Skip to content

3 Hawaii State Parks and Recreation Areas with Cabins for Big Families

    Hawaii offers 50 state parks on five major islands, any of which are worthy of being added to your big family’s “Aloha State” vacation itinerary. What better way to explore Hawaii’s natural beauty, unique resources, history, and culture? To fully immerse your family into the experience, we researched the parks and found three parks with cabins available to accommodate big families. Know before you go, check the cabins’ amenities to help you plan on what you need to pack.

    Kalopa State Recreation Area, Hawai’i, Hawaii

    The Kalopa State Recreation Area is located 40 miles northwest of Hilo. The park’s 2000-foot elevation and location result in damp and cold weather which creates a lush native forest. Rain gear and waterproof boots are suggested if you plan on hiking one of the park’s eight trails.

    • Duplex cabins sleep up to 8. Cabins have bunk beds, toilet facilities, and a hot shower. A centrally located recreational dining hall is equipped for shared cooking and serving all cabin users. Cabin amenities include a gas range, water heater, refrigerator, limited dishes, cooking and eating utensils, tables, and chairs.
    Landscape of green fields, the Pacific Ocean, and the island of Kaho’olawe in the background taken on the side of Haleakala volcano on the tropical island of Maui, Hawaii.

    Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area, Maui, Hawaii

    Located about 10 miles from Kula, Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area requires a 4WD to traverse the steep slopes of Haleakala to reach the park at 6200-foot elevation. Four hiking trails are available. Your family will enjoy views of Maui and the nearby islands of Lana’i and Kaho’olawe. Nighttime temperatures can get cold, sometimes freezing, even in summer; bring extra layers of clothing.

    • The park has a single cabin for rent at a high elevation on the slopes of Haleakala Volcano. The single cabin accommodates a maximum of 8 persons. No electricity, refrigerator, or linen is available.

    Wai’anapanapa State Park, Maui, Hawaii

    Wai’anapanapa State Park is one of Hawaii’s most popular state parks thanks to its lava tubes and volcanic black sand beaches, freshwater caves, and tide pools. Although the park has a remote location on the east side of Maui, Pa’iloa black sand beach is a must-see stop for those on the Hana Highway. Visitors typically stop to view the sand and then continue on their way, missing out on the wealth of experiences that are available nearby. The area’s wild coastline provides views of natural sea arches and cliffs and ancient trail hikes. Wai’anapanapa, translated as “glistening waters” in the Hawaiian language, refers to the freshwater caves which are accessible by traversing down a stairway from the parking lot. Due to its popularity, the park has moved to timed-entry reservations.

    • Cabins can accommodate up to 6 persons.  Cabins consist of a kitchen-living room, a bathroom, and 1 bedroom. The cabins have water and electricity and consist of a living area with 1 bunk bed; a bedroom with 2 bunk beds (unit sleeps 6 total); a bathroom with a shower (hot/cold water), toilet, and basin; kitchen with a refrigerator, electric 2-burner hotplate, microwave.  Not provided: linens, pillows, towels, dishes, cooking, and eating utensils.

    Check out our Hawaii hotel listings for big families.

    Theresa Jorgensen

    Theresa Jorgensen

    Theresa Jorgensen is a mother to four children including twins. She recognized the necessity for a comprehensive resource of hotels that cater to big families with rooms and suites for 5, 6, 7, or 8 people in a single room while traveling with her own family. In 2008, she established SixSuitcaseTravel to compile a database of such hotels. Over time, the website has grown to include travel advice, itineraries, road trip suggestions, national park guides, and more. Theresa takes pleasure in assisting other big families in creating unforgettable travel experiences.