Best Hawaiian RV Parks

1. • Volcanoes, black beaches, and tropical rain-forests draw millions of tourists to the American island state of Hawaii. This tropical paradise is comprised of eight main islands and hundreds of little islands. Camping is an ideal way to see all the attractions and sleep in paradise, but because the state is an island, it is not cost-effective for tourists to transport RVs from the mainland U.S. or other countries. Although there are no exclusive RV parks, there are a few county-run camps that allow recreational vehicles that you may have leased or rented or that belong to residents of Hawaii.

   Punalu'u-The Black Sand Beach

   • Punalu'u Beach in Maui has black sand that was created when lava flowed into the ocean. Sea turtles can be found basking in the sun, and you can sleep hearing the waves. Golf is also available.

     Punaluu Beach Park

     96-876 government rd,

     Pahala, HI‎ 96777

     (808) 961-8311

     hawaii-county.com‎

   Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park

   • Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park in Maui, which is also called the Big Island, would be great for camping. This is an active volcano and there are guided night tours to see the beauty of the lava. Bicycling around the park is recommended.

     Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park

     Pahoa, Hawaii 96778

     (808) 985-6000

     nps.gov‎

   Ha'ena Beach Park on Kauai

   • Ha'ena Beach Park on the lush island of Kauai has camping that allows RVs. There is saltwater fishing, grills, and it is open all year round. The powerful surf makes this beach not so good for snorkeling, but there are nearby beaches that are far more easy.

     Ha'ena Beach Park

     4444 Rice St # 150

     Lihue, HI 96766-1340

     (808) 241-4463

     kauai.gov‎

   Kolekole Beach Park

   • Kolekole Beach Park on the Big Island is South of Hilo has surfing, a waterfall, and beautiful streams. There is a bridge that was built in 1928, and it is just a perfect place for viewing scenary.

     Kolekole Beach Park

     Hawaii Belt Rd

     Honomu, Hawaii 96728

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Hotels and Resorts in Honomu, Hawaii

Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, the small town of Honomu is surrounded by lush jungles, crystal-blue ocean and sandy beaches. Just 11 miles south of the town is Hilo, a town that offers even more experiences--including hikes up an active volcano, swims in tropical waterfalls and walks on beaches with green sand--that are sure to make every visit to the area a fulfilling one.

1. The Palms Cliff House Inn

   • Located in Honomu, the Palms Cliff House Inn invites guests to discover "Old Hawaii" through at this Victorian-style hotel. From the moment you turn down its palm tree-lined drive, you will be immersed in the private inn on the oceanfront. Visitors often wake up hearing native Hawaiian birds singing or sometimes seeing humpback whales in nearby Pohakumanu Bay. There are eight rooms at the hotel, each one with a private entrance and an ocean view.

   Hilo Seaside Hotel

   • The Hilo Seaside hotel dares guests to discover the wild side of Hawaii while staying as a guest. Located in Hilo, near Honomu, this hotel is close to many tropical attractions, including volcanoes and waterfalls. Akaka Falls, Orchid Farm and Hilo Town are also close by. The hotel itself is ripe with gardens, pathways and ponds, as well as an outdoor swimming pool. Each room comes with air- conditioning, a refrigerator and a balcony.

   Naniloa Volcanoes Resort

   • The Naniloa Volcanoes Resort, located near Honomu in Hilo, offers many island adventures nearby. Volcano tours, helicopter tours, surfing and hiking are all easily accessible, as well as white, black and green sand beaches. Oceanfront suites at the hotel come with limestone tiles, a sitting area, kitchenette and wraparound balcony with ocean views of Hilo Bay. Budget-conscious guests can stay in the Mauna Loa Tower, which offers amenities including a flat screen TV and refrigerator.

   Uncle Billy's Hilo Bay Hotel

   • Guests at Uncle Billy's Hilo Bay Hotel will have the opportunity to experience an older side of Hawaii at the classic family-owned hotel. Historic sites and museums are minutes away that offer a look into the plantation lifestyle. Visitors can also take trips to hike an active volcano by day and gaze at the stars by night atop Mauna Kea. The hotel features an oceanfront swimming pool. Guests can enjoy a free breakfast each morning and rooms with private balconies.

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Kids Fun Attractions in Kahului, Hawaii

Kahului is one of the largest communities in Maui, Hawaii. Kahului is mainly known as a commercial center for Maui with several retail stores and restaurants surrounding Kahului International Airport. While Kahului is not a popular tourist destination for many visitors, there are a number of activities to engage the interest of children.

