10 Coolest Airbnbs in Hawaii to Unleash Your Adventurous Side

Hawaii, a picturesque archipelago off the coast of the United States speaks for a true tropical paradise. Dotted with countless waterfalls, thriving rainforest jungles and the best surf spots in the world for good measure, Hawaii has everything it takes to be your dreamy getaway. While many bloggers have advised the best islands to stay for first-time travelers, sometimes what you actually need is a well-selected recommendation to cut down time of scrolling endlessly through each booking platform. 

With our curated list below, you don’t need to look any further! No matter what kind of traveler you are, you will find for yourself a perfect accommodation that suits your style the most! Here are 10 coolest Airbnbs in Hawaii to capture the best natural features of this tropical archipelago.

1. Peaceful Rainforest Treehouse Retreat

The secluded rainforest treehouse comes first on our tally of the best Airbnbs in Hawaii for many reasons. It is swallowed by the lush rainforest while the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is near at hand, making it a serene getaway for couples and solo adventurers.

The treehouse retreat differs itself from other commodities thanks to the open-air design that allows outdoors and indoors to intertwine. Being elevated 4.6 meters (15 miles) off the ground, the lodge has a close proximity to an undisturbed hike to the nearby beaches, forests, and volcanoes. 

The winding path leading to the lower deck is delicately embellished by a Ganesh and a Buddha that keeps a peaceful eye on the sanctuary. Out of the 2 decks (lanai) of the house, the lower one is where you can laze around by the plants while the upstairs covered-lanai houses a perch platform bed facing a front bay window. Get ready to enjoy the mating songs of Coqui Frogs, lizards, Geckos, Jackson’s Chameleons, and many other animals native to this area. This treehouse is available for a minimum rent-out period of 1 night and can accommodate 2 guests per booking.

2. Kūono at Volcano

Ever dreamed of soaking in the bathtub at a private outdoor lanai and listening to the stillness of nature? If you think this is only a movie scene, you’re wrong! Now you have an opportunity to stay at one of the best Airbnbs in Hawaii that even won the AIA Honolulu Design Award in 2019. 

Offering a perfect hideout for small families and couple travelers, this Kūono is hidden amidst the beautiful Ohia trees with a close proximity to the Volcano National Park. The outer space incredibly blends in with the surrounding forest as the wooden patio reflects the rays from the fire pit. Meanwhile, the indoor complements the minimalistic and modern concept with a 4K TV and Bose Bluetooth speakers! 

With a neat and fully-equipped kitchen at the back of the house, a tiled shower with a glass door, a comfy living space that can sleep up to 4 people, this Airbnb comes in handy whenever you need all the comforts of a cozy home. Jeff’s award-winning Airbnb has a minimum booking window of 1 night with a capacity of 4 guests. 

3. Sanctuary Cottage – Volcano Rainforest Retreat

Set against the dramatic wilderness on the Big Island, Kathleen & Peter’s sanctuary cottage honors the Hawaiian lifestyle with a twist of Japanese elegant décor. The romantic hexagon cedar sanctuary is tucked away in the Volcano rainforest, where you’re consumed by lush tree ferns and ethereal mist day and night.

This one-bedroom holiday home has everything it takes to be a dreamy solitary meditation retreat in seclusion. Hiding deep in native Hawaiian rainforest and steps away from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the wooden house beholds a tiny intimate Japanese country-style interior inside. The low tables, indigo bedding, floor cushions, Shoji doors, and a handcrafted o’furo hot tub unite to bring out an utmost relaxing space that’s wrapped around by the lush greenery outdoors.

As the sun beams down, all you need to do is lounge back on the chair by a gas fireplace gazing through the glass windows, and soak up the enchanting forest views of the Big Island.

4. Magical Bohemian Retreat near Kealakekua Bay

Who doesn’t like nature? The calm vegetation unleashes your inner peace and provides better happiness. If this is what you’re looking for from a vacation, look no further as Heather’s Bohemian retreat is all you need! This open-space Airbnb allows nature to invade your space with the canopy shading the entrance and the floor-to-ceiling windows expand your views to the fullest. 

Sitting amid an abundant mango farm, Heather’s home is an exceptional find with eclectic adornment sprucing up your living standard. Another spotlight of the house that surely wins you over is the open-air bathroom nestled behind a secluded path that’s swallowed completely by the plumerias and lush foliage. 

Located in the heart of Kealakekua Bay, this Airbnb sets it apart from other commodities thanks to the immersive experience that seems as if the fence between you and the natural habitat of birds and geckos is completely erased. Take advantage of daylight to go snorkeling with the wild dolphins on the island and save the night for stargazing! This Airbnb has a minimum booking period of 1 night and sleeps up to 4 people. 

5. Lava Lookout – Kāne Studio 

We’ve never seen such a secluded Airbnb like this before and that’s why it caught our eyes immediately! One-of-a-kind should be the best word to describe why Lauren’s lava lookout is a gem. Sitting amid a vast, spectacular alien landscape, Lauren’s Kāne room overlooks the aged lava flows and the magical dark volcanic rock. This 1-bedroom studio turns into an off-grid oasis with a proximity to Kehena Black Sand Beach.

