Backpacking in Hawaii is one of the best ways to experience the amazing islands and learn about the local culture. Most visitors to Hawaii tend to stay in tourist-centered resorts, however by travelling on foot, you’ll be able to get the most authentic experience and see sights that most tourists won’t, such as private beaches, untouched hiking paths, and amazing opportunities to see beautiful sunrises and sunsets by camping in parks and on beaches. Backpacking through the island of Hawaii doesn’t have to be rough though – follow these top tips to ensure that you still have an amazing, luxury experience.
Staying in Hotels
Although many backpackers choose to camp in areas such as beaches and parks, if you’re looking for a more luxury experience, there are a number of great hotels and hostels that you can stay in whilst travelling through Hawaii. You could choose to both camp and stay in hotels to get a really rounded experience, however it’s good to note that you will need a permit to camp – even if it’s for just one night of your trip. The Kauai Hotel at Koloa Landing in Kauai is a great choice for backpackers looking for a few nights of luxury.
Know the Climate
The last thing that you want whilst backpacking through Hawaii is to get caught out in bad weather. Whilst planning your trip, it’s a good idea to determine where the best locations are for good weather at the time of year that you plan to visit. This way, you’ll be able to rest assured that your chances of being caught in the rain or wind are slim, and you’ll be able to fully enjoy your trip. Don’t forget that you can always use a weather app whilst you’re there to check the weather forecast.
Hire a Car
Whilst many backpackers take public transport or even hitchhike, if you’re wanting a more luxury experience when travelling through Hawaii, you might want to consider hiring a car to get to those locations you can’t walk to. Car hire can range in price depending on the type of car that you’re planning to hire along with your age and driving experience. It’s a good idea to check different car hire companies online before you set off to make sure that you get the best deal.
Pack Lightly
If you’re backpacking, the last thing that you will want to do is drag a heavy case around with you every day. Thanks to the warm climate in Hawaii you won’t need to pack any heavy warm clothing, so take your lightest clothes – a couple of pairs of shorts and some t-shirts will probably do. Don’t forget some comfortable shoes – if you’re going to be walking a lot, flip flops will soon begin to irritate you.
Have you ever backpacked around Hawaii? If you’d like to share any tips with fellow travelers to help them have the best experience possible, we’d love to hear from you! Leave your response in the comments below.