If you’re planning a Hawaiian vacation on a budget, hostels in Honolulu may be a good choice. A hostel is a low-cost shared living space. They are designed to be social hubs where travelers can meet new people, share experiences, and have fun with others. With Honolulu hostels you are trading the luxury and amenities of a hotel for experiences and memories.
Pros & Cons of Hostels in Honolulu
Just like with everything in life, there are pros and cons to staying in hostels in Honolulu. How important are your accommodations to your trip? Do you plan on spending a lot of time in your room? Do you just need a place to sleep? Where will you store your stuff? Consider some of these pros and cons about hostel life before you commit:
PROS
- More affordable than a hotel.
- Extra money to spend on food and activities.
- Meet new people.
- Locations are usually just as good as hotels.
CONS
- Less privacy.
- Sleeping with strangers.
- Less security for your luggage/items.
- Shared accommodations across genders.
- Shared bathroom.
Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links. If you purchase a linked item, I will make a commission, at no extra charge to you. Updated February, 2021
Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel
Located across the street from Waikiki Beach, this hostel provides some of the best amenities on the island. The hostel team organizes optional daily excursions/tours for guests!
2569 Cartwright Rd
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 260-8699
info@thebeachwaikikihostel.com
www.thebeachwaikikihostel.com
Nightly Rate: $36-120
Pacific Ohana Hostel
This hostel offers nightly, weekly, or monthly rates. You can book private or shared accommodations and they also offer car and moped rentals on site.
2566 Lemon Road
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 921-8111
pacificohanahostel@gmail.com
www.hawaiihostelwaikiki.com
Nightly Rate: $36-105
Island Hostel Honolulu
The Island Hostel is outside of the main Waikiki area. This means fewer restaurants, but also fewer tourists. The hostel is waling distance from Ala Moana Beach Park, Magic Island, and Kahanamoku Beach.
1946 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 942-8748
pacificohanahostel@gmail.com
www.hawaiihostelwaikiki.com
Nightly Rate: $36-105
Hostelling International Waikiki
This hostel is located up hill near the University of Hawaii at Manoa and is used mostly by students. They only offer dorm accommodations. If you are a visitor looking for a beach vacation, this is not the best option.Â
2323A Seaview Ave
Honolulu, HI 96822
(808) 946-0591
honolulu@hiusa.org
www.hostelsaloha.com
Nightly Rate: $34-78
Seaside Hawaiian Hostel
The Seaside Hawaiian Hostel is right in the middle of the Waikiki tourist zone. You can rent surf boards, walk to restaurants, bars, beaches, parks, the zoo, and other attractions from this location.
419 Seaside Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
inquiries@seasidehawaiianhostel.com
www.seasidehawaiianhostel.com
Nightly Rate: $40-100
Alternatives to Hostels in Honolulu
If you’re looking for affordable accommodations when travelling, there are a few alternatives to hostels in Honolulu. Check out some of the other options below:
Airbnb
If you don’t want to book a hotel or rent an entire house/condo/apartment, Airbnb has room rentals too!
View shared/private room rentals on Airbnb.com
Couch Surfing
At couchsurfing.com you can stay on someone’s couch, inflatable mattress, or spare room.
Find couches to stay on in Honolulu
Home Exchange
Affordable accommodations in the homes of others by making your home available to travelers.
View homes on Home Exchange
House Sitter
If you have a history of house sitting and can provide quality references, you might be able to land a temporary gig living in Hawaii and get paid for it!
View house sitting gigs in Hawaii
Have you stayed in hostels in Honolulu? What was your experience? Let me know in the comments!Â
