A campervan rental in Hawaii is the best way to immerse yourself in the islands’ natural beauty and explore hidden gems off the typical tourist path. We’re sharing the best Hawaii campervan rentals, along with essential tips.
If you’re considering a campervan rental in Hawaii, let me be the first to squeal excitedly and tell you that you are going to have the time of your life!
Camping is the perfect way to escape the tourist crowds and experience a side of Hawaii that many visitors miss.
But there’s a catch…
Hawaii is not as campervan-friendly as other states, like Oregon, Washington, or Utah. There are strict rules about camping on the islands. It’s definitely possible, but renting an RV in Hawaii requires some serious planning.
That’s where we come in!
First of all, if you haven’t been to our website before (welcome!), there’s something you should know about us…
We are absolutely obsessed with vanlife. We’ve traveled all over the world in campervans, and we have some expert advice that’ll be essential as you begin planning your trip.
In this article, we’ll go over exactly how to choose the best campervan rental in Hawaii for your budget and travel style.
We’re also sharing some tips that have come in really handy over the years, essential items to pack, mistakes we’ve made, and crucial information about camping in Hawaii, all so that you have the very best experience.
In the end, we want you to fall in love with vanlife too!
Guide to renting a campervan in Hawaii
Here’s what we cover in this guide. Click on any of the links below to jump down to that section, or keep scrolling to get all the juicy details.
- Why trust us?
- Our experience
- Our top recommendation
- How to book a campervan rental in Hawaii
- Best Campervan Rentals in Hawaii
- Why rent a campervan or RV in Hawaii?
- When to make your booking
- Things to consider when choosing a vehicle
- How much does a campervan rental cost?
- Hawaii Campervan Rental FAQs
- Campervan insurance
- What to pack for a campervan trip
- Campervan with a baby
- Where to stay in your campervan
- Hawaii camping resources
Note: In this article, you may notice some Hawaiian words and names spelled a couple of different ways. We want to acknowledge the linguistic markings of the modern Hawaiian language, such as the ʻokina [ʻ] or glottal stop and the kahakō [ō], while also keeping our content accessible and searchable for everyone.
If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, we have the ultimate resource for you!
This FREE PDF download includes everything you’re going to want to pack for your Hawaii trip, including what NOT to bring, plus tons of insider tips!
Sign up for our ultimate Hawaii packing list now and get a copy sent straight to your inbox.
Why you can trust us about campervan rentals
If you’re new to this blog (welcome!), we want to share a few reasons why you can trust us about all things campervan-related:
- We have personally built 3 campervans from scratch.
- We have traveled all over the US in our own campervans.
- We have rented vans all over the world, in New Zealand, Iceland, Scotland, and Ireland.
Now do you understand why I said we’re obsessed!?
I mention all of this to let you know we have a lot of personal experience on this subject. We truly know what we’re talking about and in this article we’re sharing our expertise with you.
Also, we simply love connecting with others who are interested in RV and campervan adventures, so let’s be friends!
Our personal experience traveling in Hawaii
When I was growing up, my grandparents spent 6 months every year on the island of Oahu, so Hawaii has always held a very special place in my heart. I visited once as a kid and again as a teenager (and also as a baby, but does that even count?).
Ben had never been to Hawaii and always wanted to go. So in 2023, we planned our dream vacation.
With our baby daughter in tow (plus my parents, for half the trip!), we rented a car and road tripped around Kauai and the Big Island. We even checked a couple big things off our bucket list, like hiking the Kalalau Trail and snorkeling with manta rays at night.
Though we stayed in Airbnbs for this trip, we kept thinking about our own home on four wheels, sitting in our driveway back in Bend… and I think it’s safe to say our next trip to Hawaii will be a campervan adventure!
For this article, we’ve combined our expertise in campervan travel with our own personal experience traveling in Hawaii. Plus, we’ve called on our friend Rachel Grenis to share her Hawaii camping experience to be sure we’ve covered everything you will need to know.
So let’s get to it!
Our top campervan rental recommendation
If you just want to skip to our overall recommendation, here it is:
We’d recommend Outdoorsy for the best selection of campervan rentals throughout the islands.
We’d highly recommend you continue reading this guide as it is packed with insider tips on what to look for when choosing your vehicle, mistakes to avoid, and some other companies we’d recommend if you have a different budget or travel needs.
