13 of The Best Airbnbs to Book for an Island Escape (Without Renewing Your Passport)

From Hawaii to Hilton Head

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While an island vacation always sounds like a good idea, sometimes, dealing with customs and making sure your passport is renewed in time for your trip can be a hassle. And I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely dreaming of a relaxing getaway this summer with minimal travel stress, which is why I vetted 13 of the best Airbnbs to book on U.S. islands, from unique homes in Hawaii to waterfront stays in Nantucket. They’re a great starting point for planning your next vacation, be it a weeklong stay or even just a few days.

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  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms
  • Price: From $743/night
  • Amenities: hot tub, laundry, arcade room, parking, full kitchen, fire pit table, access to neighborhood pool and gym
  • Pet-friendly: yes

Hawaii is always top of mind for a sunny island escape, and this stay looks ideal for soaking up everything O’ahu has to offer. According to the listing, it’s located just two miles from Makaha Beach, plus it has a spacious backyard and a hot tub for spending even more time outdoors. BTW, this home has earned *only* 5-star ratings from guests (putting it in the top one percent of all Airbnb listings), so you’re bound to enjoy your time there. “Our stay was absolutely wonderful. The place was clean, comfortable and exactly as described. Everything we needed was provided, and the space felt very welcoming and relaxing,” shared one reviewer.

  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: 1 bedroom, 1.5 bathrooms
  • Price: From $664/night
  • Amenities: hot tub, parking, shared pool, full kitchen, access to laundry
  • Pet-friendly: no

If Maui is on your travel bucket list, I suggest checking out this home that travelers are loving. “Wow, such a paradise—felt lucky to stay at Rainbow Lookout for our entire stay on Maui. We were so comfortable…as it had everything we needed—with comfy beds, plenty of amenities, sounds of tropical nature all around [and] ocean views,” said one recent guest. The home has large windows to let in plenty of sunlight throughout your stay, and it’s equipped with everything from a hot tub to a shared pool and an outdoor shower to rinse off sand after you hit the beach. It’s also in a more remote location that allows you to take in some more secluded—and stunning—views.

  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
  • Price: From $272/night
  • Amenities: laundry, fire pit, full kitchen, fireplace, parking
  • Pet-friendly: no

Situated on the Big Island of Hawaii, this home has earned near-perfect ratings for a reason. Per the listing, it’s at an elevation of 2,600 feet and surrounded by lush greenery, so you’ll really feel immersed in the nature of the island. But that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in amenities—expect to find a full kitchen, fire pit with multiple chairs, a deck with an outdoor dining table and grill, laundry machines and more. One recent guest raved: “Honu Hale is a great place for a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life while being a short drive away from anything one might need in terms of provisions or outdoor fun. The house is extremely well appointed with nothing lacking.”

  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
  • Price: From $490/night
  • Amenities: shared pool, full kitchen, laundry, parking
  • Pet-friendly: no

If you’ve been dreaming of a trip to St. John, you must check out this stay in Cruz Bay. The spacious apartment has two bedrooms, a sunny balcony and a shared pool that you’ll never want to leave. “The place was beautiful and private, and we enjoyed falling asleep to the sound of the frogs and the forest. The pool was clean and the perfect temperature…The view of the ocean and the mountains was breathtaking,” wrote one guest who recently stayed for a few nights. Oh, and about those breathtaking views: It’s next to the Sieben National Park hiking trail, per the listing, so you can easily get your steps in along the way.

  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
  • Price: From $770/night
  • Amenities: pool, home gym, full kitchen, laundry, Jeep with parking
  • Pet-friendly: no

As soon as I saw the infinity pool at this home in St. Thomas, I knew it had to make this list. Not only does it offer gorgeous views of the coast, but the home also has other luxe amenities like a gym, laundry and even a Jeep that can be used throughout your time there. Somehow, this spot still has plenty of open dates throughout summer and beyond, so if I were you, I’d get to booking it before the word gets out. Especially since one recent guest said, “Francis was a fantastic host and went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience,” adding, “the view was unlike anything I've ever seen.”

  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
  • Price: From $190/night
  • Amenities: private veranda and courtyard, hot tub, full kitchen, parking
  • Pet-friendly: no

When you’re staying on an island, the ability to take in the ambience—and enjoy postcard-worthy views at any moment—is key. This stay on St. Croix fits the bill perfectly, and it’s earned nothing but 5-star reviews from guests (as of press time). One shared: “The accommodations are luxurious and comfortable, and the views are unbelievable. It’s quiet and peaceful, and in a good location on the island.” Besides its great location, the home has a hot tub, a full kitchen, a cute patio and a lush courtyard with a private veranda that looks ideal for sipping your morning coffee with an ocean view.