This room is next door to 4 other private studios which are all located on the same spot. So next time when you’re coming over with a large group of friends, you know where to head out for! Daytime sun rays shine through the block and pristine starry nights look down on the house, turning this Airbnb in Hawaii into an oasis of the milky way. You only need 1 night minimum to stay at Lauren’s lava lookout. The house can sleep up to 2 guests.

6. Kealakekua Bay Bali Cottage

Are you about to set out to Manini Beach and seeking a secluded gem to escape from the chaotic cityscape? Make sure you won’t go passed Karen’s cottage in Kealakekua Bay! Snuggled by the citrus tree in the heart of the Big Island of Hawaii, the cottage appears as a magical Bali-style cottage made of antique Bali panels and adorned with a wide collection of quirky surfboards across the ceilings. It seems as if every single nook and cranny is disguised as a door to the world of magic with its funky and quaint look. 

Enclosed by a lush tropical yard featuring a mild pond, Karen’s cottage truly respects your privacy without missing out on the breath of nature. The twittering birds are ready to wake you up in the morning, when you can get your coffee fix and enjoy the greenish garden by the patio. 

This exclusive lodge is catered to those who like to move off the grid and distinctive experience. The open-air living space and bathroom will allow bugs and some raindrops to enter. But there’s no need to fret over these little guys because you can deter them off with just a simple switch to turn on the ample fans.

As you’re located just a few steps away from Manini Beach park, you can kayak around the bay, go snorkeling at the City of Refuge, or stretch your muscles at a yoga class at the Paleakula Peace Gardens. Karen’s secluded home is available for a minimum rent-out period of 1 night and can sleep up to 2 people. 

7. Absolutely Oceanfront Condo

When Jerry and Alice call their studio “absolutely oceanfront condo”, no one can cross swords. This condo is one of a few places on the island that blurs the line between humans and nature. It literally sits on the edge of a headland in Kailua – Kona, just steps from the beautiful aqua blue Pacific Ocean. 

Whenever you hang out by the pool, pay attention to yellow tang, turtles, dolphins, and whales that crawl on the rocks on the other side of the wall next to the pool! The house is sandwiched between Magic Sands Beach Park to the south and Pahoehoe Park to the north, great for either staying put or taking a long walk by the beach to the shady trees and picnic areas.

And of course, fans of snorkeling will find it the right place to belong. A few steps from the door take you to a great snorkeling spot right in front of the condo. To book this Airbnb, you need a minimum stay of four nights and the house sleeps up to three guests.

8. Lava Flow Eco-Friendly Cabin

Do you know that Hawaii is one of the best stargazing spots in the world? Here in Pahoa, Sean and Zorro’s Airbnb is a real paradise on Earth where solitude meets the stars. Unlike other deluxe accommodations whose focal point is placed on the architecture, this rustic cabin has the torch on the views over the ocean, lava, and the milky way. 

Sitting in the middle of the universe, the lodge is powered by solar and lunar energy, making it an eco-friendly cabin for those hunting an off-the-grid experience in Kalapana. Embrace the sunlight by hiking the nearby trails, taking a long walk on New Kaimu black sand beach, or braving the waves at Issac Hale surfing spot. When the sun goes down, return to this hidden gem amid the Kalapana gardens for stargazing and listening to the sound of the wind. 

Simple as it seems, but the lodge is waiting to blow your mind as it’s fully furnished to bring you a comfy stay just like any other hotel. High-speed wifi, a freezer, propane dual burner cooktop equipped with all basic amenities are available to provide you with the utmost convenience. This Airbnb is available for a minimum rent-out period of 1 night and can host up to 4 people.

9. Pipeline Beachfront Solar Home

Staying by the water is the top choice for travelers visiting a seaside city. And there’s no better place to maximize your outing beach day in Hawaii than Meleana’s beachfront solar home. This Airbnb is truly the gem of Haleiwa facing the Pipeline surf reef break. This is where you can take a dip in the ocean and ride the waves with your surfboard anytime you want. 

This little green lodge speaks for an old-school beach house vibe with coconut and bamboo complementing the traditional concept. With a capacity of 7 guests, this well-appointed Airbnb is wisely designed with a roll-away room, fold-down murphy, a large punee (Hawaiian daybed), and a full-size dining table where you can prepare a fresh meal every day with your family. Meleana’s beachfront lodge is available for a minimum booking period of 1 night and can sleep up to 7 people. 

10. Tropical Garden Retreat on an Organic Mango Farm

Heather’s tropical garden house is not simply an aesthetic place to spend your nights, it’s also a secluded retreat where the white noise from the waves and nature promotes a better relaxation to help you unwind. The expansive ambiance invites a large amount of daylight to ventilate your living space. So get ready to soak up in the sun in this modern-meets-Indonesian home! 

The house is next door to the best snorkeling spots on the island, making it a charming pick for those who love outdoor adventures. This beautiful ground-level retreat takes pride in the architectural cedar poles, as well as the rustic but modern concept. Heather’s tropical house has a minimum booking period of 1 night and can accommodate 2 guests per booking. 

While high-end resorts and luxury hotels dominate the cosmopolitan vibe of the centers, these Airbnbs can bring you a slice of natural paradise that Hawaii has to offer. We’ve created this ultimate list to stop you from fretting over where to stay, and from there you can save more time to plan your trip ahead.

We also created another curated list of New York’s best Airbnbs, so check it out if you plan to travel to this part of America soon!

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