. Bellows Beach is military but opens to the public on weekends. Skip Oahu for camper travel unless you specifically want to combine Honolulu sightseeing with a few nights camping.

Tropical Hawaiian beach with crystal-clear turquoise water — Unsplash

Hawaii Camper Routes

Big Island Circle

5-7 days. Start in Kona (west side, airport). Drive south through Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook coffee country. Hawaii Volcanoes NP for 2 nights. Continue north through Hilo, up the Hamakua Coast to Waipio Valley overlook. Back to Kona via Kohala Coast. The island is 266 miles around — manageable but the volcano region alone deserves 2-3 days.

Maui: Haleakala and Hana

3-5 days. Camp at Hosmer Grove for the Haleakala sunrise (get there by 5am). Drive down to Kipahulu for the Pools of Oheo. The Road to Hana has 620 curves and 59 bridges — keep your van small. Waianapanapa black sand beach is a highlight. The backside of Haleakala (Piilani Highway) is rough but stunning. Some rental companies prohibit this road — check your contract.

Hawaiian sunset over the Pacific Ocean — Unsplash

Hawaii-Specific Tips

→ Camping permits are mandatory. Every legal campsite in Hawaii requires a permit — state parks, county parks, national parks. No exceptions. Get them online before you arrive. No walk-up spots.
→ Sleeping in your van at random spots is illegal. Hawaii actively enforces anti-camping laws. Don't park at beaches or parking lots overnight. Stick to legal campgrounds.
→ Gas is expensive. $5-$6.50/gallon across all islands. Distances are short though — the Big Island is only 266 miles around.
→ Small vans only. Hawaii roads are narrow, winding and often single-lane in rural areas. Nothing over a standard cargo van size works here. No motorhomes, no trailers. Check the Road to Hana restrictions on your specific vehicle.

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