Kauai has some of the most beautiful nature in the world, and what better way to see it than to rent a campervan and check it out!
There’s no better place to get in touch with nature than Kauai, and with a Kauai campervan rental you can go to sleep with the stars and wake up to the sunrise, all without going back and forth to your hotel.
Another big plus is combining your hotel and car rental costs into one. Unfortunately, there are some pretty fancy setups out there that can end up costing you just as much or more than staying in a fancy hotel. That’s why we’ve done the work for you and tracked down the 10 best budget friendly campervans in Kauai.
Where to find a Kauai Camper Rental
There are a number of companies on the island that rent out campervans and 4x4s with roof top tents. The nature of Kauai is such that some of the best campgrounds are actually offroad, so you’ll definitely want to consider renting a 4WD vehicle with a rooftop tent if you’re interested in venturing out to them. One of the best campgrounds in Hawaii, Polihale, is one that you will want to reach either with a 4×4 or potentially with a campervan if the weather has been right and you drive carefully.
All the campervans from the top Kauai campervan rental companies can be found using the search below. If you book here using our coupon code “LEMONDROP” you’ll get 10% off your booking!
Here you’ll find all the best campervan and rooftop tent rentals in Kauai:
The Cost of Campervan Rentals in Kauai
The cost of campervans in Kauai can vary A LOT. You can find anything from a minivan with a bed in the back to a luxury mini RV that has all bells and whistles. The prices can go from as low as $50/night for a car with camping gear up to $350+ during high season for some of the nicest rides. You’ll also see Jeeps with camping gear for $80/night or a truck with a rooftop tent for double that.
This post is focused on budget friendly campervan rentals, so we’re going to be looking at what will get you the bare necessities as far as transportation and tents or camping gear so you can experience Kauai without breaking the bank.
8 Best Kauai Camper Van Rentals on a Budget
If you want to have an authentic travel experience on Kauai, a campervan rental is the way to go. Keep in mind that there are a lot of different campgrounds on the island including private, county and state campgrounds. The experience you’ll have at each can vary significantly, so check out our Kauai campground guide to help you choose where you’ll want to stay. Many require you to sleep in a ground tent, so bare that in mind when you’re making your bookings.
The following 8 campervans are all currently (2024) under $120/night! Prices may change at any time, but you’ll always get 10% off if you use coupon code LEMONDROP at checkout.
1. 2004 Toyota Sienna Camper for 2 – $119/night
This Toyota campervan is a simple way for two people to cruise around the island and comfortably sleep in the back. It comes with everything you need to enjoy your stay and if you’re looking to experience basic island living, there isn’t a better vehicle for you to do it in.
This camper is located in Lihue, so you’ll be able to easily pick it up when you land at the airport. Click here to check availability of this Lihue minivan camper.
2. 2010 Toyota Prius – $47/night
This is ultimate budget setup. It comes “bare bones” with just enough for one person to camp out in the back of this Toyota Prius. If you want to add on things like a 4-person tent, surfboard, beach chairs, etc, it’s all available.
If I were visiting Kauai and on a very tight budget, this would be the way to go. Click here to check availability for the cheapest camper rental on Kauai.
3. 1997 Jeep Wrangler with full camping setup – $85/night
Did you know that Jurassic Park was filmed on Kauai? It feels appropriate to cruise on around in around in Jeep to explore the island. This one comes with everything you need to have the camping trip of a lifetime: 1 tent, 2 sleeping bags/mats, 2 pillows, 2 chairs, 2 beach towels, 1 ice chest/cooler, 1 stove, cookware and a bonus kit filled with the all the extra little things you might need.
One nice thing about this setup is because you’ll be using a ground tent, you can stay at any campground on the island (including all the county campgrounds). Click here to check availability of this Kauai Jeep and camping setup.
4. 2012 Jeep Rubicon with full camping setup – $95/night
Fun fact: Jurassic World also did some filming on Kauai! If you want a bit more modern Jeep rented out by the same couple, this one is quite a bit newer and also comes with everything you need for camping in Kauai. If you’d like you can add on things like snorkel gear or a body board to take your trip to the next level.
Click here to check availability of this other Kauai Jeep camping setup.
5. 2011 Subara Forester Camper – $116/night
If you’re looking for a more elaborate setup, this Subaru Camper is the way to go! It comes completely kitted out with a 4-person tent, 2 camp chairs, large beach umbrella, 2 snorkels and masks, double burner propane stove w/2 canisters of propane, ice chest, and even breakfast! They don’t have a photo available yet, but it comes from a reputable company where we know the owner, so rest assured, it’s legit.
One small thing to note, the camper is located in Anahola so you’ll have to add on an airport pickup or figure out a ride up there. Click here to check availability for this Subaru Forester Camper.
6. 2010 Subaru Outback Camper – $116/night
Another Kauai Subaru camper from the same guys, this camping setup comes with everything you could ask for and more. Here it is parked at Kumu camp in Anahola, one of our favorite campgrounds on the island. Click here to check availability for this camper.
7. 2015 GMC SUV camper – $86/night
Drive right up to the beach and wake up to the waves when you rent this SUV camper. There’s an additional charge for a full camping setup, but even with that you’re still looking at the same price it would cost you for a cheap motel room. Make no mistake: This is a sweet way to cruise around Kauai.
Check availability for this Kauai SUV camper here
8. 2003 Jeep Wrangler with full camping setup – $85/night
Another great Jeep camping setup. This one comes with everything you need including a tent, sleeping bags, pillows, chairs, beach towels, cooking kit and even bonus kit with all the other basic camping equipment you might need included in your rental. Renting a Jeep and going camping in Kauai can help you check off your Hawaii bucket list and have an unforgettable trip. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the island.
Click here to check availability for this Jeep camping setup
Tips for your choosing your Kauai Camper Rental
When it comes to choosing which campervan or camping setup you want to rent, it shouldn’t only come down to cost. You’ll want to ask yourself a few questions before you make your decision:
- Do I want to stay at campgrounds that don’t allow campervans?
Many of the campgrounds on Kauai require you to pitch and stay in a ground tent. A lot of campervans will come with camping gear so that you have the option to stay at any campground, because you can always just set up a tent. That being said, you might not want to sleep on the ground if you’re renting a campervan and if you’re on a tight budget it can often be cheaper to go with one of the Jeeps or even the Prius that comes with camping gear.
- Do I want to visit Polihale?
Polihale is magical and for some it is worth planning the entire trip around visiting that campground. Many rental car companies don’t allow drivers to go out there and a lot of campervans are not well-suited to going offroad and driving in the sand (which you will have to do to get to Polihale). If you want to go there, you will most likely want to rent a 4WD vehicle or at least something with a little extra clearance. Don’t go out to Polihale if weather conditions are not right as that road is known to get washed out during heavy rain.
- Do I want to plan ahead?
Some of the campgrounds require booking up to 6 months in advance. If you don’t want to plan so far ahead, you’ll want to make sure that you book something that includes a ground tent so that you can pitch it at any campground. Kauai does not permit “wild camping” and you always need to stay at a designated campground.
I hope you have an amazing visit to Kauai! Aloha!
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