How to book a campervan rental in Hawaii
Trying to figure out which company to rent a campervan through can be a daunting task. We’ve done it 4 times now, so we know how overwhelming it can be the first time.
Normally, we would use Motorhome Republic to search and compare campervan rentals in a particular destination.
But Hawaii is not like other destinations.
For one thing, you won’t find big national or international companies like Escape or Indie here.
Most Hawaii campervan rentals are smaller, local businesses—a fact we actually love—but it does mean you need to research each company individually to find the best ones.
Luckily, we’ve already done that part for you!
We’ve scoured reviews, compared specs, and analyzed prices to bring you a comprehensive list of the best Hawaii campervan rentals so the decision is a little simpler for you.
Best campervan rental companies in Hawaii
Being that we’ve personally rented campervans all around the world (and have built 3 of our own!), we feel like we have a really good handle on what to look for in a rental.
The companies below have been hand-picked by us, and we think each can be a good choice depending on what it is you’re looking for.
For each company, we’re sharing pros, cons, and price points (budget or mid-range) to make this big decision a breeze.
We’ve organized the list by island, so you can jump straight to our recommendations for your specific destination.
Campervan rental companies in Hawaii
- Outdoorsy (Oahu, Big Island, Maui, Kauai)
- Campervan Hawaii (Oahu, Big Island, Maui)
Oahu campervan rental companies
Big Island campervan rental companies
Maui campervan rental companies
Kauai campervan rental companies
Outdoorsy
- Price range: budget to high-end
- Recommended for: all types of travelers
- Pick-up/drop-off locations: various locations throughout Oahu, Big Island, Maui, and Kauai
- Check availability here
This platform is essentially the Airbnb of campervan rentals. People who own campervans, RVs, or tow-behind trailers can list them on Outdoorsy for rent.
This means that even if you’re visiting an island that doesn’t have as many established rental companies (like Maui), you can likely still find options.
The downside to this, of course, is that you should keep in mind that just like Airbnbs, not all listings are maintained, cleaned or represented in the same way. We are big on reading reviews so we have a realistic idea of what to expect.
Campervan Hawaii
- Price range: mid-range
- Recommended for: all types of travelers
- Pick-up/drop-off locations: Kona (Big Island), Kahului (Maui), Kaneohe (Oahu)
- Check availability here
One of very few companies with locations on more than one island, Campervan Hawaii offers a handful of vehicles with capacity for 2-4 people.
Their vehicles vary in features, amenities, and price, giving you options to fit your personal needs. They have a couple of high-roof campervans, 2 with built-in bathrooms and kitchens and 1 with an indoor shower.
Pros:
- Compact and easy to drive
- Their website is sleek and easy to use
- Lots of accessories included in the rental rate, even more available as add-ons
- 75 miles/day included in rental rate
- Minimum rental period is only 3 nights (5 nights during Christmas and New Year holidays)
Cons:
- In addition to the daily rental rate, they charge several mandatory fees that raise the list price quite a bit
- Only 1 4WD option
- Travel on unpaved roads is not allowed
Hawaii Surf Campers
- Price range: higher-end
- Recommended for: couples or small groups
- Pick-up/drop-off locations: Honolulu & Wahiawa (Oahu)
- Check availability here
Hawaii Surf Campers’ colorful fleet of vintage VW buses are exactly what you’d imagine for a campervan trip in Hawaii.
Each conversion sleeps 2-4 people and is equipped with an indoor kitchen featuring a cooktop, sink, and cooler. Basic kitchen supplies are included, along with bedding, towels, and a campfire mug that is yours to keep as a souvenir.
Pros:
- Fun, photogenic classic vans
- Lots of storage space
- Complimentary souvenir mug
- All basic accessories are included, and more gear is available upon request at no extra cost
- Airport transfers or vehicle delivery are available in Honolulu and Waikiki for an additional fee
Cons:
- You will not be able to stand up in most of these vans (unless you get a pop-top)
- No self-contained options (aka no toilets)
- Older vintage models are manual transmission, so be sure to double check when choosing your vehicle if you don’t know how to drive a stick
Hale on Wheels
- Price range: mid-range
- Recommended for: solo travelers or couples
- Pick-up/drop-off locations: Hauula (Oahu)
- Check availability here
Hale on Wheels, or “HW Campervans”, is a small, local company that offers budget-friendly converted minivans in Oahu.
Each of their builds features a tailgate kitchen, fully equipped with all basic supplies. They even include a portable blender for making morning smoothies with all that fresh Hawaiian fruit.
