Heads up to Kauai-bound campers

Heads up to Kauai-bound campers

Posted to OHE on 20 October 2009 by Peter Clines

Disclaimer: This has nothing to do with fences, pigs, or Jackson Chameleons.

First off, Haena Beach Park is closed for a few months for bathroom repairs. As someone who has used this as a jumping off spot for a couple Kalalau trips... I thought people might want to know.

Second, I would reconsider camping at Anini Beach Park. I camped there (alone) last Saturday night following a business trip to Kauai. While snorkeling Sunday morning, someone stole my backpack which included just about everything I didn't want to lose: wallet, money, credit cards, cell phone, all my keys, etc. I was in full panic mode, running around the campsites trying to find the culprit. No luck.

A homeless family fed me breakfast (my food was stolen, too) and let me use their cell phone to call the police and my rental car company. Several hours after the theft, I had filled out a police report (which will be a dead-end, no doubt) and I got replacement keys from Avis... for a mere charge of $250! I'll spare everyone the frustrating details of how I got home to Oahu with no money, ID, or phone... but let's just say it is an experience I would never wish on anyone. Quite a helpless feeling.

Anini has a large homeless population, and while many of them were extremely friendly and helpful in my situation... I couldn't help wonder if any of them were "in on it." Drug use, theft, and other illegal activity seems to be the norm up there. With the hundreds of dollars this event has cost me, I could have stayed in an expensive Princeville hotel for the weekend. So much for these low-cost camping weekend trips.

-Pete