Airbnb North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii

12 Incredible Airbnbs on the North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii

Filled with sun, sand, and surfers, Oahu‘s North Shore is a dream destination for travels all over the world. You can catch the surfers ride the waves at Banzai Pipeline, face your fears while cliff jumping at Waimea Bay, and lounge with the turtles at Laniakea Beach. During your time on the North Shore, you’ll inevitably find yourself relaxing into the pace of island time and spending as much time as possible on the beach.

As an Oahu local, I’m lucky enough to make my way to North Shore whenever I want to relax on the beach, savor some delicious food, or tackle a gorgeous hike. And while I certainly enjoy many of the most popular things to do on the North Shore, I always find myself searching for the tucked-away gems.

There are hundreds of fantastic vacation rentals on the North Shore that you can choose from. You’ll find unique Airbnbs everywhere from popular Haleiwa to under-the-radar Hauula. There are so many cool vacation homes that you’ll probably find it difficult to choose!

To make planning your Hawaiian holiday a little easier, here are 12 of the best Airbnbs on the North Shore. Read on to discover some of the most amazing places to stay during your wonderful island getaway.

Note: If you’re still deciding where to stay on the island make sure you check out our article, Where to Stay on Oahu.

Top 10 Things To Do on the North Shore

Airbnbs North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii Vacation Homes & Short-Term Rentals
  1. Swim, surf, suntan, and cliff jump at Waimea Bay. This amazing North Shore beach has a slew of exciting things to do!
  2. Watch a surf competition at Banzai Pipeline. Locally known as Pipeline, this is the premier surf spot on the island. If you’re lucky, you may even see famous surfers like Kelly Slater, Andy Irons, and Billy Kemper.
  3. Cast your vote in the North Shore shrimp truck rivalry. Thanks to the many shrimp farms on Oahu’s North Shore, there are also quite a few shrimp food trucks, all vying for the name of the best shrimp truck on the island. Do you think Romy’s, Fumi’s, or Giovanni’s is the best?
  4. Do a little snorkeling at Shark’s Cove. You can see everything from schools of colorful fish to turtles to sea urchins and even lobsters at this kid-friendly snorkel spot.
  5. Wander around Haleiwa. This quaint town is home to a whole host of historic buildings, boutique shops, and popular restaurants. Don’t miss the shave ice at Matsumoto!
  6. Watch the waves crash at Laie Point. This small peninsula has breathtaking views of the ocean and a hidden cliff jumping spot.
  7. Hang out with the turtles at Laniakea Beach, also known as Turtle Beach. Several endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles like to come up and relax on the golden sand of Laniakea Beach. Go take a look but remember to give the turtles some space.
  8. Watch the Sunset at Sunset Beach. Is there a better place to watch the sun dip below the horizon?
  9. Stop by the Polynesian Cultural Center, the most popular paid attraction on the island. While there you can learn about the many different Polynesian cultures, watch the enrapturing evening show, and take part in a Hawaiian luau.
  10. Hike to the 45-foot Waimea Falls. Depending on the weather conditions, you might even be able to swim in the pool below the falls.
Like this post?! How about...
A Local's 12 Favorite Things to do on the North Shore

Why Stay in an Airbnb on the North Shore

Why Stay in an Airbnb on the North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii

There are only three hotels on the North Shore of Oahu – Turtle Bay Resort, the Courtyard by Marriott, and the Backpackers Inn and Plantation Village – so most visitors opt for a private vacation rental instead. Luckily, there are plenty of fun and unique Airbnbs to choose from on the North Shore! Stay in a yurt near Sunset Beach or on a luxury estate in Kahuku. You’re sure to find a vacation home that perfectly fits your vibe.

It’s also worth noting that Airbnbs are more spacious and a better value than hotel rooms. And they often offer lots of amenities, including private pools, adorable gazebos, sunny tennis courts, and loads of beach gear.

Finally, one of the greatest perks of staying in an Airbnb on the North Shore is the fact that you can connect with a local before you even arrive on Oahu. Airbnb hosts are typically quite friendly and love to share local tips, which are precious gems in Hawaii. You can find out about hidden beaches, secret hikes, and the best restaurants and food trucks in the area.