Pros:
- Compact and easy to drive
- Lots of gear and accessories included in the rental fee
- Unlimited mileage
- Shiplap interior in the “Nalu” looks chic and feels homey
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Cons:
- Only 3 models to choose from
- You will not be able to stand up in these vans
- No self-contained options (aka no toilets)
Campervans Big Island
- Price range: mid-range
- Recommended for: couples or young families
- Pick-up/drop-off locations: Hilo (Big Island)
- Check availability here
If you’re looking for a small business with personal service, Veronica and Jonathan’s 2-person operation is a great choice. Every van in their fleet has been designed and built by their own hands, so you can be sure they have the knowledge to answer any and all of your questions.
Their vintage vans give you that retro look and feel, while rigorous maintenance and automatic transmission make for easy driving and peace of mind on the road.
We have to admit that some of the builds look pretty dated on the inside, and there are a couple of questionable design choices. (Knowing how dirty the floors get in our own campervan, we would personally never do carpet.)
The exception is their “Nirvana”, which has a sleek, modern interior with beautiful design features, as well as an indoor bathroom with a toilet and shower. Given its amenities, the Nirvana is a higher price point than the other options.
Pros:
- Lots of 5-star reviews
- Compact and easy to drive
- Unlimited mileage
- Lots of accessories included, plus some fun gear available for an extra fee
- Rentals include a portable toilet, outdoor shower, and a pop-up privacy tent
Cons:
- Their website is a bit clunky and not the easiest to navigate
- They have a maximum rental period of 31 nights
Big Island Campers
- Price range: mid-range
- Recommended for: solo travelers or couples
- Pick-up/drop-off locations: Kailua-Kona (Big Island)
- Check availability here
Big Island Campers is a boutique rental company with 3 converted Ford campervans. Their handcrafted interiors feature gorgeous locally-sourced wood paneling, lots of storage, and thoughtful design touches.
Each van is fitted with a permanent bed and kitchenette, so you don’t need to spend time switching back and forth between day and night setups. They also have outdoor showers with hot water and include all your basic accessories.
Pros:
- Compact and easy to drive
- Fun extras available to rent, including scuba gear
- Flexible pickup and drop-off
- Unlimited mileage
- Minimum rental period is only 3 nights
Cons:
- Only 3 models to choose from
- Only 1 high-roof option
- No self-contained vehicles, but portable toilets are available to rent for an additional fee. All rentals also include a bottle and a Shewee… if you’re comfortable renting that (I think I’d rather go in the woods!)
Kuleana Campers
- Price range: mid-range
- Recommended for: solo travelers or couples
- Pick-up/drop-off locations: Kahului (Maui)
- Check availability here
This Maui rental company offers a small fleet of 4X4 Toyotas and Jeeps with rooftop tents for more of a “camping” experience. We’d recommend them for solo travelers or couples, though they could also work for families with 1 or 2 children under the age of 3.
The 4-season rooftop tents come with a roomy mattress, bedding, and twinkle lights for an extra cozy atmosphere. All rentals include a cooler, camp stove, kitchen kit, camp furniture, beach furniture, and towels.
Pros:
- Compact and easy to drive
- Lots of accessories included, plus more gear available for an extra fee
- Unlimited mileage
- 4WD and automatic transmission in all vehicles
- Minimum rental period is only 2 nights
Cons:
- You will not be able to stand up in these vehicles
- No self-contained options (aka no toilets)
Maui Camper and Van Rentals
- Price range: budget to mid-range
- Recommended for: solo travelers or couples
- Pick-up/drop-off locations: Kihei (Maui)
- Check availability here
We’re including this company as a budget-friendly option for Maui, which is overall the most expensive island to visit. But this recommendation comes with some caveats.
The reviews for this company are fairly split. Some are glowing, some highlight serious safety concerns. Most are not very recent.
After doing some research, we think the Honda Element camper could be a good budget option for a solo traveler or couple on a shorter trip (minimum rental period is 4 nights).
We would personally avoid this company’s vintage VW Westfalia campers, as they lack certain modern safety features, such as airbags.
Pros:
- Honda Element camper starts at $89 USD/night, which is cheaper than most campervan rentals in Hawaii
- Rental fee includes basic kitchenware and cleaning supplies
Cons:
- Only 4 options to choose from
- You will not be able to stand up in these vehicles
- No self-contained options (aka no toilets)
- Bedding and towels are not included and cost extra
Kauai Rooftop Campers
- Price range: high
- Recommended for: solo travelers or couples
- Pick-up/drop-off locations: Anahola
- Check availability here
This family-owned business offers a price match guarantee to ensure they have the lowest rates on the island for comparable rentals.
