The 5 Best Hostels in Hawaii

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Typically, the larger the dorm’s capacity, the cheaper the price. While not every hostel has private rooms, note that when they are available they are significantly more expensive. Airbnbs or other Hawaiian vacation rentals may provide more value.

To give you a better idea, I did some research and listed the vibe for different islands in Hawaii:

• O’ahu – perfect for exploring the city’s hotspot
• Maui – for those who want to party
• Hawaii – the best nature vibes

The best hostels in Hawaii are compiled in an orderly fashion below. Because I shudder to think of all the time googling and researching you’ll have to do just to turn up at a place that… isn’t that great. These are the best hostels for your Hawaii itinerary, whether you need hostels for couples, for digital nomads, for partying, or even for solo travel.

1. THE BEACH Waikiki Boutique Hostel by IH – Best Overall Hostel in Hawaii

• Dorm (mixed): From $58
• Private Room: From $132
• Address: 2566 Cartwright Rd., Honolulu, USA

Honolulu is the capital of the state of Hawaii and it’s pretty buzzy, but there are heaps of Honolulu hostels due to its size. Yikes. This place is pretty pricey but it’s Hawaii, not Southeast Asia.

Not just the top hostel in Hawaii but also the best hostel in Honolulu, you’ll be within walking distance of the famous Waikiki Beach. It’s closer to basic in terms of stay, I’d say – more homely than design-y. That said, the outside areas (especially outside the private rooms) look like they’ve been renovated recently and it does look pretty cool.

Speaking of outside areas, there’s an outdoor kitchen you can use as well as a rooftop. Rooms are also equipped with AC, and cleanliness is a priority. Stay at THE BEACH Waikiki Boutique Hostel and you’ll be near the island’s top attractions.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Near the beach!
• Self-catering kitchen
• Free equipment

It’s all about the outdoors in Hawaii; you can rent watersports equipment here and some of it is free for use. The staff – who are very welcoming and very friendly – also take guests out on various tours. With the proximity to one of the best beaches in Hawaii, clean rooms, and legendary staff, this place is hands-down the best hostel in Hawaii.

A bit of a hidden gem, Hilo is all about nature, and boy, is it beautiful. First and foremost it’s pretty well known for the Wailuku River State Park, where you’ll find the famous Rainbow Falls (named because of the effects of its mist).

Elsewhere there are gardens galore in the form of the stunning Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, and Japanese-style Liliuokalani Park and Gardens. Here, you’ll also find Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to a luscious rainforest and actual volcanoes.

Beaches galore shimmer as the city embraces the sea in a wide curve of gold and blue. There are plenty of other things to do in Honolulu besides catch the surf. There’s a WWII memorial here dedicated to Pearl Harbor and plenty of delicious local eats.

2. Open Gate Hostel (Pahoa) – Best Hostel in Hawaii for Solo Travellers

• Dorm (mixed): From $45
• Private Room: From $92
• Address: 12-2278 Piilani Road,, Kalapana Gardens, Pahoa, USA

Honestly, this isn’t just one of the best hostels in Hawaii, but it’s one of the best hostels in the USA! Quite literally situated on top of a lava field, Open Gate has a trendy, artistic vibe and is located in a unique area.

To visit Pahoa is to get a feel for what Hawaii was like before mass tourism took over. The hostel is far beyond what you typically find in the States, which makes it all the more remarkable. Not to mention that the lava field location seems surreal.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Outdoor tiki bar
• Incredible murals
• Offbeat location

You’ll find a social atmosphere perfect for meeting travel buddies, bonfires, BBQ nights, and a stunning black sand beach nearby. The entire area has a real “backpackers vibe” and is right in the center of some truly rugged nature–Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is nearby.

Dorms come with either four or six beds, and female travelers can choose between a mixed or female-only room. Private rooms with a shared bathroom are also on offer, though expect to pay a lot more!

