Camping in Hawai`i
Let me start by saying, I am not a camper. :p
My whole life I’ve been a hotel lover, but because of my very adventurous husband and kids, I knew one day I’d have to go. That one day when they got older, I’d have to sleep outside in a tent and camp.
And as much as I LOVE nature, I love warm showers, a clean bathroom, and a comfortable bed. Well, that time came this year to go camping and I had years to mentally prepare and thanks to my husband, he prepared all the luxuries he could to provide a warm shower and a comfortable cot!
So this isn’t quite glamping, which I’m down to try, but it was a very nice kind of camping I would certainly do again!
Our friend, Clifton, introduced us to Camp Mokuleia and even though I’ve lived here my whole life here in Hawai`i and heard of it, even drove past it, I never been. And he got us a prime spot, 3 very special tents right on the beach and these are tents that are set up for you, off the ground, high ceiling, spacious, and with a little porch! OMG…now this is the kine camping I like! It was a great way to ease in and with a one night stay, I could do it AND it was actually so much fun!
These facilities had parking right nearby, cellular reception, outdoor showers right by the tent, a very clean bathroom with flushing toilets just a short walking distance away, and other amenities you could access if you wanted like basketball court, pool, dining hall (for big camps and school stuff).
We got away, but not too far away so we could drive 10 minutes to get some bento and Snow Puffies from Paalaa Kai Bakery.
There was a small fee of $60 per family per tent with a max of 12 people for this area. And around this area were more affordable spots to rent where you could set up your own tent on the ground. But the boys went big for the wives (otherwise we’d head home)! :p
So what do people in Hawai`i do when they go camping?
We swam, played in the tide pools, fished, climbed the trees, read a book, talked story, grilled meat and veggies, cooked food, ate and together, roasted marshmallows and made s’mores at night, went crab hunting, and listened to the ocean waves crash, felt the sand between our toes, and marveled at a pitch black sky full of stars. It was quite honestly breathtaking and absolutely so refreshing to be away outside.
If you are not a camper, but want to give it a try, here are some of the things that made it absolutely comfortable and feel like class A camping:
-Water heater
-A comfortable cot or air mattress
-Swim suit to bathe in
-Head lamps to walk around in the dark no problem….if not a flashlight is fine.
-A bucket and shovel (it’s amazing how long this kept the kids entertained)
I would definitely go here again and that’s saying a lot. As a blog reader, I hope this alone is one of those benefits you’ll realize when you’re there, that you’re so glad I shared. Someone told me about it and now I’m telling you.
finding peace by piece:
Get the luxurious listed above and if you need to ease yourself into a camping experience, just commit to one night. Take other friends who aren’t campers with you, and if you have kids, make sure they have some too so they can play while you guys slowly adjust. Team up with the guys who love doing all the things, and face your fears! Get out of your comfort zone and get outside! You’ll discover there’s something peaceful and healing in being immersed in God’s creation. I was one happy camper…so much so that I am willing to do it again!
