Campervan Rental Kauai vs Rooftop Camper Kauai – What Is Better For The Best Camping Experience In Kauai, Hawaii
You may have already decided to not stay at a hotel or resort during your next vacation on Kauai, but to go the more adventurous route and go camping instead! Since you will most likely also need a car to get around the island consider getting a Rooftop Camper or Campervan Rental. They both are wonderful camping options and provide both: accommodation and transport.
Now, you may be asking yourself which one of the two is better. Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of a Roof Top Camper and a Campervan Rental and what might be more suitable for you.
What is the difference between a Campervan and a Rooftop Camper?
First, for those of you who might be still wondering, let’s talk about what a Campervan and a Rooftop Camper actually are.
Rooftop Camper
A Rooftop Camper is a motor vehicle with a rooftop tent mounted on top of it, which allows the users to sleep in relative safety and comfort above the vehicle, and leaves the internal load-space free.
Campervan
A Campervan is a motorized vehicle that provides both transport and sleeping accommodation. As the term ‘campervan’ indicates, they are vans that have been fitted out. Some are just equipped with a mattress in the back and others, more fancy ones, have a toilet, shower and sink with running water.
Comparing: Campervan Kauai and Roof Top Camper Kauai
In short: Campervans and Rooftop Campers are both great options! What is best for you really depends on what you are looking for and who you are taking with you!
Below, we will discuss the two different great camping vehicles in terms of budget, drivability, nature views, weather protection & privacy, accessibility & storage and privacy.
Budget: Roof Top Camper wins
Renting a good Rooftop Tent Camper is always going to be much less expensive than a good Campervan. Obviously, more built-in appliances in Campervans such as a toilet, shower or sink will reflect in higher prices.
Drivability: Roof Top Camper wins
Campervans are usually at least a full 12″ inches wider than a Roof Top Camper and usually a lot taller and longer as well.
If you would like to go on off-road adventures or just explore more private places at the end of one of Kauai’s many bumpy dirt roads, a 4wd roof top camper is definitely more suitable. Additionally, the visibility on Campervans isn’t always great and it often can be tough to find a large enough parking space when in town.
So, in terms of drivability the Roof Top Camper clearly wins.
If at this point you already realize that a Roof Top Camper is your best bet for an epic camping vacation on Kauai, check out our popular 4wd Rooftop Campers at Kauai Rooftop Campers.
Nice Views: Roof Top Camper wins
The elevated position of a roof top tent offers great views and one could spend hours in a beautiful place just lying there watching nature show off.
In addition, as just mentioned, a Roof Top Camper can be more drivable while off-roading or managing bumpy dirt roads on the way to secluded beaches, which surely will reward you with more stunning views.
Weather protection & privacy: Campervan wins
Unlike most roof top tents, a Campervan has hard walls. Essentially, this means less wind noise and impact, less dampness when it rains, more security, and more privacy.
Luxury: Campervan wins
In terms of luxury, a Campervan clearly has advantages over a roof top tent. While the rooftop tent is usually more luxurious than a ground tent, it’s not really comparable to sleeping in a a climate-controlled Campervan.
People looking for heating, air conditioning, extra storage and plumbing would probably be better off in a Campervan versus a rooftop tent.
Of course, the extra luxury will come with a much higher price tag.
Conclusion
If you love to adventure through nature off the beaten path, like to feel more connected with the elements and/or are on a budget then a roof top camper is for you!
If you like to bring more homy comfort such as running water, built in shower & toilet and protection from weather into your camping experience and are willing to pay for it, then a Campervan is better for you.
In a nutshell:
Rooftop Campers are usually less expensive, more rustic, and feel more like camping out.
Campervans are normally pricier, more homey and feel more private and protected.
If you decided that a Rooftop Camper is better for you…
If you decided that a Rooftop Camper is best for you, check out our top quality 4wd Rooftop Campers at Kauai Rooftop Campers.
TESTIMONIALS
Our Happy Clients!
Exploring Kauai with a rooftop camper is a fun and unique way to explore this beautiful island! Our family of 4 spent 12 fabulous days exploring and camping. The extra tent with the rooftop provided plenty of space for us…we had an amazing time! All communication with Jonathan and Jamie was smooth and easy. They are lovely people who genuinely want to provide a great experience.
Katherine
Minneapolis, MN
Jamie and Jonathan were excellent hosts! Even though they were on vacation, Jonathan made all accommodations very easy and helped us with every step. Note: if you are under 25, make sure to let them know to make sure you are covered by insurance! Jonathan helped us work it out and we had a great time
Duncan
Los Angeles, CA
Jamie and Jonathan are by far the very best experience with Airbnb we have ever had. Truly generous human beings with big hearts. They provided wonderful suggestions, amenities, and a wonderful 5 star experience. We will certainly rent again. For our first experience in Hawaii, they made sure it was second to none. If you’re coming to Hawaii to truly experience nature and looking for a ‘no nonsense’ and easy process to explore the island the way it was meant to be, you could not attain better hosts.
Zack
Seymour, TN
We had such an amazing trip with Jamie’s camper! Jamie and Jonathan were both so kind and took their time to explain to us the ins and out of our camper. Communication was easy and the beaches they recommend we visit were like paradise! Will rent again from them when we come back for sure!
Caitlin
Fairfield, IA
The BEST way to experience the beautiful garden island! Not only a great service–transportation doubling as your lodging–but wonderful and warm hosts. Jonathan and Jamie were so kind and helpful. An absolutely wonderful trip to Kauai–thank you both!