So why did we list the price range as “high”?
Well, there isn’t a lot of competition in Kauai to drive prices down. With rates in the range of $200-300 USD/day, we would still consider this a higher price point compared to other Hawaii campervan rentals.
Kauai Rooftop Campers has a good selection of pickups, Jeeps, and minivans to choose from. Each rental comes with lots of gear and accessories, including a kitchen kit, bedding and towels for 2 people, camp furniture, snorkel gear, and “free breakfast” – aka pancake mix and local coffee. (As coffee enthusiasts, we love this special touch!)
They also have a huge list of practical and fun add-ons, like a portable shower, surfboard, GoPro, hammock, or ukulele.
But perhaps our favorite thing about this company is their “Clean Ocean” initiative. Customers can save up to $40 on their rental simply by collecting plastic from the beach. We always follow Leave No Trace principles and strive to reduce our single-use plastics, so this is a huge green flag for us!
Pros:
- Price match guarantee
- Sustainable travel incentives
- Complimentary local coffee
- Good selection of overland campers
- Lots of inclusions and fun add-ons available
- Compact and easy to drive
- Unlimited mileage
Cons:
- You will not be able to stand up in these vehicles
- No self-contained options (aka no toilets)
- Their website isn’t set up very well and some information is hard to find
Why rent a campervan or RV in Hawaii?
Still need a little convincing on the whole renting a campervan thing?
We get it. If you’ve never experienced traveling in a campervan, the idea of it can be a little daunting. Don’t worry though — we literally have all the resources you need to make your trip a success.
First, let’s chat about why renting a campervan in Hawaii is a good idea. Scratch that. An AMAZING idea.
a) You can save (lots of!) money.
Renting a campervan is like having a car, a hotel, and a kitchen all in one place.
Sure, the total cost per day isn’t cheap, but consider what it would cost to book a hotel room, rent a car, and eat out for every meal.
Most likely, a campervan will save you quite a bit of money.
Psst! We have tons of ideas for easy and delicious camping meals that will help save you money!
b) You have ultimate freedom.
With a campervan, you have more flexibility than if you are staying in hotels.
Do you like a place? Stay longer.
Want to move on more quickly? Go for it.
Got a local tip and you want to switch up your route completely? Consider it done!
While having campground reservations is recommended at least a day or two in advance (more on that later), you have the ability to have a less rigid route.
c) It’s the adventure of a lifetime!
You’ll be telling your grandchildren about this adventure.
’Nuff said.
When to book your campervan rental in Hawaii
If you’re planning to rent a campervan in Hawaii, listen up because this is crucial…
Book your vehicle as early as possible. (This applies to all companies on this list.)
During popular travel seasons, the best models get snagged up fast!
Where to pick up your campervan in Hawaii
Campervan rentals are available on each of Hawaii’s 4 most-visited islands: Oahu, Hawai’i (aka Big Island), Maui, and Kauai. There are no rental options on Lanai or Molokai.
What types of campervans or RVs are available?
There are a variety of options to choose from.
We’ve listed a handful of different types below, but if you’re still confused, hop down to the next section where we’ve broken down some of the major things to consider that’ll make your decision easier.
- Low-roof converted minivan: ideal for budget-minded adventurers
- Pop-up campervan: iconic old-school campervan style
- High-roof campervan: spacious while still easy to drive and park
- Rooftop tent camper: usually paired with rugged vehicles like pickup trucks and Jeeps
Good to know: You won’t find any Class A motorhomes or larger RVs in Hawaii. Most campervan rentals won’t exceed 20 feet.
Things to think about when choosing a rental vehicle
Consider your answer to the following questions, as they will help you narrow down the best campervan rental for your personal needs.
How many people are you traveling with?
If you’re traveling alone or with one other person, then you’ll have plenty of campervan rentals to choose from in Hawaii.
But since the islands can’t accommodate larger motorhomes, it may be challenging to find something for a larger group.
If you have a big family or you’re traveling with a group of friends, you might be more comfortable splitting up into multiple vehicles.
What is your budget?
The answer to this question might help you narrow down your rental choices, so it should be one of the first things you really dive into.
