The BIG Island of Hawaii
Big Island, Hawaii
Why camping Hawaii is one of the best camping trips ever. One Hawaii is one of the most expensive places to travel but one of the best places as well. Even Airbnb’s here will run $75 and up unless you are in Hilo which is not the best of Hawaii. Weather year around is 70 degrees at night which is perfect camping weather, 80 during the days. Camping nightly is $20 per night for adults. Most of my travel in Europe and Asia is solo but anything in the US will usually be with my best friend and roommate Super Dave who you will see in the photos. With this information on the Big Island you are guaranteed to have the best camping trip and afford seeing everything amazing.
You will want to rent a vehicle, we rented a Jeep and split the cost, but you will need one to see all the best spots. Also, you will want to download the Gypsy Guide Big Island app. This will give you all the history while driving the Island, hot spots and totally worth the $10 one-time cost.
Also download the All Trails App for all the best hiking spots. This is a must have app everywhere I go worldwide.
YOU MUST READ THIS FOR CAMPING HAWAII!!!!!
There is NO FREE camping in Hawaii county parks. You will also want to book your camping ahead of time because they book up fast. I made this mistake because I wing everything, and it cost me driving time. So, I am going to give you the best camping spots and how many days you will need at both. You will need to create a login account on hawaiicounty.ehawaii.gov to book your campsites. The campsites I give you all have showers and you can camp right on the beach. You will need your passport or state
ID. They want you to print each voucher, but I just showed them my voucher on my phone. I better be safe than sorry and just print them before going. There are no date changes within 7 days of your reservation. Camping per person $20. We bought a $20 ice chest at the Walmart in Kona, any food plus ice chest we gave to a homeless guy at the end of the trip.
Day 1 & 2
Two nights at Kohanaiki Beach, there is not much to see in the area, but the campsite and beach are gorgeous. Now if I ever said you must see or do one thing in Hawaii it’s is Snorkeling or Scuba diving with the Giant Manta Ray’s this is a must!!!! Snorkeling is $110 a person and Super Dave did that and loved it. I did the scuba for $120 a person. I have scuba dived all over the world and this is the number one dive I have ever done. Do not forget that Go Pro. Mantaraydives.hawaii.com
Day 3 & 4
Two nights at Spencer Beach, great for snorkeling bring your own gear I always do. Next day enjoy a day pass at the Hilton Waikoloa Village Hotel. By far the most beautiful resort on the Island. Great beach hiking, waterfalls, huge pool, flamingo’s and great for photos. It’s so beautiful you may want to do two days here if you are looking for complete relaxation and high-end luxury without the huge price tag of a night here. If you prefer a beautiful hike instead with black sand beaches google the Pololu Valley Lookout and hike to the bottom. Then open your All Trails App type in Kona, Hawaii then search for the Kalopa Native Forest Trail 0.9 mile. Both hikes are beautiful and can be done in one day.
Day 5 & 6
Stay 2 nighst at Laupahoehoe Beach Park. Open your all trails app and look up The Donkey Trail Loop which is a 0.9-mile hike. Next, the Wai’ale Falls Trail which is 0.6 miles then go to the Rainbow Falls Lookout for 0.3 miles. All three include water falls and can easily be done in one day. You will have to back track to your campsite but not by far.
Day 7 & 8
Stay 2 nights at the Whittington Beach Park. You can hike the Volcanoes National Park before going to the campsite. It’s a unique destination to spot live lava flows, lava tubes and glowing craters which is a popular spot for tourists. You will want to hike to the Green Sands Beach which is also called the Mahana Beach. You will want to take a backpack with water, bathing suit, towel and some snacks for the day. The hike is about an hour to get to it. This is one of the most beautiful views in Hawaii and is a must see. The next day before you leave go early to spend the day enjoying the town of Kona. Great shopping and a town that is best for shopping before turning in the vehicle and returning to the airport. Hope you enjoy this trip as much as we did.