Whether you’re heading to the shores of Waikiki Beach in Honolulu or drifting further off the map in Kauai, you’re sure to get hung up on one thing: Finding a good place to stay in Hawaii.
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The island’s most popular zones are dotted with popular hotels and resorts… but what if you want a private rental that gives you privacy, space, and—the most important part—the chance to really appreciate Hawaii’s tropical beauty. While many properties have lush gardens, some are on another level. A more heavenly level.
If you’re devoting the time, resources, and care to visit a place as far away as Hawaii, you need to nail your lodging. If you want to add a dash of intrigue by staying at one of the most beautiful Airbnbs in Hawaii, start here.
You can find rentals across the islands that will make your jaw drop. If they’re out of budget for a full week, you can add them to your hotel or resort stay for a night or two. Just know that you’ll need a rental car to get to many of them.
[This article is part of TravelAwaits new Airbnb and Vrbo recommendation series. We dig into listings to identify the crème de la crème of Guest Favorites, Superhost listings, and hidden gems to make finding the perfect rental for your next trip a breeze.]
Beautiful Airbnbs in Hawaii: top picks
- For non-stop ocean views: Sea Cliff House
- For luxury-seekers: Aolani House
- For easy beach access: North Shore Beach House
- For those chasing waterfalls: Private Waterfall Escape
- For history lovers: Historic Hanalei Bay Stay
- For those who want to feel like royalty: Cliff House
- For fresh mountain air: Cloud Forest Escape
- For those who appreciate unique design: The Bamboo House
- For budget travelers: Heavenly Hakalau
- For a tropical jungle escape: Tropical Tree House
- For fans of architecture: Frank Lloyd Wright Home
- For city-slickers: Le’ahi Residence Hideaway
Most beautiful Airbnbs in Hawaii: Big Island, Maui, Kauai, & Oahu
Sea Cliff House
- Location: Laupahoehoe (Big Island)
- Guests: Four guests, two bedrooms
- What makes it beautiful: This unit is perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean on the Hamakua Coast between Hilo and Waimea, with views from a wraparound balcony and most rooms. Aside from the commanding ocean views, you also have tropical gardens throughout the property, hammocks for lounging, and plenty to do nearby.
- Important notes: This property is shared with the host, but guests have their own private space. You might meet their friendly dogs during your stay.
Aolani House
- Location: Holualoa (Big Island)
- Guests: Ten guests, four bedrooms
- What makes it beautiful: This home offers a furnished, covered back patio with an inlaid hot tub, upscale furnishings, and an infinity pool that bleeds into the jungle, then the Pacific Ocean. With luxury finishes and amenities throughout, it’s remained one of Kona’s most popular Airbnbs in Hawaii, having been shouted out by major travel publications for years.
- Important notes: The infinity pool is saltwater, not chlorinated. There is no direct beach access, either.
North Shore Beach House
- Location: Haleiwa (North Shore, Oahu)
- Guests: Six guests, three bedrooms
- What makes it beautiful: This gorgeous home opens up right onto the beach where Chuns Reef is located, giving you non-stop beach access. The living room also has large windows that offer views of the surf and bring in the sound of the waves. It’s an immersive, dynamic home that’s perfect for beach-lovers.
- Important notes: This is a traditional home without AC. Portable units are available upon request.
Private Waterfall Escape
- Location: Hakalau (Big Island)
- Guests: Four guests, one bedroom
- What makes it beautiful: You’re tucked away in the jungle of Hakalau, which has its own spring-fed waterfall and swimming hole that you’ll have all to yourself. Expect other perks, like proximity to the Hamakua Coast’s best adventures, a Japanese-style soaking tub, outdoor shower, and lush, tropical jungle views in every direction.
- Important notes: Smaller cars do better on the gravel road to this home. There’s no AC, either, but you won’t need it at this elevation. Lastly, this home is off-grid, though it has solar power, Starlink, and harvests its own rainwater. Cell service might be limited.