1. Amusements

   • What child doesn't love fun and games? Kids interested in winning prizes, and playing video games and other games of skill and chance will find it all at the Fun Factory. There are two locations in Kahului--one at the Maui Mall and the other at Ka'ahumanu Center. The Maui Raceway Park is the place to be for kids interested in go-cart racing. Located near the Maui Ocean Center, the Maui Golf and Sports Park has mini golf, bumper boats and trampolines. Maui Golf is even available for birthday parties.

   Surf Lessons

   • Much of the surfing action in Kahului happens on beaches of the North Shore and Central Maui, and kids can get in on the action by taking surf lessons. Kanaha Kai Maui sells and rents surfing equipment and offers surfing, wind surfing and kite surfing lessons through Action Sports School and Maui Sports Unlimited. Surfing lessons for children are offered mainly through surfing camps and clinics at Maui Sports Unlimited. This school accepts children ages 8 to 13. Another surf school operating in the area is the Nancy Emerson School of Surfing. Children ages 4 to 8 are encouraged to attend surfing clinics. All instructors have at least 20 years of experience, have completed the ocean awareness certification course and are trained and certified in first aid and CPR.

   Fish and Wildlife

   • Children love animals. In Kahului there are a number of opportunities for children to explore area wildlife and aquariums.The East Maui Animal Rescue, also known as the "Boo Boo Zoo," provides a sanctuary for injured and abandoned animals. At this petting zoo, kids can see and interact with many types of animals including horses, goats, deer and owls. At the Kahana Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary, children can enjoy viewing native birds and fish. This 143-acre park surrounding Kahana Pond also has dirt hiking trails. Other children may prefer a look at Maui's sea life at the Maui Ocean Center. Exhibits include hammerhead sharks, pufferfish, morey eels, and octopus, among many others.

   Museums

   • Kahului does not have a reputation as a major cultural center, but there are a few cultural destinations that should engage the interest of children. The Maui Arts and Cultural Center hosts field trips for students throughout the year as part of an arts education program benefiting students and teachers. The arts education program includes special performances and exhibits geared toward children such as the annual student art show. Somewhat offbeat, but no less popular, is the Paper Airplane Museum. This museum features more than 2,000 exhibits, with everything from tiny paper airplanes and gliders, to larger metal models. Children interested in Maui's history can learn a lot about the old sugar plantations at the Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum. Exhibits include a replica of a plantation work camp, sugar mill displays and historical documents and videos.

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How to Celebrate Your Engagement in Hawaii?

Hawaii is one of the world’s top honeymoon destinations, according to a 2009 issue of Modern Bride magazine. The romantic setting, complete with white sand beaches, lush tropical landscapes and gourmet restaurants, remains a draw for couples celebrating an engagement as well. Some of Hawaii’s largest islands offer opportunities for romantic adventures and attractions.

1. The Island of Hawaii

   • Situated along the island’s Hamakua Coast, Akaka Falls State Park (hawaiistateparks.org) sits upon more than 65 acres of land. A leisurely 0.4-mile hike leads visitors to the Kahuna and Akaka Falls, the latter of which tumbles 442 feet into a gorge. The lush trail includes wild orchids and ferns.

     Located inside the upscale Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows, the CanoeHouse (maunalani.com) offers views of the Pacific Ocean and sunset each evening. The menu highlights fresh local ingredients and gourmet samplings, including garden herb-grilled mahi mahi, cabernet slow-braised ribs and mushroom risotto. The restaurant also features an extensive wine list and desserts like coconut creme brulee and strawberry mousse cake.

   Kauai

   • Explore the island of Kauai by booking a tour through Captain Na Pali Adventures (captainnapali.com). The company offers ocean raft excursions, providing views of the Na Pali coast’s towering cliffs, waterfalls, caves and valleys. The tour also includes lunch, snorkeling along the Nualolo Kai reef and opportunities for dolphin watching.

     Situated in the Lawai Valley, The McBryde Garden (ntbg.org) features the largest collection of Hawaiian flora in the world. Plant life on display includes Spanish elms, staghorn fern, tiger’s claw and cacao. The garden also features a bamboo bridge and Maidenhair Falls. Visitors may embark on daily self-guided tours.

   Oahu

   • Based inside Honolulu’s high-end Halekulani hotel, La Mer (halekulani.com) serves French cuisine, including sauteed foie grass, caviar and roasted duck on butternut squash. Dessert options include sorbets, crepes and souffles. The upscale eatery requires formal attire. Areas of the restaurant offer ocean views.

