The Namakani Paio Cabins are a camping-alternative in the heart of Volcano Hawaii. These cabins are right down the road from the Volcanoes National Park (a few miles, you will need a car).

LOCATION:
The location is great for exploring the Volcano Park. The elevation you are on is nice - the day temperatures are warm and the nights cool - great for camping (bring a fleece jacket or sweatshirt for night). All cabins have their own fireplace and little cook stove (bring charcoal) which is great at night to sit around and enjoy some Volcano wine or local beer. Tip: be prepared - Volcano does not have any big shopping centers so if you fly into Kona or Hilo, stop by at the Wal-mart and stock up on supplies before heading to Volcano.

FACILITIES:
The bathroom is clean enough to use, but pretty run down. It has running water so it's a step up from a chemical toilet or outhouse. The shower is tiny, but has hot water - bring shower shoes (or old pair of flip flops) or you will wish you did. The bathroom could use a little work, but all-in-all it does the job.

CABINS:
The cabins have plenty of room for up to 4 adults to sleep and store bags. The cabins are kind of dingy, with no electricity (except for a light), but are much more convenient than a tent. The good thing is that this area of Volcano does not have a lot of bugs (at least when I was there in June). You also get bedding from the Volcano House, which is convenient, but bring another blanket or sleeping bag in case it gets chilly.

PRICE:
Dollar-for-dollar the price ($55/night plus tax) is a little high. For only $100/night you can stay at the Volcano hotel and enjoy the comforts of a hotel. So if you are not big on camping, I would recommend the hotel.

If you are expecting a low-budget hotel, then you will be disappointed. But if you are used to pitching a tent and camping, and enjoy spending your nights outside around a fire instead of in a hotel, then the cabins may be a good alternative to lugging a tent to Volcano.

PS-for a great breakfast, try out the Lava Rock Cafe down the road in Volcano Village - great food and make sure you try out the Guava Butter and Lilikoi Butter - delicious on pancakes, bread, etc.

We decided to venture off the beaten path and leave the land of Disneyland Resorts behind in Kona and head up to the Volcanoes. We rented a cabin in the National Park. It was such a bargain. It is truly just a place to sleep. Three beds (one double and bunks)in a cabin and that is it. They give you the bedding when you check in but you will have to make your own beds. It was chilly so either dress warmly or bring extra blankets. We slept in sweatshirts and were fine. The bath house is close to all of the cabins. If you are comparing it to a hotel you are bound to be disappointed. If you are comparing it to camping you are likely to be thrilled. At least you don't have to drag your gear with you on vacation. It also makes it sooooo easy to see the volcanoes at night which was the highlight of my family's trip (just a short drive from the cabins).