There is perhaps no vacation destination more coveted than Hawaii. The warm water, clear sand, and immense range of activities and tourist destinations make Hawaii one of the world’s premiere attractions. The only difficult decision you may find yourself making on a trip to Hawaii is choosing exactly where to stay.
Whether you are looking for upscale or affordable accommodations in Hawaii, there are AirBnB rentals on Kauai, O’ahu, Lanai, and Moloka’i that will satisfy your needs. These include:
- The Sunset Yurt
- Renovated Winnebago RV
- Nico Hale
- The Surf Shack
- The Barrel House
- Hakuna Matata Hostel
- Garden Gingerbread House
- Bamboo Temple
- Ocean View Studio
- Ke Nani Kai
With an abundance of things to do in Hawaii on different islands and in different AirBnB rentals, it still may be challenging to hone in on the perfect Hawaii AirBnB for the experience you desire. Keep reading to learn more about the various regions in Hawaii, the differing experiences in each region, and the top 10 AirBnB rentals in all of Hawaii.
What Area Should I Stay in Hawaii on AirBnB?
Hawaii is an archipelago region, which means that there is a cluster of distinct islands that make up the state of Hawaii. While each island in Hawaii is certainly worth traveling to, you will have quite different experiences traveling to certain Hawaiian islands. Some islands may provide a more typical tourism experience than you would expect out of Hawaii.
Other islands may not provide the prototypical Hawaiian tourist experience, but they may provide a more tranquil, unique time. Additionally, there are quite a few Hawaiian Islands to choose from when planning your vacation. Let’s take a look at four of the most popular Hawaiian Islands to see which one is best suited to your vacation desires.
(No matter where you choose to stay, you’ll need to figure out how to get there. here are some of the cheapest ways to fly to Hawaii!)
Kauai
Kauai is only the fourth-largest Hawaiian island, but it is arguably the most popular tourist destination of the Hawaiian Islands. This is due to the wide range of outdoor activities and experiences one may partake in during a visit to this beautiful, tropical island. Here is a list of a few of the many activities and experiences you may encounter during a trip to Kauai:
- Kayaking
- Snorkeling
- Hiking
- Ziplining
- Surfing
- Biking
- Fishing
- Parasailing
- Paddleboarding
In addition to these activities, you can also experience more tranquil settings in Kauai by paying a visit to the various small towns that comprise the island. These small towns include the North Shore, West Side, East Side, South Shore, and Lihue. Ultimately, Kauai is an excellent place to visit in Hawaii, regardless of your interests.
O'ahu
The third-largest island is similarly regarded as one of the premier vacation destinations in Hawaii. O’ahu, often referred to as “The Gathering Place,” is dubbed this due to its noticeable fusion of cultures and aesthetics. O’ahu indeed features an apparent fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. However, this is not the only apparent fusion in O’ahu.
O’ahu also combines bustling cities with more serene surfer towns, which offer a range of travel experiences for the average tourist visiting this island. You may prefer the bustling nature of cities like Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu, or you may prefer a more laidback experience on either the Leeward or Windward Coast.
Lanai
Of all of Hawaii’s inhabited islands, Lanai is the smallest island. Thus, the less experienced traveler may write off Lanai in favor of more commonplace destinations like O’ahu or Kauai. However, Lanai certainly has plenty to offer to the average tourist. Lanai is similar to O’ahu in that it offers a fusion of experiences.
This fusion, in contrast to O’ahu’s bustling versus tranquil experiences, is almost entirely tranquil. You may find more upscale, luxurious experiences on the coasts of Lanai, where you will encounter luxury resorts and sprawling golf courses. In contrast, if you travel off the beaten path, you may discover intriguing hiking trails and horseback riding opportunities in rural Lanai.
Maui
In contrast to the hidden gem that is Lanai, Maui is arguably one of the most renowned islands in Hawaii. Voted as the “Best Island in the United States” by readers of Conde Nast Traveler for over 20 years and running, Maui certainly does not suffer from a lack of recognition.
There are several activities and experiences to partake in during your stay in Maui, from hiking trails to parasailing. You may even get to experience a helicopter tour of the island or view the migration of the local humpback whales if you are lucky enough to visit during the winter months.
Moloka'i
As one of the smaller Hawaiian Islands, Moloka’i may not be your first thought when considering the premier travel destinations in Hawaii. However, Moloka’i has a unique nature and vibrant culture that makes it an excellent visit depending on your travel interests.
The indigenous people of Moloka’i still represent the majority population of the island, and their culture and lifestyle have primarily been preserved as a result. Thus, if you are looking for an authentic, traditional Hawaiian experience, there may be no better place to visit than Moloka’i.
The 10 Best AirBnB Rentals on Hawaii
Now that we have taken a look at some of the best places to travel in Hawaii, you may believe you are ready to start planning your trip. However, you have overlooked a very crucial step – picking the best AirBnB to accommodate you during your stay in Hawaii. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best AirBnB rentals to stay in on each of the islands listed above.
