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Ah, the islands. Seems like everybody wants to visit Hawaii and take in that fine tropical air, but you may not be welcome if you manage to bring your RV. It seems like many government parks just aren't RV friendly.
A reader of Honolulu's Star Bulletin newspaper wrote to the staff, frustrated by not finding any RV parks in this luau state, and wondered if somehow, there was some sort of RV prohibition. Staff writers tracked down the answer to his question--and us state-siders may come away with slack jaws at the answer.
First, RVs are allowed under state law, and they're licensed as motor vehicles. After that, the picture gets a bit dim. RVs are not welcome in any of Hawaii's state parks. The state says the parks just don't have hookups. Seems funny, what if you want to drive your motorhome to the beach for a day trip? Apparently you're up the creek--without a beach.
A similar prohibition marks all parks operated by Kauai County. County
wizards say they're just not equipped with large enough parking areas. Wonder what would happen if you brought your Class-B (van conversion) RV. Would they boot you out?
The paper also dredged up this interesting caveat: "There are two parks on the Garden Island that allow 'mobile camping,'
but that only means you are allowed to sleep in your vehicle. 'It's not
for mobile homes,' we were told." Guess we can understand that one. Why the last time somebody tried to bring their double wide into a National Park here in the lower 48, it really caused a ruckus. Seriously, "mobile homes"? Here's another for the 'needs a definition' section.
Others do welcome (?) RVs, but with definite restrictions--advance permitting for example. There are two county parks on Maui and two on Molokai that
allow camping. You could park your RVs there if you obtain a camping
permit. "Trailers and other camper units"
are allowed at designated Hawaii County parks by permit only. They are allowed on
"any suitable place other than picnic or lawn areas," and cannot
obstruct any road or path or "monopolize any facility intended for the
use of all users of the park," according to regulations.
Hey you Hawaiian RVers here's an invite: Bring your motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel, pop up, or what have you over to the mainland. Out West we've got lots of places you'll be welcome to park. We may not have a lot of waving palm trees, and Elvis really has left the building, but hey, you and your rig are welcome to some wonderful sunsets, some DRY weather, and lots of open space.
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