Ultimate Guide to the Cabins in Koke’e – 2023.

Welcome to the Cabins in Koke’e

A-h-h-h-h….the Cabins in Koke’e.   If you have not experienced the splendor of Waimea Canyon and Koke’e, put it on your Kauai “must-do” list.  A day trip to these two State Parks is a must but to fully enjoy the area, book a few days in one of the cabins in Koke’e.  Confused about how to rent and which Koke’e cabin to choose?  Never fear! Read on for answers to all your questions!

(Please note this post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you click them and make a purchase. I only recommend products that I have tried).

The 11 cabins in Koke’e are rustic with limited availability, so book early for best results. (MONTHS in advance in most cases!) You can check prices, availability and book your stay on the Akamai Kauai Properties website, which is enhanced with 360° tours of the various cabins. This is a new website since our last stay and either new couches were purchased for the units or they took off the “throws” for the videos. Hopefully, it is the former as the furniture appears to be quite old.

The West Kauai Lodging office at 9600 Kaumuali`i Highway, Waimea, (on the way to the Koke’e cabins) is where you pick up your key. It is open seven days a week from 8-5. Remember, Waimea is at sea level but the cabins are at @ 3500 feet so expect cooler temperature.  When checking in, purchase a bundle or two of wood for use in the wood burning stove; your only source of heat.  You won’t regret it!  

Choosing your Koke’e Cabin.

These are the Koke’e cabin choices on the Akamai Kauai Properties website:

• Lehua
• Cedar – there are 4 (Kolea, Naio, Ohe-Ohe, Olapa)
• Redwood (Iliahi)
• Duplex – there are 2 of these (Olopua/Hala and Koa/Kukui)
• Red Cabin Studio (Maile)

One driveway provides access to the 4 Cedar cabins and 2 duplexes, making them somewhat less private than the others. A private driveway leads to the (Iliahi) Redwood, while the (Maile) Red Cabin studio and Lehua share a driveway.

The “nicest” cabin in Koke’e – The Lehua.

The Lehua is far and away the nicest cabin in Koke’e and is described as the “crown jewel.” Here is the Akamai Hawaii Properties website 360° tour. It is a comfortable, well built cedar cabin. Like all the Koke’e cabins (except for the Maile Red Cabin studio,) this is a two bedroom, one bath cabin with a kitchen and fire stove in the living/dining area. There is also a couch and dining table and it is the only cabin with a tub/shower combination. Keep in mind, all these cabins are “rustic” so don’t expect much more than the basics.

Like the the Ihiahi Redwood and Maile Red Cabin studio, the Lehua is just a short walk to the trailhead of one of the most spectacular hikes, the Nualolo trail. Parking is also available at trailheads.

While the Lehua shares a driveway with the smaller Maile Red Cabin studio, you have a fair amount of privacy.  Entering the driveway, the Lehua is to the right while the Maile Red Cabin studio is to the left. One additional cabin, the Kauila, is on a separate driveway to the right of the Lehua, but it is not for rent.

Unfortunately, we have never been able to book the Lehua. We did, however, take some pictures for you and made a slideshow which you can see here. It is the most popular cabin in Koke’e and is often booked many months in advance.

Maile, the Red Cabin Studio

As the name implies, Koke’e’s Maile Red Cabin studio is basically one room with a bed, kitchen, breakfast bar and fire stove. You should be aware, there is no couch or dining table like in the other cabins. Although we never stayed at the Maile, we posted our video for you on our you tube channel.

If nothing else, having the fire stove in the same room as the bed will keep you warm on chilly evenings. It looks comfortable for the space, although, as is in many of the cabins, the shower shows signs of extensive wear.

Iliahi, the Redwood Cabin in Koke’e

Ok, I’ll just say it – we didn’t really like the Iliahi  Why? Well, we thought it would be more private than the Cedar Cabins but the condition and layout are barely worth the added privacy.

Although all the Koke’e cabins are single wall construction, the Iliahi appears to be the oldest. It just looks “tired.” You can see outside through cracks between the wall boards, the living area flooring and stone flooring around the wood stove are both damaged and the shower more than shows its use.

