Officially known as the Island of Hawaii, the Big Island is the largest of the Hawaiian islands. Its impressive size makes for a wide variety of terrain, from stunning waterfalls and thick rainforest to sandy beaches and magnificent lava beds. The island is also home to Volcanoes National Park, which contains two active volcanoes, and the clear blue waters are perfect for surfing, swimming, and snorkeling coral reefs.
We’ve compiled the following list of the best Airbnbs on the Big Island in Hawaii to help you find the perfect accommodation for your trip. To ensure that these Airbnbs are well rated and consistently outstanding, the vast majority of the rentals listed are presided over by superhosts and some even hold Airbnb Plus status. For those unfamiliar with Airbnb, superhosts have a proven track record of providing exceptional hospitality while Airbnb Plus properties have been verified through in-person inspection.
Related: 15 Best Airbnbs in Hawaii, USA
The Phoenix House
First on our list is a unique off-grid tiny home set in Pahoa, at the foot of the Kilauea volcano.
In addition to being presided over by an experienced superhost, this incredible rental boasts Airbnb Plus status. With one bedroom and one full bathroom, the space is ideal for a solo traveler or a couple. There is also a small kitchenette for preparing simple meals and a large living area with a comfy sofa, a convenient desk space, and massive windows that look out toward the surrounding lava beds. The bedroom is furnished with a queen-size bed and is decorated with an incredibly colorful mural depicting Hawaii’s breathtaking scenery and wild volcanic flames.
If you’re interested in a tiny house rental on the Big Island, but the Phoenix House is booked or you need a bit more space, check out the Ohana House. With two bedrooms and one full bathroom, this equally fabulous home offers the same setting for up to four guests.
Dreamy Tropical Treehouse
Connect with nature in this off-grid bamboo treehouse in the tropical jungle.
The treehouse is elevated on 15-foot stilts and is completely surrounded by treetops. A wrap-around lanai and floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to take advantage of the incredible scenery, and the hanging bed suspended below the home makes the perfect place to relax in nature. Decorated with vintage wallpaper, white linens, and bamboo finishes, the interior is bright and stylish. The rental is furnished with one queen-size bed and offers a full bathroom with a partially outdoor rainwater shower. Additional amenities include solar-powered electricity, organic toiletries, a kitchen sink, and a coffee maker.
With a private location in Fern Forest, this unique vacation rental on the Big Island offers a quiet escape with a ton of privacy and easy access to the nearby Volcanoes National Park.
Adventure Treehouse
For another eco-friendly treehouse Airbnb on the Big Island, check out this artistic tiny home in the jungle.
The colorful interior is filled with unique artwork and fun murals and is furnished with a sofa bed and a lofted double bed, making the space suitable for up to four guests. Appointed with modern amenities such as a full kitchen, Wi-Fi, and solar-powered electricity, the off-grid home is comfortable and luxurious. Massive windows provide stunning views of the surrounding treetops, and there is even a modern half bathroom with a lava-themed design inside of the home. Guests also have access to a secluded outdoor shower and a private furnished deck.
Featured on HGTV’s Tiny Paradise, the gorgeous vacation rental is known for its stylish interior and fun details, including a zip line and a swinging bridge. The home is surrounded by gorgeous gardens, and guests are welcome to explore the unique setting in the Ohia jungle.
Tropical Garden Retreat
Nestled on an organic mango farm, this exotic Big Island Airbnb offers an incredible outdoor experience with the added benefit of modern amenities.
The interior boasts cedar finishes and a massive open-air living room that brings the surrounding natural scenery inside. There is also a closed-in full kitchen with modern appliances and a separate closed-in bedroom with a queen-size bed and a Smart TV. The living room offers several comfortable seating options, a stand-alone breakfast bar, and a relaxing hammock hanging right in the open wall. One or two guests can stay in the home, which also offers one full bathroom and a private patio with a grill and a washing machine.
Located just one mile away from the turquoise waters of Kealakekua Bay, this short-term rental on the Big Island offers easy access to premier opportunities for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
The Rainbow Cottage
Although rainbows are likely in its rainforest setting, this cozy cottage is named for its gorgeous and colorful exterior.
Inside, you’ll find one full bathroom, one bedroom with a queen-size bed, and one bedroom with a single bed, making the cottage ideal for up to three guests. There is also a small full kitchen and an indoor dining nook, and guests can enjoy meals with an ocean view from the private furnished patio.
Nestled on 20 acres and surrounded by the Puna Forest, this Airbnb on the Big Island offers a private pool, two volcanic hot springs tubs, and a rainforest trail. The town of Pahoa is just a few miles away, where you’ll find convenient shops and eateries.
Kealakekua Bay Bali Cottage
For an exotic cottage within walking distance of the beach, check out this hidden gem near Kealakekua Bay.
