The 14 Best Airbnbs in Oahu in 2023

By and large, hotel rooms are impersonal spaces that often have a cookie-cutter feel. As luxurious as some might be, they tend to lack familiarity and that personal touch.

So, if you truly want to experience your next vacation to Oahu like a local, an Airbnb is your best bet. There are hundreds of Airbnbs across the island of Oahu to choose from, so here’s a quick breakdown of the coolest, most unique rentals you can pick from. 

The 14 Best Airbnbs in Oahu in 2023

Oahu is home to beachfront homes, condos with panoramic views, and unconventional spaces that are perfect for renting. Check out these 14 Airbnb rentals on Oahu to see if any call out to you.

1. Oahu North Short Adventure Van

• Location: Haleiwa, HI
• Average Price: $187 

The first Airbnb on this list is for a special kind of traveler. This 2020 Ford Transit is an excellent choice if you don’t want to be tied down to one spot or want to camp your way around Oahu. 

It offers all the comforts of home in a compact space, including a bed, stove, outdoor shower, and all your linens. You can also choose to add on some beach gear for your stay. 

2. Sunset Beach House

• Location: Haleiwa, HI
• Average Price: $735

This 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath duplex in Haleiwa gives your top-tier luxury in a prime vacation spot. We love the open floor plan, exposed beams, and picture windows.

You’ll be in the perfect place to relax with the sounds of the ocean as you enjoy views of the beach. In addition, you’ll have easy access to Sunset Beach and a front yard to hang out in when you want to stick close to home. 

3. North Shore Ocean Front Bungalow

• Location: Haleiwa, HI
• Average Price: $466

The North Shore luxury beach house duplex sits right at the start of the Shark Cove bike path. It sleeps 3 and has 1.5 baths. You’ll stay right next to a private marine sanctuary, so the beach is just outside your door.

The covered lanai offers gorgeous sunset views, and you’ll have easy access to snorkeling, diving, and swimming. If you really want to experience oceanfront beauty, this bungalow will be right up your alley.

4. Luxury Condo in Honolulu

• Location: Honolulu, HI
• Average Price: $223

This privately owned luxury condo at The Waikiki Banyan offers homey touches, bright colors, and a lovely beach theme. It sleeps two, but with its airy space and windows overlooking the beach, it’s perfect for a couple who wants room to move around. 

This condo is only one block from the famous Waikiki Beach. But if the beach isn’t your thing, you can take advantage of The Waikiki’s pool and spa access. 

5. Palolo Valley Luxury Apartment

• Location: Honolulu, HI
• Average Price: $182

An excellent place for quiet space in Honolulu is Palolo Valley. This luxury apartment is toward the back of the valley on the first floor of a private home. Although it’s a shared property, you’ll have your own private entrance and garage parking.

This property offers two bedrooms and one bath, perfect for a small group. Also, if you’re planning to rent a vehicle, the owner’s is available for rent through Turo.

6. Hawaiian Rockstar Beach Van

• Location: Ewa Beach, HI
• Average Price: $159

This low-budget luxury camper van will be a great choice if glamping is on your agenda. The Chevy Express packs up quickly so you can go wherever, whenever. Then, you can snuggle down in the queen-sized bed when you’re ready to settle in for the night. 

The best part is that the included solar panels offer power that’ll keep you cool through the night. Linens and snorkeling gear are included, but you can also rent various beach and sporting equipment. 

7. Manoa Rainforest Studio

• Location: Honolulu, HI
• Average Price: $145

The one-bedroom, one-bath Honolulu studio is a nature lover’s dream. Surrounded by gorgeous vegetation, this airy studio is a short drive to the best beaches and attractions. 

With a kitchenette and washer and dryer, this rental will be a home away from home. The owners live on-site, and they’ll be waiting to give you a family welcome when you arrive. 

8. Sunset Beach Surf Apartment

• Location: Haleiwa, HI
• Average Price: $398

Surfers, this one’s for you. The Sunset Beach Surf Apartment is a one-bedroom, one-bath apartment that sleeps three. It has an open floor plan, a private entrance, and a private lanai perfect for outdoor dining. 

Located right across from the North Shore bike path, this apartment gives you easy access to the best surfing beaches. It also has a surf rack in the apartment for your to stow your gear when you’re done for the day.

9. Beach Villa With Direct Ocean Views

• Location: Kahuku, HI
• Average Price: $688

Turtle Bay is known for its luxury living, which is precisely what you’ll get at this beach villa. This villa sleeps four, making it great for a small group or a couple with children. 

The Beach Villa is right near Kuilima Cove and a stone’s throw from the beach. It also offers everything you’d want at home, including a gourmet kitchen and a covered lanai for outdoor dining. 

10. North Shore Plantation-Style Studio

• Location: Waialua, HI
• Average Price: $190

A studio suite on the North Shore is an excellent way to enjoy the sun and surf of Oahu. This studio is situated on the grounds of a 2-acre plantation on a gated private property. 

You’ll spend your days surrounded by tropical fruit trees and the relaxing sounds of the ocean while taking in views of Mount Ka’ala. This residence sleeps two, so it’ll be best for singles or a couple. 