In general, a campervan will be cheaper than an RV. And a low-roof vehicle will be cheaper than a high-roof vehicle.
Psst! If you’re curious about how much a campervan rental in Hawaii costs, we have a whole section about that. Jump there now.
Still trying to sort out your budget? We’ve broken down how much a trip to Hawaii costs to give you a better idea of what to expect.
Do you want a high-roof vehicle?
Think about this one for a minute: Do you need to be able to stand up inside your campervan?
This will help make getting dressed, cooking, and just hanging out more comfortable. But it will mean you’ll likely be in a higher price bracket.
If a low roof isn’t a deal-breaker, you can probably save quite a bit of money.
Our personal opinion: We’ve had lots of experience in both low-roof and high-roof vehicles. When we were on a budget, it was a great way for us to save money, especially when we were traveling in places where we spent a lot of time outside. However, once we spent more time in a high-roof van (and now that we travel with a child!) I don’t know if we could go back to a low roof. It’s honestly just so much more comfortable being able to stand up!
How luxurious of a set-up do you need?
From super basic to extra bougie, there are all types of campervan and RV rentals. Determining your budget is the first step, as this will help you narrow down your options.
From there, think about your personal preferences: Are you used to roughing it? Do you have a lot of camping experience? Or will splurging for a more plush vehicle be worth every penny to you?
Keep your answers in mind as you’re sifting through your rental options.
How much does a Hawaii campervan rental cost?
Campervan rentals will vary drastically, depending on the following factors:
- which island you’re visiting
- which company you choose
- type of vehicle
- how far in advance you make your reservation
Good to know: Unlike other destinations, Hawaii campervan rental rates don’t vary much throughout the year.
To give you a general price range:
- 1 week on Oahu in July (peak season) for a 2-berth campervan could cost anywhere from $700 to $1,800 (priced in July 2024)
Other costs to consider
In addition to paying the nightly rental fee, you won’t want to forget these other things:
- Additional rental add ons (make sure you understand what is included with your company and what is an extra fee)
- Campground fees
- Insurance
- Gas
- Insider Tip: Be sure you know whether your vehicle is gas or diesel so you fill up at the proper pump at the gas station.
Top places to visit on your Hawaii road trip
You could easily spend months getting lost and falling in love with the magic of Hawaii. But if you’re looking for a list of the very best places to put on your itinerary, we’ve got you covered.
We chose these places specifically because they are ideal for visiting in a campervan or RV. Use this list to start planning your perfect Hawaii road trip route!
Good to know: You might notice that we purposely left cities off this list. That’s because cities are not as fun to navigate with a large vehicle and finding parking can be a pain. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t add them in, but we’d highly recommend focusing your route around the places below. (We say this from personal experience!)
Top places to visit on the Big Island
Hawaii’s biggest island is home to active volcanoes, the world’s tallest mountains, spectacular beaches, and crystal-clear swaths of ocean, perfect for snorkeling and diving.
1. Volcanoes National Park
Both an International Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique cultural and geographical landscapes in the world.
Kilauea, the most active volcano on Big Island and Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano are the two centerpieces of the park. Drive the Chain of Craters Road down the length of the park from Makaopuhi Crater all the way out to the coast to see it all.
Psst! Don’t forget to pack your America the Beautiful Pass to get free access to this National Park.
2. Kailua-Kona
While the city of Kona is pretty touristy, it’s a great starting point to explore the Kailua-Kona coast, one of the driest, warmest places in Hawaii.
The Queen Ka’ahumanu and Akoni Pule highways to the north and Mamalahoa Highway to the south offer a variety of scenery including sweeping coastlines, lush rainforests, and desert-like landscapes.
We have a whole list of the best things to do in Kailua-Kona, including snorkeling with manta rays at night, tasting the famous Kona coffee, and hiking to Hawaii’s only green sand beach.
3. Hilo
Located on the opposite side of the island from Kona, Hilo is a totally different vibe. Despite having more than 3 times the population of Kailua-Kona, Hilo has a more laid back, local feel.
This side of the island also experiences a substantial amount of rainfall, creating lush, verdant jungle scenery.
We’ve listed the best things to do in Hilo, including the Pepe’ekeo Scenic Drive, jaw-dropping waterfalls, quaint farms, and hidden hot springs.
Top places to visit on Kauai
This nature lovers’ paradise has lush, dramatic scenery, including vast canyons, narrow ridgelines, jungles, sea cliffs, and beaches in a kaleidoscope of colors.