Constructed from hand-carved teak panels, the charming abode offers a unique design with gorgeous wooden furnishings and decorative surfboards. There is one bedroom with an antique double bed and a gorgeous double-sink vanity that leads to a private half bathroom and a tropical-themed outdoor shower. The well-decorated living room comes equipped with a small sitting area and a dining table, and there is a partially outdoor full kitchen in the front of the cottage. The property is shared with the host’s main home, but the guesthouse area is engulfed in lush tropical plants, making the stay feel very private.
The front yard is decorated with colorful string lights and features a red grill, an outdoor dining table, and an umbrella, and guests have access to a private pond, a gazebo, and tiki torches. Situated in the historic Napoopoo Village, the Big Island Airbnb is just a few steps away from Manini Beach and Neighborhood Beach Park.
Kuono in Volcano
Located just five minutes away from Volcanoes National Park, this is one of the best Big Island Airbnbs for exploring Hawaii’s famous steam vents, lava beds, and the active volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa.
Bright, modern, and minimalist, the studio space features an all-glass facade and a wooden A-frame design. Furnished with a king-size bed, a sofa bed, and a small table for two, the home is ideal for small families of up to four people. There is one full bathroom with a walk-in shower and a combined washer-dryer, and the full kitchen is appointed with an impressive selection of modern stainless-steel appliances. Additional amenities include Wi-Fi and TV, and your host will provide a crib for guests traveling with small children.
Outside, you’ll find a modern gas firepit and a spacious covered lanai with lounge chairs and a luxurious cedar hot tub. Surrounded by the Ohia Forest, the rental is private and secluded but offers easy access to popular tourist attractions.
Luxurious Treehouse With Ocean Views
This Airbnb in Kona, Big Island, offers guests a magical oasis elevated among the tropical treetops.
Live tree trunks grow right through the floors of this custom-built treehouse, which is perfectly positioned for inhabitants to enjoy gorgeous ocean views from the massive windows and the private wrap-around lanai. The large bedroom is furnished with one king-size bed, making the studio space ideal for couples, and there is one full bathroom with an incredible mosaic-tile shower and solar-powered hot water. An entire wall in the bedroom opens up to expose the incredible natural scenery and let the fresh air flow freely through the space. The full kitchen also opens up to the outdoors and features modern appliances and gorgeous wooden cabinetry.
Underneath the treehouse, you’ll find a luxurious hot tub, and additional amenities include Wi-Fi, beach essentials, and laundry facilities on the main property just a short walk away. Guests can reach downtown Kona in just 15 minutes, and the airport is only a few miles away.
Aolani House
For an Airbnb on the Big Island that can accommodate larger groups, check out this luxurious resort-style home with an infinity pool.
With four spa-like full bathrooms, four bedrooms, two king-size beds, and two queen-size beds, the home is suitable for up to eight guests. The interior is decorated with custom wood finishes and tasteful tropical artwork, and the entire house is decked out in luxurious amenities akin to those available at a five-star hotel. Massive walls of windows throughout the home open up to expose magnificent ocean views, and the luxurious saltwater infinity pool will make you feel like you’re swimming on the edge of the sea and the sky. There is also a lush entry garden, a massive outdoor shower, and a large covered patio with a 10-person sectional and a relaxing hot tub.
Once you step foot in this opulent abode, you’ll likely never want to leave, but if you do venture off the property, be sure to take advantage of Holualoa’s world-renowned coffee orchards and grab a cup of joe at one of the nearby cafés. There is also an incredible local art scene in the area, and the famous Magic Sands Beach is only 12 minutes away.
Bamboo Bungalow
Nestled on a tropical orchard filled with fruit trees, this studio guesthouse boasts an ideal setting for a peaceful Hawaiian getaway.
The light and bright interior comes with a full kitchen with granite countertops, and your hosts will provide you with a complimentary welcome breakfast made up of homemade muffins and fresh fruit. There is also a fully stocked avocado toast station and a great selection of cooking supplies for preparing light meals. The full bathroom is stocked with hotel-quality toiletries and cozy plush robes, and guests have access to a private outdoor shower. Up to four guests can sleep in the studio space, which is furnished with a queen-size bed and a sleeper sofa, and additional amenities include Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, a private patio, and a bench swing. Guests are also welcome to explore the entire acre of property and check out the gorgeous botanical gardens that surround the rental.
Located in a tranquil neighborhood near the highway, this Big Island Airbnb is a great option for a convenient but quiet stay. There are a few grocery stores and local eateries within five minutes of the guesthouse, and downtown Hilo, where you’ll find a few nice restaurants and fun attractions, is just a short drive away.
Relaxing Apartment With Ocean Views
Few vacation apartments for rent on the Big Island offer the homey atmosphere and magnificent views of this condo rental in Kona.
