If you are traveling to Hawaii, you are probably aware that it’s absolutely beautiful – but also absolutely expensive! If only there were a way to lower the costs of traveling to Hawaii….
I bring to you – our Insider Guide to the best hostels in Maui!
If you are traveling Hawaii on a budget, the best way to cut down your travel costs is by staying at a hostel. Much cheaper than hostels, the best hostels in Maui will plug you in with other travelers, and help you save a boat ton of money.
But unfortunately, there aren’t a ton of hostels in Maui, and they have a reputation for getting booked quickly.
Which is exactly why we wrote this guide to the best hostels in Maui!
With the help of this insider guide, you’ll be able to find a hostel in Maui that fits your travel style, and book it to make sure you are guaranteed to save money on this otherwise expensive island.
Then you can focus on what matters – hiking, snorkeling, and adventuring on this amazing island!
Let’s look at the top hostels in Maui…
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Maui
- Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Maui – Hakuna Matata Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Maui – Howzit Hostels
- Best Party Hostel in Maui – Banana Bungalow Maui Hostel
What to Expect from Hostels in Maui
Booking a hostel over a hotel has several perks. Obviously, it is a fair bit cheaper (and in Hawaii you have to work hard to stick to your budget!) than staying in a hotel. But it is also a great way to meet new folks while on the road. Hostels are renowned for their great social atmosphere, and as places to exchange travel tips and tricks.
When you’re busy doing the best activities in Maui you’ll want somewhere vibrant and comfortable to stay the night. Luckily the hostels here cater for solo travellers and sun seekers. They are laid back youth hostels with a good party vibe.
The dorm style sleeping arrangements keep the nightly rate low. Most hostels have private room options as well, and while these are more expensive, they are still cheaper than hotel prices. You might be surprised at the nightly rate of hostels in Maui (they seem so expensive still!) but they are still cheaper compared with the hotels on the island.
We found the average nightly rate to stay in a hostel in Maui:
- Dorms: $49USD
- Private Rooms: $150USD
When you start your search for a hostel, be sure to check out hostelworld. They are an easy way to compare hundreds of hostels against each other and find one that suits you and your budget best. You can see guest reviews and all the facilities of a property listed in one place.
You’ll want to know where to stay in Maui before you pick a hostel so that you are close to the attractions you want to see the most. The best neighbourhoods in Maui are:
- Lahaina – for the first timers on the island!
- Wailuku – for all you broke backpackers on a budget.
- Kihei – best nightlife on the island.
Once you’ve worked out where you want to stay, it’s time to pick the perfect hostel!
The 5 Best Hostels in Maui
There are many great hostels in Maui, so we rounded them up to make choosing one super simple. We split them into travel niches to make it easier to find the hostel that is right for you! Scroll on down and you’ll find a little something for everyone.
#1 Hakuna Matata Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Maui
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 travellers especially will love the social vibe here. It is just so easy to meet other laid back travellers! There’s a great common area, plus you’re so close to beach to go for a surf or to play volleyball.
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 dorms and private rooms for two. A couple can still take advantage of the friendly social atmosphere while having a bit of private space.
#2 Howzit Hostels – Best Cheap Hostel in Maui
Located near the centre of the island in Old Wailuku Town, Howzit Hostels is the cheapest hostel in Maui. Recently renovated and under new ownership, everything about this place is ideal for backpackers on a budget.
With friendly and engaged staff that offer daily tours and activities (for free!) 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 travellers 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 out there who want to see the best of Hawaii!
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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI#3 Banana Bungalow Maui Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Maui
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 fellow travellers.
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.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free pancakes
- Airport shuttle
- Hot tub!
There’s 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 cosy 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
If you’re looking for the coolest hostel in Maui that’s just pure fun – look no further than Banana Bungalow.
#4 Napili Kai Beach Resort – Best Hostel for Families in Maui
If you’re travelling with little ones, somewhere with a pool and a bit more space is probably right up your alley! Napili Kai Beach Resort, hits that spot perfectly!
Plus, the location is absolutely fabulous and there is a touch of luxury that doesn’t go astray on a family holiday.
What you’ll love about this hostel:
- Classy restaurant
- Mai Tai parties
- Close to the beach
There are four swimming pools to choose between, as well as a modern fitness centre, two putting greens, a top-class restaurant, and a tour desk. There’s also epic barbecue nights! So plenty of activities to keep the young ones entertained.
It’s also super close to the beach – perfect for a day of fun in the sun. It is also close to restaurants and shopping centres.
All rooms have a private bathroom, beautiful décor, a microwave, fridge, coffee machine, and TV. Go on—treat yourself!
#5 Aloha Surf Hostel – Overall Best Hostel in Maui
Aloha Surf Hostel is the best damn hostel in Maui! It has a fantastic location – right between two of the most popular surf breaks – and a friendly staff committed to making your stay the best! It’s not wonder you start as a guest and leave feeling like family.
Not only is there is a super sociable atmosphere, there is a tonne of freebies included in your stay. You can meet other travellers and save some coin while doing it!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free pancake brekky!
- Free tours with hostel staff.
- 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. 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!
There are mixed and ladies-only dorms onsite as well as free parking. So not only is there a great atmosphere at Aloha Surf Hostel, but they also have the necessities of a traveller in mind.
Best Hotels in Maui (for all budgets!)
With just seven hostels to choose between in Maui, maybe you’d prefer to treat yourself to a stay in one of Maui’s top hotels instead? We’ve carefully chosen our top three choices, with a Maui hotel recommendation to suit all budgets.
Best Western Pioneer Inn – Best Budget Hotel in Maui
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, free Wi-Fi and parking, laundry services, and a business centre. All rooms are en-suite and have a TV, telephone, and coffee machine.
Mana Kai Maui – Best Splurge Hotel in Maui
If you really want to splash out and have a luxurious stay, Mana Kai Maui is perfect. From the swimming pool, restaurant, yoga studios, and fitness centre, to the business centre, coin-operated washing machines, equipment rentals, tour desk, and free Wi-Fi and parking, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable and pleasant stay.
Rooms are available in different sizes to accommodate couples, families, and groups of friends, and all rooms are en-suite with a TV and iPod docking station.
Mana Kai Maui is one of our favourites in Maui but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
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Hide Yo’ Money!What to Pack for your Maui Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
FAQ about Hostels in Maui
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Maui.
How much does a hostel cost in Maui?
The average nightly rate of a stay in a hostel in Maui starts from $49 for a dorm and $150+ for a private room.
What are the best hostels in Maui for couples?
Aloha Surf Hostel is an ideal hostel for couples in Maui. It is located right between two of the most popular surf breaks, Ho’okipa and Kanaha (kite) beach!
What is the best hostel in Maui near the airport?
Howzit Hostels, our best cheap hostel in Maui, is a 13-minute drive from Kahului Airport. It’s located near the centre of the island in Old Wailuku Town.
Travel Safety Tips for 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.
More Epic Hostels in USA and North America
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Maui.
Planning an epic trip all across USA or even North America itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Hawaii North America, check out:
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Maui has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
Whether you are backpacking in Hawaii for a few days or a few months, staying in hostels is one of the absolute best ways to save money while traveling.
No matter your travel style, our insider guide to the best hostels in Maui has got you covered, the only question is… which of the best hostels in Maui are you going to book???
If you still can’t pick one, just book our top recommendation, Aloha Surf Hostel. You won’t regret it.
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Hawaii for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Hawaii covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Maui if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Maui before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for USA to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate USA backpacking guide.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
