Honolulu is Hawaii’s pulsing capital city and the gateway to the other idyllic Hawaiian islands. Located in the south of the island of Oahu, Honolulu is home to the vast majority of the island’s population, making it a lively and buzzing capital.
As a tourist destination, Honolulu offers many attractions – from the volcanic peaks of Diamond Head to the historic Pearl Harbour, there is a little something for everyone here. For beach buffs, there are exceptional beaches in Honolulu such as Waikiki, where visitors can enjoy water sports galore and iconic palm-fringed sands.
When visiting this magical island, you’ll have your choice of hotels, resorts, and bed & breakfasts. However, if you want a more unique experience, then choosing a stay at one of the best villas in Honolulu is the ideal way to experience a traditional island home with more homely comforts than a hotel.
To help you narrow down your options, we’ve created this list of Honolulu’s top villas. Whether you’re planning a family adventure, a romantic escape for two, or anything in between, we’ve got you sorted.
In a Hurry? Here’s Where to Stay in Honolulu for One Night
Tranquil Nuuanu Valley Villa
Stay in a well-equipped private room in a family villa situated in a quiet, historic area in the lower Nuuanu Valley. Complete with a walk-in closet, private bathroom, and lanai, the room is a comfortable retreat with shared access to a yoga room, pool, and sauna.
- Waikiki
- Manoa Falls
- Diamond Head
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Staying in a Villa in Honolulu
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Staying in a unique accommodation in Honolulu can be as much a part of the experience as hiking Diamond Head. Renting a villa on the island means you can relax and enjoy total privacy in a well-managed and spacious home.
There are so many benefits that come with staying in a villa. You’ll have your own private space to enjoy, so you can dance around in your underpants and no one can see you. Your days are yours to spend as you wish – you can dine out or rustle up your own meals in your kitchen, hit the beach, or relax around your private pool. It really will feel like a home away from home.
What to Look for in a Villa
Of course, it all depends on your personal tastes, but certain elements go a long way in making your stay at one of these best villas in Honolulu just that extra bit indulgent.
It only takes a quick search of villas on Airbnb to know that most will have a private pool and a balcony where you can enjoy the view. Sometimes there will be added extras like a sauna or a hot tub with a view, which will certainly take your relaxation up a notch, but these aren’t always standard.
If you’re planning on going all out, many of the most luxurious villas on Airbnb have the option to add on things like a concierge service. These are great for booking activities, excursions, hiring a private chef or masseuse.
Tranquil Nuuanu Valley Villa
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Private lanai
- > Central location
Waterfront Oasis
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Tiki bar and boat dock
- > True Hawaiiana at its best
Espacio Waikiki Penthouse
- > $$$
- > 6 Guests
- > Dry sauna and hot tub
- > Elegant décor in peaceful tones
Kahala Beachfront
- > $$
- > 11 Guests
- > Two pools and tennis court
- > Additional 2-bed cottage available
Royal Kailua Estate
- > $$$$
- > 11 Guests
- > Cinema-style home theatre
- > Expansive outdoor living area
Kalakaua Villa
- > $$
- > 8 Guests
- > Patio over the waves
- > Panoramic volcano and ocean views
Secluded Nuuanu Valley Villa
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Private bedroom in a peaceful villa
- > Set in a lush, tropical valley
Looking for other types of accommodation? Check out our guide to Where to Stay in Honolulu!
The Top 15 Villas in Honolulu
Honolulu is a dream destination in Hawaii and staying in a stunning villa is the best way to make the most of it! Our list of the best villas in Honolulu has something for every traveller, whatever your travel style and budget!
Overall Best Value Villa in Honolulu – Tranquil Nuuanu Valley Villa
A stay at this gorgeous accommodation is one of the most affordable ways to enjoy villa-living in Honolulu. The villa is tucked away in the lower Nuuanu Valley, a historic district situated just five minutes from Downtown Honolulu.
Your private room has its own ensuite bathroom, queen-size bed, and a walk-in closet. You’ll also have access to a private lanai with views of the three-acre botanical gardens.
If you’re not familiar with a lanai, it’s a very typically Hawaiian feature to have in a home. It’s like a private room attached to a home, that has one wall exposed to the elements (though there is sometimes a window there), so you can sit back and enjoy nature from inside your house. Bliss!
At this property, you’ll also have access to a shared yoga room, sauna, living quarters, kitchen, and outdoor pool.
The nearest beach is just 15 minutes away by car, and exciting waterfall hikes and cultural gems are also a short drive away.
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Best Budget Villa in Honolulu – Waterfront Oasis
The Waterfront Oasis is located in Koko Marina within easy reach of several popular beaches – Waikiki, Sandy Beach, Hanauma Bay.
The villa has three spacious bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. Additional amenities include a large swimming pool, spa, tiki bar, and a boat dock. This villa is ideal for a couple or family and has all the essentials for a comfortable stay.
