Hawaii is one of the most popular destinations on AirBnB, but you’ll find more than lodging options when you book your holiday on the website. You’ll also be able to add unique experiences specific to the location that will allow you to immerse yourself in the culture.
There are numerous AirBnB experiences in Hawaii, including:
- Mauna Kea Stargazing and Photo Experience
- Snorkeling with Wild Dolphins
- Surfing Lesson and Coffee
- Sunrise Yoga
- Native Hawaiian Music
- East Side Tour
- Parrots in Paradise
- Polynesian Drums and Firedancing
- Hawaiian Style Cooking Classes
- Sunset Sail in Maui
If you’re looking to make the most out of your time in Hawaii, read on to find out more about the experiences you can book during your AirBnB holiday.
Are There AirBnB Experiences on Each of the Islands in Hawaii?
AirBnB experiences are currently available on the following Hawaiian Islands:
- Oahu
- Maui
- Hawaii Island, also known as Big Island
- Kauai
Which Island Has the Most AirBnB Experiences?
Most AirBnB experiences in Hawaii can be found on the island of Oahu, where the capital, Honolulu, is. There are currently 122 experiences available to book on Oahu, followed by Maui with 65. The Big Island currently has 48, while Kauai offers 29 experiences.
(Need a plane ticket? Check out the cheapest way to fly to Hawaii!)
The Top 10 Best AirBnB Experiences in Hawaii
There are many types of experiences available to you in Hawaii, from the cultural to the adventurous. Still, all are very immersed in tradition and in exploring the beauty of the location. Experiences in Hawaii fall into some of these main categories:
- Nature and outdoors
- Food and drink
- Sightseeing
- Transportation activities
- Sports
- Arts and culture
- Entertainment
- Wellness
Explore the best AirBnB experiences from most of these categories below.
(For a list of things to do in Hawaii, check out that article!)
1. Mauna Kea Stargazing and Photo Experience
This group experience on the Big Island welcomes up to eight people to a stargazing activity led by a former analog astronaut. The nighttime experience will take you to either the mountains of Mauna Loa or Mauna Kea, depending on the weather. You can ride to the location in your car or tag along in the group van.
When you get to the mountains, you’ll get an unprecedented view of the light sky that is far from light pollution. Your guide will introduce you to constellations, galaxies, and nebulas, in a way you’ve never seen before. He will also give you a glimpse into his background as an analog astronaut, the type of astronaut that conducts ground-based research in space conditions.
Once you’ve learned more about the stars, you will get to see how composite photography of the Milky Way is taken. All participants in the experience will get professional photos of them taken with the background of the starry sky. One composite image of the Milky Way will also be included as part of the package.
2. Snorkeling with Wild Dolphins
Join this top-rated group experience of up to fourteen people in Kailua-Kona, on the Big Island, which gives you the guarantee of swimming with around 20 to 300 wild Hawaiian spinner dolphins. This experience is more suited to adrenaline-seekers, and will take you via speedboat to wherever the bigger dolphin pods are before sliding you right alongside them.
You’ll get to snorkel around the dolphins and watch them interact before having brunch on the speedboat. The dolphin sighting is guaranteed. In the rare case of no sightings, you will get to return for free. Between December and March, you’ll also have the chance to whale watch, but those are not guaranteed as they are less likely to show themselves.
Some things to keep in mind before booking this experience:
- You have to be an experienced swimmer and snorkeler.
- You are not allowed to touch, feed, or chase the dolphins.
- You should bring only swim/beach clothing and a small camera, no bulky bags.
3. Surfing Lesson and Coffee
This experience takes place in Honolulu and lets you enjoy one of the most popular activities in Hawaii: surfing. This group activity welcomes up to five people and will introduce you to the intricacies of this water sport that’s so embedded in the culture here. Locals will teach the activity, so you’ll get to experience it with an insider view.
You will be taught how the surfboard works, followed by surfing basics like positioning, paddling, moving on the board, and what to do when you catch a wave. You will also learn about surfing etiquette, safety, and awareness. After the land training, you’ll get to apply this in practice in the water.
The guides will be alongside you as they lead you to the best positions to catch waves and observe as you ride them. Your level of surfing expertise doesn’t matter, as the guides are ready to help beginner and advanced surfers too. Once the activity is done, you’ll return to the surf shop, where you’ll get to enjoy a coffee from the coffee bar and browse your photos.
4. Sunrise Yoga
This experience takes place in the exclusive location of the Princeville Makai Golf Course in Kauai. This area of the North Shore allows you to get unique breathtaking views over Hideaway Beach. The activity welcomes up to ten people and will cater to the level of the group, regardless of body type or experience level.
You will get to practice yoga in one of the most soothing and beautiful places on earth, to the tune of birdsong and the occasional sight of whales breaching the water below you. You will get photo opportunities at the end of practice to remember the event.
