In college, my good friend Max had a VW camper that was perfect for surf trips up and down the California Coast. So I was pleased to hear about a relatively new service operated by GB Adventures that rents out well-maintained VW campers and pop-tops on the Big Island. The rates are $95 per day per vehicle. That's a total steal compared to hotel rates averaging between $100 and $200 per night and car rentals that probably average, with fees and taxes, roughly $50 per day.

Granted, its not for the faint of heart or those seeking spa-like experiences. But Hawaii by microbus has its distinct advantages. Many campsites are located in places of unparalleled beauty that lack hotels. And if you have a lot of gear (surfboards and the like), its much easier to trek around the island with everything in tow rather than hassling with racks and whatnot. I also just love the open-road feel of doing it this way, light-weight, ready for anything, totally flexible. Lava not flowing? No problem go somewhere. else. The driving force behind this company is Volkswagen maestro Gary Berg, who also oversees maintenance and the periodic refurbs of these vehicles. The company only has a handful or vehicles to rent so book early!

GB Adventures
808-965-7574 / (Outside Hawaii) 1-877-864-836

—Alex, 08/02/07