Within minutes of this villa, you’ll find many activities to enjoy, including jet-skiing, deep-sea fishing, golfing, surfing, hiking, and parasailing. Many famous restaurants and shopping centers are also nearby.
Budget Tip: Dorms in Honolulu start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
Best Villa for Couples – Espacio Waikiki Penthouse
The Espacio Waikiki Penthouse is located in Waikiki, in a convenient location near to many top attractions. The high-end shopping and fast pace of Downtown is also just a short drive away.
The villa features a simple aesthetic decor to further amplify the magical view of the ocean and Waikiki district. Romantic sunsets can be enjoyed from the hot tub, the balcony, or the rooftop pool. Guests can choose to prepare meals in the well-equipped kitchen, or head out to one of the many restaurants nearby.
There are two bedrooms with romantic four-poster beds, a dry sauna, and a wine cellar. You can take sunset walks along Waikiki Beach or visit the incredible woodlands and flowers of Kapiolani Park.
Best Villa for a Group of Friends – Kahala Beachfront
Located in the desirable Kahala area in the south of Honolulu, Kahala Beachfront is surrounded by swaying palms just steps from the ocean.
With five bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms, the villa is an ideal retreat for a group of friends. With an open living area, gourmet kitchen, and dining table for up to 14 guests, there’s plenty of opportunities to get together.
A hot tub, two swimming pools (one heated), a barbeque area, and a tennis court allow you to make the most of the outdoors. Restaurants, watersports, and shopping are also within easy reach of this villa.
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View on Osprey View on REIOver-the-Top Luxury Villa – Royal Kailua Estate
Royal Kailua Estate offers direct access to Kailua Beach in Oahu. Offering expansive views of the ocean and beautiful outdoor areas from which to soak it all in, this villa is one of the most unique accommodations in Honolulu.
The villa has five exceptional bedrooms as well as a separate three-bedroom guesthouse to accommodate a total of up to 16 guests. A dining pavilion is hidden amid lush gardens and includes a full kitchen, barbeque, and wet bar.
Multiple salons and lounges provide dreamy places to relax, in addition to a pool, spa, billiard room, and home theatre with cinema-style seating.
Best Villa for Families Visiting Honolulu – Kalakaua Villa
In a prime location near Waikiki Beach, Kalakaua Villa lies just one mile from Diamond Head Lookout and Tongs Beach. The location is ideal for a memorable family escape but is still close enough to a range of experiences for every member of the family.
The villa features an open-plan living area with surf-inspired décor, opening onto a gracious patio that looks out over the crashing waves below. From the rooftop terrace, you can enjoy panoramic views of the volcano and ocean.
Oahu’s South Shore boasts exceptional scenery and access to top attractions including regional parks, museums, historic sites such as the world-famous Pearl Harbour Museum, and plenty of water sports. Guests travelling with children can request childcare and family gear.
The Absolute Cheapest Villa in Honolulu – Secluded Nuuanu Valley Villa
Enjoy an affordable stay in a lush, tropical setting, at this secluded villa in Nuuanu Valley. Located just off the highway, the villa is ideally located within easy access to a whole bunch of experiences.
You can stay in this well-furnished ensuite room, which also has a walk-in closet and a private lanai overlooking the beautiful gardens. Guests will also have access to the rest of the villa, which is shared with the resident family. This includes the kitchen, living room, swimming pool, sauna, and yoga room.
Downtown Honolulu’s restaurants and great shopping are a short drive away, while Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head Lookout are a 15-minute drive away.
Amazing Luxury Villa in Honolulu – Plantation at Paradise Point
Located in Kailua Beach, Plantation at Paradise Point is situated away from the hustle and bustle, but still only 10 minutes from Lanikai Beach and 35 minutes from Waikiki Beach.
This well-furnished, elegant retreat is famed for hosting the Obamas many times. With five stylish bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms, this exceptional villa is ideal for any family or group.
In the outdoors, the villa offers a cloistered courtyard, which includes a cabana, island spa, and a lagoon pool with a waterfall, all sheltered by lush tropical vegetation.
Best Villa for Solo Travellers – The Buddha Room at the Zen Sanctuary
The Buddha Room at the Zen Sanctuary is situated in the beautiful neighborhood of Maunalani Heights. This area is great for enjoying walks, hikes, and enjoying beautiful sunsets at scenic lookouts.
Your room will offer a comfortable retreat with a separate entrance, a newly updated bathroom, and a private deck. Guests also have access to a shared kitchen, pool, and laundry facilities.
This villa is ideal for solo travelers, whether you’re travelling for business, leisure, or backpacking Hawaii. A private office space is available for daily use and top restaurants are within easy reach of the villa.