Search North Shore Hotels and Vacation Rentals


The 12 Best Airbnbs on the North Shore

Best North Shore Airbnbs for Couples and Solo Travelers

1. Beachfront Yurt at Sunset Beach

Best Airbnbs on the North Shore, Oahu: Sunset Yurt
Images courtesy of Airbnb

This bohemian beachfront yurt is undoubtedly one of the most unique Airbnbs on the North Shore. Originally used by nomads in Central Asia, yurts have become one of the most interesting forms of vacation rentals and the climate of Hawaii is perfectly suited for it.

While it’s just a step up from glamping, this cozy little yurt is tastefully decorated and you’re sure to love the dome ceiling skylight, wooden rafters, and lattice wood walls. It actually has everything you need in Hawaii – a comfortable bed, a modest kitchenette, and a sunny outdoor deck. It’s not the fanciest Airbnb, but who cares when you’re staying on the North Shore!

This beachfront yurt is right across the street from Sunset Beach. With this fantastic location, guests will also be close to North Shore highlights like Shark’s Cove, the Sunrise Shack, and Banzai Pipeline.


2. North Shore Surf House Near Banzai Pipeline

Best North Shore, Oahu Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals: North Shore Surf House
Images courtesy of Airbnb

Calling all surfers! This is the Airbnb for you. One of the coolest Airbnbs on the North Shore is this amazing little surf house. Situated right on the golden sand of the famous Banzai Pipeline, this home is every surfer’s dream.

With a blue and white color palette, relaxing furniture, and striking wave photos, the inside of the house embraces a casual, welcoming surf vibe. This vacation rental includes one plush king bed, a well-equipped kitchen, an open living area and dining area with breathtaking ocean views, and a lovely oceanfront patio.

If you stay at this North Shore surf house, you simply have to make use of its superb location. Watch the professional surfers catch towering waves at Banzai Pipeline at all hours of the day. There may even be a surf competition in session so you can see the world’s most talented surfers do what they do best!

Like this post?! How about...
The 25 Best Things to Do on Oahu

3. The Haleiwa Wave House

Best Airbnbs on the North Shore, Hawaii: Haleiwa Wave House
Images courtesy of Airbnb

This inviting North Shore Airbnb embraces a beachy wave-theme both inside and out. Not only is it just minutes from the best surf spots in the world, but there are also beautiful ocean wave photos decorating the walls of the home.

The Haleiwa Wave House includes one cozy queen bed, a pristine kitchen with a teal-tiled accent wall, a comfortable seating area, and a lovely balcony. The hosts also provide a wide array of beach gear, including chairs, towels, and a cooler.

The Haleiwa Wave House is situated just a couple of minutes from both the beaches and shops of Haleiwa. You can easily search for sunrise shells along the beaches in the morning, grab a delicious kalua pork lunch from Kono’s, and then walk back to the beach for a little stand-up paddleboarding at Haleiwa Harbor.


4. Adorable Getaway at Turtle Bay Resort

Unique North Shore, Hawaii Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals: Getaway at Turtle Bay
Images courtesy of Airbnb

This adorable Turtle Bay Resort condominium is filled with bright white furniture and brilliant greenery. It looks straight out of a storybook!

While you may be tempted to grab a cup of freshly brewed coffee, sit down in one of the windowfront white chairs, and take in the ocean views for a few hours, there are many other noteworthy aspects of this getaway that you should make use of!

You can relax on the one comfortable king bed, stretch out on the nature-inspired seating area, and prepare a tasty meal in the fully equipped kitchen. As an added bonus, you’ll also have access to beach towels, beach chairs, snorkel gear, and pool floaties.

Nestled right outside of the Turtle Bay Resort, you can snorkel at Kuilima Cove, hike one of the many easy trails on the resort property, or even take a beachfront horseback riding tour. If you’d like to venture outside of the resort, visit the Polynesian Cultural Center, admire the Laie Hawaii Temple, or go on a tour of Kahuku Farms.


Best North Shore Airbnbs for Small Groups and Families

5. Sunset Beach House

Best Airbnbs on the North Shore, Oahu: Sunset Beach House
Images courtesy of Airbnb

Situated just steps away from the golden sand of Sunset Beach, this vacation home is definitely one of the best Airbnbs on the North Shore. Thanks to its fantastic location, you’ll be able to spend all of your time enjoying one of the best beaches on Oahu!

The Sunset Beach House embraces a minimalistic design style through its open design plan, abundance of natural light, and bright green accent plants. It also includes two welcoming bedrooms, a spacious kitchen, a cozy living room, and a breezy backyard with a wooden picnic table.

