camping in hawaii

J

jimwalter

Joined
Oct 10, 2009
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I'm going to be camping in Maui, is there any point in bringing my esee 4 or will my leatherman and delica cut it (no pun intended)?

Is there wood to be cut for fires? anything like that? I'm use to camping in the Yukon where you use your knife 24/7.
 
canadiantrailman said:
I lived on Maui in Kihei for over six years. Never camped but hiked up in the Iao Valley, a bit around Haleakala Crater and drove 4x4 around the entire island -some of which is fairly rugged landscape. Iao Valley was quite thick and tropical. An ESEE 4 certainly wouldn't be a bad idea. Better to be prepared for the unexpected. I guess the only caveat would be if you are planning to camp in a very people oriented area where knives may not be welcome. Best of luck on your trip, its a great location! One of the most awesome sights was seeing snow atop Haleakala Crater in Hawaii! It's two miles up though so temperature can dip down.
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Thanks :) I'm not too concerned about survival but I get your point. I am going to try to get off the beaten path a bit.

I'm gonna try and do some fishing, but in a pinch i think my delica will make a good enough fillet. I've used it before :P
 
I've hiked on Oahu and Kauai several times, and found a SAK farmer to be the perfect knife for me. If you feel the need for something bigger, by all means bring one, but don't forget the SAK!
 
why not when have the wilds like the yukon minus all the bears ,ect:D:D,,theres wood to make fires.just think jungle not forest,what part of maui you going..an enjoy
 
I live on Maui and it would not be good idea to make a fire off the beaten path. We've had quite a few wild fires here on the island as we are in a drought situation for quite a while. Camp fires and cooking fires are permitted in designated camping grounds and parks.
 
I also live on Maui, and I would second what mauiblue said.

Also, don't worry about bringing a machete. The only places I ever needed one have always been on private property that I had access to.

Unless you are invited on private trails and hikes, you really don't need much in the way of blades for public hikes on Maui, as they are pretty well established. Its all about water, food, and the right clothes for where you are (wet side/ dry side/ high and low elevations).

Since it is so warm in Hawaii in all the likely paces you will be hiking, fire is a lot less of a necessity. It is really only needed for food and possibly water. Use it sparingly, if at all, as resources are scarce here and there are many protected species.

Enjoy your trip, and remember to take care of the lands and use only what you need. (malama 'aina)

Aloha

-Max


PS- Forgot to recommend a trip to Hana. You'll definitely want to stay overnight. If you can plan for a sunny day in Hana you will have an amazing time. Stay at the camp grounds by the "seven sacred pools" and do the waterfall hike into the mountains. You will never forget it. As long as there aren't clouds out, you'll be able to see the entire milky way in the night sky as well -and from the camp grounds, you can also see the Big Island off in the far distance.
 
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The Government said:
I also live on Maui, and I would second what mauiblue said.

Also, don't worry about bringing a machete. The only places I ever needed one have always been on private property that I had access to.

Unless you are invited on private trails and hikes, you really don't need much in the way of blades for public hikes on Maui, as they are pretty well established. Its all about water, food, and the right clothes for where you are (wet side/ dry side/ high and low elevations).

Since it is so warm in Hawaii in all the likely paces you will be hiking, fire is a lot less of a necessity. It is really only needed for food and possibly water. Use it sparingly, if at all, as resources are scarce here and there are many protected species.

Enjoy your trip, and remember to take care of the lands and use only what you need. (malama 'aina)

Aloha

-Max


PS- Forgot to recommend a trip to Hana. You'll definitely want to stay overnight. If you can plan for a sunny day in Hana you will have an amazing time. Stay at the camp grounds by the "seven sacred pools" and do the waterfall hike into the mountains. You will never forget it. As long as there aren't clouds out, you'll be able to see the entire milky way in the night sky as well -and from the camp grounds, you can also see the Big Island off in the far distance.
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Awesome, that was exactly what I was looking for :) I'll just be bringing my delica and leatherman then. Thanks for the trip recommendation, I will definitely check it out :) I love the Yukon (where I live) and practice leave no trace camping all the time. I will undoubtedly respect that in Hawaii as well.

Thanks so much to everyone!

Jim
 
In Hawaii you definitely need more mosquito/insect repellent than a need for a camp fire to keep you warm.

Enjoy your stay.
 
Aloha Jim, I was a long time Maui resident before I had to move back to Oahu to care for my ill parents. When you go out to Hana I highly recommend you check out Waianapanapa State Park just a few miles before you get into Hana town. Great facilities right on the water with fire pits,and campgrounds as well as cabins. The cabins are usually booked up months in advance but many times there are last minute cancellations so I would give them a call, and try to make reservations before you get here. Here's the website: http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/maui/waianapanapa.cfm There's also Polipoli Spring State park up in the Kula Forest Reserve which has a campground with firepits but high elevation so cold for Hawai'i (below freezing at night during winter). Very nice forests of pine, fir, and redwoods believe it or not. Again reservations recommended: http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/maui/waianapanapa.cfm. Have fun.

Aloha a hui hou, Ji
 
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