11. North Shore Surf House

• Location: Haleiwa, HI
• Average Price: $750

Another luxurious oceanfront North Shore home, this surf house in Haleiwa is perfect for a long-term renter. It offers private beach access to Rocky Point and is only a half-mile from Sunset Beach and the world-famous Banzai Pipeline. 

The interior of this home has an open floor plan and exposed wood beams that add to the light, airy feel. There’s a 30-day minimum rental period for this one, but this is worth considering if you’re looking for an extended stay.

12. RusticLuxe Custom Cabin at Turtle Bay

• Location: Kahuku, HI
• Average Price: $428

Rustic luxury is the theme of the RusticLuxe custom cabin at Turtle. Bay. This gorgeous apartment is located at the end of the famed PGA Fazio golf course, right in the heart of the gated Turtle Bay community on the North Shore. 

This rental offers free parking, a lanai for lounging, easy beach access, and a private swimming pool. The cabin sleeps four guests on one bed and one pull-out.

13. Panorama Ocean View Condo

• Location: Honolulu, HI
• Average Price: $132

When you want to be closer to the hustle and bustle of Oahu, finding an Airbnb in Honolulu is your best choice. This Hawaiian Monarch corner unit offers panoramic views of the ocean, Diamond Head, the Ala Wai canal, and the rest of Honolulu. 

It provides everything you’ll need to settle into your stay, including a full kitchen with all the amenities. It’s an excellent choice if you want a place where you can be in the thick of things while relaxing and enjoying the view.

14. Tiny Home Near the Beach

• Location: Haleiwa, HI
• Average Price: $125

This Tiny Home in Haleiwa might be just what you need if you’re a minimalist traveler who wants a bit more than a camper van. It’s on the North Shore, where you’ll be surrounded by the sounds of ocean waves and tropical birds. 

In addition, it’s right across the street from the beach, so this location will be a good choice if that’s your primary destination. Inside, you’ll find a sleeping area for two and a small workspace, while the outside has an outdoor kitchen and seating area.

Staying at an Oahu Airbnb

Airbnb properties let you stay practically anywhere while enjoying the comforts of home. You can find accommodations that are simple or luxurious. Whatever matches your tastes, you’ll have no problem finding it. 

But if you’re new to Airbnb, here’s a bit more information on what to expect when you arrive.  

How Do You Check In and Out of an Airbnb?

One of the most convenient things about Airbnbs is the check-in and check-out processes. 

Many Oahu Airbnbs are locally owned, and some are even on the same property where the owners live. In those cases, you might check in directly with the owner. However, that’s not always the case.

The Airbnb app is the easiest way to find your check-in and check-out instructions. To find the details, simply do the following:

1. Log into your app.
2. Navigate to your trips.
3. Find your reservation and select “Details.”

The specifics of how you’ll check in and out should be listed there. If the information isn’t there or is unclear, simply send the owner a message through the app, and they’ll get back to you with further instructions. 

There are three standard ways you’ll get access to your keys.

• Lockbox
• Smartlock
• Keypad

The code for the lockbox or keypad probably won’t be in the details of your reservation. That’s because many owners prefer to wait until the last minute to send it to ensure the safety of their guests and their property. 

If you’d prefer a contactless check-in, be sure to confirm with the owners before finalizing your reservation. Most rentals are contactless by default, but it’s always best to check. 

Staying in an Airbnb vs. a Hotel

Airbnb and hotels share many similarities, but they have far more differences. Here are a few things to consider when choosing where to book.

Cost 

The cost of an Airbnb will depend mainly on your preferences. The options are endless with Airbnbs, so you’ll have a lot to work with when choosing your rental. 

The main thing to remember is that an Airbnb offers an actual living space, while a hotel gives you a place to rest your head. When you pay for an Airbnb, you’re also paying for access to a kitchen, laundry, and private outdoor space, among other things. 

So, while the price tag of some of the rentals listed here might seem steep compared to hotels when you consider all the factors, an Airbnb tends to be worth it.

Experience

A significant benefit to Airbnbs is personalized experiences. Although corporations or investors own many, private owners run most of them. In many cases, you’ll converse with the owner via the app and be able to reach out if you have a question or concern with the property.

In addition, an Airbnb will likely offer the following things that’ll add to your travel experience:

• Greater living space
• Less foot traffic outside your door
• Unique experiences

Hotels generally offer more of a “one size fits all” experience, which is why Airbnbs have become so popular. 

Amenities

The amenities you’ll find at an Airbnb often outstrip those you’ll get from a standard hotel stay. In addition, since the properties are privately-owned, the owners often put more personal touches into the space to make it enjoyable for their guests. 

When you visit someplace like Oahu, the amenities are typically focused on being outdoors. However, they’re not limited to that. Many of the amenities you can expect to find at an Oahu Airbnb are:

• Beach access
• Private parking
• Private entrances
• Fully-equipped kitchen
• Laundry access
• Rental equipment
• Streaming services
• Outdoor dining area
• Hassle-free check-in and check out process

Although hotels might have some of these amenities, you’ll find more with a private rental. You’ll also be able to pick and choose which amenities you pay for, which isn’t always the case with hotels.

