Top 16 Airbnbs in Hawai‘i, from Honolulu to Kona

Whether you're drawn to O‘ahu's iconic surf, Kaua‘i's lush landscapes, or the volcanic beauty of the Big Island, a great place to stay is essential for every Hawaiian getaway. While there are many stunning resorts to choose from across the islands, if you're traveling with family or seeking privacy, an Airbnb is the perfect choice for a relaxing stay. Each island has its own regulations regarding vacation rentals and necessary permits, so it's safest to choose listings with an official license number—don’t worry, we’ve already done the research for you.

In light of the recent devastating wildfire in Lāhainā, we've excluded Maui rentals from this list, as many families are still in need of longer-term housing. The local tourism board advises that, for now, visitors to Maui should opt for hotel accommodations instead.

From a sleek cabin nestled near Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to a chic studio in Honolulu, these 16 Airbnbs will help you embrace the aloha spirit in no time.

Airbnbs on the Island of Hawai‘i

Kūono Modern Volcano Cabin

Nestled in a forest of ohi‘a trees just five minutes from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, this contemporary cabin offers a small kitchen and an open-plan living area with a king-size bed and a sofa bed. The private lanai with an outdoor hot tub and firepit is the perfect spot to relax. To visit the stunning black-sand beaches of MacKenzie State Recreation Area, take a scenic drive along the Puna Coast via Route 137, also known as the Red Road.

Modern Upcountry Home with Views of Mauna Kea

Situated inland at an elevation of 3,000 feet, Waimea offers a unique glimpse of paniolo (cowboy) culture, where sprawling ranches dot the rolling green hills, and misty rains and cooler nights are common. This two-bedroom house sits on a private acre of land, with floor-to-ceiling windows in the open kitchen and living room framing views of the dormant Mauna Kea volcano. The decor blends modern lines with rustic charm. For beach lovers, the home also comes with beach chairs, an umbrella, a cooler, and towels for trips to the white-sand shores of Mauna Kea Resort or Hapuna Beach.

Romantic Dodecagon Retreat Near a Black-Sand Beach

This 12-sided architectural gem features Balinese hardwood floors and redwood rafters, designed to seamlessly connect with the tropical surroundings. A dome skylight bathes the interior in natural light, while ceiling fans keep the air cool when you open the windows. Relax in the oversized papasan chair or unwind in the indoor jet tub, then take a dip in the 30-foot circular pool. The property is surrounded by lush coconut, mango, soursop, avocado, papaya, and banana trees. When you're ready to explore, Kehena Beach—famous for being clothing-optional—is just two blocks away, along with nearby night and farmers' markets, and the stunning Red Road that winds through lava fields along the coast.

Keokea Dome Garden Retreat

This cedar-lined hale (traditional Hawaiian house) near the North Kohala Coast shares a property with the owners' residence next door. Designed as an eco-retreat, it invites you to immerse yourself in nature with a sunken tub for two under a screened-in enclosure, an open-air shower nestled in a flower garden, and even an outdoor kitchen where you can cook with fresh avocados, mangoes, and papayas picked from the backyard trees. Just a short walk from Keokea Beach, it’s also a quick drive to the stunning Pololū Valley Lookout.

Special Luxe Home with Hot Tub

At 384 square feet, this tiny home is compact, but its spacious 10-acre tropical setting offers plenty of room to stretch out. Located in the Kaloko Mauka neighborhood, just 10 miles from Kailua-Kona, the beach, and the airport, you'll enjoy cool evenings and star-filled skies that sometimes offer a glimpse of shooting stars from your bed. Complete with a hot tub and a propane grill, you're also minutes away from a coffee farm and a hiking trail through a rainforest canopy, where wild parrots call home.

The Flower Bed

Nestled on the slopes of Mauna Loa and cooled by trade winds, this greenhouse cabin offers a peaceful, rural atmosphere where you might even hear roosters in the distance. As the name suggests, the Flower Bed farm stay is surrounded by vibrant potted plants like edible nasturtiums, passion fruit vines, aloe, lavender, and more, ready to be picked, smelled, or tasted. Enjoy an outdoor shower, an open-air kitchenette, and a patio with a barbecue grill. The area’s minimal light pollution makes for incredible stargazing, and from certain spots on the property, you can even catch a glimpse of the southernmost point of the United States.

Jungle Haven at ReKindle Farm

Completely off the grid and powered by solar energy, this eco-friendly cabin is situated on a biodynamic farm where you can immerse yourself in the principles of permaculture. Surrounded by fruit trees, bamboo, and vibrant rainbow eucalyptus, the cabin is built entirely from natural wood and features a wraparound patio and a serene loft. Start your morning with organic coffee and tea grown right on the farm, and end your evening stargazing through the window at the Milky Way. Food lovers will appreciate the well-equipped outdoor kitchen, while a thoughtfully curated selection of books and DVDs provides perfect entertainment for a laid-back night at the cabin.

Airbnbs on O‘ahu

Stylish Waikiki Studio Apartment

With millennial pink tones and palm-print accents, this studio apartment is designed for solo travelers or couples who want to be just steps away from everything Waikīkī has to offer. The host, Sunny, has thoughtfully provided beach towels, umbrellas, and snorkeling gear for your trips to Waikīkī Beach, only two blocks away. While you won't need a car to enjoy Waikīkī, a free parking spot is included if you want to explore other parts of O‘ahu.

