Aloha, welcome to Hawaii. The island Archipelago is known for its epic landscapes, untamed volcanoes, and jaw-dropping stretches of coastline. As a hot spot for surfers, hikers, and those who love the great outdoors, it’s the perfect blend of laid-back paradise and adventurous island life.
For those who want to experience the best nature in Hawaii, you’re going to need accommodation that puts you right in the thick of it. From jungle retreats to beachside abodes, cabins in Hawaii are the ultimate forms of accommodation for nature lovers.
Cabins allow travelers to enjoy off-the-grid, remote locations with some of the most serene backdrops. They are often made with natural materials and are some of the most authentic abodes. And of course, this is Hawaii, which means cabins here are luxurious and full of state-of-the-art amenities.
If a cabin sounds like something you’d be interested in but you’re not sure where to look, don’t worry. I’ve got your back. In this guide, I’ll be showing you what you can expect from cabins in Hawaii and list the best of the best…
In a Hurry? Here’s Where to Stay in Hawaii for One Night
1 Bed Cabin with Forest Views
This open-plan cottage near the entrance to Volcanoes National Park on Big Island is the perfect spot for two guests. It features a kitchenette, a parking spot, and a well-working Wi-Fi connection.
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Volcano Village
- Papakolea Beach
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Staying in a Cabin in Hawaii
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While much of Hawaii’s main islands have been developed with high-rise hotel chains and luxury resorts, the best way to experience the authenticity and charm of the place is to stay in a self-catering cabin in Hawaii.
Each Hawaiian island has an entirely new terrain to explore. From coastal villages to rainforests to craggy mountains near Volcanoes National Park, you’ll find different types of cabins depending on where on the island you visit.
In Hawaii, a cabin generally refers to a collection of property types, from bungalows, plantation cottages, and treehouses. However, traditional cabins on these islands are built using local wooden materials and often come with an open-plan design.
Plantation cottages are the most traditional Hawaiian homes and are usually raised above the ground and feature covered porches (locally known as lanai). To combat the humidity and heat, these homes usually have indoor and outdoor wooden ceiling fans, but it’s not common to have air conditioning.
These days you can also find eco resorts and lodges that are committed to sustainable tourism. Always consider these if they fall within your price range!
The best cabins in Hawaii are typically located off-the-beaten-track in secluded areas, forests, or overlooking the best beaches in Hawaii. The main benefit of staying in a cabin is to escape day-to-day life and experience a relaxing vacation away from the city in a rural location surrounded by nature.
What to Look for in a Cabin in Hawaii
The first thing you should consider before choosing a cabin in Hawaii is the location. Since Hawaii is an island archipelago, each island offers different attractions for different types of guests.
If you’re visiting Hawaii for the surf, make sure to base yourself on the island of Maui or O’ahu. Alternatively, if you’re an avid hiker and mountaineer, the Island of Honolulu or Kauai is perfect for hikers because of their volcanic terrain.
Most cabins are located in a remote location. This means you will need a car to get to them. You should make sure your cabin has parking and a road that’s accessible for all vehicles.
You should also check what’s provided by the cabin, from kitchen supplies to toiletries, so you know what to bring with you or stock up before you visit.
If modern conveniences like air conditioning, WiFi, and cell service are important to you, don’t assume that the cabin will have them. Locals prefer to sit on the lanai for cool temperatures and open the windows for ventilation, so air conditioning is not a given.
Those visiting with young children should choose a cabin with child-friendly facilities. Some cabins are equipped with child-friendly facilities like baby gates, toys, and games.
1 Bed Cabin with Forest Views
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > In the heart of Volcano
- > Retro-modern meets traditional cabin interiors
Cozy Studio Cabin with Hammocks
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Near Pahoa and the lava flow in Volcano
- > Solar-powered custom-built cabin
Romantic Cottage w/ Deck and Hot Tub
- > $$$
- > 2 Guests
- > In Olinda on Maui
- > Romantic soaking tub and sun deck
Plantation House w/ Ocean Views
- > $$$
- > 16 Guests
- > Overlooking the ocean in Kailua-Kona
- > Open plan living area and wraparound balcony
Luxurious Cabin w/ Infinity Pool
- > $$$$
- > 8 Guests
- > Nestled between coffee farms in Holualoa
- > Ample outdoor entertainment space
Modern 5 Bed Cabin w/ Sea Views
- > $$$$
- > 10 Guests
- > Overlooking Kealakekua Bay in Captain Cook
- > Children’s books and toys, and baby gates are available
Rustic Cabin with Garden
- > $
- > 6 Guests
- > In a local area near Pahoa Town and Hilo Town
- > Natural timber interiors with houseplants
The 10 Best Cabins in Hawaii
Hawaii is home to some of the world’s most exquisite cabins and cottages. From cozy beach cabins to treetop retreats and cabins near live volcanoes, these are the ten absolute best cabins in Hawaii:
Best Overall Value Cabin in Hawaii – 1 Bed Cabin with Forest Views
This contemporary hideaway in the Hawaiian rainforest is the perfect spot for two guests. It’s only a couple of miles from the entrance to the Volcanoes National Park and the Kaumana Caves. It’s well equipped for a long or short visit.
The cabin is located on a residential property yet is entirely private, with its own entrance and yard space. The interiors blend a retro-contemporary style with traditional cabin features, featuring warm wooden tones and tons of natural light flowing throughout the space.
On top of this, you’ll be within easy access to the island’s top places to visit and explore.
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
Best Budget Cabin in Hawaii – Cozy Studio Cabin with Hammocks
Hawaii can be expensive, but there are ways to keep your vacation costs to a minimum. Nestled on a fruit farm on the Big Island, this cozy cabin in Hawaii is built raised above the ground using local Ohia wood from nearby forests.