  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
  • Price: From $360/night
  • Amenities: heated pool, outdoor kitchen and dining table, parking
  • Pet-friendly: no

I’m a sucker for a unique stay, so naturally, this luxury dome is on my radar for a trip to Puerto Rico. And don’t think for a second that because you’re staying in a dome you’re roughing it—there’s air conditioning, a heated pool and an outdoor kitchen that looks so fun for whipping up a few snacks while watching the sunset. I’m far from the only one impressed with its design, too, as it’s earned a 4.99/5 overall rating from more than 600 reviews. “We cannot say enough good things about this dome. It was truly a beautiful and breathtaking experience that you just have to see for yourself,” wrote one guest.

  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
  • Price: From $486/night
  • Amenities: pool, full kitchen, laundry, parking
  • Pet-friendly: no

If you want to be situated close to San Juan, you can’t go wrong with this villa that’s near both the city and the airport. It can fit up to six guests in its three bedrooms, and includes a pool, laundry machines, and outdoor seating to soak up the sun. Plus, guests regularly call out how comfortable and clean it feels. “This home was beautiful! Everything was so clean. The pool area in the back was perfect! Location couldn’t be better, just minutes from the airport. Location is central, pretty much everything we wanted to do was only 10-15 minutes away,” wrote one reviewer, who recently visited on a group trip.

  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
  • Price: From $867/night
  • Amenities: pool, full kitchen, parking, laundry
  • Pet-friendly: no

Taking a trip to Key West practically feels like you’re in the Caribbean, and this stunning historic home should be on your radar for your next visit. It’s spacious, with three bedrooms that can accommodate up to six guests, plus it has an in-ground pool and the cutest brick patio. Reviewers rave over its convenient location, too. One said: “If you’re looking for the PERFECT place to stay in Key West, you found it!! So close to all the action on Duval Street, but so secluded and private [that] you felt miles away. Definitely a dream property to stay at.” Hurry to book this one while you still can.

  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
  • Price: From $1,411/night
  • Amenities: waterfront, deck, laundry, shared beach access
  • Pet-friendly: no

Nantucket has been on my list of U.S. islands to visit for years now, and this waterfront property looks like a dream to stay at when I finally do. There’s a deck that’s “in the water,” so all you have to do is step outside, and you’ll already have the best coastal vibes. “This condo is right on the water with beautiful views of the harbor and a great deck for outdoor dining. The location is great...you can walk to stores and restaurants if you want...or an easy drive to other locations,” confirmed one guest who gave it a perfect rating (as did everyone else who reviewed their stays).

  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
  • Price: From $445/night
  • Amenities: pool access, full kitchen, laundry, parking
  • Pet-friendly: yes

Hilton Head is consistently named as one of the most popular U.S. islands to visit, and if you’re planning a trip soon, you might want to go ahead and book this unique treehouse before someone else does. It has tons of windows to let in natural light and includes access to a nearby pool. One recent guest raved that it will be “tough to stay anywhere else” after staying in this home, and added that “the treehouse was so close to everything in Harbour Town, yet [it’s] so quiet and removed from the hustle and bustle.”

  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
  • Price: From $729/night
  • Amenities: golf cart, full kitchen, laundry, parking, access to community pool, hot tub, tennis courts and mini golf
  • Pet-friendly: no

A few years ago, I took a day trip to Avalon and have been wanting to go back for an overnight trip ever since. This condo looks ideal for a weekend away on the sunny island, especially since it comes with a golf cart that’s perfect for getting around the small town. It also has a roomy, wrap-around patio for relaxing after exploring, and recent guests say that the views can’t be beat. “Well-maintained, peaceful and conveniently located, while tucked away with beautiful views of the sea,” wrote one reviewer.

  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
  • Price: From $580/night
  • Amenities: waterfront, private beach access, full kitchen, laundry, parking
  • Pet-friendly: no

There are so many reasons (beyond the 301 5-star reviews) that you’ll want to book this cottage for your trip to the San Juan Islands. For starters, it’s a waterfront location, and it even includes access to your own private beach. It also has a roomy balcony to enjoy the views even more, along with plenty of windows to let in natural light. Guests share that it feels super relaxing and private, but is still close to plenty to do, too. “We enjoyed the surrounding forest, the professionally built stairway to the private beach, the nearby public hikes, and the charming coffee shops and restaurants in Lopez Village. Excellent spot for the peaceful ocean side getaway we wanted,” wrote one.


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Natalie LaBarbera

Associate Commerce Editor

  • Writes commerce stories and features that span multiple topics, including fashion, beauty, travel, home and sales/deals
  • Has contributed to reports on ethical fashion and continues to stay up-to-date on sustainablility developments
  • Completed a bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Pittsburgh and a master's degree in fashion studies at Parsons The New School