The 5 Best Hostels in Maui

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Here it is—the best of the best when it comes to Maui hostels, neatly sorted by travel niche just for you. Picking your spot has never been easier, so you can hit the ground running and start exploring this island paradise ASAP.

1. Howzit Hostels – Best Overall Hostel in Maui

• Dorm (mixed): From $44
• Private Room: From $123
• Address: 2080 W. Vineyard Street, Wailuku, HI 96793, United States

Located near the center of the island in Old Wailuku Town, Howzit Hostels is one the cheapest hostels in Maui. Recently renovated and under new ownership, everything about this place is ideal for backpackers on a budget.

With the friendly and engaged staff offering free daily tours and activities (did someone say whale watching?) Howzit knows how to cultivate a social vibe, which TBH is quite rare for hostels in the USA. Aside from outings outside of the hostel, there are also on-site activities and gatherings in their many cute communal settings. Enjoy things like margarita night, trivia night, and movies where you can meet like-minded travelers from around the globe.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Tons of Activities
• Free Excursions to Maui Hotspots
• Free Pancake Breakfast

If you prefer to do things by yourself–borrow one of their free snorkel sets or boogie boards! Come back and feel at home in the common room. Make yourself snacks in the spacious kitchen where you can also count on free breakfast and coffee daily!

You can choose between mixed and single-gender 4-bed dorms as well as private rooms for two or four. This gives you plenty of opportunities to meet other people and find others to explore the island with!

Laundry facilities, luggage storage, free Wi-Fi, and a stunning balcony will make your stay a bit sweeter, as will the epic views of the lush Lao Valley. All in all, this hostel is perfect for all the broke-ass backpackers traveling Hawaii!

2. Aloha Surf Hostel – Best Hostel in Maui for Solo Travelers

• Dorm (mixed): From $54
• Address: 221 Baldwin Ave, Paia, Maui, Maui, USA

Aloha Surf Hostel is the best damn hostel in Maui! It’s in one of the best neighborhoods in Maui – right between two of the most popular surf spots – and a friendly staff committed to making your stay the best! It’s no wonder you start as a guest and leave feeling like family.

Not only is there a super sociable atmosphere, but there is a ton of freebies included in your stay. You can meet other travelers and save some coin while doing it!

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Free Pancake Brekky!
• Free Daily Tours
• Free Hot Tub

It’s just so easy to vibe with other guests here! You can play a little pool or ping pong, and chill in the common areas, and plan your Maui itinerary. Or you could hang out and watch a movie, hook up to the free wifi, and catch up with folks from home.

We know that an easy way to make friends is to bond over a good meal. So it’s great that this hostel has a well-equipped kitchen so you can show off your cooking skills. Plus, a barbeque for those balmy beach nights!

They’ve got mixed and ladies-only dorms on-site, plus free parking and spacious lockers. So, not only is the vibe awesome here, but they’ve also got all the essentials every traveler needs, with safety in mind in Hawaii.

3. Campsite in Wailuku – Best Cheap Hostel in Maui

• Private Room: From $65
• Address: Wailuku, Hawaii, United States

Look, I get it. This clearly is not a hostel. But with how expensive Hawaii is, this is about as budget-friendly as it gets. And trust me, that beach looks even sweeter when you’re not breaking the bank just to crash.

Why you’ll love this camping spot:

• Beautiful Surroundings
• Sweet Price Tag
• Centrally Located

They pitch it as a no-frills camp spot, tucked away near Wailuku town with minimal neighbors and maximum solitude. Pack everything you need though as this place isn’t handing out amenities like a resort! They do have a swimming pool and even provide fire pits though, so what else do you need but to roast marshmallows after a long day of exploring?

If you’re all about sleeping under the stars with killer views to wake up to in the morning, then this is the best place to camp in Hawaii, hands down. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but hey, saving cash while scoring epic vistas is what Maui backpacking’s all about, right?

4. Banana Bungalow Maui Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Maui

• Dorm (mixed): From $47
• Private Room: From $158
• Address: 310 N. Market St., Wailuku, Maui, Maui, USA

Hands down the best damn party hostel in Maui is Banana Bungalow! it oozes good vibes and is an awesome place to have a few beers with other guests.

Surfers, hikers, and adventure seekers alike can all be found here kicking back and having a cheeky game of beer pong and having a yarn after a long day of exploring the best Maui spots, whale watching, and finding the perfect surf spot.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Free Pancakes
• Airport Shuttle
• Hot Tub!

There are keg parties, darts, and cheap happy hour drinks. And parties always go best with a hot tub! The staff are ready to go above and beyond for you, so you just need to turn up and get your groove on!

You can always kick back in the cozy common rooms, watch a movie, or play ping pong. The good vibes here don’t have to depend on the endless partying. This is the land of laid-back surfers after all.

Be sure to check out that dope book exchange and take full advantage of the barbeque too! This place really has it all. It’s actually one of my favorite hostels in the whole of Hawaii, it’s just all round good vibes.

5. Central Maui Studio – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Maui

• Private Room: From $162
• Address: Wailuku, Hawaii, United States

Alright, let’s set the record straight—I know this isn’t your typical hostel scene! But hear me out: the affordable options when looking at where to stay in Hawaii are slim, and sometimes it’s worth splurging a bit to guarantee a solid night’s sleep and a rock-solid internet connection as a digital nomad.