4. Waimea Canyon
Dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, this natural attraction offers some seriously awe-inspiring views.
The 14-mile Waimea Canyon Scenic Drive is dotted with lookouts showcasing the contrasting verdant and rust-colored mountains. The views get better the deeper into the canyon you go, and the waterfalls in the distance are spectacular.
Insider tip: Arrive early, drive to the end of the road, then visit the lookouts in reverse order to help avoid crowds.
5. Beaches
Okay – admittedly, we could put “beaches” on the list of top places to visit on every island. But Kauai’s beaches are just special.
Kauai has more than 50 miles of spectacular coastline, ranging from white sand beaches to black volcanic rock and lava tubes.
Its colorful reputation extends even below its turquoise shores, where the island’s renowned snorkeling sites are alive with vibrant coral reefs, green sea turtles, and schools of tropical fish.
Two of our top recommendations are Poipu Beach (popular with napping Hawaiian monk seals), and Ke’e Beach (the closest you can get to the Nā Pali Coast by car).
Good to know: Ke’e Beach is part of Hā’ena State Park and advance reservations are required.
Top places to visit on Oahu
Home to the state capital of Honolulu, world-famous Waikiki Beach, and significant historical sites such as Pearl Harbor, Oahu is the most visited Hawaiian island.
But head north on the Kamehameha Highway and the tourist crowds thin out, leaving plenty of opportunities to explore the island’s breathtaking scenery.
6. North Shore
Oahu’s North Shore is known for its legendary surfing, with people coming from all over the world to ride the waves at the Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay.
In addition to having gnarly waves, Waimea Bay is also the entrance to the Waimea Valley, a lush nature preserve. An easy 30-minute stroll through tropical gardens brings you to a swimmable waterfall.
As you make your way to the North Shore from Honolulu, be sure to stop at the Polynesian Cultural Center to learn about Pacific island cultures and history through a variety of immersive experiences.
Insider tip: Pop into Ted’s Bakery near Sunset Beach for a slice of cake or pie that you’ll still be dreaming about years from now.
Top places to visit on Maui
Maui, known as the Valley Isle, has fantastic beaches, calm waters, and one-of-a-kind natural attractions. The waterfalls are spectacular, thousands of humpback whales winter here, and it’s home to one of the state’s most unique national parks.
7. Road to Hana
Driving the scenic 64-mile Hana Highway, famously known as the Road to Hana, is one of the most popular things to do in Maui.
This narrow, winding road has 500 turns, 50 one-lane bridges, red, black, and white sand beaches, waterfalls galore, breathtaking hikes, and exotic fruit to sample from roadside vendors.
8. Mount Haleakala
Making up an astounding 75% of Maui, this 10,023-foot dormant shield volcano is the world’s largest. The Mars-like landscape is not at all what you’d expect on a tropical island.
Sunrise here is a must, but you’ll need a permit.
Hawaii campervan rental FAQs
I get it — there is a lot to think about when it comes to renting a campervan in Hawaii.
Let’s go over some common questions and see if we can get them answered!
Do I need an international driver’s license to rent a campervan in Hawaii?
Most likely, no.
Unless your home country’s license is in a non-Roman language (Japanese, Russian, etc.), you will not need an international driver’s license.
Can I bring a child on a campervan trip?
Absolutely. We’ve brought our daughter on many campervan trips!
In fact, we’d say it’s a great way to travel with a baby or older children.
You will need to select a vehicle that has enough seating for your family. And you will need to think about what you will do about a sleeping space. (We have tips on that!)
Insurance for your campervan trip
Insurance is always one of those tricky topics to write about because it widely varies from person to person depending on the amount of risk you are willing to take.
When traveling, we always make sure we are covered (we’ve heard some horror stories of accidents happening abroad).
Read the fine print of your credit card: A typical credit card rental car insurance policy only covers 4-door sedans and not campervans, so don’t rely on that coverage.
As always, whether you get campervan rental insurance or not, we recommend getting medical travel insurance.
Psst! We have an entire guide to how to choose the best travel insurance policy for you that should be helpful!
What to pack for a campervan trip
We have a whole checklist of things to bring for your campervan trip, but here are some items you really don’t want to forget:
- Aeropress: If you are a coffee drinker and your rental company doesn’t include a coffee maker (many don’t), definitely pack this!