Visiting Oahu

Oahu is a tropical South Pacific oasis offering tons of exciting, fun, and relaxing things to do. As you’re planning your trip, consider looking into some of these activities and attractions during your stay. 

Do as the Locals Do

Take a trip to the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, where you can mingle with natives and visit six Polynesian villages representing each of the South Pacific island nations. You can also take part in a traditional Luau feast to get a feel for the flavors of the islands. 

While you’re there, make sure to take in their Hā Breath of Life show. This evening show features more than 100 Polynesian natives performing a South Pacific saga. You’ll also have lots of exhibits, games, and other activities, making this a fun stop for families. 

Hit the Beach

A visit to Oahu isn’t complete without visiting at least one beach. Fortunately, no matter where you stay on the island, you’ll have a beach nearby. If you’re staying on the North Shore, you can check out Waimea Bay or Ehukai Beach, home to the Banzai Pipeline.

For those visiting the South Shore, you can head to the world-famous Waikiki Beach, famed for its soft sand and turquoise waters. The east side of Oahu, or Windward Coast, is home to Waimanalo and Makapuu.

These two beaches are popular but not quite as touristy as some of the others. The Leeward Coast offers beaches that are protected from winds. You’ll find gentler waters there, including Turtle Bay, home to many of Oahu’s luxury residences.

Read Next: The 24 Best Beaches in Hawaii

Take a Nature Tour

Oahu offers an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty. A nature tour is the best way to experience it all at once. Companies like Oahu Nature Tours offer eco-tours that take you on hiking and sightseeing adventure tours. 

You’ll view the scenery, historic sites, and natural wonders while learning about the local history, geology, and mythology of Oahu. Of course, it’s also a perfect opportunity for photos. 

Get Your Steps In

If you want to give your legs a workout while checking out some gorgeous local scenery, consider taking a trek up the Koko Head Crater Trail. This 1.6-mile trail consists of 1,048 steps on what was once a World War II railroad track.

The trail leads you to Koko Head Lookout. There, you’ll be able to get panoramic views of the southeastern sections of Oahu. Be sure to bring a camera, because you won’t get better photos anywhere else.

Read Next: Best Hikes in Hawaii in 2023

Go to a Museum

Oahu is packed with museums where you can learn about the U.S. and Hawaiian history. You could quickly fill your days learning all about the past. However, if you want to make the most of your time in Oahu, there are two you should prioritize.

The Bishop Museum highlights the history of Polynesian migration. You’ll also find rotating exhibits and a planetarium that’ll give you a lesson on astronomy and a gorgeous view of the night sky.

The second museum to visit is the Hawai’i Plantation Village in Waipahu. This site will take you back to when “sugar was king” and give you a hearty dose of Hawaiian history. 

Tour the Palaces

Oahu is home to the only palaces still standing in the United States, making them a must-see during your stay. These sites will give you a vivid image of Hawaii long before it was part of the United States. 

Nu’uanu Valley is home to Queen Emma Summer Palace, known by the locals as Hānaiakamalama. Many of Queen Emma’s personal belongings are still in the palace, where you can learn everything about this Hawaiian monarch.

Iolani Palace was built by King Kalakaua in 1882, during the last Hawaiian monarchy. Now, you can tour its striking European architecture and learn about the palace’s history and uses. 

Washington Palace was the former home of Queen Liliuokalani, the last Hawaiian queen. Here, you’ll learn how and why the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown and who Queen Liliuokalani was. 

Visit an Archaeological Site

Oahu is home to several archaeological sites that can be exciting to explore. Many of the archaeological ruins available for view were once temples where you can now go and learn a lot about the varied and long histories of the region.

Located at the Manoa Valley Heritage Center, the Kūkaʻōʻō Heiau is a centuries-old temple. Here, you’ll learn a bit about the agriculture and religion of the Manoa Valley. 

Pu’u o Mahuka Heiau is the largest temple found on Oahu to date. It’s located on the cliffs of the Waimea Valley, so you’ll see a bit of history, but you’ll have a great view.

Go Snorkeling or Diving

Oahu is rich with turquoise waters teeming with fish and other natural beauties. In addition, Hawaii has 1,200 miles of coral reefs to explore. The best way to take in the underwater world of the South Pacific is with a snorkel and mask.

Or, better yet, a dive tank. If you want to take a dive, you won’t have any trouble finding everything you need. Several of the Airbnb owners on this list offer snorkeling equipment for rent.

Still, you’ll be able to find it at any number of locations throughout Oahu. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for humuhumunukunukuapuaa, Hawaii’s state fish.

So, What’s the Best Airbnb in Oahu?

Visiting Oahu can be a great experience, but only if you do it right. There are tons of activities to choose from, but an Airbnb rental is the best way to enjoy your stay if you want personal space and flexibility.

This is especially true if you plan to stay more than a few days. The rentals in this article are some of the most unique and special on Oahu, so you’re sure to find your perfect place on this list.