Cabins near Makakilo City, Hawaii offer overnight accommodation options on the island of Oahu. Located approximately 20 miles northwest of Honolulu, these cabin facilities provide alternatives to traditional hotels or vacation rentals. Cabin facilities are situated along different coastal areas, with varying degrees of development and accessibility depending on reservation requirements and military status.
What to do
Skydiving adventures: Camp Mokuleia visitors can access skydiving facilities directly across the street from the campground. "Across the street there is also a skydiving company, so throughout the day you will often times see parachuters appearing in the sky," notes one camper at Camp Mokuleia.
Rock climbing excursions: The Mokuleia wall near the campground features over 60 climbing routes for various skill levels. A visitor explains, "This campground is very close to the highest concentration of rock climbs in all of Hawaii! The Mokule'ia wall has over 60 climbs ranging from beginner to expert and includes trad, sport, and toprope routes."
Beach activities: The Bellows Field Beach Park shoreline supports various water activities including kayaking and boogie boarding. A reviewer states, "Camping in hawaii is special no matter the time and place. Bellows has been a favorite because the waves are perfect for buggie boarding and the beach is peaceful."
Paddleboarding opportunities: The waters at Camp Mokuleia are calm during summer months, making them suitable for stand-up paddleboarding. According to a visitor, "The water is pretty mellow (at least during the summer) and is great for stand up paddling."
What campers like
Beach proximity: Bellows Field Beach Park cabins and camping areas provide direct beach access for swimming and water sports. A camper explains, "Being close to the beach is awesome, great for families, fisherman or divers."
Relative seclusion: The military section of Bellows Field offers more private accommodations. One visitor notes, "It's amazing go if you can. Especially the military side. Secluded and awesome."
Clean facilities: Camp Mokuleia maintains well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. A camper reports, "The bathrooms and shower facilities were basic but very clean and were nicer than some of the other campgrounds. The staff were super friendly and helpful."
Lower wind exposure: The northwest side of Oahu where Camp Mokule'ia is located provides protection from eastern winds. A reviewer explains, "In January, the winds were strongest from the East and we had to vacate our other campground when winds were up to 20MPH off the ocean. This side of the island gave us a break from the wind."
What you should know
Military access requirements: Sections of Bellows Field Beach Park require military credentials. A reviewer clarifies, "Oahu's famous east coast is lined with beautiful white sandy beaches, and Bellows is somewhat of a hidden gem. Why? Because you need to have military access to enjoy this beautiful beach park."
Sand management challenges: Fine sand at Bellows Field can be difficult to keep out of tents and equipment. One camper warns, "The sand here is so fine, it will make its way in to your rent, no matter how tight you close it up."
Seasonal marine hazards: Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish appear seasonally at certain beaches. A visitor cautions, "Beware the manawar here when it's in season. They line up all along the beach."
Walking distance to sites: At some campgrounds, vehicle access to individual sites is limited. A camper notes, "You are not able to drive in your car, but it's only a short walk, even to the furthest away sites."
Tips for camping with families
Group accommodations: Camp Mokuleia accommodates various group sizes with flexible camping options. A visitor mentions, "This campground is set up for anything from large groups (50+) to small families. There are cabins to rent out or places to pitch a tent."
Beach safety awareness: Families should monitor water conditions and potential hazards at oceanfront sites. A regular visitor advises bringing "fly tape or fly traps. A screen tent would be a superb addition."
Designated bathroom facilities: Some campgrounds assign specific bathroom facilities to individual sites. One camper explains, "During covid they were only using every other site, and had installed a shower and sink at each one. The bathrooms are a walk away inside a yurt. We were assigned a bathroom for just our site and given a key for it."
Activity options: Kunia River Farm and other facilities offer various recreational activities for children. Nearby Camp Mokuleia features "a ropes course and it is across the street from a skydiving place."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Electric hookups are available at Kunia River Farm but water hookups are not provided. The facility has toilets and trash disposal but lacks shower facilities.
Access road conditions: The roads approaching some campgrounds narrow significantly. The northwest drive to Camp Mokuleia is described as "a short and beautiful drive to the state park and hike where the road deadends just a few miles past the campground."
Supply runs: Stock up on provisions before arriving at remote cabin locations. A visitor recommends, "For supplies, it's about 15 minutes back to Haliewa where there are tons of restaurants, food cards, groceries and a Longs Drug."
