safe camping on the big island? (to rent, place to live, restaurant)

[alaskangrown]

We camped all around the Big Island, in many public parks too. No problems- other than kids playing 'Uke and singing all night- which was pretty damn cool!

[alaskangrown]

We camped in beach parks in Hilo, Kole Kole, and Hapuna- Hapuna was awesome.

[nwcountrygal]

All spots including the first mentioned are good spots. You just have to watch out for the few meth heads with issues. And not be a mainlander with idiot attitude. I have camped at almost all places and more. Be respectful. If a baby birthday family is coming in just move over for them. I have taken my other half to places on the island that he was threatened in the 80's never went back. Today it is mainly all good. Again just be respectful as you are the intruder looking to enjoy when family's local are having a BBQ. Most the time we give fish and invited to the party.

[akayerich]

I realize this is old, but I was the one that started the thread and didn't realize how many responses there were! I never checked back after our trip. I thought I'd just add that we ended up camping @ Spencer Beach county park and it was great. We were there in Oct 08. There was security so we weren't worried about safety. The location made travel to other places we wanted to check out easy. We also spent time on Oahu and camped @ Friends of Malekahana which was also amazing.

[konacamper]

Hi,

I am going to do some camping on the island during first week if January and have no idea how the weather will treat me at this time of year!

Should I take very warm clothes? any comment on the weather would be really appreciated.

thx

[Galactastica]

the weather only fluctuates 5 degrees from summer to winter at sea level. Volcanoes and up country camping will be more drastic. There is a larger difference anywhere on the island from daytime to nighttime. Whether you need warm clothes will depend on where you are camping. Spencer beach park? No. most people don't (although i like to have a light hoody or long sleeve shirt anytime after dark cause i'm a chihuahua). Volcanoes or Mauna Kea park? Yes, yes yes yes take warm clothes!

[cagary]

Originally Posted by konacamper

Hi,

I am going to do some camping on the island during first week if January and have no idea how the weather will treat me at this time of year!

Should I take very warm clothes? any comment on the weather would be really appreciated.

thx

East side going to be raining in January. If you're thinking of camping in Waipio, , Laupahoehoe or around Hilo, bring a good weather resistant tent and rain gear.

Gonna be wet!

[hotzcatz]

Spencer's should be a good choice, it's usually dry over there and usually warm.

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by konacamper

I am going to do some camping on the island during first week if January and have no idea how the weather will treat me at this time of year! Should I take very warm clothes? any comment on the weather would be really appreciated.
thx

Depends on where you'll be. The Big Island has all but 2 of the world's climate zones, and you'll want a heavy parka if you go to Mauna Kea.

January is winter, so nights are cool everywhere. And rain is common, especially on the east side. Up here in Volcano, nights can be in the 40s.

Think layered. In the morning bundle up, peel mid day, rewrap in the evening. And a rain cover for everything.

[FollowYourDreamsForever]

I was reading your Forum responses and found you to have dependable knowledge on camping in hawaii. I have scheduled my one way ticket to Honolulu for September 5th. Would you point me in the right direction with maybe a few good options for the island of oahu and then quite possibly to the big island. I have limited funds right around $1000 and I'm bringing my guitar and road bike for transportation and a way to make money playing music in restaurants.. I'm in need of advice for my LIFE.. I have chosen a path and I seek your advice. You seem to me like the kind of person that could offer much knowledge.

Originally Posted by Galactastica

aloha, i live in Kailua-Kona and am an avid camper, going all over the place almost every weekend. i have never had problems anywhere at all. the only place i personally chose not to camp was Kole Kole on the Hilo side-something about it creeps me out and it just looks unfriendly. But that's okay, you can find much better, safe, prettier campsites all over the island. Laupahoehoe is nice, i always enjoy it there, but my favorites are in Volcanoes. You pay your 10$ car fee and it's good for 7 days, and you can stay in their campsites free, first come first serve, like said above. There is always room and they even have grills and the facilities.
I always camp on other islands too, people always wonder how i have the money to go on vacation...it's because a 2 week trip to kauai will cost me under $90 for board...sure takes a bite out of the "expensive hawaii vacation" every presumes there is no way out of. So camp! You'll be fine satefy wise and you'll have lots of money to do other things that are more exciting and important than a soft bed...you can just get that at home after the trips over!