TL;dr: PLAN. YOUR. STAY. AROUND. THIS. VAN – because you need to do it.
Don’t even bother reading all 100+ great reviews unless it’s just to hype you up because you already booked.
((We stayed in the van for the first 7 nights of our honeymoon on Maui))
Where to begin? Lindsay is a true gem and a wealth of information. Her advice was invaluable from months before the vacation all the way through the end. She made sure we knew what to expect, helped us with a place to camp for Road to Hana when I made an oops and waited too late for Waianapanapa State Park, watched our flight to ensure pick up was seamless, and allowed us to do airport pick up then drop off at our next stay.
The van is equipped with EVERYTHING you need. We thought we’d be savvy and bring extras (like a travel mirror, phone holder for GPS, and even a clothesline – Lindsay was always a step ahead and had everything). The onboard bathroom was a literal lifesaver when you’re at the top of Haleakala Summit and nature calls with no other bathroom in sight. The onboard shower made visiting beaches so much better since not all of them have facilities. Boiling water with the onboard stove for coffee literally anywhere you wanted? Priceless.
Additionally, The solar-powered battery was SO good. We had the fan on all night, every night, and charged electronics and we never came close to running out of juice. The dimmable lighting in the van is top notch, and we loved having the sink.
Pro-tip: pop open the vent hood for the fan and make sure the air is blowing the right way. We usually had to adjust this every night. Also, close your doors and use the screens when it gets dark or else you’ll have a lot of little bugs enjoying the van too (nothing bad, just little gnats)!
We managed to drive this van for over six hundred miles (Road to Hana and all) and it ran like a dream. It is easier to drive than you might think, and our van had a back-up camera which made it ALL the better.
The van will be the source of so many looks of envy, and if you back up to the ocean and let your doors open people will flock to you with compliments and questions.
FYI to prospective planners - our home base was Camp Olowalu for most nights and we loved it. The hot showers and bathrooms 10/10. (Hosmer Grove for one, Caroline in Hana for one – I recommend these both too).