The best Airbnbs in Hawaii
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- With winter cold weather here, many travelers are daydreaming about warm and passport-free vacations like Hawaii.
- All travelers to Hawaii must present a negative COVID-19 test from a trusted testing partner or they will be subject to a 10-day quarantine upon arrival.
- Airbnbs are an attractive option for lodging since they're safer than hotels right now, and often more affordable.
Despite the ongoing pandemic, chilly winter days have many travelers looking for a warm-weather escape. And with US tourists currently still banned from a lengthy list of countries, a passport-free island getaway is even more attractive. Even if you're not quite ready to take a long flight just yet, there's a good chance Hawaii is on your bucket list. With vaccines beginning to roll out and hope on the horizon, you can always start planning a trip to paradise for the future.
Keep in mind that you will still need to present a negative COVID-19 test to enter. The test must be from an approved testing partner no more than 72 hours before departure to Hawaii. If you are unable to present an accepted test, you will subject to a 10-day quarantine upon arrival. If you are planning a trip to Hawaii soon, be sure to read up on the latest regulations here.
If you're wondering if staying at an Airbnb right now is safe, experts largely agree that vacation rentals are a safer option than hotels due to the ease of social distancing and lack of interactions with other guests or staff. Airbnb also recently implemented new policies, including the Enhanced Cleaning Initiative, which includes new safety guidelines for hosts, as well as optional booking buffers.
However, it's important to note that there is no guarantee to safety right now. You should always follow guidelines and advice from organizations such as the CDC and WHO, and practice safety measures including wearing a mask, washing your hands, and maintaining social distancing.
With all that in mind, from its beautiful beaches, scenic ridges, lush foliage, and double rainbows, to the endless supply of tropical fruits and water activities, Hawaii is an idyllic place to vacation. But hotels are notoriously pricey and you can easily spend over $500 per night for a typical double room in a name-brand resort. Airbnbs present a more affordable option.
I combed through hundreds of Airbnb listings and selected a final list based on the following criteria:
- The Airbnb listing is for the whole house or a separate private space with its own entrance in line with expert recommendations for safe social distancing. Many Hawaiian homes have an "Ohana" attached to it, which refers to an attached unit that is similar to a "mother-in-law" unit.
- I kept affordably top of mind, and listings are currently priced between $99 and $375 per night to suit a range of budgets.
- Every listing is highly rated with a 4.8 review score or higher and is hosted by an Airbnb "Superhost," meaning it is a highly-rated listing with an experienced host that tends to provide exceptional customer service.
- The Airbnb listings are located in or near the major towns or cities on islands such as Honolulu, Haleiwa, Kailua-Kona, Hawi, Captain Cook, Kihei, Paia, Princeville, and Kapaa, for a diverse offering.
Keep reading to discover the best Airbnbs in Hawaii, sorted by price from low to high.
Islander's ocean view condo in Honolulu, Hawaii, $99
Book this oceanview studio starting at $99 per night
This colorful studio isn't huge and has a kitchenette rather than a full kitchen. But with a prime location just two blocks from the ocean and a starting price of $60, it's a fantastic deal for a couple or solo traveler. Centrally located in Waikiki, guests are steps away from great local food trucks, restaurants, entertainment, nightlife, and more.
The property's chic but whimsical decor will instantly put you in vacation mode from the pink couch and turquoise accents to the leafy bathroom wallpaper. The balcony and its Lanai bar look out at the ocean waves, making it the ideal spot to enjoy a morning cup of coffee or a sunset.
This home still has scattered days available over the next few months.
Rating: 4.95
COVID-19 policies: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
Tiny home on volcanic lava field in Pāhoa, Hawaii, $115
Book this tiny home starting at $115 per night
This custom-built tiny home is loaded with chic and unique design choices from the steel tub sink to the brightly painted ocean landscape mural behind the bed.
Though small and sleeping just two guests, the lofted space is highly functional with a comfy couch, full kitchen, wooden writing desk, and a Queen-size bed upstairs. The home sits right in a lava field so the view is one you'll only find in Hawaii.
This home has plenty of availability beginning at the end of October and into November and December.
Rating: 4.88
COVID-19 policies: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
Private guest house in Kihei, Maui, $128
Book this one-bedroom home near the beach for $128 per night
Some of Maui's best beaches are located in Kihei and Wailea-Makena, and this one-bedroom cottage makes it easy to take advantage while paying a fraction of what it costs in an area hotel.
The space is bright, light, and sparkling clean with a convection oven and enough kitchen space to easily cook meals, a coffee maker, air conditioning, a memory foam Queen-sized bed, and indulgent blackout curtains for excellent sleep. The private courtyard space includes a BBQ and hammock surrounded by lush plant life including organic papayas, mangoes, avocados, lilikoi, guava, lemon, and lime, depending on the season.
Additionally, the living room has a mounted smart TV to stream your favorite shows and movies after a long day at the beach.
This home has scattered dates available, with more opening up in April.
Rating: 4.89
COVID-19 policies: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
Charming riverside cottage in Kapaa, Kauai, $160
Book this one-bedroom cottage on Kauai starting at $160 per night
Centrally located in the town of Kapaa, only one block from the beach, this riverside canal cottage overlooks the peaceful banks of the Wailua River, which guests can paddle with host-provided kayaks and SUPs, or take bikes out for a spin on a lovely path.