3. My Hawaii Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Hawaii

• Dorm (mixed): From $50
• Address: 76-6241 Alii Drive, Suite 5, Kailua-Kona, USA

My Hawaii Hostel is one of the best decorated hostels that I’ve ever seen! The cheapest place to stay on Kailua-Kona, and possibly the prettiest hostel in Hawaii.

Honestly, whoever did all this has a great eye – it’s all bright accents, muted tones, pale wood bunks, and design-oriented living with an emphasis on homely-meets-minimalist. How’s that for a mouthful? You can choose between female or mixed dorms, or alternatively, you can elect to stay in one of their private rooms.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Great common areas
• Close to multiple beaches
• Gear rental

So yeah, apart from looking a lot, LOT, nicer than most other budget accommodations in Hawaii, this hostel also has a well-equipped kitchen. There’s a cozy little common room, an outside terrace for BBQs, and super comfy beds.

Rooms are cleaned daily, and they also have a laundry service you can avail if you’re tired of hand washing your stuff in the shower! Booking a Hawaii hostel is undoubtedly the cheapest way to see this very expensive state. Aside from being best for your budget, staying in a hostel will allow you to meet other travelers from all over the world.

And, of course, staff will recommend some cool stuff to do, i.e. snorkeling/diving. You’ll wanna do that. The only downside is the location since it’s slightly out of town, but there’s a trolley nearby, and nothing is too far to walk!

As you can imagine, backpacking in Hawaii is certainly not a budget travel activity–even the hostel dorm rooms can get pricey. Even so, My Hawaii hostels are still reasonably priced and centrally located.

4. Aloha Surf Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Hawaii

• Dorm (mixed): From $58
• Private Room: From $168
• Address: 221 Baldwin Ave, Paia, Maui, Maui, USA

Aloha Surf Hostel is not JUST the best hostel in Hawaii for surfing, but it’s one of the best hostels anywhere in the state. Nestled in the historic town of Paia on Maui, this top-rated backpackers hostel is THE place to go for water sports. And, if you like to party like Jack Johnson.

Never mind the fact that this epic hostel is just a few minutes from some incredible Hawaiian beaches and mountains! Don’t forget to add a good pair of shoes to your Hawaii packing list.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Free daily tours
• On-site hot tub
• Outdoor BBQ

Aloha Surf Hostel is consistently given glowing reviews by travelers and boasts comfy and clean dorms as well as some truly incredible staff members. Tours often include fun activities like cliff jumping or snorkeling, and the hostel even provides a FREE pancake breakfast each morning.

You’ll get to choose between a 10-bed female-only dormitory room or a six-bed mixed dorm. But, I bet you’ll spend more time in the common areas. The social vibe peaks with an outdoor hot tub that actually works.

5. Howzit Hostels Hawaii – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Hawaii

If you’re wanting to juggle working with adventure in Hawaii, Howzit Hostels Hawaii certainly has you sorted. It’s colorful, and it has an ideal place to stay in Hilo. You can choose between a female dormitory room and a mixed dorm, or if you’re feeling fancy, go straight for one of the private rooms.

The hostel also comes equipped with a small kitchenette and free wifi, perfect for those slower travelers that are looking for a lil bit of normality in their hostel.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Clean and Modern Amenities
• Free Pancakes
• Social Vibes

Howzit actually gets the social side of things right, which is a rare thing in US hostels. It’s not just about the organized outings—they’ve got easy-going communal spaces and regular in-house activities that make it simple to connect without all the awkward effort.

Mornings kick off with free chocolate chip pancakes and coffee, no fuss, just something decent to start the day. Later on, there’s trivia, margarita nights, and the occasional movie—low-key ways to meet other fellow backpackers and deff not a party pit for those early mornings online.

Yeah, Hawaii’s top five hostels are fantastic, but I thought I’d give you a bit more inspiration to make your choice. Here are even more epic backpacker hostels and places to stay in Hawaii.

