Every island of Hawaii has something a little different to offer, so it’s fun getting to know each one’s distinct personality as you travel. The island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, is a favorite place for travelers who enjoy nature, hiking, volcanoes, coffee, farms, and a laid-back lifestyle. There are many unique Airbnbs that you can stay at on the Big Island to explore the parks, tour welcoming farms, and live like a local.
Here is some top Airbnbs on the island of Hawaii to guide you.
Relaxing Apartment with Ocean Views in Kona, Kailua-Kona
This is a very popular and highly rated Airbnb that is ideal for two people staying on the Big Island. It has a nice kitchen, hardwood floors, a covered lanai, and cozy seating areas. There are modern amenities here, such as the Bose 500 smart speaker. The bedroom has a queen-size bed, while other amenities include Wi-Fi, TV, a coffee maker, bathroom essentials, and self-check-in. You’ll love being in the quiet hillside neighborhood here and being just minutes from the Wailua Trail for walking and running. The Kona International Airport is about 20 minutes away by car without traffic.
Love Kona Farm Life - Superstar Truss Cabin, Kealakekua
Travelers love this two-person cabin that is located on a hobby farm and feels like glamping in a tiny house. Stay here to be right on an organic coffee farm. The rental is a loft cabin that is screened and has no windows. It features a living room and bathroom downstairs, as well as a bedroom upstairs and an outdoor sink and grill. You’ll be about 20 minutes from the beaches and downtown at this tiny house. The hosts provide beach equipment and snorkel gear that you can use. They live in the main house on the property, and under that main house is where the basement laundry machines are located. There is some traffic noise from the highway, but the hosts provide earplugs and eye masks.
The Botanist - Modern Eco-Home in Private Orchard, Hilo
It’s also fun to stay at this tiny house on a 10-acre property surrounded by exotic fruit trees and the rainforest. The eco-home is very private and about a 10-minute drive from the Hilo airport and 15 minutes from both downtown and the beach. Nature-loving couples looking for a romantic and adventurous getaway love it here. Cell phone reception is spotty, the farm roads can get muddy, and there are insects on the property to be aware of.
Romantic Treehouse in Hawaiian Rainforest, Volcano
Here’s a studio vacation retreat in the treetops that’s five minutes from Hawai’i Volcanoes National park. It has a kitchen, spacious bathroom, indoor/outdoor shower, top-level lanai, and covered outdoor lounge area. The rental is in a park-like setting surrounded by trees but with plenty of creature comforts. It’s about 320 square feet in size and comes with Wi-Fi, electricity, and hot water. Plan ahead for the typical climate by bringing warm and water-resistant clothing.
Luxury Hawaii Glamping Dome with Outdoor Bathtub, Naalehu
Here’s a unique dome tent Airbnb that comes with a concrete outdoor bathtub in the small town of Naalehu. It’s a nice place to be to explore the south side of the island and go for hikes. Amenities provided include a mini-fridge, cookware, propane burner stove, games, outdoor hammock, and USB outlets for charging. There is no Wi-Fi here, and the dome is completely off the grid with solar energy for power. It’s common to experience rain here because of the 1,800-foot elevation. The host family lives on the property just up the road.
Inna’s Cottage - Modern, Tropical Getaway, Kailua-Kona
Two guests can stay in this cottage that is in an upscale neighborhood just minutes from downtown. It’s a 360-square-foot studio space with a private entrance, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, spa-like bathroom, queen-size bed, and full-size kitchen. The space also offers recliners, a TV with cable, a partially covered deck, and a sun patio. It’s on the ground floor of the owners’ house but has a separate entrance.
Forest Hale Cabin at Permaculture Farm, Hakalau
Here’s a farm stay-style Airbnb that’s surrounded by nature and accommodates four people. It’s a one-bedroom cabin with a loft, full kitchen, bathroom, and lanai on an off-grid permaculture farm. You’ll be just feet from a lovely waterfall and swimming hole when you stay here. The rental has a king-size bed in the bedroom and two twin beds in the loft. You can enjoy organic eggs, chocolate, and other delicious foods from the farm stand. The hosts provide many things to make your stay comfortable here, such as organic coffee and first-aid supplies.
Volcano Teahouse Cottage, Volcano
You’ll be close to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on a half-acre of private forest when you book this Airbnb. It’s a studio cottage space for two guests and features a king-size bed, full kitchen, wood-burning stove, and bathroom with soaking tub. The Teahouse Cottage celebrates Japanese architecture and is very nicely decorated. The hot tub is lovely after a day of exploring at the national park.
Ocean View Artist's Ohana, Kailua-Kona
Two travelers can stay at this guest suite Airbnb that is an apartment in a home with its own private entrance. The rental space offers a queen-size bed, lounge room, kitchenette, Wi-Fi, Apple TV, and full bath. Beach toys are provided, and the beaches are about a 10- to 25-minute drive away. The Airbnb has over 500 square feet of living space and three total rooms. Guests can also enjoy the lawn and lanai, while there is often a lot of fruit growing on the property here. There are two dogs that live on the property but don’t have access to this rental space.
Mangolay, a Garden of Eden in Puna, Pāhoa
This private room for rent features a queen-size bed, bathroom with garden shower, and lanai living area. You can use the fridge, microwave, and coffee maker, as well as the table and chairs that overlook the pool and gardens. This Airbnb is on the “edge of civilization,” so it’s not a great place to find Wi-Fi. But it is lovely if you want to experience the rainforest and lots of natural beauty. Two dogs live on the property, but guest pets are not allowed. Guests can use the pool and leave one load of laundry for the host to do, free of charge.
Sanctuary Cottage - Volcano Rainforest Retreat, Volcano
Get deep in the volcano rainforest with this Airbnb lodging option on the Big Island. It’s a rental for two people and has a Japanese country-style interior for décor. Couples who want a unique and intimate space will enjoy the seclusion of this space. There’s an outdoor shower, a small toilet, cozy robes, and bath towels provided. Other features are the floor-to-ceiling windows, gas fireplace, queen-size bed, and private breakfast provided the night before.
Tara Farms Jungle Yurt, Captain Cook
You’ll be on a coffee and fruit farm in Kona coffee country when you book this Airbnb for two people. It is a secluded yurt with a queen-size bed, reading nook, small kitchen, and outdoor patio. The bathroom is outdoors but private. The host lives on site and has a friendly dog. However, guest pets are not allowed. Guests at the yurt can roam around the property’s gardens and either use high-speed Wi-Fi or disconnect for a peaceful, tech-free stay.
Plantation Hale, Kailua-Kona
Restaurants, shops, and the beaches are all close by for guests staying at this highly rated Airbnb property. You don’t necessarily need a rental car when you stay here unless you want to explore other parts of the Big Island. It accommodates two people and has an antique bed, small fridge, microwave, toaster, TV, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. The unit is on the second floor of the building and comes with access to a shared pool, hot tub, and BBQ area. Laundry facilities are available onsite. Staying here feels like taking a step back in time to “Old Hawaii.”