For some reason, the fire stove puts very little heat into the unit and is difficult to get a fire started, certainly more so than in the other Koke’e cabins. Dents in the metal chimney along with the rusted openings where the chimney connected to the stove are, perhaps, creating drafting problems. There are also rusted openings around the fire stove door when it is closed. We also noted the absence of a smoke detector, which, considering that we go to bed with a fire in the stove, is a little disconcerting. High up on the wall to the right of the fire stove there is a mounting for one, but no actual alarm.  (Let me know when this is rectified!)

It was cold in the Iliahi!

The main bedroom, with a queen bed, is off the hallway on the wall behind the fire stove. As a result, what little heat there is, does not make it around the corner and down into the bedroom and it can be quite chilly. Bunk beds occupy the second bedroom. Like in the Maile Red Cabin studio, the shower stall here is very old and shows its age. Although it looks dirty, it works well with plenty of hot water, however, there is. NO glass in the shower stall window, making for cold evenings!

There is a gas stove in the Iliahi, which is nice, but we were told at check-in that the oven is not available for use. Sadly, no pizza! (Again, LMK if this has changed). Overall, the unit left us unimpressed, with very old furnishings and kitchen utensils. Most of the couches have throws over them and we dare not look underneath them. Check out our video tour of this Koke’e cabin here. Enjoy a 360° view of Iliahi Redwood Koke’e cabin on the AkamaiHawaiiProperties.com website.

The Duplex Cabins in Koke’e

Next in the line of cabins are the two duplexes. There is a small patch of vegetation that separates these two duplexes from the Iliahi Redwood Cabin on the right. Left of the duplexes are the 4 Cedar cabins which share the same driveway with the Duplexes. Upon entry, the Hala/Olopua duplex is to the right, the Kukui/Koa duplex faces the driveway and the 4 Cedars are off to the left.

The duplex Koke’e cabins are great for family and larger groups, are the least expensive of the Koke’e cabins, but offer no privacy what-so-ever. They are basically an oversized studio, with one queen and three single beds in one room, a fire stove, kitchen, a breakfast bar and a dining room table. There is no couch or comfy chairs. Down the hallway is the bathroom. You’ll find a very nice 360° view of the Koke’e duplex cabins at Akamaihawaiiproperties.com.

The Cedar Cabins

There are four cedar cabins in Koke’e, all in a row just beyond the duplexes. They are from right to left, the Kolea, Naio, Ohe-Ohe and Olapa. Location-wise, the Olapa is the most private since it’s the last Cedar cabin in the row. Still, you can easily see all the other visitors and cabins from each of the units.

We stayed in the second to last cabin, the Ohe-Ohe which is in much better condition than the Iliahi Redwood Cabin, with a fire stove that works very well. Like the Ihiahi Redwood Cabin, it is 2 bedrooms, 1 bath with a queen bed and two singles, a bathroom and kitchen. The cabin seemed to be better construction, it had pictures on the wall and books and game boards on the shelves: things the Iliahi was lacking. The couch has a throw over it and most of the other furniture is well used. Just be sure to bring enough warm bedding for when the fire goes out at night and don’t forget that firewood! We would definitely chooose a Cedar cabin over the Iliahi Redwood cabin in the future. Here is our tour of the Ohe-Ohe and here is the AkamaiHawaiiproperties.com 360° tour.

What to bring to the Koke’e Cabins

If you are a visitor, bedding and linens are provided. However, at this time (May 2022) locals must bring their own linens and bedding. (Please let me know when this changes.) We also bring our pillows, although pillows were provided in one of our cabins. If you prefer to have your own, inexpensive linens/blankets can be purchased at Walmart in Lihue. The cabins are stocked with soap, shampoo, and dish soap upon arrival but are not replenished.

Clothing for Koke’e and Waimea Canyon

Clothing you can layer is best, because mornings and evenings can be chilly, no matter what time of year. During the day, temps can get quite warm, especially if you are hiking. Layering will keep you warm and enable you to easily cool off.

We always have a couple of sleeveless tops, t-shirts, one or two long sleeve shirt, warm jacket and raincoat. For the ladies, I like a medium weight zip neck top which makes it easy to get off. Put your sleeveless top on underneath and you’re set for the day. Here are some similar layering tops for men.

