The Best Airbnbs in Hawaii, From Oceanfront Mansions to Woodsy Cabins

There’s no denying that Hawaii has some top-notch hotels and resorts, but sometimes, a rental house to spread out, cook meals, and use as a home base for hiking and sunbathing adventures is what our trips need. Luckily, Airbnb is chock-full of options, whether you’re spending your time on Maui, Oahu, Kauai, or the Big Island. If you’re starting from scratch on trip planning, check our guide to which Hawaiian island is right for what you want to do. Once you’ve settled on a destination, peruse our picks for the islands’ best Airbnbs. There’s something for everyone—from cliffside villas with infinity pools and urban bungalows to Frank Lloyd Wright marvels—and every budget. As a bonus, Airbnb Superhosts are behind all of these rentals. They each have a rating of 4.8 or above and at least a 90 percent response rate, meaning they’ll get back to you ASAP.

As of publishing, Hawaii has specific entry requirements to limit the spread of COVID-19 on the islands. Those traveling from the mainland are required to self-quarantine for 10 days or the duration of the visit, whichever is shorter. Travelers can opt to get a test within 72 hours of departure, in order to avoid a quarantine. Kauai has specific rules in addition to those mentioned here, so be sure to check out our coverage of Hawaii’s restrictions ahead of booking or travel. Some localities have 30-day minimum stays for Airbnbs as well, so check descriptions or with the hosts themselves to keep up with the changing regulations. 

While we have not stayed in every Airbnb featured, unless otherwise stated, these listings are vetted based on Superhost status, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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  • Courtesy Airbnb

    Holualoa

    The saltwater infinity pool and view from this resort-style home on the Big Island’s western coast will take your breath away. But that isn’t the only reason to book this two-bedroom. The home features an open-plan living room with eight-foot pocket doors for an indoor-outdoor flow, a luxe kitchen stocked with cooking essentials, and bedrooms with stunning views and spa-like bathrooms. If you manage to drag yourself away from the house (which was built by the same people behind the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai), the home is just a 10-minute drive to the beach and even less of a drive to the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, for java fanatics. The hosts of the Airbnb also rent out their SUV on Turo, a car share company, and will have it ready at the airport when you arrive, meaning this listing really is a one-stop shop for your vacation. 

    $1,081 AT AIRBNB (STARTING PRICE)
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  • Courtesy Airbnb

    Kamuela

    This was probably the last place you thought you’d find a Frank Lloyd Wright house, but it all makes sense when you find out that this three-bedroom vacation home was originally planned for the Cornwell family in Pennsylvania in the 1950s. It wasn’t actually built until 1995, under the direction of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, and features reproductions of the famed architect’s furniture designs and his signature Cherokee red concrete floors. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the home look out over the Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualalai volcanoes—but the best view is from the lava-rock hot tub, which overlooks a stream. If you’re a Frank Lloyd Wright fan, this is a can’t miss. (If you’re looking for the architect’s other work in the state, Maui’s King Kamehameha golf clubhouse was inspired by Wright’s abandoned design for Marilyn Monroe’s 1950s home.)

    $795 AT AIRBNB (STARTING PRICE)
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    Volcano

    No, this cabin is not in rural Oregon, it’s in aptly-named Volcano, a town at the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Because the town sits at around 4,000 feet, on the slopes of Mauna Loa, the fire pit and hot tub are welcome additions, considering year-round temperatures hover in the high 50s. Inside, the bright studio space fits everything a solo traveler or couple could need, from a king bed, kitchenette with a mini fridge and oven, workspace, and washer/dryer. If you’re looking for a beach, head to the black sand shores of Kehena, about an hour away. 

    $350 AT AIRBNB (STARTING PRICE)
 
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    Princeville

    Set overlooking Hanalei Bay, this stunning home comes with tons of perks—not least that Pu’u Poa beach, best for snorkeling and paddleboarding in the summer and surfing in the winter, is just a 10-minute walk away. The three-bedroom Airbnb Plus features a large, open living and dining room, with views of the bay, which lead into a well-equipped kitchen fit for a chef. The bedrooms are filled with natural light and the master has its own private balcony. Also private is the saltwater pool, complete with loungers, should that nearby beach feel too crowded. 

    $750 AT AIRBNB (STARTING PRICE)
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    Princeville

    If you’re looking for a budget option, this guesthouse is the way to go. A garage apartment, it has one bedroom and bathroom, a spacious living room, private lanai (or covered porch) with ocean views, and kitchenette with a full-size fridge, toaster oven, and microwave. Guests staying here will have full access to the home’s bikes, kayak, paddleboards, and surfboards, too, so you won’t have to spend time—or money—at the gear shop. Hiking paths to the beach and Queen’s Bath tidepools are within walking distance, and Hanalei Bay is a short drive away. 

    $165 AT AIRBNB (STARTING PRICE)
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    Honolulu

    We will give you a second to recover from this price tag,  but the amenities here make it worth it, we promise. With six bedrooms and room for up to 14, there’s plenty of space to spread out at this oceanfront villa that has kayaks and paddleboards on hand for you to head straight into the water. There are multiple lanais for lounging, fire pits along the water for cooler nights, and a private pool and hot tub to enjoy after a day in the ocean. Inside, you’ll find multiple living rooms, a large kitchen, a movie room, work spaces, and an entertainment room with a pool table. If you can drag yourself away from the home, downtown Honolulu and Waikiki are just 20 minutes away, while snorkel-friendly beaches like Hanauma Bay are within a five-minute drive. 

    $2,500 AT AIRBNB (STARTING PRICE)
 
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    Kaneohe

    While the look back at this three-bedroom house, with its private stretch of sand, lanai, and steps that lead directly into the ocean, all in the shadow of the Kualoa range, is impressive, it’s the view out across the water that guests won’t soon forget. The home faces Mokoli’i, an islet made of cooled lava just off shore, and views of the natural phenomenon through the large picture windows at sunrise are particularly stunning. The interior is perfect for two families of four, with one bedroom filled with two large bunk beds and the other two bedrooms feature a double and a king. A stay here is probably best for older, more responsible kids—think middle school and up—considering the backyard’s drop into the water. 

    $599 AT AIRBNB (STARTING PRICE)
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    Haiku-Pauwela

    Set on two palm-covered acres, this cottage has two bedrooms, one with a queen and one with two single beds. Its galley kitchen has everything you need to whip up meals and a dining table that can double as a workspace. (The home is also an Airbnb Plus, which means its Wi-Fi meets a certain strength standard, if you want to work remotely from here.) There’s also a spacious patio, with a dining table and loungers for enjoying the tropical locale. One of our favorite beaches on Maui, the family friendly Baldwin Beach, is just 15 minutes away. Day trips to Hana, about a two-hour drive, should also be on your itinerary. 

    $279 AT AIRBNB (STARTING PRICE)
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    Wailuku

    Situated in a renovated 1930s one-bedroom, this home is all about location, location, location. It’s walking distance to restaurants and coffee shops, and just a 10 minute-drive from the entrance to ‘Īao Valley State Park for hiking, nearby beaches for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing, and Maui’s airport. Inside, the home is well-designed, with an eat-in kitchen (note, there is an Instant Pot, hotplate, and microwave, but no oven), living room, cozy bedroom and en-suite that features both a soaking tub and shower, and front porch for evening drinks. 

    Source: cntraveler.com