Camper Van-tastic! A Weekend Exploring Oahu’s Beautiful Spots

Maybe your travel bug is finally starting to itch? Trust me, I hear you! With three of my 2020 trips cancelled so far, I’ve had to pass on my passport and make the most of my quarantime at home.

However! Quarantining and stay-home safety doesn’t have to mean opportunities missed. I’ve got an easy cure that enables you to be safe, continue to practice social distancing and ‘stay-home’ protocol, while you adventure out and see new places. That might seem contradictory, but not if you consider venturing out on a fun vacay, in a compact home-on-wheels!

Cisco and I had the absolute pleasure of seeing Iceland in a camper van for eleven days last summer, and so when we were offered the opportunity to use a camper van for the weekend, two weeks ago here on Oahu, we jumped at the opportunity! Camper Vans combine the most important comforts of a hotel room/AirBnB (cozy bed), with the mobility of a rental car, AND allow you the freedom and convenience to see and enjoy the sights you want, on your own schedule. No check-in and check-out times, getting a ‘room with a view’ every time, and not having to unpack and repack up your things with each night in a different place….. simply awesome! Plus, a camper van vacation may give you the unique opportunity to explore areas not far from your home, that you have never seen before.

We live on the small island of Oahu, and even though we are land-locked by a max of about 20 miles in each direction from the center of the island, we managed to enjoy brand new experiences with the convenience of the van. There’s nothing quite like waking up to the sunrise, parked right next to the ocean, with no one else on the beach but you. Or watching the sunset from the softness of a bed, with the doors open and the breeze blowing softly on you. Plus, certain creature comforts that many camper vans come with, like a hot plate and coffee pot, allow you the luxury of a fresh-brewed cup of Joe or hot tea, first thing in the morning with the sunrise.

We happened to luck out with an incredibly adorable, super chic, comfortably cozy camper van that was outfitted with some extras, that made our weekend glamping vacay a bit more luxe. Our friends’ new company, Peak Adventure Vans, (707) 234-8944, is in the process of outfitting their second van for rent (that sleeps four!), but right now, they have one spacious, comfy, and cleverly functional van (for two) that can be rented out. The van that was our mobile “home” for the weekend had great hardwood flooring (awesome for easy cleanup after sandy feet), a couch that converts to a queen-sized bed in 10 seconds (no joke!), and lots of amenities and convenient features like:

• sink and running water with a 5-gallon tank
• built-in gas grill with propane tank
• cookware, dishes, all cutlery, etc
• spice rack, including rubs for grilling various meats
• beach chairs & umbrella
• roll-out canopy for extra shade
• portable hammock
• fresh linens, towels, comfy pillows for the queen bed
• paper towel/toilet paper/sunscreen
• snorkel gear for two
• dark-out curtains
• lanterns
• bluetooth connectivity for your devices
• Wavestream surfboards and paddle boards available for rent too

The guitar and surfboard were not included, (those belonged to Cisco), but there was plenty of room to transport them and they were never in the way. We also brought a blow-up inner tube and multiple bags (for my camera gear, etc), and everything fit comfortably in the van. We surfed/snorkeled by day, and stargazed under the sounds of his soothing guitar by night. It was incredibly fun, cozy, romantic and beautiful, all rolled into one.

Different camper van companies offer different levels of luxe & amenities. And can accommodate for different sized families- whether it’s just two of you, or a family of 5-6. Some that we’ve seen have tents on top of a jeep, and others are more fully-outfitted RVs with multiple beds, and full bathroom inside (including toilet & shower!) But no matter how simple or fancy, you are bound to find camper vans in your area and within your budget, which will enable you to take a fun vacation, while still abiding totally by social distance regulations.

Peak Adventure Vans is currently working on their own website, but they are currently listed on Outdoorsy, along with tons of other camper vans in every US state. So no matter where you are located, and what your level of luxury, there is something for you. Prices vary from as little as $50/night, depending on where you are, to several hundred dollars a night for the more fancy, fully-equipped RVs. But knowing that you are saving money on accommodations and transportation (seeing as how you are combining the two), plus the fact that you can save more money by cooking your own meals too, it’s definitely a great option for a getaway-on-a-budget! And you can find total comfort in knowing that very importantly, Outdoorsy has specific COVID sanitation guidelines, that all van companies must abide by for cleaning the vans between each renter, that follow CDC rules and regulations. Safety above all! So if you’re feeling a bit stir-crazy at home these days, or need to get the kiddos out of the house for a fun, safe, family adventure, consider getting out there and quenching that Wanderlust with some Wander-Wheels!

Looking for cool travel essentials, photo gear, and travel/weekend wear? Click here!

Until next time….. Aloha, Camper Van-Life!