Best Villa for a Weekend in Honolulu – Hale Mahinalani
Hale Mahinalani means ‘House of the Heavenly Moon’, and from its quiet location against the cliffs of Diamond Head Crater, this luxurious villa offers exquisite ocean views from a lush setting.
The villa is ideal for a family or group looking to kick back and relax. It features an award-winning design and well-appointed indoor-outdoor living. A family-style dining area and giant deck with hammocks and loungers offer the perfect space to be together, while multiple courtyards and green spaces offer privacy.
State-of-the-art luxuries add to the experience such as concierge services, private chefs, massages, and boat charters.
Villa with an Epic Location – Kaikuono Villa
Set among towering palms and a modernist sculpture garden, Kaikuono Villa overlooks the sparkling ocean in Kahala. Just three miles from Waikiki and less than a mile from Diamond Head, the villa is ideally located to experience the best of the island.
The Buddhist-inspired decor is apparent from three Zen-style bedrooms, providing a peaceful retreat for complete relaxation. The spacious living area opens onto the furnished lanai through a wall of sliding glass doors.
Within easy reach of the villa, guests can enjoy a wide range of water sports as well as world-class golf.
Best Villa for Views – Kehaulani
As one of the best villas in Honolulu for views, Kehaulani is perfectly positioned for enjoying the variety of experiences near Kailua. Three of the four bedrooms in the villa feature private balconies with ocean views.
Of course, the spacious lanai offers unobstructed views and plenty of space to truly relax in paradise. The modern interiors are well furnished and equipped to offer all the essentials and more.
With so many activities and attractions nearby, Kehaulani is ideal for a family vacation or group. Water sports, golf, top beaches, and pristine natural beauty are all a stone’s throw from the villa.
Best Villa for Long-Term Travellers – Oceanfront Paradise
Offering a luxurious home-away-from-home, this oceanfront paradise is centrally located just 10 minutes to Kahala and five minutes to Hawaii Kai. From its oceanfront location, you can enjoy unobstructed beach access.
With six bedrooms and plenty of space to enjoy, the home is an ideal family or group villa in Honolulu. From the large kitchen to the spacious gardens and upper verandah, there are plenty of spots throughout the house for coming together or enjoying a solitary moment.
Offering all the comforts of home with some added luxury elements and an exceptional location, the villa is ideally suited for long-term stays. Shopping and restaurants are conveniently close by, too.
Most Beautiful Villa in Honolulu – Royal Hawaiian Beach Estate
One of the most beautiful villas in Honolulu, the Royal Hawaiian Beach Estate is located in the renowned Waimanalo area, known for being the backdrop for Magnum PI, Lost, and Hawaii 5.0. The area doesn’t allow large hotels, making this villa ideal for those wanting to escape the busier tourist areas.
Exquisite design and décor have been combined to create an opulent retreat in paradise. From the large swimming pool with its built-in slide and lava rock waterfall to the floor-to-ceiling windows that invite in the scenic views, this villa is a feast for the eyes.
Added extras include a hot tub, billiard table, foosball, a fitness room with an ocean view, video games, a telescope, a piano, and gorgeous landscape lighting.
Another Beautiful Villa in Honolulu – Hanohano Villa
Located on a lush hillside overlooking the Kalama Valley, Hanohano Villa is a glittering modern villa with stylish and elegant interiors.
From the sweeping double staircase, elevated ceilings, and double-volume windows, there’s an air of space and grace. The interiors are almost entirely all white with delicate accents to create a calming space and accentuate the views outside.
Of the four bedrooms, the two master suites have private lanais. There’s also a decadent hot tub on the stone terrace, a swimming pool, and an alfresco dining space. This well-furnished and well-equipped villa is the ideal luxurious villa in Honolulu.
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Final Thoughts on Villas in Honolulu
Honolulu, located on the south of the island of Oahu, is the more populated end of the island and offers a wealth of things to see and do. From shopping and entertainment in Downtown Honolulu to pristine natural beauty, volcanoes, sandy beaches, scenic lookouts, and thrilling watersports.
But what makes a vacation truly magical is where you stay. When staying at one of the best villas in Honolulu, a relaxing and unforgettable stay is almost guaranteed. Why stay in a hotel when you can stay in a traditional Hawaiin home with homely comforts? Well, we’ll let you answer that one for yourself.
- Plan your trip with our guide to the best things to do in Honolulu.
- Then be sure to devise an epic itinerary for Hawaii before you go.
- Our in-depth backpacking Hawaii guide has all the essential info for your trip.
- There are plenty more places to visit in Hawaii after you’ve visited Honolulu.
- You’ll want to make sure to visit the best islands in Hawaii.
- For adventurers check out the best national parks of Hawaii.
- Then there are the most epic beaches in Hawaii for the beach bums.
- Get yourself covered with travel insurance for the USA.
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