1. Oahu: The Sunset Yurt
The Sunset Yurt in Oahu is one of the best AirBnB rentals to stay in all of Hawaii. Located on the north shore of Oahu, this AirBnB offers a respite from Oahu’s bustling cities. So, if you are looking for a place to decompress after a long day of tourism, The Sunset Yurt is the place for you. This AirBnB is also located just 15 minutes from Haleiwa and is in the center of Sunset Beach.
2. Oahu: Renovated Winnebago RV
While staying in a Winnebago RV may not be your ideal lodging option for a relaxing vacation, this AirBnB listing is actually quite comfortable and accommodating. With the inclusion of a queen-size memory foam mattress and plenty of outdoor activity essentials like snorkels and camping chairs, this Winnebago RV is the perfect budget AirBnB rental for tourists of O’ahu.
3. Kauai: Nico Hale
Kauai is known for its various outdoor activities, so you are probably hoping for your AirBnB rental to be situated close to these activities. First, let’s take a look at a charming cottage located in the heart of the jungle on the North Shore of Kauai.
This cottage, listed as Nico Hale TVNC-1036 on AirBnB, combines an adventurous, nature-filled setting with a luxurious, comforting stay.
4. Kauai: The Surf Shack
If the jungle is not where your primary outdoor activity interests reside, you may be intrigued by The Surf Shack, located on the Princeville coast of Kauai. This AirBnB is just minutes away from some of the premier beaches in Hawaii, such as Bali Hai. It is also situated quite close to some luxury resorts and golf courses, which can only add to your number of outdoor activities.
5. Lanai: The Barrel House
Arguably one of the classiest lodging options in Hawaii, AirBnB or otherwise, is The Barrel House in Lahaina, Hawaii. This AirBnB rental can accommodate up to four guests and is located right on top of Lahaina Beach, making it ideal in terms of location and accommodation. The place also features a charming outdoor patio area fitted with a grill and outdoor seating.
6. Lanai: Hakuna Matata Hostel
If you are looking for a more affordable option, then one of the best options for you is the Hakuna Matata Hostel. Situated in Lahaina, Hawaii as well, this hostel can accommodate up to four guests per dormitory room. These rooms also feature charming bedside tables, common kitchen areas, and outdoor leisure areas, all for the reasonable price of $48 per night.
7. Maui: Garden Gingerbread House
One of the most undeniably charming lodging options in Hawaii is the Garden Gingerbread House located in Maui. This AirBnB rental is the perfect romantic getaway, as it feels tucked away from civilization, but is actually just a quick walk from some of the best beaches and shopping centers in Maui.
8. Maui: Bamboo Temple
If you are looking for a more visceral lodging experience, the Bamboo Temple located in Huelo, Hawaii is the perfect option for you. This AirBnB rental, constructed entirely from bamboo, features breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle. It is also located just a short walk away from a beautiful waterfall hike.
9. Moloka'i: Ocean View Studio
One of the more quaint, simple lodging options in Hawaii is this Ocean View Studio in Moloka’i. While it may not feature anything you would not find in any other AirBnB rental worldwide, its proximity to Kepuhi Beach Resort and Kaiaka Rock makes it an undeniably brilliant option. It is also priced quite modestly at around $110 per night.
10. Moloka'i: Ke Nani Kai
Finally, Ke Nani Kai is one of the best places to stay in all of Hawaii, let alone Moloka’i. It features all of the breathtaking views of places like Bamboo Temple with an amazing proximity to some of the best nearby beaches and hiking trails. All of this can be experienced for just $119 per night, which makes this AirBnB rental one of the best deals for your dollar.
What Are the Closest Beaches to Good AirBnBs in Hawaii?
As Hawaii is particularly heralded for its pristine, lovely coastlines, you are likely wondering exactly how close these AirBnBs are situated to these beaches. Let’s examine some of the closest beaches to each AirBnB location:
| AirBnB Location | Beach Nearby |
|---|---|
| O'ahu | • Sunset Beach • Haleiwa Coast |
| Kauai | • Bali Hai • Hideaways Beach • Hanalei Bay • Anini Beach |
| Lanai | • Lahaina Beach • Shipwreck Beach • Hulopoe Beach |
| Maui | • Makena Beach State Park • Baldwin Beach Park • Honolua Bay |
| Moloka’l | • Maunaloa Beach • Kaunakakai Beach |
Outro
By the end of this article, you should hopefully know a bit more about the various regions in Hawaii, the differing experiences in each region, and the top 10 AirBnB rentals in all of Hawaii. While a visit here can be a life-changing opportunity, it doesn’t have to also be a big change to your wallet. Ultimately, a trip to Hawaii is a trip that almost all types of travelers will enjoy and are sure to never forget after returning back home.
(Looking for an all inclusive experience? Check out these Airbnb experiences in Hawaii!)