As I mentioned earlier, this house is right on Sunset Beach. So in addition to enjoying this gorgeous beach, you can also watch a professional surf competition at Banzai Pipeline, grab a slice of chocolate haupia pie from Ted’s Bakery, and go snorkeling with the kids at Shark’s Cove.

Like this post?! How about...
What to do on Oahu: The Top 9 Tours and Excursions on the Island

6. Tropical Bungalow Near Shark’s Cove

Best North Shore, Oahu Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals: Tropical Beach Bungalow
Images courtesy of Airbnb

With rustic wood furniture, a combination of geometric and plant-inspired patterns, and pieces from local artists, this tropical beach bungalow near Shark’s Cove just exudes character and charm.

This delightful vacation home includes two plush queen beds, a comfortable seating area, a stocked kitchen, and a picnic-style dining area. It also has loads of beach gear, including beach chairs, an umbrella, and even beach toys for the little ones.

You can easily walk to Shark’s Cove and Ke Iki Beach from this North Shore Airbnb. If you’re vacationing in the summer, you should certainly take advantage of the prime snorkeling at Shark’s Cove. (From October to February, the waves become too large for snorkeling.) And if you’re vacationing in the winter, watch the surfers ride the huge waves at Ke Iki Beach and maybe even catch a glimpse of the ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs buried beneath the sand.


7. Sea Cliff House in Laie

Best Airbnbs on the North Shore, Hawaii: Sea Cliff House
Images courtesy of Airbnb

When looking for the coolest North Shore Airbnbs, many people often find themselves searching for homes as close to the ocean as possible. And with waves crashing just a few inches from the deck, you really can’t get much closer to the ocean than the Sea Cliff House in Laie!

While the sea-mist filled outdoor deck is the highlight, the interior of this home continues with the ocean-theme with blue accents and driftwood furniture. You can snuggle up in one of the three sea-inspired bedrooms, whip up something to eat in the teal-accented kitchen, and savor a delicious meal at the oceanfront dining table.

The Sea Cliff House is located in the adorable town of Laie. As a matter of fact, it’s right on the Laie Point peninsula! So while you should definitely watch the waves and do a little cliff jumping at Laie Point, you’ll also be a short walk from the activities at the Polynesian Cultural Center and the delicious burgers at Seven Brothers.

Just as a note, Laie is alcohol free, so you won’t be able to find any adult beverage in town. That said, it’s easy enough to stock up at the grocery stores in Hauula, Pupukea, or Haleiwa.


Best North Shore Airbnbs for Large Groups and Events

8. O Kekai in Kahuku

Best Airbnbs on the North Shore, Hawaii: O Kekai
Images courtesy of Hale Ohana O Kekai

O Kekai in Kahuku may be the most luxurious Airbnb on the North Shore of Oahu. In addition to the Hawaiian-style architecture, this vacation home also includes a gated entrance, a zero-edge swimming pool, and all of the latest gaming consoles. It has something special for everyone in your group!

This luxury estate includes six lavish bedrooms, a full kitchen, several seating areas, a lovely dining area, and even a productive office. And just wait until you check out the backyard! You can also soak in the sun on the outdoor patio and go for a swim in the pristine turquoise pool.

Situated in Kahuku, O Kekai is a few miles away from the most popular parts of the North Shore. So while you can definitely get in on the excitement at Pipeline or in Haleiwa, you can also embrace the quiet atmosphere at this vacation home.

That said, there are still many wonderful things to do near O Kekai. Watch the waves crash at Laie Point, grab a locally grown acai bowl at Kahuku Farms, pay a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center, and embrace your inner adrenaline junky during a zipline tour at Keana Farms.

Check Price & Availability on VRBO

Like this post?! How about...
Insider Secrets to Travel Like a Local on Oahu

9. Sea of Glass in Waialua

Best Airbnbs on the North Shore, Oahu: Sea of Glass
Images courtesy of Sea of Glass

Sea of Glass is one of the most unique Airbnbs on the North Shore, thanks to the abundance of glass windows throughout the home. And since it sits right on the beach, the huge windows give you unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean no matter where you are in the house.

This luxurious vacation rental includes four sea-themed bedrooms, a well-appointed kitchen, several comfortable seating areas, and a dining table for twelve. But you may find yourself spending all of your time outdoors in the manicured backyard or on the breezy balcony.

