What Is Better Than A Campervan In Hawaii? Try A Rooftop Camper Instead!

You might have already decided to not get a room at a hotel or resort during your next trip to Kauai, but to go the adventurous route and go camping instead! Since you will very likely also need a car to get around the island, you might have thought of getting a campervan. Though, have you heard of rooftop camper trucks, yet? They might very well be Better Than A Campervan In Hawaii for your specific needs! Continue reading to find out why.

 

What is the difference between a Campervan and Rooftop Camper?

First, for those of you who are not quite sure, let’s talk about what a Campervan and a Rooftop Camper actually are.

 

Rooftop Camper

A Rooftop Camper is a motor vehicle (typically a truck) with a roof top 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 self-propelled 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.

 

Better Than A Campervan In Hawaii – Why a Roof Top Camper Truck might be better for you

In short: Campervans and Rooftop Campers are both great camping 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 camping vehicles in terms of budget, drivability, nature views, weather protection & privacy, accessibility & storage and privacy.

 

Budget: Rooftop 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: Rooftop 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 rooftop Camper Truck is Better Than A Campervan In Hawaii and is most suitable for an epic camping vacation on the Garden Island, check out our popular 4wd Rooftop Camper Trucks at Kauai Rooftop Campers.

 

 

 

Nice Views: Rooftop 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.
 

 

Bottom line

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 rooftop camper truck is for you!

If you like to bring more homey 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.
Camper Vans are generally pricier, more homey and feel more private and protected.

 

If you decide that a Rooftop Camper is your best choice for a memorable camping experience in Kauai, Hawaii…

If you decided that a Rooftop Camper is Better Than A Campervan In Hawaii for your needs, check out our popular 4wd Rooftop Camper Trucks 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