6. Seaside Hawaiian Hostel Waikiki

• Dorm (mixed): From $40
• Address: 419 Seaside Avenue,, Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu, Honolulu, USA

This top Oahu hostel is just steps away from the world-famous Waikiki beach, but that’s not the only reason it made the list! Of course with a city comes things like high-end resorts, shopping malls, fancy restaurants – you name it, it’s here (probably). Heard of Waikiki? This neighborhood’s where it’s at.

It’s an adequate place to stay, let’s put it that way – it’s a Honolulu backpackers hostel after all. But, yeah, for that price, I’m saying it’s the best cheap place to stay in Honolulu. It’s situated in what seems like it used to be a hotel, so the dorms here are ‘apartment style.’

The staff are friendly and easygoing, and there are some really nice areas to hang out in during your Waikiki stay. And while it doesn’t have your traditional selection of private rooms, there is a semi-private room available in the female dormitory, but with a shared bathroom.

For a cheap place to stay in Oahu, this place is great. Just don’t forget your eye mask and ear plugs as the dorm rooms can get bright and loud at times.

7. Hilo Bay Hostel

• Dorm (mixed): From $39
• Private Room: From $136
• Address: 107 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, USA

As far as a Hawaii backpackers hostel goes, this one is really cool, and maybe, it might just be the cheapest hostel in Hawaii. The hostel is set in an old wooden building, with lots of antique touches, making you feel like you’re in a Hawaii of the past. It might feel a bit spooky-movie-esque to some, but once you get past that you can appreciate how sick this place is.

The owner is lovely, the common areas are ace – meaning you can meet people and get to know ’em super easily. This Hilo hostel’s in an amazing location in downtown Hilo, which is perfect for stepping out for a bite to eat or a lil’ explore.

8. Kona Beach Hostel

• Dorm (mixed): From $58
• Private Room: From $100
• Address: 75-5874 Walua Rd, Kailua Kona 96740, Kailua-Kona, USA

The center of commerce and tourism on the west side of Hawaii, Kailua-Kona is a captivating cocktail of history and, um, the sea. It’s home to Hawaii’s first Christian church (1800), ancient rock art at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, and the former residence of King Kamehameha I. Aaaand then there’s coral at Kamakahonu Beach and great kayaking to be had at Keauhou Bay. It’s all here!

Cute! That’s how I’d describe Kona Beach Hostel, the best hostel with a private room in Kailua-Kona. As you might expect, the private rooms are cute, you’ll feel like you’re staying in a seaside homestay or B&B more than a Kailua-Kona backpackers hostel. The price is a little, hmm, pricey, but relative to basically all other accommodations in Hawaii, it’s a steal.

The wooden beachside cottage feel of the place definitely sells this place in terms of how charming it is… But don’t be expecting an overly social vibe – there’s no real common room inside, just an outdoor area. Buuuuut since this is Big Island and you’re probs gonna be driving around in a rental car checking out the amazing sights, all good!

Location-wise Kona Beach Hostel is just outside of town, but it’s easy to drive there or catch the bus. Plus, there’s also a nice little beach just across the road from this awesome youth hostel in Hawaii.

9. Pineapple Kona

• Dorm (mixed): From $52
• Private Room: From $120
• Address: 81-6363 Mamalahoa HWY, Kealakekua, HI 96750, Hawaii’s Big Island, Kailua-Kona, USA

Pineapple Kona is one of the cheapest places to stay on Kailua-Kona, and is the BEST place to stay in Hawaii if you love water activities! This backpackers hostel has a view of the ocean and offers plenty of gear, including kayaks and snorkels. Free tea and coffee are provided, which is a treat in this expensive state and there’s even a cool BBQ area.

The hostel is conveniently located near tasty food spots and stunning beaches and features numerous relaxing common areas. You’ll be able to choose between a four-bed female dorm or a four to six-bed mixed dorm or score a private room for about double the price. As it’s located just above Kealakekua Bay, the hostel is a true paradise for snorkeling, kayaking or paddling, even the occasional manta ray snorkeling tour.

