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Get away from the crowds: 6 incredible Hawaii vacation home rentals

April 07, 2021
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5 min read
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You don't have to leave the U.S. to find some of the best vacation and beach destinations the world has to offer — starting with Hawaii. Not only is Hawaii a destination that has something for everyone, but there are seven inhabitable main islands to choose from. There's always somewhere new to explore in the Aloha State.

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While deciding which Hawaiian island to hit can be tough, finding the perfect vacation home rental shouldn't be, which is why we've rounded up a few of our favorites to get you started. From an off-the-grid tiny house to a once-in-a-lifetime beachfront splurge, these properties will have you packing your bags in no time.

Big adventure in a tiny house

Pahoa

View On AirbnbThe Phoenix House-Tiny Home on Volcanic Lava Field

Calling all tiny house fans: We've got the spot for you. This funky bungalow on the Big Island sits on the Kalapana lava beds near the base of Kilauea Volcano — bringing the adventure straight to your back door. The one-bedroom, one-bathroom house is off the grid yet packed with modern amenities. Be prepared to wake up to panoramic views and tons of natural light, and get a peek at Pele's orange glow at night.

Rates start at $175/night.

Related: Best credit cards for booking an Airbnb

A-list luxury

Kailua-Kona

View On AirbnbModern Island Retreat with Best View in the Neighborhood

If a great pool is at the top of your vacation list, this rental will likely be the end of your search. This property's infinity pool is surrounded by lush flora and palm trees and provides ocean views for days. Modern island decor gives this private house a luxury resort feel — all for you and nine of your closest friends and family. The only problem? We have a feeling you won't want to leave.

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Rates start at $850/night.

Related: 7 breathtaking Airbnb rentals in Colorado we can’t wait to visit

Sun and sand on the Big Island

Puako

View On AirbnbHale I'a U'I - Beautiful Fish House - Extravagant!

Go big or go home, right? This 5,400-square-foot property, which sleeps 10 with plenty of room to spare, is the place to do it. Guests can take their pick from four spacious bedrooms, all of which have en-suite bathrooms (and three of which have outdoor showers — pinch us!). The on-site infinity pool overlooks Puako Beach, which is just steps away and a prime spot for snorkeling. The indoor-outdoor resort-style layout means ocean breezes 24/7. There's even a billiards table (with an ocean view) for when the weather calls for an indoor activity.

Rates start at $2,050/night.

Related: How to book the best Airbnb for your trip

Incredible indoor/outdoor living

Maui

View On AirbnbDreamy Indoor-Outdoor Living Opposite a Sandy Beach

This three-bedroom, three-bath 1940s-era plantation-style home in Maui sleeps six. It's close to the beach and situated between Kalama Skate Park and Kamaole Beach Park III. The home itself is beautiful but you'll love the backyard with a heated saltwater pool, a shaded living area and plenty of padded loungers for everyone. The home is surrounded by fruit trees and plumeria. The setting is perfect for a reunion of family or friends.

Rates start at $675/night.

Related: How to find the best Airbnb

Presidential paradise found

Kailua

View On AirbnbPlantation at Paradise Point

If it's good enough for a former president (we're looking at you President Obama), it's good enough for us. Yes, this is a once-in-a-lifetime splurge, but one look at this five-bedroom property which sleeps up to 10 guests and you'll understand why. This secluded villa has beach views that stretch on for days, a fully furnished gym and a lagoon pool with a waterfall, surrounded by lush trees that brings maximum privacy to your vacation getaway.

Rates start at $5,200/night.

Related: From Star Wars-themed to beachfront paradise: 10 top Airbnb homes in Florida

A charming cottage that's all action

Kapaa

View On AirbnbGo Paddling & Biking from Charming Riverside Garden Cottage

You don't have to be a millionaire to book a great vacation rental in Hawaii, and this charming cottage is proof. This cozy and cool property is centrally located for whatever adventure is on the day's agenda, yet also comes with kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and access to the Wailua River for those looking to stay closer to home. If you're in need of a beach fix, it's only a short walk away.

Rates start at $205/night.

Bottom line

Vacations are precious times with friends and family — now more than ever. And Hawaii is the perfect destination if you're looking for a change of scenery without leaving the U.S. Once you've nailed down which island is right for you, it's time to think about accommodations. If you're ready to start planning your next adventure, let these properties inspire you.

Feature photo by Madison Blancafor/The Points Guy

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor‘s Rating
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.