Kauai trip planning, simplified
Kauai Rooftop Campers FAQs
Answers for booking, airport shuttle, camping permits, gear, insurance, and where you can legally camp with a rooftop camper on Kauai.
Before you book
The big things most guests ask first.
All FAQs
Clear answers for the whole island plan.
Booking
5 questionsDo you charge a deposit?
No, we do not charge a deposit for standard bookings, unless you are booking insurance through us.
What is the minimum number of days for booking?
We normally set a minimum of two nights for a booking. If your trip has different timing, let us know your preferred arrangement and we will try to accommodate when we can.
Can I add or subtract days from my booking?
Readjusting your booking dates is possible. It is generally easier for us to add a day or two than to reduce the number of days, since it may be difficult to rebook those dates at that time.
Is there an age requirement to rent from you?
We try to work with clients who are twenty-five years and older. Depending on your circumstances, we may be able to work with you.
If you are younger than twenty-five, try checking with your insurer first to see if you would be covered for rental vehicles.
What is the best way to contact you?
You can call or text us at 808-500-6574, send us a message through the Contact Us page, or reach us on Instagram.
Getting here
6 questionsWhere are you located?
We are located at Anahola Marketplace, 4523 Ioane Rd, A-2, Anahola, Kauai, Hawaii 96703.
At what time should I pick up the vehicle?
Guests normally check in at 3 pm, but feel free to let us know the time that works best for you. We are happy to accommodate your travel schedule when we can.
How do we get to the pick up location?
There are a few ways to get to us from Lihue Airport:
- KRC pickup, $85: Keep an eye on promotions, because we often offer free pick ups and drop offs. Otherwise, one of our drivers can pick you up directly for a flat fee of $85. We then drive back to our location and you are good to go.
- Uber, around $40: You can take an Uber to the pickup location. The cost varies, but it is often around $40 to our office.
- Kauai Bus, $2: You can take the Kauai Bus to the Anahola bus station, the nearest stop to our location. Timing is not always regular, so check the Kauai Bus schedule first.
Can I pick up or drop off the vehicle at the airport?
The vehicle cannot be picked up or left at the airport. We do offer a personal airport shuttle service: we pick you up at Lihue Airport and drive you to our shop, then at the end of your trip we drive you back to the airport after you return the vehicle to us.
The shuttle is $85 each way. Bookings of 3+ nights often qualify for a free shuttle, so check our current promotions when booking.
Does the $85 fee cover both airport pickup and drop-off?
Unless you book with a free pickup and drop-off promotion, airport shuttle service is $85 each way.
Can we book a ride later?
Yes. You can reserve pickup or drop-off after your initial booking by simply sending us a message. If you cancel your pickup later, we will refund the full amount, no questions asked, as long as it is at least 24 hours before your ride.
The vehicle
9 questionsHow many people can the vehicle accommodate?
The rooftop tent sleeps 2 comfortably, and we also include a ground tent that sleeps 2 or 3. With an extra tent add-on, the camp setup can fit up to 5 people. The vehicle seats 4 passengers.
Our standard gear setup, including bedding and kitchen kit, is prepared for two people. If your group is larger, let us know in advance so we can prepare accordingly. You can add an extra bedding kit at checkout to cover two additional guests.
What camping gear is included with every rental?
Every Kauai rooftop camper rental comes loaded with the essentials: rooftop tent, ground tent, ladder, bedding, pillows, towels, camp kitchen kit, double burner propane stove, propane canisters, cookware, plates, bowls, cups, silverware, fresh coffee, pancake mix, ice chest, 6-gallon water jug, first aid kit, flashlight, headlamp, power inverter, phone holder, snorkel sets, table, chairs, island guidebook, and personal concierge tips.
The goal is simple: land on Kauai, get your 4x4 rooftop camper, stop for groceries, and head toward your first campsite without needing to buy a full camping setup.
What should I bring for my Kauai camping trip?
Bring your clothes, driver's license, personal toiletries, reef-safe sunscreen, and any personal adventure gear you prefer. We provide the main camping setup, kitchen gear, beach basics, snorkel sets, towels, bedding, and Kauai guidebook, so you do not need to pack bulky camping equipment. You will just need groceries once you get here.
Can you accommodate adults with kids?
Yes. With the rooftop camper, you do need to climb a small ladder. If that is an issue, we also offer an extra tent you can set up on the ground, which may be more comfortable for both you and your kids.
How do I set up the tent?
It is easy. You can watch the setup video in advance so you know what to expect before your trip: Watch the video here.
Is the tent comfortable to sleep in?
Yes, sleeping in the tent is very comfortable. The tent is cozy and spacious, and includes a plush three-inch memory foam mat.
Do you offer surfboards?
Yes, we offer surfboards, boogie boards, and fins upon request for a small fee. Let us know in advance if you would like to use them so we can prepare them for you. Please return them after use.
What do I do if I have lost my driver's license?
As long as you have a copy of your driver's license, physical or digital, you are good to go. Upon booking, you can provide us with the copy and a photo ID.
Do we get a guide or map of the best places to visit?
Yes, we will give you an extensive guide map of the best spots to visit and camp out on Kauai.
Camping on Kauai
5 questionsCan I camp at any beach, or do I have to stay in one place?
You can drive around Kauai on paved roads wherever you want, but you can only set up camp in designated camping areas. We will provide you with a list of the best places to visit and camp.
Is wild camping allowed?
No. Wild camping is not allowed on Kauai. You may only camp in designated areas with secured camping permits or confirmed private campground reservations.
Permit costs vary by campground. Kauai County lists most county campgrounds at $3 per adult per night, while Lydgate and private or state campgrounds have their own rates.
Where do you recommend camping?
We will help you choose campsites that match your route, dates, tent setup, and current closures. These are the common options guests ask about:
Campground status changes with weather, maintenance, and agency rules. Confirm availability before your trip, and ask us if you want help matching your route to legal camping options.
Do we need camping permits before we arrive?
It is a good idea to arrange permits or private campground reservations before your trip. County, state, and private campgrounds use different reservation systems, fees, and rules.
- For Kauai County campgrounds, use the official Kauai County camping information page.
- For Hawaii state campgrounds, check the Hawaii State Parks Kauai camping page.
- For private campgrounds such as Kumu Camp or Camp Naue, call the campground directly.
How long does it take to get camping permits?
Online reservations can usually be confirmed faster than older mail-in processes, but timing depends on the campground and availability. Private campgrounds may confirm by phone. County and state sites can sell out, so it is best to reserve as soon as your route and dates are set.
Policies & fees
3 questionsWhat kind of insurance do you offer?
Our rental insurance includes three protection packages you can choose from to get the coverage you need. You will need to sign a separate agreement upon booking. Ask us and we will send you a quote from a third-party insurer.
These packages do have a deductible, often $1,000 if something happens. This is standard in the United States. If you are not from the US, you can still apply for insurance using your driver's license.
What is the Hawaii State Rental Motor Vehicle Surcharge?
The Hawaii State Rental Motor Vehicle Surcharge Tax is a state-set charge we may need to collect on rentals to drivers without a valid Hawaii driver's license. The current 2026 rental motor vehicle surcharge is $7.50 per day, or any portion of a day, and state rates may change periodically.
Do you charge for late drop-offs?
Yes, we do offer late drop-offs or early departures for $65 on a case-by-case basis.
Still planning the perfect route?
Tell us your dates, arrival time, and camping style. We will help you understand the vehicle, permits, shuttle timing, and which campsites make sense for your Kauai trip.