We stayed in one of the duplex cabins named Kukui for 1 night in Feb. 2006 It was dirty, cigarette butts in the shower, soiled blankets, one pillow case had a 6" burn hole in it. At least the sheets were clean. The lighting was very dim and scary. I would NEVER get in that filthy shower, or put food on the counter top. We are not prissy prudes. We paid $11.00 for some fire wood that was so green and wet it was almost impossable to burn. It was a cold night so we needed a fire. We have 10 years experience using a wood stove. This stove had broken glass on it's door with 1/4 of the glass missing. The draft was broken and wouldn't open so you had to leave the door open to get the fire to start. Even the hole in the glass wasn't enough air. After at least 45 minutes of totally filling the cabin with smoke, we got the fire started. Ofcourse we had to open all the doors to air out the cabin. Needless to say, it was a miserable, smokey night. These cabins are NOT maintained.

The cabins at Kokee are very basic, but with a little imagination you can transform them into a very romantic spot.
I live on the north shore of Kauai and when I need a little 'getaway', I head up to Kokee. I suggest picking up some candles and fresh flowers to add to the cabin. If you have the space in your bags, pack some music (including the player.) It is always nice to have. Sometimes the lodge is out of firewood, so it is smart to have some before you get up there. (Firewood at the hardware store or duraflame logs at the grocery store). The cabins are far from town, and their restaurant closes early afternoon, so be prepared with food and supplies before you get up there. It sounds nice to cruise into town for dinner, but it really is a long drive. I always love the butterfish from the Ishihara market in Waimea town. Take the fish, wrap it in foil and toss it into the fireplace. A quick, easy wonderful meal.
For the price, the cabins at Kokee are a wonderful spot to get away from it all (even more). You are at the top of an amazing canyon and the start of some of the most amazing hikes around. Sure there are bugs and chickens, but you are in Kauai. With a little planning you can have a magical time.

If you are: hunting, fishing, hiking, with the guys, "camping out" with the fam, saving big on expenses or hiding from the law, its a place to stay. We fit most of these categories (except the latter), and it was just too "rustic" for us. Also, take into consideration that the location is "out of the way." This means driving to the end of the island and winding up 25 miles and a 4000 foot altitude gain. If you plan to sneak down to Poipu for a "snorkel" or planning a dash to the airport, you can't. Period.
If you are: trying to impress your wife, planning a romantic get-away, on that "special" vacation and yet still on a budget, Garden Island Inn by the harbor is great. Go there.

My husband and I spent 10 days on Kauai in December. We split the trip up into three separate stays. We began the trip on the southern side of the island and spent three days at Marjorie's Inn. We then packed up and headed up to Kokee Lodge where we spent four days. Finally, we ended our trip on the northeast side at Kauai Cottages. for the end of our trip. We loved them all. We particularly liked Kokee Lodge for its unique location and proximity to GREAT hikes. Kokee Lodge is at the top of the Waimean Canyon. YOu can rent a one bedroom (1/2 a cabin/duplex) or a two-bedroom cabin. Splurge for the $40 for the two-bedroom and you'll have slighly more privacy. The cabins are rustic. Well built and clean but rustic. Heat source is the wood stove. Cabin includes a basic kitchen. They provide towells, sheets, pillows, blankets and basic dishes (cups, plates, silverware, and minimal pots, etc.) However, if you get stuck, the folks at the lodge will lend you items as well. They're great.. Using Kokee Lodge you can do a variety of hikes, all with astonishing views of the Na Pali coastline, the southern coast or the fabulous Waimean Canyon. We hiked along cliffsides, through redwoods, past waterfalls...and did I mention the breathtaking Waimean Canyon? You can't go wrong at Kokee. Be sure you fill your car up with gas before you take the drive up, and be sure you pick up some groceries if you plan on cooking in...which you'll likely want to do. The Lodge does have a small restaurant that does it's best to serve the basics, but if you spend more than one night you'll want something more than soup and sandwiches. Call ahead. They're very helpful and will tell you everything you need for your stay. My husband got the flu so we had to do lighter hikes, otherwise we would have taken on one of the hikes to see the Napali coastline. They're some of the tougher hikes up there. We did do a great 8 mile look along the canyon and it was worth it. The trails are not well marked. If you're going to hike try to pick up a copy of one of the books on hiking through Kauai. Coming from New England I expected to see every 10th tree with a paint splotch. No such markings on these hikes. In fact hikers often go off the trails, developing new trails, which haven't been marked. This leaves you often confused when you arrive at a fork which isn't marked on your map. If I were to do it again, I'd pop a compass in my bag. Pack lots of water and some snacks. Even hikes that we anticipated to be fairly short ended up being longer because we weren't accustomed to the terrain...and we kept stopping to admire the views, slowing down the hike. When we hiked in December we ran into only a few other hikers. It was an absolutely incredible experience which I will NEVER forget.