Is Camping Safe in Hawaii? Is Campground Safety an Issue?
We are seriously considering coming to Hawaii in late Oct/Early Nov and would like to camp to stretch our money, but are reading alot of contradictory info on forums etc about campgrounds being unsafe and unwelcoming to tourists. The islands we are planning to visit are Kauai and Maui and, only if money allows, the Big Island.
We would really love the experience of enjoying the staying amidst the natural beauty of Hawaii, but want to feel safe and have at least basic amenities. We are a mature couple who enjoy occasional, seasonal camping, so not interested in a grotty backpacker experience.
Could you let me know your opinion on whether we should pursue camping on these islands, or stick with budget accom options.
You know, this really has not ever been my experience. I am not a tourist but myself and my whole family are caucasian (so we are frequently mistaken as tourists) and we travel a lot and I have NEVER, ever been accosted or even really given ‘stink-eye’. I know it happens, and I know there are occasional bad experiences, but I think that may have more to do with the behavior of the visitors.
I did witness an event once where a group of teenage girls and their teachers or mothers were surrounding a sea turtle and touching it in a shallow beach area. Not a good thing – turtles should not be touched.
Well, a family of native hawaiians went off on them in a big way. Lots of yelling. Bad experience. But nothing they weren’t almost asking for with their treatment of this animal the Hawaiians consider sacred.
So, I wouldn’t worry about it. Honestly. Maui and Kauai are great, safe islands. Just be respectful of the land and the animals and you should be fine in my opinion.
Have fun! Lisa
Comments
6 Comments on Is Camping Safe in Hawaii? Is Campground Safety an Issue?
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Jake on
Fri, 10th Jul 2009 12:28 am
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Lisa on
Fri, 10th Jul 2009 1:35 am
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Danny on
Wed, 29th Jun 2011 1:47 am
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Lisa on
Wed, 29th Jun 2011 11:00 pm
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Kevin on
Tue, 5th Jul 2011 3:43 pm
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Lisa on
Wed, 6th Jul 2011 2:36 am
if your camping there for a few months (basically bumming around off saved money) are u likely to run into many centipedes and taratulas and things of that sort?
There are no tarantulas in Hawaii, however, the centipedes and roaches are really big. And yeah, they could find you. I remember one time we were camping at south point and our campgrounds was overrun by field mice stampeding for a minute or two. We actuall had them everywher and accidentally brought one home. My husband was bit on the back by a centipede camping on the beach on Lanai.
Hi
I am planning on traveling and camping in hawaii starting in September until December and was wondering if you anyone had any suggestions as far where I could camp first. I am debating on whether to arrive thru Kona or Hilo airport.
If you have ideas of what are the best campsites to visit, please let me know.
Thanks,
Try Spencer Beach park – that’s an awesome one. The airport is a tossup if you are going to camp on both sides of the island – go with whichever one is more convenient for you.
Hi
I’m planning on going to Maui for about 2 weeks with not much money and I was planning on just finding random places to camp for free. I was wondering a couple things. Is it safe to do as far as not having to be worried about unwelcoming locals? Where might be some good places to avoid that?
Hmm, honestly, I wouldn’t want to tell you that camping by yourself, anywhere on Maui would be safe, because it might not be. You’ll probably be fine, but if you don’t have the money to stay at an established campsite, I don’t know.
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