9 Island Airbnbs in the U.S. That Feel Like a Private Paradise
If you’ve ever fantasized about an island escape without the jet lag or customs line, you’re not alone. But what if we tell you that you don’t need to leave the country to experience an island getaway with the privacy, views, and pace of life that reset your system?
Across the U.S., there are islands where time slows and ordinary stress fades behind stretches of beach or forest. These Airbnbs deliver that vacation mood without the chaos of a packed resort or overseas flight. Here are 15 that stand out.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hawai’i Masterpiece on the Big Island
Credit: airbnb
Let’s start with the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home in the entire state of Hawai‘i. This one-of-a-kind Airbnb near Waimea is located above a lazy stream, with panoramic views of not one, not two, but three volcanoes. Inside, it’s all signature Wright geometry and warm wood tones. Outside, it’s hilltop serenity at its finest.
Entire Cabin in Volcano, Hawaii, United States
Credit: Airbnb
Just five minutes from Volcano National Park, this peaceful modern cabin is a perfect home base for adventure. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the forest indoors, and you’ll have a hot tub, fire pit, and all the comforts of home, including a full kitchen, plush queen bed, and Bose Bluetooth speakers for relaxing nights.
Lighthouse Vibes on Amelia Island, Florida
Credit: Facebook
You might expect this New England-style beach house to be perched on a Maine cliff, but surprise, it’s right on Fernandina Beach. What makes it work is that this three-bedroom rental comes with direct ocean access, a wraparound deck, and a collection of beach toys.
Fire Island’s Pyramid House with Poolside Cabanas
Credit: airbnb
This place is unlike anything else on Fire Island. Floor-to-ceiling windows open up to the sand dunes, with a sleek pool flanked by two cabana bedrooms. It’s group-trip gold—close enough to walk to Ocean Beach shops, but cleverly positioned to feel off-the-grid when you want it to be.
Wolf Den on Vashon Island, Washington
Credit: Instagram
If Tree Therapy had a headquarters, it might be this sleek black cedar cabin buried in the woods of Vashon Island. High ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an outdoor wood-fired tub make it feel like you’re camping without actually roughing it. Surrounded by dense fir, maple, and madrone trees, it is a place to unplug with enough comfort for modern travelers.
Garden-Crater Hideaway in Koloa, Kaua’i
Credit: airbnb
Here’s one for the plant lovers and quiet chasers. This two-bedroom stay is surrounded by tropical foliage so dense that it filters sunlight and mutes everything else. Interiors are thoughtfully renovated—no island kitsch here—while outside, it’s all green shadows, bird calls, and a stroll away from sunny Poipu Beach.
Inside Acadia: Modern Design on Mount Desert Island, Maine
Credit: airbnb
This modern five-bedroom home is designed with clean lines, birch ceilings, and a wall of glass to anchor you in nature without ever stepping outside. It’s all forest, coast, and calm, and the kind of place that reminds you Maine does drama in the most understated way.
Oceanfront Duplex in Haleʻiwa, Oʻahu
Credit: Instagram
On O‘ahu’s famously surfy North Shore, it’s easy to feel swept up in the action, but this oceanfront duplex finds the in-between. With two bedrooms, an open kitchen, and a shaded lanai that opens to a stretch of rarely crowded sand, it’s close to everything yet quietly apart.
Organic Farm Stay in Hana, Maui
Credit: Airbnb
This off-grid cottage sits on five acres of certified organic farmland about ten minutes from Hāna Town. This farm stay is a one-bedroom setup with a small kitchen, rainwater system, and solar electricity. The farm grows various types of fruits most of it for local markets and community use. The space is quiet and you won’t get much cell signal, but the connection to the land is strong. Chickens roam the property, and breakfast often comes from trees just outside the door.
Seaview Pool House on Fire Island, New York
Credit: Airbnb
This Fire Island Airbnb is tailored for longer summer stays With four bedrooms, a private pool, and a roof deck. The booking runs weekly in-season, but guests are rewarded with a setup that includes beach access, sunset views, and space to entertain, without ferrying off-island each day.
Orcas Island Estate Overlooking Grindstone Harbor
Credit: Airbnb
This estate leans into the island fantasy with five wooded acres, a window seat for every mood, and a hot tub that overlooks the harbor. You’ll find it on the east side of Orcas, about 15 minutes from the ferry landing. Inside, there’s hand-built cabinetry, fir floors, and wide windows that pull in the light. Step outside and a gravel path takes you through the trees down toward the water.
Ocean-View on Catalina Island, California
Credit: Airbnb
This three-bedroom, two-bath cottage sits a few blocks uphill from Avalon’s main street, close enough to walk to the ferry terminal, Vons grocery, and Crescent Avenue’s small shops. The layout is simple and efficient, with hardwood floors, updated appliances, and a shaded patio that gets partial ocean views. It’s a quiet spot, especially on weekdays, and works well if you’re here to hike, kayak, or just stay put and read in the afternoon.
House with Mauna Kea Views, Hawai’i Island
Credit: Airbnb
This two-bedroom home offers space and quiet just outside Waimea. With open-plan living and floor-to-ceiling windows framing Mauna Kea, it’s a calm, well-placed retreat. Plus, it’s only minutes from markets, coffee spots, and everyday essentials.
Floating Tiki Suite in Key West, Florida
Credit: Instagram
This one-of-a-kind floating glamping suite is accessible by boat or shuttle. It includes paddleboards, snorkel gear, and a hammock. French doors surround a king bed with water views. There’s no kitchen, but a cooler keeps food cold for days. Just bring ice and supplies.
Lakefront Home in Lake Havasu City
Credit: Airbnb
You can’t get much closer to the water than this island getaway in Lake Havasu. Nearly every window has a lake view, and outside, there’s a huge deck with a grill, comfy seating, and private stairs down to the water, with a buoy and optional dock, too.