5. Native Hawaiian Music
Immerse yourself into local culture with a relaxed evening enjoying music and learning about Hawaii in Kanehoe, on Oahu. This experience will give you access to the Hawaiian homelands, where you’ll get to experience two sets of music spanning the history of over 200 years. There are activities for children that you can add to your experience.
The experience includes a buffet of farm-to-table Hawaiian meals, but otherwise has served meals provided to guests at intervals through the evening. The activity takes around two hours and welcomes up to eight people.
(Looking for another Airbnb Hawaii on Oahu? We’ve got you covered!)
6. East Side Tour
If you’re looking for scenic hikes around Honolulu, join this experience that takes you on a six-hour tour through locations that are not ordinarily available to tourists. You will start the tour with a medium-level hike to Koko Arch, a unique location with fantastic photo opportunities.
You will then get to see a hidden beach featured in a scene from one of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, where you’ll also get to dip into some caves. You will then stop at Pele’s Chair, followed by a walk to Waimanalo Beach, where you’ll be able to swim and sunbathe and take advantage of the amazing photo opportunities.
You’ll probably be famished after all those activities, and you’ll get to stop at a delicious Hawaiian plate lunch venue where you can enjoy some traditional delights. Once you’ve finished your meal, you’ll be able to grab dessert at the famous Leonard’s malasada donut truck.
Note that the meal prices aren’t included in the experience and will have to be paid separately. The hikes are accessible to all levels; just remember to bring comfortable clothes and shoes.
7. Parrots in Paradise
This experience takes place at the only parrot rescue sanctuary in Kona, on the Big Island. The sanctuary provides a safe space for the parrots that offers them a nutritious diet, an adequate flying area, and a relaxed way to socialize with other parrots and even people. You will get to learn about the sanctuary’s mission and about these colorful birds it protects.
Up to eight people can join this group activity, where you’ll also be taken on a walking tour of the sanctuary and be introduced to lovebirds, cockatoos, and macaws. Photo opportunities abound, especially with the parrots most used to being around people. There are also three rescue dogs on the premises, and a tortoise you might be able to see too.
Comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes are recommended for this visit, as well as plenty of sun protection.
8. Polynesian Drums and Firedancing
This group experience of up to ten people takes place in Kapaa, on the island of Kauai. You will be taught the role of drums in Hawaiian communities and then taught a basic rhythm to follow. After an hour of drumming, you will be taught the basics of firedancing with Samoan fire knives and Maori poiballs.
The practice includes fire, but you won’t remain unsupervised, and you only need to use it if absolutely comfortable. This activity is open to all experience levels and all ages from five to seventy.
9. Hawaiian Style Cooking Classes
If you’re looking to learn about Hawaiian meals, this experience is perfect for you. This activity takes place in Honolulu in a traditional Hawaiian-style home. All equipment will be provided, and you will spend around three hours learning how to cook four dishes that are known Hawaiian favorites:
- Coconut crusted Kahuku shrimp
- Trio of island-fresh poke
- Butter mochi
- Deluxe musubis
You also have the option of a premium package. Once the cooking class is done, you’ll be able to enjoy your meal in a communal setting with a cold drink of your choice.
10. Sunset Sail in Maui
This experience takes place in Lahaina, Maui, and it’s led by the Pacific Whale Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the ocean environment. The sail on the foundation’s catamaran, Ocean Spirit, will take you to a stunning view of the sunset to the tune of live ukulele music.
There will be appetizers and drinks provided, and the ukulele performance will culminate in a group setting as sunset hits. The experience is exclusive to AirBnB users and open to groups of up to 30 people maximum.
Things to Consider Before Going on AirBnB Experience in Hawaii
Before immersing yourself in Hawaiian experiences through AirBnB, there are some things to keep in mind:
- Only AirBnB guests can enjoy the booked experience, with no outside friends or family. If you’d like to include others, you will need to book separately.
- Many areas of Hawaii are considered sacred land, and access to them is heavily regulated. Make sure to inform yourself about the location before going on the experience to avoid accidentally going against state and protection rules.
- Be considerate. AirBnB experiences open access to Hawaii locals and welcome you into an insider perspective of the islands. Take into account that this isn’t just a tourist destination, this is a home to many, and it should be respected as such.
Outro
Hawaii has some of the best sights in the world, and it has plenty of AirBnB experiences to match the setting across its main four islands. From exploring to sampling the delights to learning about the culture, you’ll have exclusive access to an insider’s view of these stunning locations.
Are you looking to host an Airbnb Experience in Hawaii? Discover how you can share your passion and expertise with travelers from around the world, offering unique and immersive experiences that showcase the beauty and culture of the Hawaiian Islands.
(Looking for just a place to stay and not an experience? Check out the best Airbnbs in Hawaii!)