If you want to have a wonderful time in Hawaii with your family, staying in an Airbnb can make your trip extra special. Hawaii is made up of beautiful islands with lots of sandy beaches, tall mountains, and friendly people who will make you feel at home. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about finding and staying in the perfect Airbnb in Hawaii, so you can have the best vacation ever.
Why Choose an Airbnb in Hawaii?
When you go to Hawaii, you might think about staying in a big hotel, but Airbnb homes can give you something even better. These special vacation homes let you live like you’re in your own house, but in Hawaii! You can cook your own meals in a real kitchen, which helps save money on restaurants. Many Airbnb homes in Hawaii have their own swimming pools, big yards where kids can play, and sometimes even fun things like surfboards and beach toys that you can use during your stay.
Best Islands to Find Airbnb Homes in Hawaii
Hawaii has many different islands, and each one has its own special things to see and do. Let’s look at the best places to find an Airbnb on each major island:
Maui Airbnb Homes
Maui is loved by families because it has some of the prettiest beaches in all of Hawaii. When you stay in a Maui Airbnb, you can find homes near famous beach spots like Kaanapali and Wailea. Many homes here have big windows where you can see whales jumping in the ocean during winter months. The best part is that many Airbnb hosts in Maui provide beach chairs, umbrellas, and toys, so you don’t have to bring or buy these things for your beach days.
Oahu Airbnb Choices
Oahu is where you’ll find the big city of Honolulu and the famous Waikiki Beach. But there are also quiet places to stay, like the North Shore, where you can find Airbnb homes right next to beaches where sea turtles like to swim! Many Airbnb homes in Oahu are close to fun places like the Dole Pineapple Plantation and the Polynesian Cultural Center, where you can learn about Hawaiian culture in a way that’s fun for kids. For more exciting activities around Hawaii, you might want to check out some fun ideas at Click More Stuff.
Big Island Airbnb Stays
The Big Island (which is actually called Hawaii) is where you can find amazing Airbnb homes near volcanoes! Some houses have big yards with fruit trees, and the owners let you pick fresh oranges, mangoes, and avocados. The western side of the island, in places like Kona, has many Airbnb homes with amazing views of the sunset over the ocean.
What to Look for in Your Hawaii Airbnb
Kitchen and Cooking Space
A good kitchen is very important when you stay in Hawaii. Look for Airbnbs that have:
- A big refrigerator to keep drinks cold and store fresh fruit
- A stove and oven to cook meals
- Enough plates, cups, and utensils for everyone
- A coffee maker for mom and dad
- A blender for making fresh fruit smoothies
- Storage containers for leftovers and beach snacks
Outdoor Areas
Hawaii’s weather is sunny and warm most of the time, so you’ll want an Airbnb with nice outdoor spaces:
- A lanai (that’s what Hawaiians call a porch) where you can eat breakfast
- A yard where kids can play
- A BBQ grill for cooking outside
- Outdoor shower to wash off sand from the beach
- Place to hang wet swimsuits and towels
Beach Gear
Many Hawaii Airbnbs come with beach equipment, which can save you lots of money. Look for homes that offer:
- Beach chairs and umbrellas
- Boogie boards for riding waves
- Sand toys for building castles
- Snorkel gear to see fish
- Beach towels
- Coolers for drinks and snacks
Money-Saving Tips for Hawaii Airbnb Stays
Staying in Hawaii can cost a lot of money, but there are ways to save:
Cooking at Home
Your Airbnb kitchen lets you make your own meals instead of eating at restaurants all the time. You can shop at local grocery stores and farmers’ markets to get fresh Hawaiian fruits and vegetables. Many Airbnb hosts will tell you where to find the best prices on food and supplies.
Travel During Quiet Times
Hawaii gets very busy during certain times of the year. If you can travel during quiet times (like September or October), you might find better prices on Airbnb homes. Also, staying a bit farther from the beach usually means paying less money, and you can use the savings to rent a car.
Share with Family or Friends
Some Airbnb homes in Hawaii are very big and can fit more than one family. If you travel with friends or relatives, you can share the cost of a bigger house, which often works out cheaper than each family getting their own place to stay.
Making Your Airbnb Stay Safe and Fun
House Rules and Safety
Every Airbnb home has its own rules that help keep everyone safe and happy:
- Always lock doors and windows when you leave
- Be careful with sand and wet clothes in the house
- Follow quiet hours so neighbors can sleep
- Know where emergency numbers and first aid kits are
- Learn how to use kitchen equipment safely
Being a Good Neighbor
Hawaiian neighborhoods are friendly places, and it’s important to be nice to people who live nearby:
- Say “Aloha” (hello) to neighbors
- Keep noise down, especially at night
- Put garbage and recycling in the right places
- Park cars where the host tells you to
- Respect private property and beaches
Fun Things to Do Near Your Airbnb
Beach Activities
Most Hawaii Airbnbs are close to beaches where you can:
- Build sandcastles
- Look for shells
- Watch for whales and dolphins
- Learn to surf or boogie board
- Go swimming in calm waters
- Have a beach picnic
Local Adventures
Your Airbnb host can tell you about special places nearby:
- Hidden beaches that aren’t crowded
- Good places to see fish and turtles
- Parks where local families go
- Restaurants that kids will like
- Markets where you can buy fresh fruit
- Safe places to hike and explore
Packing Tips for Your Hawaii Airbnb Stay
What to Bring
Even though your Airbnb will have many things, you should pack:
- Light clothes for warm weather
- Rain jacket for sudden showers
- Water shoes for rocky beaches
- Reef-safe sunscreen to protect ocean animals
- Medicine and first aid supplies
- Special snacks from home
What to Leave Home
Your Airbnb will probably have these things, so you don’t need to pack:
- Beach towels
- Hair dryer
- Basic bathroom items
- Kitchen supplies
- Cleaning supplies
- Beach toys and gear
