Want to know what it’s like to stay at the Waianapanapa Cabins in Maui? Let me tell you…it is absolutely awesome. The cabins at Waianapanapa are a budget friendly way to visit Hana and the location is a dream.
Tucked away from the popular black sand beach, the Waianapanapa Cabins sit on a hill just above the oceans edge. This is a great family getaway or even large groups, make sure to book 4 & 5 as they’re close distance to each other.
It’s not just enjoyable for families, it’s great for all types of travelers. It was just Joe and I when we stayed and we had an awesome time. So much so that we’re already planning a trip back.
Waianapanapa Cabins Travel Vlog
Want to see what its like to stay at the cabins inside Waianapanapa State Park? Check out this Travel Vlog that Joe and I filmed of our first time staying in these cabins.
You May Also Enjoy: Camping inside a Dormant Volcano at Haleakala Cabins | Travel Vlog
What to Expect when staying at the Waianapanapa State Park Cabins
The cabins inside Waianapanapa State Park are a fun way to see Hana and be surrounded by beauty. Located about 10 minutes before Hana Town the cabins can be rented up to 30 days in advance.
Reservations fill up quickly. I got mine by being up on the site hitting the refresh button over and over until 7 am when the reservations open. I still barely snagged the last available cabin!
Plan ahead or if you have a flexible schedule, check the site daily for cancelations. You can check out availability here. There is also a campground nearby if you are on a tighter budget and/or could not get a cabin reservation. This is one of the 10 epic places to camp on Maui.
The cabins can sleep up to 6 people as there are 6 bunks. Of course if you had small kids, they could double up on a bunk and if you bring your own bedding like Joe and I did then you can fit more people (although it’s against the rules).
Joe did bring a memory foam, our comforter and lots of pillows so we could sleep by each other and be comfortable. We set it up in the living/kitchen area since it was just the two of us staying there.
I think one of the best things about staying at the Waianapanapa Cabins is the price as it only cost $70 a night if you are a Hawaii resident and $100 if you are a visitor to rent the place with a minimum of a two night reservation. It’s no secret that Hawaii is expensive but for $75 a night and being able to house up to 6 people is a heck of a deal.
If you’ve stayed in the cabins inside the crater of Halakeala National Park, then think the opposite. The Waianapanapa State Park Cabins have electricity, a full bathroom with a shower and toilet, full size fridge, table with chairs and a private grill. I was pleasantly surprised to find a shower and outlets to be able to charge our devices.
Of course you have to bring your own supplies as it is still a cabin. I’m talking bedding or sleeping bag, pots and pans for cooking as well as plates, cups and cutlery. Food, water, coffee, wine – you know all the basic necessities.
It takes about a 5 minute walk down hill on a large mowed path from the cabins to reach the stunning coastline. From here you can walk another 5 or 10 minutes along the lava rock path the follows the coastline to reach the iconic black sand beach in Maui. There will be blowholes erupting as you walk along the trail.
The black sand beach inside the park is a show stopper and is one of the best things to see on Maui. The beach is a mix of sand and black pebbles ranging in size so it’s not much of a layout beach although I see people doing it all the time.
The path that takes you to the famous black sand beach continues for a few miles along the coastline. You’re missing out if you don’t venture as far as you can along this path. Even if you just visit Waianapanapa on a stop as you drive the road to Hana, it’s worth a visit.
If you take the Wai’anapanapa Coastal Trail to the left, the trail will take you along the coastline all the way to Hana town. The trail is as scenic as they come but wear close toed shoes as the path is composed of rugged lava rock.
TRAVEL TIP: As of March 2021 reservations in advance are now required to enter Wai’anapanapa State Park. Book a few weeks prior to visiting. Same day reservations are not permitted. You can reserve your spot here.
Waianapanapa Cabin Amenities
The cabins have tons of amenities that staying here almost felt like a glamping experience which we always enjoy. These are the amenities to expect when staying at these cabins in Hana.
