Big Island Betty - Adventure with Aloha!

We had the BEST trip ever exploring the island. Van life was the perfect way to see all the island has to offer. I highly recommend booking one of Bri & Connor’s Van’s. The van had everything we needed, and also a bunch of storage for our belongings. Bri was very responsive to us when we had a few questions and was very quick to troubleshoot.

Bri was wonderful! She gave detailed instructions, was very responsive and Betty was everything we had hoped for. We’ve rented VWs on other islands but this trip with Betty was even better. The van is vey well equipped, drives great and is comfortable. One night we had to sleep with the doors and windows closed because of bugs but it was still cool because of the ceiling vent & fan. We planned ahead and chose campsites, and had wonderful adventures around the whole island. My husband is 6’2” and could just lay straight, so he was comfy and grateful for the custom bed. We would definitely rent this van again, true statement - real review!

We stayed in Betty for 8 nights, 9 days and it was terrific. Betty had everything we needed, including clean bedding, beach towels, bathing towels, kitchen essentials, a place to store cold food and dried goods, and plenty of storage space. There was a good supply of starter stuff, like cooking oil, spices, a jug of drinkable water, and the van was already loaded with water for the sink (grey water) and outdoor shower. We payed a small fee for additional items, including camp chairs, umbrella (never used), awning (never used), jetboil (never used), and surfboard (never used). We were not able to use the JetBoil as we didn't have the fuel for it. Given we were only staying for a week or so, it didn't make sense to buy fuel and have to throw it away. It would have been nice to have been given a small canister of fuel specifically of the jetboil. The cooking stove did come with fuel, which was very helpful. The awning seemed simple enough to use, but we didn't use it mainly because we were off exploring and not sitting put for extended periods of time, and the extreme winds on the island. We didn't use the surfboard either as the beaches as less ideal of surfing around the island. We did use the camp chairs, which were great. One caveat about Betty, is that the bed is more ideal for those on the shorter end of the spectrum. I am 5'11" and was not able to extend my legs fully while sleeping given the narrow birth of the vehicle. I was able to adapt and make a smaller pillow to allow for full extension. The bed is very comfortable other than that. We give Betty and Sun and Salt campers a 5/5. The pickup instructions were simple, the place was easy to find and close to the airport/downtown Kona. Betty was a perfect adventure mobile. Would highly recommend Sun and Salt for those wanting a Big Island adventure.

Van was really well equipped with everything we needed! We were a little worried about the size of the bed, but it was super comfortable (my husband said his back did not hurt at all, which is rare for him). Bri was very responsive during the trip when we had questions or issues came up. The gas tank was a little quirky filling it up. It registered full then would drop below full. Not sure why. But overall great gas mileage. We stayed at 4 places along our trip: Spencer Beach (facilities dated but ok), a Hip Camp (Wild Blue Water: awesome) near Hawaiian Beaches, Volcanoes Nat’l Park (facilities dated but a place to sleep), and Ho’Okena Beach Park (awesome!!!).

We had an incredible time exploring the Big Island with Betty! Everything in the van has been thought through with extreme care and detail. Bri was an excellent host. Communication was always easy and she offered great recomendations and advice on where to camp. We made memories we will never forget, and are so glad that we were able to experience the magic of the Big Island with Betty! Thank you Bri!