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Aloha -
I have a question for the locals. My girlfriend and I are visiting the Big Island this month and I was considering spending the night in Mackenzie as a spot close to the lava viewing on our way down from Volcano before heading up for a few nights in Waipi'o.
I lived on the island for a summer in college so I am familiar with Puna's unique "keep to yourself until you're sure you're welcome" culture, but I'd like your advice if a pair of quiet backpackers in a tent and a rental car are likely to be unwelcome at Mackenzie for an overnight stay.
If so, any good ideas on alternatives? Considering Arnott's Lodge up in Hilo or an outdoor spot at Kalani (though $35 seems a bit pricey for a tent spot).
thanks in advance for your help!
charles
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Aloha Charles, We really, really could use some decent and safe camp grounds in Puna. I think they would be popular. Mackenzie State Park is remote during the day and even more remote at night. For my part, and I live here, I would be very hesitant and reluctant to camp there. Others might have different opinions.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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It is true that Mackenzie is remote. Also that the facilities are minimal at best.
But...I have camped in Mackenzie, and also near Mackenzie along some of the pullouts along the road (as some fishermen also do).
There is a fear among some that you will get hassled by locals, but the reality is that you are unlikely to run into a problem. We didn't have any interaction with anyone while we camped 5 or so nights a couple years ago while we visited before we moved here. It was very nice, quiet, peaceful, solitude in the night.
Cell reception is spotty along the coast, which adds to the feeling of remoteness.
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Life is the only thing worth living for...
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Isaac Hale Park in Poho`iki is probably a better place if you want to camp.I see lots of tents there.Safety in numbers !
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There have been some very unfortunate incidents at MacKenzie over the years. Hard to forget. Not a good place to be if you need help.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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Thanks for everyone's advice. I especially appreciate the links Hikatz, I had not found all of those. I was aware of some of Mackenzie's past but I didn't want to overreact without checking with the locals.
Judging from the permits available at Isaac Hale it looks like it's likely to be pretty deserted as well, though I think there's even more chance of running into folks at night there, which I suppose can be good and bad.
I think most likely we'll either stay up in VNP and just check out the night view from Jagger or we'll stay at one of the private grounds down in Hilo. Better safe than sorry!
I will have to bring her back to Puna another time.
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VNP has some A frame cabins too. Bring your own blankets it gets chilly up there. Personally I think Issac Hale is okay and much nicer than Mackenzie with better facilities. Brand new park with restrooms and access to the ocean.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
YOU GUYS will be fine @ Mackenzie .. Rental car might need the insurance : )
aloha,
pog
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Have stayed a night at MacKenzie with no problems, but it was a UH field study group - so there was a bunch of us. It is a wonderful place, but it is also very much full of a pounding wave action that can keep some awake at night (part of the Tempest was filmed in the park)
A further note of caution, if you have a rental car (or have a normal street only car) The entry ....ummmm... "road" into Mackenzie is more worse for wear, and might give the under carriage of your car a once over (think lava flow motor cross....)
Hilo has a hostel near the beach parks that does have camping
http://www.hilogardens.com , and Volcano National park does have a wonderful array of nice camping choices. The Namakanipaio campsite is very convenient and very nice.
Oh, if you are looking only at the state camping site, also go to the National Park Service:
http://www.nps.gov/state/HI/index.htm
and county camping site:
http://www.hawaii-county.com/parks/parks.htm