This North Shore Airbnb is located in the small town of Waialua, which most visitors never see as it’s to the west of the more popular and touristy town of Haleiwa. But it’s a great little town to visit as well thanks to the blooming sunflower fields in the fall and the hidden Aweoweo Beach Park.

Check Price & Availability on VRBO


10. The Sullivan Estate Near Shark’s Cove

Best North Shore, Oahu Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals: The Sullivan Estate
Images courtesy of Airbnb

While there are many amazing vacation rentals in the area, The Sullivan Estate is undoubtedly one of the best North Shore Airbnbs thanks to the generosity of its first owner. The home was actually built in 1962 by the Hawaii businessman, Maurice J. “Sully” Sullivan, who was the owner of the local supermarket chain known as Foodland. Since then, celebrities like Elvis Presley, Owen Wilson, and Lionel Ritchie have all stayed at this fantastic estate.

The Sullivan Estate is luxury at its finest. With a stunning pool terrace, high-end kitchen appliances, and a JK7 Spa-Sensator, Mr. Sullivan spared no expense while building this home!

You’ll be able to wake up in one of the six lavish bedrooms, work out in the well-equipped gym, whip up something to eat in the elaborate hardwood kitchen, enjoy your meal in one of the two dining rooms, and relax in the turquoise pool for the rest of the day. Since there’s no shortage of things to do on this celebrity-worthy property, you can easily spend your whole day on the estate.

If you decide to venture off the property to explore the nearby area, you will not be disappointed. Snorkel at Shark’s Cove and Three Tables, cliff jump at Waimea Bay, or make the short hike to Waimea Falls.

Like this post?! How about...
Oahu Airbnbs: 12 Incredible Vacation Rentals!

11. Hale Komodo Near Papailoa Beach

North Shore, Hawaii Airbnb Vacation Home: Hale Komodo
Images courtesy of Hale Komodo

With intricate wooden archways, beautiful patterned rugs, and even wooden Komodo dragon sculptures, this custom Balinese inspired home is unlike any other vacation rental on the North Shore.

Named Hale Komodo (“Komodo House“), this vacation rental includes five amazing bedrooms, two comfortable living rooms, a lengthy dining table, and a top-of-the-line kitchen. And then there are quite a few exciting bonuses, including a natural stone tub, a turquoise pool that rises out of the ground, and an oceanfront patio with a carved wooden ceiling.

Hale Komodo is nestled on the golden sand of the hidden Papailoa Beach. This also means that you’ll be close to the turtles at Laniakea Beach, the shops in Haleiwa, and the stand-up paddleboarding at Haleiwa Harbor.

Check Price & Availability on VRBO


12. Moani Kai in Kahuku

Best North Shore, Hawaii Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals: Moani Kai
Images courtesy of Moani Kai

Moani Kai is the perfect home for an extended family reunion or a getaway for a large group of friends. With room for fourteen people, you can invite everyone you’d like!

This adorable country beach house is the perfect combination of modern and island-inspired interior design. The open living, dining, and kitchen area is lined with the names of the towns on the North Shore. And the six cozy bedrooms embrace an ocean-inspired color palette.

And if you don’t want to spend all your time inside the mansion, there are quite a few fun spots outside as well. You can dine under the adorable gazebo, relax on the swinging hammock, or challenge a friend to an impromptu match on the private tennis court.

Moani Kai is located on the border between Kahuku and Laie, so you’ll be near the wonderful things to do in both North Shore towns. Relax on Mokuauia Beach, grab a fresh farm-to-table meal from Kahuku Farms, and hike to Laie Falls.

Check Price & Availability on VRBO

That’s it – 12 of the best Airbnbs on the North Shore! Do you have a favorite vacation rental on the North Shore? Let us know in the comments below.


Didn’t find the perfect North Shore Airbnb? Try searching here:


Planning a trip to Oahu? Check out our favorite books and travel guides.


SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST


About the Author:

  • Sarah Etinas

    Sarah is a travel writer based on the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii. When she’s not enjoying the stunning beaches and hikes of her home island, she’s going on exciting adventures all around the world. A few of her most thrilling adventures have included snowshoeing in the Swiss Alps, kayaking through a river of jellyfish in the Caribbean, and sleeping in a sandstorm in the Sahara Desert.

1 thought on “12 Incredible Airbnbs on the North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii”

  1. Hi! I was interest in the North Shore Surf House but the link isn’t working. Is there anyway you can send to me? Thank you 😊

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

367 Shares
Share1
Pin366
Tweet