- As winter approaches, many travelers may be daydreaming about warm weather and a passport-free vacation. There's perhaps no lovelier place to consider than Hawaii.
- While Hawaii has lifted the mandatory 14-day quarantine for visitors as of October 15, 2020, travelers will still have to present a negative COVID-19 test.
- Airbnbs are a particularly attractive option for visitors to the islands since they're safer for social distancing and are often more affordable than pricey hotels.
- We chose highly-rated Airbnbs located in or near major towns across Hawaii with affordable starting rates ranging from $90 to $279.
- Read more: Are Airbnbs safe? We spoke to experts, a company representative, and an Airbnb host on everything you should know before booking someone's home.
While the novel coronavirus continues to spread across the US, as winter approaches many travelers may be 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, there's a good chance Hawaii is on your bucket list, and you can still start planning a trip to paradise for the future.
While Hawaii lifted its mandatory 14-day quarantine for all visitors as of October 15, 2020, 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. Complicating matters a bit, not every island in Hawaii has the same rules once you arrive. The big island is requiring visitors to take a second, free rapid test upon arrival, while Maui and Kaui are making the second test optional. 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 without a vaccine, there is no guarantee as to safety. 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.
Hawaii has so much lodging to consider and many different islands and regions to visit, but many hotels are very expensive for basic, standard accommodations. You can easily spend over $500 per night for a typical double room in a name-brand resort. I prefer a more individualized approach and usually select an Airbnb.
There's a strong variety of homes across the islands that are infused with tons of local character, Hawaiian culture, and come with personable extras. They're also often priced far more cheaply than a hotel, and feel authentic and local. And while they might not come with sprawling resort grounds, they're often well-located near beaches and parks and are stocked with all the vacation amenities you might need.
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.
- The homes are all affordably priced between $90 and $279 per night.
- 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.
SEE ALSO: The best hotels in Maui
SEE ALSO: The best Airbnbs in Florida
SEE ALSO: 12 cozy and affordable Airbnb cabins in Upstate New York
Studio apartment in Waikiki, $90
Book this studio apartment starting at $90 per night
If your travel plans to Honolulu include spending most of the day at the beach or sightseeing, all you need is a cozy but comfortable place to sleep at night. This listing is in a great location just off the Ala Wai canal, placing it within walking distance of all the popular shops and restaurants in Waikiki. Previous guests have stated it's great for one to two people who want to be able to easily come and go.
We like that the studio is completely private, with minimal but super mod furnishings, air conditioning, a King-size bed, and a little patio space to sit on. It's not super spacious, but for only $79 (before fees) and located in the heart of downtown Honolulu, it's a hard-to-beat value for a solo traveler or couple.
This home is mostly booked for the next two months, but has more days available beginning January 2021.
Rating: 4.82
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.
Islander's ocean view condo in Honolulu, Hawaii, $104
Book this oceanview studio starting at $104 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: 4.99
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.
Charming riverside cottage in Kapaa, Kauai, $140
Book this one-bedroom cottage on Kauai starting at $140 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 most days available in November and beginning in January is wide open for bookings.
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, $179
Book this two-bedroom bohemian home starting at $179 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 availability beginning in December and beyond.
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, $190
Book this North Shore cottage starting at $190 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 availability at the end of October and plenty of open days in November and December.
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.
Modern condo in Princeville, Kauai, $210
Book this condo in Princeville starting at $210 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 available in November, December, and beyond.
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, $225
Book this one-bedroom home near the beach for $225 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 plenty of open dates beginning in mid-November.
Rating: 4.89
COVID-19 policies: Several recent guests have marked the property "sparkling clean," but no specific policies for cleaning are outlined.
Modern, 3-bedroom beach house in Kailua-Kona, Big Island, $249
Book this three-bedroom beach house starting at $249 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 available days in November, December, and beyond.
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.
Luxury B&B with private entrance in Lahaina, Maui, $279
Book this luxury B&B starting at $279 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.
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.