Also, our pants are all zip off so problem solved, hot or cold! You can find a selection for the whole family at Eastern Mountain Sports. Here are some choices from Columbia. I have the Columbia Women’s Saturday Convertible Trail II pants. They tend to run quite slender, much more so than my other zip offs but they are quite comfortable

Make sure you bring enough stuff to stay warm on a chilly night and don’t be fooled. You are at 3,600 ft elevation and the temperatures and weather are not the same as sea level.

Food – restaurant closes at 4:30 PM

Your other necessity is FOOD. The only restaurant, The Koke’e Lodge, is only open 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM weekdays and 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM weekends. However, the kitchen closes at 4 PM so it’s a good idea to get there well before that.

Since the restaurant closes early, you will likely be cooking dinner in your cabin. Stop in at the Big Save Market in Waimea for groceries (open daily 5AM – 11 PM) or, for a larger selection, go to the Safeway in Puhi on your way up (Lihue.) It’s open 24/7 so no worries. If needed, pick up a cheap styrofoam cooler at Walmart, also in Lihue. They are open 6AM – 11PM for your convenience.

Occasionally, on a Saturday, the lodge serves dinner by reservation only. DO NOT count on this happening on YOUR weekend there. Be prepared to cook! The limited schedule of is posted on their website. Click here then choose “dinners” from their menu at the top.

Getting back to cooking – Each Koke’e cabin has a full kitchen, although the Maile Red Cabin Studio does not have an oven, and basic cooking utensils and pots. Honestly, they are not the best. I don’t like messed up skillets where everything sticks to them – so yes, I always bring my own skillet, griddle, plates, cups and silverware. It’s certainly not a requirement but that’s just me.

Dish soap and a dish towel are provided. You’ll find that after a full day of exploration, a simple relaxing dinner in your cabin is quite enjoyable.

Eating out while staying at the Koke’e Cabins

If you prefer eating out, it’s a 15+ mile drive down to and back from Waimea or beyond, for dinner. Although it’s only 15 miles, it will take you at least 30+ minutes. Keep in mind, we’re not talking freeway miles here and it’s not an easy drive back in the dark! Street lights as you drive up the winding mountain road? Not!

Hiking in Koke’e and Waimea Canyon

There are extensive hiking trails in both parks with spectacular views.  The opening photo is of Waimea Canyon while the one below is the view of the Napali coastline from the end of the road.  Yes, spectacular for sure. Research trails online before coming to your Koke’e cabin as there is no internet or buy a hiking book prior to your arrival . There is very little information on trails once you are there.

Some of the trails are narrow and run along the top of the “pali.” (cliffs) I’m not particularly good with heights but was desperate to hike out to the end where the best views are. A set of hiking poles gave me the stability and confidence to do so. I have the Leki Lady Legacy but there are many lightweight, adjustable, packable poles to choose from here. If price is a consideration, here’s a page of affordable, collapsible hiking poles from which to choose.

We also recommend a hydration pack. The one we have is extremely well priced, ($) holds 2L and has a couple of other zip pockets for trail mix, etc. If that one isn’t to your liking, here are some others to consider.

In conclusion

• Start planning early. Cabins in Koke’e book up quickly often for several months in advance.
• Try to arrive at your Koke’e Cabin before dark, especially if you are unfamiliar with the road.
• Bring clothing for layering.
• Bring your linens and towels.
• The refrigerators are all full size so don’t skimp on bringing food!
• Don’t forget to get several bags of firewood. We generally get one for every 2 nights.
• Bring information on your favorite hiking trails.
• Have a great time.

Want more of Kauai?

If you‘d like more of Kauai, please visit our Early Morning Princeville Walk or our Amazing Limahuli Garden Tour. Here are some Free Fun Things to do on Kauai’s North Shore. We also have a fairly comprehensive guide to Ha’ena State Park/Ke’e Beach as well as Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Park.

Need help packing? We’ve got you covered there too. Here’s the best Kauai Packing list. You may also like to pick up one of these excellent Kauai Guide Books to prime you for your visit

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Heading to the Big Island? Take a look at our post on Volcano National Park. Things have changed a bit since we wrote this piece, but the views are still just as dramatic and exciting. Aloha.

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