It’s ideally located between the flowing volcano and the beach and is a short drive into the town of Pahoa.
Simply built with an open-plan living space, this cabin has everything you need for a down-to-earth vacation. Japanese interiors inspire the raised bedroom space and ground-level dining area.
Budget Tip: Dorms in Hawaii start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
Best Cabin in Hawaii for Couples – Romantic Cottage w/ Deck and Hot Tub
This cabin is the perfect destination for a romantic holiday or honeymoon. Perched above tropical foliage in Makawao, this cabin offers luxury accommodation with a down-to-earth atmosphere.
Built like a traditional cabin, this spot features double-height ceilings, expansive glass windows, and a spacious balcony with a Jacuzzi tub. Moody lighting complements the warm wooden interiors.
This gorgeous cabin in Hawaii has a private garden with tropical plants. The only neighbors you’ll have to worry about will be the chirping birds in the lush foliage!
Best Cabin in Hawaii for a Group of Friends – Plantation House w/ Ocean Views
Gather your closest friends and spend some time in this spacious cabin in the heart of the Big Island. Centrally located in Kailua-Kona, this cabin in the jungle is just a short drive from the beach and the main strip of shops and restaurants.
The cabin features teak wooden interiors with tons of indoor and outdoor space. The kitchen is spacious enough to cook a feast in, and there are five large bedrooms spread across the home.
While this isn’t a party-friendly house, it’s the perfect space for a low-key getaway with your closest friends.
Over-The-Top Luxury Cabin in Hawaii – Luxurious Cabin w/ Infinity Pool
Inspired by a luxurious resort, this gorgeous coastal cabin is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots to rent on the island. The traditional plantation cottage interiors feature high ceilings, wooden ceiling fans, and wooden finishes.
The entire home opens onto a deck overlooking the ocean, making you feel as if you’re outside in nature, even from the comfort of your king-sized bed. This gorgeous cabin in Hawaii has four luxury bedrooms with space for eight guests.
The open-plan living space features a spacious living room and deck, and this cabin has an infinity pool built into the cliffs. It’s the perfect setting to reset from busy life.
Best Cabin in Hawaii for Families – Modern 5 Bed Cabin w/ Sea Views
If you’re after an adventurous family holiday but enjoy all the amenities of a luxury rental, this spacious cabin vacation rental in Hawaii will exceed your expectations. It has five bedrooms, including a loft and a spacious central living area.
The best thing about this property is the terraces and balconies on each floor of the triple-story building. From these lanais, you can enjoy 360-degree sweeping views of the ocean and island, BBQ, or just relax in a hammock.
Best Cabin in Hawaii for Backpackers – Rustic Cabin with Garden
On the hunt for a traditional island cabin without the steep price tag? This rustic cabin in Hawaii has two bedrooms and is the perfect spot for backpackers and budget travelers. The cabin has boho interiors featuring hanging chairs, crocheted ottomans, and quirky mismatched furniture.
The charming cabin features elegant finishes, including a spiral staircase and marble countertops, yet has a very low-key atmosphere. Houseplants are dotted across the space, making you feel like you’re outside in the jungle, even from within the cabin.
If you’re after more budget-friendly stays, check out my guide to hostels in Hawaii.
Most Traditional Cabin in Hawaii – Plantation Cottage w/ Jungle Garden
Nestled between 3 acres of private tropical forest near the Volcanoes National Park, this cozy cabin is as traditional as they come. The cottage was originally built in 1982 from repurposed wood and has since been renovated with contemporary fittings.
The interior has a classic vaulted ceiling, open-plan living space, and many glass windows inviting natural light into the space.
This studio cabin features a step up into the living room and bedroom section and even has a covered lanai, traditional for cabins in Hawaii.
Best Cabin on the Beach in Hawaii – Gorgeous Beach Cabin w/ Balcony
What better way to enjoy the gorgeous tropical ocean than by staying in a cabin directly on the beachfront? This attractive seaside cabin has all the features of a traditional cabin, with a touch of coastal flair.
The natural wood has been painted white, and the cabin features a covered lanai overlooking the azure blue ocean. Enjoy a BBQ on this deck come rain or shine.
With two ensuite bedrooms, this spot is perfect for a family of four. Under the house, you’ll find all the beach toys you can dream of, including an umbrella, life vests, beach chairs, tandem kayaks, and snorkeling equipment.
Best Off-The-Beaten-Track Cabin in Hawaii – Secluded Treehouse Cabin
Nothing is better for the soul than spending time in a remote cabin in Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park. Surrounded by lush foliage, this classic plantation cabin is built on stilts overlooking gorgeous rainforest views.
It has one spacious bedroom but enough space to squeeze an additional two guests on a sofa bed. The main drawing point of this property is undoubtedly its lanai, which overlooks the gorgeous forest and features an outdoor dining space, BBQ, and seating area.
One of the best attractions you can put on your Hawaii itinerary is to explore the national parks, and this property puts you right in the thick of it. You can’t get better than this location!
Don’t Forget Your Hawaii Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Cabins in Hawaii
Hawaii is one of those bucket list destinations that every traveler dreams of visiting. To really make the most of this incredible and stunning destination, you should look to stay somewhere in the thick of nature.
Hopefully, this guide to the ten best cabins in Hawaii has given you some inspiration for your next accommodation on the island. Whether you’re after a remote rainforest cabin or a quaint cabin on the beach, there’s a cabin in Hawaii for everyone.
If you’re visiting from overseas, don’t forget to get insurance for your trip. Hawaii is a wild place packed to the brim with adventure, which means there is always the potential for something to go wrong on your travels.
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