The plantation-style cottage was built in 1953 but renovated to feature beautiful paneling and beam details, bamboo accents, air conditioning, a vaulted ceiling with fan, sustainable wood floors, and a well-appointed outdoor area with a grill and water views.
Beach chairs and umbrellas are also provided, and likely, some whimsical welcome treats, too.
This home has wide open availability over the next few months.
Rating: 4.92
COVID-19 policies: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
Magical bohemian retreat in Captain Cook, Big Island, $166
Book this two-bedroom bohemian home starting at $166 per night
This open-air, two-bedroom bungalow merges the comforts of a well-appointed, bohemian-inspired home, with the outdoors. Kind of like glamping, the kitchen and living areas are partially outside and open to the elements, but protected from rain, and eclectically adorned with vintage and tribal-inspired decor.
A lofted bedroom places you eye-level with a lush canopy of trees through floor-to-ceiling windows and a 30-foot stroll down a secluded path leads to an open-air bathhouse. It's scenic and lovely, like staying in a jungle treehouse, but best appreciated by those who are comfortable with such rustic accouterments, especially the occasional cameos from birds, insects, and lizards.
But it's not totally roughing it; modern amenities include Wi-Fi and a washer and dryer and town is a short 20-minute drive. Certainly, however, it's a place to unplug. Set on an organic mango orchard and surrounded by plumerias, the home is located amid Kealakekua Bay, known for some of Hawaii's best snorkeling and wild dolphins.
This home has some availability in January and February with plenty of open dates from March on.
Rating: 4.87
COVID-19 policies: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
Modern condo in Princeville, Kauai, $185
Book this condo in Princeville starting at $185 per night
Located in a well-kept apartment complex, this Princeville condo offers the amenities of a larger resort with the privacy and amenities of staying in a fully-equipped home. Located on a quiet ocean bluff, guests enjoy the use of a shared community pool, grilles, and easy access to scenic hiking and cycling paths and breathtaking beaches. Farmers' markets and great restaurants are also located close by.
The design exudes a luxury lean, with a soothing palette of calming blue and grey hues that creates a very Zen-inspired space. The kitchen is full-size and the living room has a smart TV, ceiling fan, and beach views from a lovely patio. The modern Queen-sized bedroom includes an additional fan, blackout shades, a bathroom with walk-in shower, and the option for a Pack 'N Play crib, if needed. Past guests mention that a cool breeze runs through the space, giving it an airy, laid back feel and rave over the excellent amenities and ocean views.
This home has plenty of availability in the next few months.
Rating: 4.89
COVID-19 policies: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
Tropical North Shore cottage in Haiku, Maui, $193
Book this North Shore cottage starting at $193 per night
For a tranquil stay on Maui's scenic North Shore, this garden cottage places you amid green grass, waterfalls, and gentle breezes, perfect for lapping up sounds of nature and stargazing. Hookipa Beach and the town of Paia are both a 10-minute drive away.
The one-bedroom space is airy and bright with a smart TV, ceiling fan, convection oven, dishwasher, a washer and dryer, a memory foam Queen-sized bed, an additional Queen-sized daybed, as well as both a picturesque terrace and a separate, full-screened in porch with ocean views. The backyard overlooks fruit trees, and the host also provides boogie boards, snorkeling gear, and the added bonus of an outdoor shower.
It's worth noting that the unit is attached to another home, and some guests experienced noise from a shared wall.
This home has scattered dates open in January and February and is completely open from March on.
Rating: 4.93
COVID-19 policies: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
Luxury B&B with private entrance in Lahaina, Maui, $349
Book this luxury B&B starting at $349 per night
For those looking for something closer to a hotel stay that's still a standalone accommodation with a private entrance, this B&B offers the best of both worlds.
This room includes a luxurious spa-like ensuite bathroom complete with rainshower and a deep soaking tub, plus a King-size bed and golf course views. Right outside your door a gorgeous swimming pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen, and sauna await. Did we mention there's a free daily breakfast served poolside each morning?
However, keep in mind that the pool and other amenities are shared with another listing on the same property. If you want a completely private space, you can rent out both guest suites.
This home has scattered dates available over the next few months and is wide open starting in May.
Rating: 5.0
COVID-19 policies: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
Modern, 3-bedroom beach house in Kailua-Kona, Big Island, $375
Book this three-bedroom beach house starting at $375 per night
With three bedrooms, this sophisticated beach home is a solid deal given the excellent location, sleek design, and excellent amenities. It's located just 10 minutes from the closest beach and the bustling tourist town of Kona.
Select a record for the turntable or queue up something to screen on the living room projector and sink into a hanging wicker chair while admiring the serene atmosphere of this beach home with concrete floors, midcentury modern furnishings, and tropical plants. The neutral design feels curated out of a magazine, with a full kitchen, air conditioning (in all rooms but one bedroom), surf and bamboo accents, essential oil diffusers, and playful palm print wallpaper. Each of the three bedrooms has a Queen-sized bed, and tranquil porch and backyard blend indoor and outdoor living seamlessly.
Other extras include beach gear, a grill, two bicycles, free parking, and a slew of family-friendly perks such as a travel crib, high chair, stair gates, changing table, baby monitor, baby bath, and more, for no added fee.
This home has plenty of availability over the next few months.
Rating: 4.91
COVID-19 policies: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
Axel Springer, Insider Inc.’s parent company, is an investor in Airbnb.
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