10. Banana Bungalow Maui Hostel

• Dorm (mixed): From $42
• Private Room: From $131
• Address: 310 N. Market St., Wailuku, Maui, Maui, USA

You can road trip on the utterly scenic Hana Highway, or explore the 122 acres of volcanic landscape and black sand of Wai’anapanapa State Park. Whatever you do, staying at a hostel is a massively cheaper way to see this otherwise luxury island.

Wow, now, seriously, if you’re looking for one of the most sociable and top hostels in Hawaii let alone in Maui – here’s the place. It’s called Banana Bungalow Maui Hostel, and it is THE most fun Hawaii backpackers hostel. Staying in Maui is an essential Hawaii experience, this famous island has some of the state’s most breathtaking attractions and scenery.

The staff do a great job of cultivating a welcoming atmosphere, but aside from that it’s really the FREE TOURS that help bring everyone together. Huh, what, free tours? On Maui? Yes, free tours, and yes on Maui. This budget hostel even offers free airport shuttles!

The tours include hiking the Iao Valley rainforest, going snorkeling, windsurfing at Ho’okipa, basically beaches beaches beaches when it isn’t hiking and road trips.

Oh, and, um, yeah, the good vibes probably have something to do with the free keg parties, happy hours, and even free breakfast! All of this adds up to what is easily the best Hawaii party hostel. And it’s only for backpackers, so you could say this is the only true Maui backpackers hostel.

Maui is also Hawaii’s most expensive island, so be prepared for higher prices in general. Luxury resorts sit up against stretches of heavenly beaches and azure seas, whilst inland there’s the Haleakala National Park around Maui’s highest peak, Haleakala. Once you’ve booked your hostel in Maui, you can start planning your Maui itinerary.

11. Hakuna Matata Hostel

The private rooms at Hakuna Matata are pretty stunning, I have to say; wood panels, beautifully made beds, and cabana-style furniture. All complete with a cool and chilled color scheme that suits the sea, these rooms look great and are also super comfortable. Boasting the best location on Lahaina Beach, it’s easy to sink into a chilled Maui lifestyle with the sea and sand so near to you.

Bicycles, kayaks, surfboards, and various other beach equipment is FREE to use at this hostel. This makes being on the beach so much better than just sitting on it – which is pretty nice as is. And if you don’t fancy being ON the beach at any point, see the sea from the backyard gardens of this epic Lahaina location.

Even whilst staying in a private room, you’re bound to meet and make friends with other guests here, as the vibe is social and friendly. But those rooms though, little slices of beachside cottage heaven, honestly. It should be no surprise that this is one of the best hostels in Maui!

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Hawaii

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.

By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Hawaii has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! From beach-side digs to a hostel that’s located in a lava field, there’s no doubt that Hawaii’s hostels are among the best in the USA.

So what are you waiting for? The most beautiful state in the country is just begging to be explored. Book your ticket and your hostel and get ready to say Aloha to paradise!

If you’re still on the fence about where to stay, I get it, there are so many options and so many islands. My number one pick, THE BEACH Waikiki Boutique Hostel by IH is there for a reason, it’s one of the few Hilo Hostels. In my opinion, Hilo is severely underrated so I’d start at this conveniently located hostel and see where you wanna go from there. 

If you’re looking for something cheaper, My Hawaii Hostel is the one. In an amazing location on Hawaii Island, this Big Island Hostel will treat you right and is a seriously budget accommodation. 

I’m so sure that you’ll love your time here wherever you stay, Hawaii is such a tropical paradise, it’s hard to have a bad time. Enjoy the magic sands beaches and free pancake breakfast if you stay at the right hostel 😉

Please hit me up in the comments if you think I’ve missed anything, I’d love to chat.