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Hawaii may be known for its world-famous beaches and year-round perfect temps, but Honolulu has a lot to offer besides fun in the sun. In this cosmopolitan capital city, you’ll find everything from historic landmarks to fine dining to world-class shopping. Luckily, Airbnb offers some of the best stays to get to know the area and they just launched Experiences here — allowing users to book over 100 activities on the island. From the beaches of Waikiki to the shores of Kailua, here are our top Airbnb rentals to really get a sense of Honolulu.
Value Deals (less than $150 per night)
1. Breathtaking Waikiki Ocean View Studio
For serious beach bums, the ocean-view studio in Waikiki is the place to be. It’s the perfect nest for travelers who wish privacy and tranquility while enjoying the island’s natural beauty. Look for tasteful decorations and all the amenities you’ll need for your stay. This quaint enclave has a balcony and is just steps away from the beach. So be sure to bask in this scenic location and take in the ocean breeze from the comfort of your stay.Rates from $70 per night with a three-night minimum stay required.
2. Waikiki Beach Studio
When staying in Hawaii, the ocean gets all the glory. This charming studio is centrally located and has amazing views of Waikiki Beach as well.This studio has been completely renovated with all the comforts you’ll need to enjoy your stay from a fully equipped kitchen to a pool and bbq/picnic area as well as a credit card-operated laundry room. It is within walking distance to restaurants, bars, Ala Moana mall and the convention center. It has been completely renovated and includes all the comforts you’ll need to enjoy your stay. Rates from $95 per night with a two-night minimum stay required on Friday and Saturday.
3. Island Hideaway in Waipahu
Are you looking for the perfect island gateway?This Waipahu listing is located in a private, residential area at the end of a cul-de-sac. With hilltop elevation and large windows in every room providing breathtaking views, this one-bedroom home sleeps three guest comfortably. This island escape is only a 20-minute drive from the airport, North Shore attractions, Disney’s Ko Olina resort and beautiful beaches. For the shoppers, you’ll be near the Oahu’s best outlet mall and a variety of restaurants. Rates from $115 per night with a minimum two-night stay required.
Mid-Tier ($150-$250 per night)
4. Wakiki Studio near Diamond Head Center
Looking for that home-away-from-home feeling? This studio apartment offers great views of Honolulu’s majestic Diamond Head, one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Located in Waikiki, this section of is quiet and relaxing — an ideal place to be near the action, but not right in the middle of it. It makes a good base for couples, solo travelers and anyone else who wants to explore this vibrant part of the city. Rates from $175 per night with a minimum five-night stay required.
5. Hale Wa’a House by the Sea
Enjoy the beauty of Oahu, and then retreat to your quiet secluded guest house in Hale Wa’a (Canoe House). Centrally located to most everything on Oahu, this home is right off the main roadway that circles Oahu and minutes from Waikiki, Hanauma Bay, shopping and the beach. Rates from $204 per night with a one-night minimum stay required.
High Roller ($250+ per night)
6. Spectacular Mountain and City View Home
The Banyan is centrally located in the heart of Waikiki, just a block away from the beach, Honolulu Zoo, fine dining restaurants and shopping. This makes for an ideal home base — what with the heated swimming pool, hot tubs, sauna, basketball and tennis courts and grill and picnic area. This one-bedroom condo has breathtaking Diamond Head views from the bedroom. Rates from $285 per night with a varied minimum stay required.
7. Hawaiian Paradise Cottage in Portlock
This newly renovated studio is minutes from beaches, supermarkets, movie theaters, restaurants, hikes and ocean sport tours. You’ll love this high luxury private cottage, located in the prestige Portlock neighborhood, because of the luxurious amenities and design, ample parking and outdoor lounge patio. It’s an excellent place to stay for couples, solo adventurers, and business travelers. Rates from $343 per night with a three-night minimum stay required.
The Showstopper
8. Extravagant Verdant Hillside Home
This extravagant Verdant Hillside home encompasses the ambiance of Hawaii that brings comfort and relaxation to all visitors. Enjoy over 6,000 square feet of living area featuring glass walls, outdoor gardens (complete with Koi ponds), a fire pit and private seating areas and a stunning atrium entry with floor to ceiling windows that showcase the very best of Hawaii’s beautiful ocean. Rates from $995 per night with a one-night minimum stay required.
Maximize Your Purchase
There are plenty of ways to maximize your stay with points and miles. If you’ve never used Airbnb before, sign up through TPG to get $40 off your first booking — and the gravy train doesn’t stop there. Book through the Delta portal and earn 1 SkyMile for every dollar spent on your stay, and make sure to charge the purchase to a travel rewards card to rack up extra points. Using a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred will get you 2x points on all travel purchases while the Chase Sapphire Reserve will get you 3x points on an Airbnb stay. When you combine the two, you’re effectively double-dipping with your points earning.
Prices are accurate as of publication date but are subject to change; featured image by Art Wager / Getty Images
With some great bonus categories, the American Express Gold Card has a lot going for it. The card offers 4x points at US restaurants, at US supermarkets (up to $25,000; then 1x), and 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com. It is currently offering a welcome bonus of 35,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 in the first three months.
- Earn 35,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $2,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 3 months.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. restaurants. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with The Gold Card at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack, and Ruth's Chris Steak House. This is an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Airline Fee Credit: up to $100 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees at one selected qualifying airline.
- Choose to carry a balance with interest on eligible charges of $100 or more.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms apply.
- See Rates & Fees
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