The interior is warm and bright and would make a very comfortable stay for a single guest or a couple. There is a full kitchen with modern appliances and a unique tree-branch breakfast table for two, and the separate living room is characterized by a burnt orange accent wall that complements the apartment’s warm wood finishings. The studio layout also offers a separate bedroom area, which is furnished with a queen-size bed, a desk, and two armchairs. Granite countertops and a state-of-the-art walk-in shower make the full bathroom feel like a spa, and sliding glass doors next to the bed open onto a wrap-around patio, where you can enjoy gorgeous ocean views. Additional amenities include Wi-Fi, TV, and laundry facilities.
Situated in a quiet hillside neighborhood, this peaceful retreat is just a few minutes away from Wailua Trail and the beaches and art galleries of downtown Kailua-Kona. Guests can also take a short drive to Kamakahonu National Park for wildlife spotting and watersports.
Peaceful Rainforest Treehouse
If you’re interested in a true off-grid retreat surrounded by nature, this unique treehouse in Volcano is the Big Island Airbnb for you.
Elevated 15 feet off the ground, the custom-built rental is accessed by two sturdy sets of stairs. There is one bedroom with soaring ceilings, cathedral-style windows, and a queen-size bed perched high on a platform. Guests have access to a separate bathroom and an outdoor shower area, which both offer bamboo walls and a peaceful natural ambiance. There are also two private lanais furnished with comfy seating options, a daybed, and enchanting hanging plants, and the rental comes with an open-air kitchen and living area surrounded by tropical plants. With an additional bistro seating area and a lower garden, this incredible treehouse offers some top-notch outdoor amenities. The self-sufficient structure features rooftop solar panels and a rainwater catchment system that provides your sink, shower, and toilet flushing water. Separate drinking water will also be provided as well as local snacks, eco-friendly toiletries, bug spray, and citronella candles.
Guests of the treehouse can check out nearby volcanoes, explore the surrounding forest, and hike to various neighboring beaches. There is a very interesting array of wildlife to be seen around the property, including owls, frogs, lizards, colorful birds, and feral pigs.
Radiant Oceanfront Cottage
This cozy Airbnb Plus is set on a peaceful Kona coffee farm and offers a tranquil retreat with beautiful beach and mountain views.
Appointed with a slew of comfortable amenities such as Wi-Fi, TV, and complimentary toiletries, this modern cottage is sure to make you feel right at home. The all-white interior comes with a large full kitchen, a formal dining table, and a comfortable living room, and the separate bedroom is furnished with a king-size bed and a desk. There is an en suite bathroom with a spacious vanity and a washer and dryer, and guests have access to a private outdoor seating area among the lush tropical trees.
Far from any main roads, this vacation rental in Kona is set in a quiet neighborhood on Mount Hualalai with easy access to the Jurassic Hiking Trail and the Kaloko Cloud Forest Trail. South Kohala beaches are also nearby, as are the famous dining and entertainment opportunities of Kailua-Kona.
Modern and Private Studio Suite
With gorgeous mountain views and a peaceful pasture setting, this Airbnb on the Big Island is a great choice for a relaxing couples retreat or a family-friendly vacation.
The studio guest suite is furnished with a desk, a small breakfast table, and a king-size bed, and your hosts will provide an air mattress for an extra guest and a travel crib for guests traveling with children. There is a kitchenette in the corner of the rental stocked with all of the basic cooking supplies and appliances, and guests can enjoy meals on the second dining table right outside of the home. The studio also comes with a private full bathroom with a walk-in shower, and additional amenities include Wi-Fi and a wall-mounted TV.
The neighborhood is small, friendly, and home to many families with children. Guests can relax on the private lanai and enjoy the stunning mountain views, stargaze in the evening, and watch the horses, cows, and sheep graze along the property. When you feel like venturing out, the beaches, shops, and restaurants of the Kohala coast are just 30 minutes away.
Birdhouse in Volcano Village
Wrapping up our list of the best Airbnb rentals on the Big Island is a cozy A-frame cottage at the end of a quiet street in Volcano Village.
The interior boasts a lovely bird-themed design that matches its quaint and colorful exterior, and there is a handmade birdcage chandelier from Estonia hanging in the cozy living area. The modern kitchenette is well equipped for preparing a quick meal, and there is a small dining table available for two guests. Lofted above the living room, the bedroom area features a queen-size bed and a wall-mounted TV.
There are private lanais in the front and back of the home, where you can relax in the cool tropical breeze, enjoy the spectacular wooded scenery, and listen to the birds sing. Volcanoes National Park is conveniently located just a few minutes away, as are the main attractions of the town’s artsy village.
There you have the best Airbnbs on the Big Island in Hawaii. Regardless of which rental you choose, you can be sure that you’re arriving at a top-notch accommodation.
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