I’ve long been enchanted by the different islands in Hawai’i. Each one has its own flavor, with some presenting desert, 4×4 road adventures while others have lush waterfalls and sacred mountains.
My favorite way to stay when I visit the islands is in Airbnbs, and there are plenty of unique ones all over Hawaii from ocean view homes to tree houses! These are some of the best Airbnbs you can find in Hawai’i:
Location: Volcano, Big Island
About the Airbnb: A solar-powered 1-bedroom treehouse that accommodates 2 guests. It has an outdoor shower, a patio and a garden. It does not have a kitchen. The host commits to Airbnb’s 5-step enhanced cleaning process.
This Airbnb is perfect for: Forest fairies in search of a fairy good time (see what I did there?) amongst the birds.
The volcano area of the Big Island is the spot if you’re looking for unique accommodation in a lush rainforest. The Peaceful Rainforest Treehouse Retreat pictured above was my favorite stay in all of Hawai’i. I loved being surrounded by ferns, trees, and bird sounds. The property is located off the road and 15 feet off the ground, offering full privacy and a unique experience. It is also near the only national park in the islands.
Location: Hanalei, Kauai
About the Airbnb: A 1-bedroom cottage that accommodates up to 2 guests. It has a private pool, a hot tub, BBQ grill, as well as a kitchen. The host commits to Airbnb’s 5-step enhanced cleaning process.
This Airbnb is perfect for: Honeymooners and couples looking for a romantic getaway. Many reviewed that they wish they booked an additional night just to enjoy the facilities available!
This lovely cottage is tucked away on an acre of garden paradise along the Wainiha River, perched on a bluff overlooking the entire river valley. The large yard that surrounds the property is filled with exotic birds, flowers and fruit trees. There’s a private pool and hot tub that are perfect for relaxing, as you stare into the expansive view of the river valley. Many guests commented that the stay was the highlight of their honeymoon, so if you are looking for a romantic getaway with your partner, this might be it for you!
Location: Honolulu, Oahu
About the VRBO: A 4-bedroom luxurious villa that accommodates up to 8 guests. The property comes with a lagoon-style swimming pool and hot tub, outdoor entertainment area, and gourmet kitchen. As an Airbnb Luxe listing, Guests can enjoy a wide array of deluxe services and activities such as private chef, pre-stocking and even photography!
This unit is perfect for: A luxury girlfriend-getaway, bachelor/bachelorette party, or a family vacation. There’s no better place to be if you do not plan on moving around too much!
Kahala Oceanside is an exquisitely designed oceanfront villa that’s perfect for a large group. Aside from the main house, there are 4 cottages that offer privacy to its guests. While I’ve mostly traveled to Hawai’i solo or with my partner, this villa would absolutely be my choice if I were to plan a girlfriend getaway with a large group of people!
Location: Volcano, Big Island
About the Airbnb: An cozy 1-bedroom cabin that accommodates up to 2 guests. It has an indoor fireplace and a full kitchen. The host commits to Airbnb’s 5-step enhanced cleaning process.
This Airbnb is perfect for: Couples or solo traveler seeking a quaint, peaceful cabin experience
Crater Rim Cabin is nestled among ohia and koa trees in botanical-garden-like surroundings. Location is great as you’d be just bordering the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. The property is equipped with a gas fireplace and warming blankets to keep you nice and cozy at night, as the climate in the area is (spring-like) cool. Aside from the cabin and car port, guests also have access to 1/2 acre of forested gardens.
Location: Fern Forest, Big Island
About this Airbnb: A magical 1-bedroom treehouse that accommodates up to 2 guests. The host commits to Airbnb’s 5-step enhanced cleaning process. There is a lovely hanging bed right below the treehouse, perfect for daydreaming. The host commits to Airbnb’s 5-step enhanced cleaning process.
This Airbnb is perfect for: Treehouse first-timers, interior design lovers (the owner spent 3 months constructing the space to make it dreamily perfect!).
How enchanting is this treehouse?! Dreamy Tropical Treehouse’s generous glass doors and windows is perfect for those who love natural sunlight. The interior is stylishly designed with 70s wallpapers, bamboo fixtures and a chandelier (!), allowing guests to experience “true off-grid living without sacrificing any of the comforts of normal life”.
Location: Maui
About this Airbnb: A well equipped camper van with everything you need to feel comfortable, from a fridge, toilet, cookware to coffee, beach towels, chairs, to an umbrella! The host commits to Airbnb’s 5-step enhanced cleaning process.
This Airbnb is perfect for: Anyone who wants to have a camper van experience while traveling Maui.
As an avid fan of camper vans, I truly cannot recommend renting a camper van to go on an adventure enough. Imagine being able to wake up to the sunrise, fall asleep right by the beach, and get almost anywhere anytime you want! Suite Vans Maui seems to be a favorite among guests, with many raving about the host’s attention to details and attentiveness.
Sanctuary Cottage – Volcano Forest Retreat
Location: Volcano, Big Island
About this Airbnb: A Japanese-themed 1-bedroom cottage that accommodates up to 2 guests. Features include an indoor fireplace, a private bathhouse and an outdoor shower. The host commits to Airbnb’s 5-step enhanced cleaning process.
This Airbnb is perfect for: Anyone looking for a peaceful forest experience, though I’d say that this is possibly the best option on the list for solo travelers.
Sanctuary Cottage is a small romantic hexagon cedar sanctuary, embraced by lush tree ferns and ethereal mist. The interior is refreshingly Japanese, with low tables, indigo bedding and floor cushions. There’s even a private bathhouse with outdoor shower and handcrafted o’furo (traditional Japanese hot tub)! This cottage is perfect for anyone seeking solitude and quiet.
Tropical Garden Retreat on an Organic Mango Farm
Location: Captain Cook, Kealakekua
About this Airbnb: A 1-bedroom house sitting in an organic mango farm. Features include a full kitchen and an outdoor living space. Guests seem to love the host as much as their stay! The host commits to Airbnb’s 5-step enhanced cleaning process.
This Airbnb is perfect for: People who enjoy the outdoors, or anyone who wants to experience living in an interesting blend of indoor and outdoor lifestyle.
You had me at organic mango! A perfect blend of indoor + outdoor living space, Tropical Garden Retreat is a lovely oasis on its own. The space is decorated in an exotic, Modern-meets-Indonesian style.
Adventure Treehouse
Location: Mt.View, Big Island
About this Airbnb: A lovely treehouse that accommodates up to 4. Features include a swinging bridge, a zipline, a functional kitchen, and a lava-themed bathroom.
This Airbnb is perfect for: Adventurers, duh! Get 3 friends to come with you and enjoy being kids again.
The tiny but mighty adventure treehouse is possibly one of the most popular listings on Hawai’i’s Airbnb – it’s been featured in HGTV’s show “Tiny Paradise.” The house was built by the owners themselves, who focused on showing guests how lovely it can be to go green – the treehouse is built with reclaimed materials! Just in case if you need more convincing, this women-run Airbnb includes swinging bridge And a zooming zipline.
Location: Pāhoa, Big Island
About this Airbnb: A sweet getaway surrounded by fruiting trees and lush tropical landscaping.
This Airbnb is perfect for: Couples who are looking for a back-to-the-basic with a sensual touch accommodation.
The property is located in a lush garden, with a beautiful outdoor sitting area as well as a sexy outdoor shower builf for two. Phone reception may not be great but it gives guests a chance to get offline and enjoy being in the nature fully. Couples seem to love this place and appreciate the host’s understanding of privacy!
