Oahu is home to the world-famous beaches of Waikiki and the North Shore, places where dreams come to life on a daily basis. The Hawaiian island of Oahu is defined by lush green mountains, a rich multicultural vibe, sandy coves lapped by turquoise water, and some of the best fish tacos you’ll ever have. These are the best Oahu Airbnbs to stay close to the action without getting caught up in the flow.
We hope you love the Airbnb Oahu rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
1. Modern two-bedroom apartment in Waikiki
Photo: Airbnb
Who wouldn’t want to feel like they are on top of the world while in Hawaii? Well, this classy, cozy modern two-bedroom apartment will deliver a vacation you’ll never forget. This apartment has a stunning bathroom with a double shower and dual sink, a fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, Smart TVs with cable, and a Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard. It’s also a five-minute walk to Waikiki Beach.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: per night
2. Huge three-bedroom apartment on Waikiki Beach
Photo: Airbnb
Out of all condos located in Oahu, this highrise luxury condo is the only privately-owned condo located on the beach. There are 240-degree views of the Diamond Head mountain, Waikiki city lights, coastlines, and beautiful Hawaii sunsets. It has floor-to-ceiling infinity doors that lead guests to the covered patio and there’s a fully equipped kitchen as well as an entertainment center perfect for the kids.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $1,240 per night
Traveling to Hawaii? Check out Matador’s guides to the best places to stay on every island:
3. Waikiki studio with incredible views
Photo: Airbnb
Waikiki is the center of the party on Oahu, with shopping, nightlife, and every take on dining — from fish tacos to filet mignon — a short walk away. This studio apartment is in the center of it all, an ideal way to experience Oahu’s most famous strip at an affordable rate. Two of the United States’ most famous beaches, Queen’s Beach and Kuhio Beach, are just beyond the building. Your balcony view will afford the luxury of plotting a spot on the sand in advance, overlooking not just the beach but the tropical greenery that Waikiki is known for.
Two guests, studio
Price: $160 per night
4. Large three-bedroom house in Diamond Head
Photo: Airbnb
Located in one of the prominent, quiet, and safe neighborhoods in Oahu, Diamond Head, this large three-bedroom house is also centrally located and within walking distance to many beaches, surf spots, and a three-minute drive to Kahala Mall.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $2,036 per night
5. Marina-front home with private pool in Hawaii Kai
Photo: Airbnb
Sometimes you just have to go all out. In Oahu, there’s no better place to do so than with this luxurious marina-front home. The property has a sparkling pool overlooking Koko Head Crater, room for 13 guests with space to chill, and an amazing reflection of the morning’s sunrise beaming off the hills. Diamond Head, Honolulu, and Waikiki are a short drive north; though if you do decide to venture out of the neighborhood, we suggest heading the other direction and cruising the eastern coastline. Surf, more fish tacos, and the stunning views of Oahu’s rugged coastline await.
Thirteen guests, five bedrooms
Price: $1,500 per night
6.Stunning one-bedroom house close to surf
Photo: Airbnb
Just half a mile away from Sunset Beach and Banzai Pipeline this surf house is the perfect layout for catching some rad waves out in Hawaii. You have views from your private yard of North Shore’s Pipeline all the way down to Sunset Beach and also views from the master bedroom. Private beach access and an outdoor patio. This Oahu Airbnb is perfect for young couples with its private patio and outdoor beach access and families as it’s near Rocky Point that has a kid-friendly swimming hole.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $600 per night
7. Surfer garden retreat on the famous North Shore
Photo: Airbnb
Surfers come to the North Shore to experience some of the fiercest waves in the world. Even if you don’t partake, walking the shoreline and watching the surfers in action is an experience in itself. This garden retreat just off the beach is a cozy guesthouse that’s away from the action but within walking distance of it, ideal for a relaxing vacation.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $250 per night
8. Well-trimmed beach bungalow on Ke Iki beach
Photo: Airbnb
Combine the perfect beach — Ke Iki, known for the North Shore’s best sunset — with a well-trimmed beach bungalow whose hosts are accustomed to the musings of the beach-going wayfarer, and you have the Ke Iki beach bungalows. This bungalow is outfitted with a cozy living space opening to the palm-lined beach, world-class surf, and coastal culture right outside the door.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $466 per night
9. Loft studio within walking distance of Sunset Beach and the Pipeline
Photo: Airbnb
This chic open floor plan loft is an ideal rental for any surfer as its private deck offers views of the nearby swell. It is also a short six-minute stroll to Sunset Beach and the Pipeline. This Oahu Airbnb features a small kitchen with a mini-fridge and wet bar and the dining room and the bedroom overlook the water. There is also free parking and a laundry room on the premises.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $300 per night
10. Coffee farm stay in Valhalla studio
Photo: Airbnb
Cookie-cutter tourist experiences are easy to find on Oahu. Far rarer is something that none of your friends or family have done before. Try this coffee farm stay on a 7.5-acre tropical coffee farm, tucked away near the North Shore. The property owners call it a “secret garden cottage,” and it certainly feels like it — the property couldn’t possibly be more lush and green. Legendary surfing and fish tacos are just up the road at the North Shore, though you could also just chill here and sip coffee (or wine) in the gazebo.
Three guests, studio
Price: $185 per night
11. Bright and airy Kailua home for a large group
Photo: Airbnb
If traveling to Hawaii with extended family or several friends who want to stay waterside, this spacious home off Kailua is a great option. You’ll awaken to the sound of the waves each morning, with plenty of space for kids to sleep away from the parents. The large living space is perfect for game nights, social hours, and preparing meals for larger groups. Each bedroom opens to a private yard, though the beach is just steps away.
14 guests, four bedrooms
Price: $695 per night
12. Private Kailua beachfront villa
Photo: Airbnb
This single-story villa was designed for entertaining. It’s one of the best Airbnbs on Oahu for groups of friends or families. Kailua is a world-famous kitesurfing location, so it’s also ideal for those who enjoy water sports and there are well-established kite surf schools minutes away if you want to learn the ropes. Kailua villa is air-conditioned and has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and two other sleeping areas. 
10 guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1,280 per night