- Shower
- Toilet
- Sink
- Full size fridge
- Microwave
- Hot plate
- 1 bunk room with 4 bunks
- 2 bunks in living area/ open kitchen area
- Outlets for charging devices
- Locks up
- Table and chairs
- Picnic table on the lanai
- Personal grill
- Garbage can
Fun Fact: If you enjoy camping in cabins, there are 3 wilderness cabins inside the summit district of Haleakala National Park for a chance to camp inside a dormant volcano.
Other Things to do in Hana
Hana is a magical part of Maui and most people only visit Hana on a day trip which is consumed with only driving the road to Hana. I always recommend spending a night or two in Hana to be able to enjoy some of its wonders. These are some of the awesome things that you can do in Hana.
- Explore the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park.
- Hike the Pipiwai Trail that ends at a 400 foot waterfall.
- Spend the day relaxing at Hamoa, one of Maui’s best beaches.
- Witness Wailua Falls.
- Drive the backroad to Hana.
- Cliff jump at Venus Pool.
- Splurge at Hotel Hana one of Maui’s best resorts.
- Be blown away by a beautiful red sand beach.
Maui Travel Guides
📍Plan your Trip:
- The Ultimate guide to Maui
- 10 Tips to Know Before you Travel to Maui
- 21 Mistakes to Avoid on your First Trip to Hawaii
🗺 How long to travel Maui? 1-2 Week Maui Itinerary
☔️ Best Time to Visit: Best Time to Visit Maui
💰 Average Daily Budget:
- How to Travel Maui on a Budget
- 28 Things to do on Maui on a Budget
- 10 Budget Friendly Maui Adventures
⛺️ Maui accommodation Guides
- Best Area to Stay on Maui
- West Maui vs. South Maui – Where to Stay
- Where to Stay in Maui on a Budget
- Best Airbnbs in Maui
- Where to Stay in Hana, HI
- Top Honeymoon Resorts in Maui
- 10 Best Honeymoon Resorts in Hawaii
🪂 Highlights
- Driving the Road to Hana
- Sunrise over Haleakala
- Exploring Exotic Beaches
- Waianapanapa State Park
- Haleakala National Park
- Whale Watch
- Hike the Pipiwai Trail
- Snorkel Molokini
- Drive the West Maui Loop
- Lahaina Town
- Learn to Surf
🧳 What to Pack: What to Pack for Maui
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Great video and blog descriptions about the cabins and the park.
Just one question (it’s very confusing) – if we plan on staying in the cabin for 4 nights….do we have to book the cabins for 4 nights and also reserve 4 time slots (all the time slots) for all 4 days on the state website?
Or do you automatically get a 4 day permit for the car when booking the cabin?
Seems pretty clunky and I can’t seem to find the info.
Thanks for any feedback!
Mike
Aloha Mike,
If you are referring to entrance to Waianapanapa state park, that is included when you book the cabin. Meaning you have unlimited access to the state park on all the days you’re in the Waianapanapa cabins. Hope that helps. Enjoy!
Hi, thanks so much for your post. I see you said, “Reservations fill up quickly. I got mine by being up on the site hitting the refresh button over and over until 7 am when the reservations open. I still barely snagged the last available cabin!” I have an account and see the website for the park. Can you tell me, what is the process? Are you saying that 3 days before your arrival date or 60 days? you were refreshing over and over from say, 5:50 to 7? Or right at 6:59? Also, should I take a cabin instead of those jeeps with tents on top? The road looks a little treacherous. Thanks and any tips for a single Mom traveling with two amazing teens before they head off to college? I would be very grateful
Aloha,
Thanks for your comment. I refreshed 60 days but at 6:59 to make sure I got a spot as soon as reservations opened. And yes I def recommend getting a Waianapanapa cabin instead of the jeep tent tops. You will need to bring your own bedding (blankets and pillows – the cabins have bunk beds with mattresses).
If you end up getting a jeep thing though, you will be fine to drive the road to Hana, it is a bit treacherous but nothing you wouldn’t be able to drive in the jeep.