- Rubber bands and/or chip clips: This is something that is often overlooked, but important to keep the food you buy sealed (think bags of granola, crackers, etc.).
- Spices and oil: When going on a campervan trip, we always like to bring our own spices so we don’t have to stock up. You can bring mini containers filled with your faves (we bring high-quality salt, pepper, cayenne, and any others that strike our fancy). We like this leak-proof container for storing coconut oil and this one for storing olive oil.
- Lightweight towel: If your campervan rental does not include towels in the rental price (many charge extra), bring your own! We like this microfiber one or this Turkish towel.
- Travel lumbar pillow: If you have a bad back (like Ben!), this would be clutch! He had some back issues during our trip, and was wishing we had packed his lumbar pillow. This inflatable version packs up small, so it’s perfect for campervan travel.
- Universal outlet adaptor: A basic travel item that everyone should have so you can plug in your device anywhere.
- Shower shoes: Trust me when I say you don’t want to go barefoot in some of the campground showers!
- Travel slippers: The floors of your vehicle will inevitably get dirty, so it’s nice to have a lightweight pair of slippers to wear at night to prevent your feet from collecting all that dirt.
We even created this handy PDF downloadable checklist so you don’t forget anything. And it’s totally FREE!
For more ideas, we have an article dedicated to all of the campervan essentials you might want to have on the road with you.
Packing for a baby on a campervan trip
This checklist has a whole section of all our baby-related items we recommend, but here are a few things we’d definitely recommend bringing if you are renting a campervan with a little one in tow.
- Travel high chair: We love this portable high chair and use it in our personal campervan at home. We also flew with it to Hawaii and loved that our daughter had a seat in our Bunk Camper.
- Travel tent: This is the sleeping tent that we used on trips when our daughter was under a year old. It packs up super small and gave her a safe space to sleep.
- Inflatable bed bumpers: We’ve transitioned from the tent to these as our daughter has grown and they worked really well to transform a normal bed into a safe sleeping space for our toddler.
- Your favorite baby foods: We found some baby-friendly foods while in Hawaii, but the selection was more limited than I was expecting. If you have favorites (freeze dried strawberries from Trader Joe’s are one of our go-tos for travel!), we’d recommend prioritizing packing foods over diapers and wipes, as those will be easier to find anywhere.
- Travel sound machine: We don’t go anywhere without this!
- Tap light: This light is super handy at home or on travels.
Psst! Looking for more family travel tips? Check out our list of practical (& super encouraging!) tips for traveling with a baby.
Where to stay in your campervan
I’m gonna give it to you straight – Hawaii is not very campervan-friendly. Officially, only one state park allows campervans.
The good news is that there are plenty of both on- and off-grid private campgrounds that are open to campervans.
We’ve created a Hawaii camping guide so you have all the info you need right at your fingertips.
Wild Camping
We’ve done tons of camping all over the Lower 48, and we’d like to think we’re experts on finding free campsites in the USA.
But let me make one thing clear: there is no free camping in Hawaii. That includes beaches (unless in a designated campground), parking lots, and residential streets. State law prohibits free camping.
Before planning your trip, make sure you understand the rules for camping in Hawaii so you don’t inadvertently break the law (yikes!).
Hawaii camping resources
Be sure to bookmark these additional articles because they will be a huge help as you plan your trip.
What to expect at campsites in Hawaii
We created a guide so you know exactly what to expect from Hawaii campgrounds. We’re also sharing the best campsites in Hawaii to help make the decision easier for you.
When to plan your Hawaii campervan trip
Find out the best time to visit Hawaii based on regional weather patterns and your personal travel style.
Fun things to do in Hawaii
If you’re planning a road trip, you don’t want to miss these unique things to do in Hawaii! This ultimate bucket list includes the must-sees, but also has tons of hidden gems you won’t find on other Hawaii bucket lists.
Love the idea of campervan trips around the world?
Us too (hence why we keep booking campervan trips!).
Here are some more ideas for you to bookmark for future travels:
- Scotland Campervan Rental Guide
- Iceland Campervan Rental Guide
- New Zealand Campervan Rental Guide
- Ireland Campervan Rental Guide
- UK Campervan Guide
- Italy Campervan Rental Guide
- France Campervan Rental Guide
- USA Campervan Rental Guide
- Canada Campervan Rental Guide
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We want to hear from you!
Are you planning a Hawaii campervan trip and still have questions? Leave us a comment below and we’ll do our best to find you the answers you’re looking for!