Why you’ll love this studio:

• Friendly Owners
• Close To Airport
• Fully Equipped Kitchen

The owner even likens this studio to a hostel but with the perk of having your own space. It’s decked out with everything you need to chill out, catch some waves, and grind away at work in between. It’s got a shared bathroom and kitchenette, so you can cook up your own culinary creations and save some dollars whilst doing so.

Oh, and there’s a pull-out couch – perfect for bunking up with mates or turning into your makeshift office (guilty as charged). With free Wi-Fi and a prime location to set up camp for your Maui adventures, it’s pretty much got all the bases covered. What more could you ask for?

Most Maui hostels fill up fast because they’re in high demand. If you’ve missed out on snagging one, maybe it’s time to pamper yourself with an affordable Maui Airbnb or hotel instead. I’ve scouted high and low for the best options in Maui that still won’t break the bank.

6. Comfy room in Lahaina

• Private Room: From $129
• Address: Lahaina, Hawaii, United States

This humble Maui vacation rental is cozy, spotless, and – most importantly – easy on the wallet. You get your own space with access to a shared kitchen and bathroom, plus killer oceanfront views. The location is prime, just a quick drive to the best snorkeling spots in West Maui.

They’ve got snorkeling gear and beach chairs ready for you, which is a nice touch.

Priscila, the host, is an absolute gem! She welcomes everyone with open arms and even hooks you up with snacks, drinks, and a delicious local pineapple. Hospitality here is off the charts!

7. Comfy Budget Haven with A/C & Netflix

• Private Room: From $166
• Address: Wailuku, Hawaii, United States

This spot is a hidden gem for budget travelers. Seriously, there’s no better deal around – most Maui hostels charge more, and that’s with a shared bathroom.

Traveling with friends? This place is perfect. You get that dorm vibe with way more privacy, and it’s the same price as a hostel! The room has slick European hydraulic Murphy bunk beds that fold into the wall, maximizing your space.

You’ll find everything you need for a longer stay, including a fridge, microwave, and coffee machine. And if you crave a morning caffeine fix out and about, there are some great coffee shops and small stores just a short stroll away.

8. Kahana Falls Resort

• Private Room: From $309
• Address: 4260 Lower Honoapiilani Road , Honokowai, HI 96761, United States

The only hotel on this list, this spot is probably the most affordable resort you’ll find in Maui. If you’re itching to splurge without completely blowing your backpacker budget, this place is calling your name.

The resort boasts a stunning green space with a pool and an artificial waterfall right in the center. Common areas are spacious, clean, and perfect for hanging out. They’ve even got BBQ facilities so you can grill up some local seafood like a pro. The rooms are modern and clean, complete with balconies for soaking in those epic Maui sunsets.

9. Hakuna Matata Hostel

The laid-back Hakuna Matata Hostel is a place where you can leave any cares and worries at the door. Go with the flow and meet loads of cool people in a fabulous location close to Lahaina Beach.

Steps from the sands, you’re also just a short stroll from shops, bars, and restaurants. Of course, the social vibes here match its epic location – and then some!

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Free bikes for exploring the island
• 1 minute from the beach
• Friendly staff

Solo travelers especially will love the social vibe here. It is just so easy to meet other laid-back travelers! There’s a great common area, plus you’re so close to the best surf spots in Maui too.

There’s also wifi and air conditioner here, so you’re not without some good comforts. Go all out and cook up a feast in the kitchen or catch up with your laundry. It’s all here and included onsite!

There are mixed and female-only dorm rooms and private rooms for two. Couples can still take advantage of the friendly social atmosphere while having a bit of private space.

10. Best Western Pioneer Inn

Located in the heart of the beach town Lahaina, the charming Best Western Pioneer Inn has a plantation theme. The outdoor pool is inviting and a great way to cool down in the heat.

The restaurant serves tasty cuisine and other pluses include tour booking services so you can go whale watching. Plus they have free parking and Wi-Fi, laundry services, and a business center. All rooms are en-suite and have a TV, telephone, and coffee machine.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Maui

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Look, I get it – there’s not a whole loada hostels in Maui. But in comparison to other islands in Hawaii, you can definitely explore Maui on the cheap if you’re thrifty enough. And you just have to. Maui is one of the most beautiful islands in all of Hawaii!

I’ve done my homework to try and find the cheapest options on the island, whether it be hostels, campsites or humble vacation rentals, all so you can snag a bargain and get to living your best beach bum life ASAP.

If you still can’t pick one, Howzit Hostels is my favorite for sure. Just remember to book far enough in advance because this one gets snagged for good reason!

Now, if you’re like me – a typical backpacker who tends to procrastinate and finds Maui’s hostels fully booked – no sweat. The vacation rentals I recommend are sweet deals too.

For the best bang for your buck, Maui Airbnbs is where it’s at. Hotels and resorts? Well, they’ll cost you a pretty penny here – it’s your call whether the splurge is worth it.

I hope my epic guide to Maui’s top hostels has helped you nail down the perfect pad for your adventure!

And hey, if you stumble upon any hidden gems or must-try spots, drop me a comment—I’m always hunting for the next best spot on the island. Happy travels!