Uncle’s Beach Haven in the Waikīkī Sky

Inside this studio apartment, you might forget you're in a high-rise in the heart of Honolulu. With its soft green and brown tones, natural materials, and textured fibers, it feels more like a cozy countryside cottage. Unique design elements, like a live-edge monkeypod-wood table and a chest of drawers carved with oversized monstera leaves, give the space character. Just two blocks from Waikīkī Beach, you'll also enjoy access to the building's pool on the fourth-floor deck.

Eight Thousand Waves Near Waikiki Beach

Just a five-minute stroll to watch breathtaking sunsets at Ala Moana Beach, this recently updated Honolulu studio exudes a sleek, urban charm with midcentury-modern furniture, artisanal pottery, surfboards mounted on the wall, and framed Matisse prints. For your convenience, the building offers an app-controlled laundry room next to the unit and on-site paid parking. The kitchen is fully equipped with pour-over coffee makers, cookbooks, and quirky hula-girl figurines.

Kaua‘i Airbnbs

Secluded Kaua‘i Jungle Cottage

This sun-drenched jungle retreat is the perfect spot to unplug and reconnect with nature. Situated near Kaua‘i’s North Shore, the property boasts stunning mountain and jungle views from its many windows. Guests can enjoy birdwatching and the soothing sounds of the jungle from the living room or two bedrooms, or take a hike to explore the area up close. The earthy, minimalist decor offers plenty of cozy corners for reading or relaxing (the hammock on the screened-in lanai is calling our name). Hanalei Bay, Tunnels, and Ke‘e beaches are just a short drive away for activities like snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. With a washer, dryer, and a full kitchen, this home is also ideal for longer stays.

Princeville Surfshack

This cheerful two-bedroom condo is perfect for a small family or a group of friends, with its beachy rattan furniture, palm-print wallpaper, and mounted ukuleles and surfboards. (We adore the “Hanalei is My Bae” wall hanging!) On the private deck, curl up in the oversized rattan lounge chair with your morning coffee and watch the waves crash. When it's time for an evening drink, mix up a tropical cocktail and enjoy it in one of the vintage tiki mugs that also serve as decor in the kitchen. The Airbnb features its own private paved path leading down to Hideaways Beach, a secluded spot ideal for snorkeling, located just behind the condo. Guests also have access to the complex's shared pool and hot tub.

Glamp on the Homestead

This is far from roughing it: Located in northeastern Kaua‘i, this glamping tent offers a plush queen-sized bed and an outdoor shower and bathtub nestled among lush greenery. The property is a thriving organic garden of fruits, flowers, and herbs, where the hosts encourage you to explore, forage, and prepare your meals. Along the way, you might meet friendly dogs, cats, chickens, or even spot wild pigs wandering through the orchard. The hosts, both chefs, also offer optional enhancements to your stay, such as breakfast ($50), a private dinner for two ($150), or a poke or tropical jam-making class ($200).

Oceanfront Hā‘ena Cottage

Nestled on the secluded North Shore of Kaua‘i, this beachfront cottage boasts over 270 feet of oceanfront property and is only five steps from the sand. The ocean’s proximity means digital nomads might find it hard to focus, as sea turtles and humpback whales are frequent visitors. With a strong focus on sustainability, the home features energy-efficient appliances and lighting, as well as purified rainwater throughout the property. Reusable stainless steel water bottles are provided for your adventures to nearby spots like Tunnels Beach and Hā‘ena State Park. After a day of exploring, unwind in the plush California king bed or indulge in a luxurious soak in the deep tub.

Ocean Views Near Sunny Po‘ipū Beach

This fully equipped condo offers the perfect home base on Kaua‘i's sunny southern shore. With conveniences like an in-unit washer and dryer and a kitchen stocked with essentials—think Nespresso, Chemex, and Vitamix—you’ll have everything you need for a stress-free stay. Enjoy frozen tropical drinks on the lanai while admiring the bright decor that combines crisp white textiles with a lively pineapple and banana leaf wallpaper, originally designed by Paul Poiret in the 1930s. Just a short walk from lifeguarded Po‘ipū Beach, the Sunset Kahili complex also provides shared access to a swimming pool, BBQ area, and recreation room.

Eco Luxe Villa with Infinity Pool

Nestled on the southern side of Kaua‘i, this secluded house offers a peaceful escape from the lively beachfront. Set back in the hills and surrounded by lush pastures, babbling creeks, and vibrant gardens, it’s a sanctuary where native birds and butterflies thrive. The owners, passionate boaters, carefully chose exotic hardwoods for the construction to endure the tropical climate, lending the home a nautical feel, akin to being inside a luxurious yacht. Inside, the decor features natural fabrics and travel-inspired art pieces, with unique textures like camel hair, silk, and cashmere adding a rich tactile experience. The property also boasts an infinity pool and hand-woven hammocks, perfect for soaking in the panoramic views of the surrounding hills.

Additional reporting by Lyndsey Matthews and Michelle Baran. This article was originally published in 2020 and updated on February 9, 2024, with the latest information.