Historic Hanalei Bay Stay
- Location: Princeville (Kauai)
- Guests: Eight guests, four bedrooms
- What makes it beautiful: This remote four-bedroom home is a historic build that has been carefully restored to maintain its architecture and wood features. It offers views of Hanalei Bay from a large deck, which includes an inlaid jacuzzi. You’ll notice nods to Japanese design, along with mid-century modern themes throughout.
- Important notes: There’s a ‘beach room’ that has surfboards, snorkels, and other gear you can use for beach days.
Cliff House
- Location: Huelo (Maui)
- Guests: Two guests, one bedroom
- What makes it beautiful: This is a grand, private cliffside home that offers views of the ocean, Henohoi Waterfall, and is surrounded by lush gardens. There’s a private pool to enjoy, as well, but the real star of the show is the home’s grand, elevated interior. With soaring ceilings and a unique open-floor plan, you’ll feel like royalty in this cozy but lavish one-bedroom.
- Important notes: There’s only one shower at this accommodation, and it’s located outside. The eco-resort where this Airbnb is located also uses natural and eco-friendly pesticides and cleaning chemicals, meaning you might see some wildlife and bugs around. (Welcome to the jungle!)
Cloud Forest Escape
- Location: Kailua-Kona (Big Island)
- Guests: Four guests, two bedrooms
- What makes it beautiful: This home is nestled in the Big Island cloud forest at 2,700 feet of elevation, offering fresh mountain air and unspoiled views of the night sky. The home is also full of surprises, from its unique architecture to its wooden furnishings to its koi pond.
- Important notes: There is no AC or TV, but the temperatures are cool thanks to its elevation, and there is high-speed internet available.
The Bamboo House
- Location: Hanalei (Kauai)
- Guests: Six guests, two bedrooms
- What makes it beautiful: Take a hike up the stairs of this unique stilted home, which is at the same level as the green canopy. It’s got unique features, like a hot tub on the porch and an outdoor shower, but the real magic is the treehouse-style feel. Coupled with the many wood features, you’ll feel like you’re living out a luxury Tarzan fantasy.
- Important notes: This rental is located in a tsunami evacuation zone.
Heavenly Hakalau
- Location: Pepeekeo (Big Island)
- Guests: Four guests, one bedroom
- What makes it beautiful: This is yet another oceanfront cliff house, offering front-row views of Hamakua Coast. There’s a gorgeous, private lanai with loungers available for added time enjoying the view. As a (huge) perk, this home is budget-friendly, meaning you can enjoy one of the most beautiful Airbnbs in Hawaii without overspending.
- Important notes: Children under twelve years old aren’t permitted.
Tropical Tree House
- Location: Mountain View (Big Island)
- Guests: Two guests, one bedroom
- What makes it beautiful: You’re completely surrounded by tropical rainforest in this stilted treehouse-style mountain home, which is located just ten minutes from Volcano National Park. It’s a handmade and truly one-of-a-kind stay, offering a mix of luxury finishes and off-grid features.
- Important notes: This unit is accessible via ladder-stairs and a trap door—it’s not for those with accessibility concerns. The running water is not potable as it comes from rainfall collection. The home’s electricity is run on solar, as well. Bugs are also part of the stay, but the bed comes with mosquito netting.
Frank Lloyd Wright Home
- Location: Waimea (Big Island)
- Guests: Six guests, three bedrooms
- What makes it beautiful: This home was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Great architecture aside, what makes this Airbnb stunning is its integration into the dramatic, beautiful Hawaiian landscape. You’ve got a three-acre property to enjoy that offers views of the surrounding hills and volcano, along with a swanky in-ground hot tub.
- Important notes: This is a sprawling home that spans 3,700 square feet, making it ideal for group stays.
Le’ahi Residence Hideaway
- Location: Honolulu (Oahu)
- Guests: Two guests, one bedroom
- What makes it beautiful: You can enjoy unobstructed views of Diamond Head from this rental on the 33rd floor, which has its own private lanai. It’s also located in Honolulu close to the popular Waikiki area, letting you enjoy one of the most beautiful Airbnbs in Hawaii without venturing far from its largest airport.
- Important notes: This rental is part of Le’ahi Residence, which is part of the Stay Hideaway management portfolio.
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