Camping Van 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 Camping Van 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 Camping Van Rental and what might be more suitable for you.

 

What is the difference between a Camping Van and a Rooftop Camper?

First, for those of you who might be still wondering, let’s briefly talk about what a Camping Van 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.

 

Camping Van

A Camping Van 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: Camping Van Kauai and Roof Top Camper Kauai

In short: Camping Vans 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 Camping Van. Obviously, more built-in appliances in Camping Vans such as a toilet, shower or sink will reflect in higher prices.

 

Drivability: Roof Top Camper wins

Camping Vans 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 Camping Vans 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: Camping Van wins

Unlike most roof top tents, a Camping Van has hard walls. Essentially, this means less wind noise and impact, less dampness when it rains, more security, and more privacy.

 

Luxury: Camping Van wins

In terms of luxury, a Camping Van 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 Camping Van.

People looking for heating, air conditioning, extra storage and plumbing would probably be better off in a Camping Van 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 Camping Van is better for you.

In a nutshell:
Rooftop Campers are usually less expensive, more rustic, and feel more like camping out.
Camping Vans 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.

 

 

We at Kauai Rooftop Campers are happy to serve the entire Garden Island Kauai – always with Aloha!

Lihue – Princeville – Kapaa – Hanalei – Koloa – Waimea – Kilauea – Wailua – Kalaheo – Kekaha – Hanapepe – Anahola – Lawai – Puhi – Kaumakani – Hanamaulu – Kalihiwai – Wailua Homesteads – Pakala Village