     The Nuuanu Pali State Wayside (hawaiistateparks.org) sits perched more than 1,200 feet atop the Koolau cliffs. The park features a lookout point which offers panoramic views of Oahu’s valleys, coastline and nearby small islands. Be advised, strong winds remain a common occurrence in the area.

   Maui

   • Spend a night camping under the stars in Waianapanapa State Park (hawaiistateparks.org). Situated near a volcanic coastline, the region offers picnicking facilities, shoreline fishing and waterfront trails. Natural landmarks include a hala forest, a stone archway, bird colonies and caves.

     Escape from the great outdoors with a visit to the Spa Grande (grandwailea.com) located inside the Grand Wailea hotel. The 50,000-square-foot spa offers couples sessions, including treatments like side-by-side serenity wraps, duo massages, lavender body exfoliation and a specialty bath for two. Some sessions occur in a semi-private cabana and include kimono spa robes.

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How to Take Hawaiian Beach Sand Home?

White, pink, green and black sand are on various beaches throughout the Hawaiian Islands. The multi-colored sand on Hawaiian beaches derive from natural resources. Most of it is coralline, derived from algae and corals. Black sand is formed by molten lava and pink sand come from iron-rich costal cinder cones. According to Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources it is permissible to take up to a gallon of sand home as a souvenir and there are a variety of ways to take sand home from Hawaii. However, it is illegal to remove black sand derived from the erosion of volcanic rocks in or around Hawaii Volcanoes' National Park.

1. • 1
     Collect sand in a container such as a beach pail to take back to your hotel room.
   • 2
     Add sand into a container such as a plastic zip-lock bag, water bottle, vile, small glass jar or other decorative plastic or glass containers that has a sealed lid.
   • 3
     Add different colored sands from several beaches to create sand art. To do this, it may be best to collect sand from beaches and store them in plastic bags until you are ready to complete the project, prior to leaving Hawaii.
   • 4
     Seal container with the sand in it, tightly and pack in your checked baggage. It may be a good idea to place the container in a separate sealed plastic bag to prevent sand from leaking. Be aware that the inspectors at the airport will more than likely open your luggage, to ensure that that it is only sand and not a potentially harmful substance.

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5 Things to Know Before Moving to Aiea, Hawaii

Some people move out of necessity for work while others move simply for the thrill of living in a new area, like tropical Hawaii. The largest city and capital of Hawaii, Honolulu is located on the island of Oahu. Honolulu, like many large cities, is divided in to smaller neighborhoods. Aiea is one such smaller section of Honolulu and is a suitable option for those seeking to live the Hawaiian island lifestyle.

1. • 1
     Learn the areas of greater Honolulu. Aiea is a census-designated place within the consolidated city-county of Honolulu. Find housing in or around Aiea. Secure a physical address and have all utilities turned on. Change your mailing address. The post office that services Aiea is located at 99-040 Kauhale St.
   • 2
     Determine which schools your children should attend, if you have kids. All of the public schools in Aiea are under the jurisdiction of the Hawaii Department of Education. The elementary school is Aiea Elementary School with Aiea Intermediate School and Aiea High School as the secondary schools.
   • 3
     Learn how to get around town. Aiea is located near Pearl Harbor, which draws large tourist crowds throughout the year. Biking paths offer alternative routes of transporation or simply exercise and enjoyment. Plenty of room for outdoor activities, including parks, beaches and walking trails, is located in close proximity to Aiea.
   • 4
     Change your vehicle registration to reflect your new address in Aiea. Hawaii does not have a statewide department of motor vehicles, and instead assigns regulation to each county. Go to the Honolulu Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing and Permits with all applicable paperwork regarding your vehicle. Offices are located in satellite city halls across the island, including in the Uptown Pearlridge Shopping Center, 98-1005 Moanalua Road, 244B in Aiea. Have your vehicle's title and tags transferred to reflect your new address.
   • 5
     Learn to embrace the culture and climate of Aiea. Talk with growers and garden specialists in Aiea, such as ones listed by the National Gardening Association, on tips to growing plants, trees and flowers. Visit the USS Arizona Memorial which pays homage to Pearl Harbor and the events of Dec. 7, 1941. Talk to locals at coffee shops, bookstores, museums and restaurants. Find places to shop, eat and visit through the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce.

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