Adventure travel and outdoor enthusiasts love Kauai. A great way to enjoy all there is to offer in Kauai try staying in one of the Kauai vacation rentals. It’s beautiful year round with some of the best and most challenging hikes in North America whether along the Na Pali Coast or in the Waimea Canyon. However, the challenge for those that enjoy the outdoors is where to stay so that you can be close to the trailheads or within a short drive to lookouts to take advantage of every sunrise and romantic sunset.
So that you too can take advantage of multiple hikes like the Alikai Swamp Trail (9miles), Awa’awapuhu Trail (7miles), and/or take in the best view of the island at the Kalalau Lookout while staying in Koke’e,
I would like to unveil a couple of hidden secrets for those of you that want to be upclose and personal with nature. All three options are affordable, but they require some planning.
Tent Camping in Koke’e State Park
The rates vary depending on if you are a Hawaiian resident or not ($12 for resident up to 6 people and $18 for non-resident). The tent sites are all have water as well as a picnic table. The bathrooms and showers are centrically located near the parking lot.
For reservations, use this website, which is also for Koke’e and other parks on the island: Anini, Haena, Black Pot, etc. For those doing the Kalalau trail, plan well in advance as spaces are limited with periodic blacked out dates for ranger work.
The Lodge at Koke’e: Cabins (Duplex/1 bedroom/2 bedroom)
This is a great option for an adventurous group of friends, a couple, or your family. The cabins have electricity, hot water, refrigerator, cooking stove (no oven), pots/pans, dishes, indoor bathroom, and wood burning fireplace. The lodge provides each cabin with sheets, blankets, and towels. The accommodations are just enough to be comfortable with multiple beds (singles and doubles), dining table, and chairs. You are responsible for all toiletries, cooking ingredients, and wood/fire starter.
To view the cabins, restaurant, and basic info, visit here. Reservations are done via phone during business hours. Rates vary by cabin size. As a guide it is roughly $90 for a duplex cabin.
Hint: The Lodge serves both breakfast and lunch. It has a wonderful fireplace to warm up. I suggest having breakfast at the lodge, which opens at 9am, or if you return post-hike try a coffee or tea by the fire prior to returning to your cabin. The lodge closes at 2:30 for food and 4:00pm for check-in/reservations.
Hui o Laka Historic CCC Camp at Koke’e State Park- Cabins, Semi-private rooms, and Bunk House Managed by the Koke’e Natural History Museum
This is another option for single adventurers, couples, families, and larger groups. Within walking distance of the Koke’e Natural History Museum, just behind the Lodge, there is a great hidden camp. It has both private cabins and other shared accommodations. The pricate cabins each have a private bathroom and kitchen; whereas, the other bulk houses and semi-private rooms have shared bathrooms as well as a mess hall and kitchen for all to use. Additionally, there is a library, outdoor fireplace, and volleyball court for all.
To view the cabins, bunk rooms, and basic info, visit here. At least one member of the party must be a member of Hui o Laka ($15-$30 per year). Reservations are done via phone, fax, and email during business hours. Prices vary on type: bulk rooms are $20 per person, semi-private $25 per person, cabins $50-$75 for first 2 people.
I hope these adventure travel accommodations in Koke’e State Park were helpful. If you have traveled to Kauai, I’d love to hear from you about your adventure travel to Kauai.
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Here’s to more good times and good stories. Aloha!