Backpacking on Oahu lets me experience the island without spending too much money. Hostels attract travelers like me because they offer a friendly environment and affordable places to stay.
Finding the best hostels helps me enjoy Oahu while saving money for more adventures. I want to share some tips to make my trip more fun and comfortable.
Waikiki Beachside Hostel
I loved how close Waikiki Beachside Hostel is to the sand—just a short walk and I reached the ocean. The hostel has a relaxed, laid-back vibe and I met other travelers in the open courtyard and outdoor lounge area.
I enjoyed spending time in the community kitchen and seeing people from all over the world. My room was simple but comfortable, with an ensuite bathroom and a refrigerator.
Staff cleaned everything daily and kept the hostel tidy. I stored my luggage in a secure place and used lockers to keep my things safe while I explored.
Every day, the hostel organized events like movie nights, karaoke, and social mixers. These made it easy to make new friends or just relax after sightseeing.
Staff always greeted me with a smile and shared great tips for tours and affordable ways to enjoy Honolulu. Grabbing food at HiShack808, the hostel’s vendor, was convenient.
I liked the central location, close to bars, restaurants, and attractions like Diamond Head Crater.
Rating: 3.8 (852 reviews)
Location: 2556 Lemon Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
Contact: (808) 923-9566
Website: Visit Website
Open Gate Hostel Hawaii
I stayed at Open Gate Hostel Hawaii and liked the peaceful atmosphere. The hostel sits on a cooled lava flow, making it unique on the Big Island.
It runs off the grid and uses eco-friendly practices, which I found interesting. The kitchen was my favorite spot, and I used the stove, fridge, and food storage.
Every morning, I made free coffee and picked fruit from the garden. The hostel encourages guests to take what they want from the fruit trees, so I enjoyed fresh mangoes and papayas.
WiFi worked well everywhere on the property. I met other travelers in the shared spaces and swapped stories.
Staff helped me book a volcano hike and recommended hidden beaches. Reaching them by email was easy, and they replied quickly when I needed help.
Rating: 4.7 (107 reviews)
Location: 12-2278 Piilani Road Kalapana Vacationland, Pāhoa, HI 96778
Contact: (808) 494-9982
Website: Visit Website
My Hawai‘i Hostel
I stayed at My Hawai‘i Hostel and liked the relaxed, welcoming vibe. The lounge and terrace made it easy for me to meet other travelers.
It’s on Aliʻi Drive, just outside the busy part of town. I could reach beaches and shops but still have a quiet place to sleep.
My dorm room was simple and clean. The hostel also has private rooms.
The kitchen had plenty of space and everything I needed to cook, which helped me save money. I enjoyed the BBQ area and indoor/outdoor spaces for hanging out.
Staff knew a lot about the Big Island and gave me tips on free things to do. I joined other guests for sunset drinks after a day out.
It felt easy to make friends here, even as a solo traveler.
Rating: 4.6 (343 reviews)
Location: 76-6241 Ali’i Drive #5, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact: (808) 374-2131
Website: Visit Website
Howzit Hostels Hawaii
When I stayed at Howzit Hostels Hawaii, I immediately felt at home. Every morning, I enjoyed free coffee and chocolate chip pancakes.
The laid-back vibe helped me connect with other travelers. The hostel staff, called “Aloha Ambassadors,” were always around to help and organized group activities each week.
I joined a jazz night on Monday with live music and dancing at a local spot. It was a fun way to make new friends.
Howzit Hostels sits in a great spot on Hilo’s east side. I walked to downtown for food or relaxed at the hostel.
Some days, I joined paid tours to see local waterfalls and beaches. The trips were easy and enjoyable.
I liked the privacy bunks in the dorms, and the whole place felt clean and secure. Being close to Volcanoes National Park made day trips easy to plan.
Rating: 4.8 (132 reviews)
Location: 107 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
Contact: (808) 731-4777
Website: Visit Website
BackPackers Hawaii
When I arrived at BackPackers Hawaii, I could hear the ocean from my room. The buildings are simple but have a cool beach vibe that made me feel like I was on a real adventure.
I stayed in a dorm room that was clean and basic. Some guests chose private cabins or studios.
Meeting other backpackers and locals was easy in the common areas. Everyone felt laid-back and relaxed.
I liked being so close to the beach—it was only a short walk to the sand. At night, the sound of the waves helped me fall asleep.
Free WiFi made planning my next day easy. The atmosphere encouraged me to slow down and enjoy Hawaii in a simple, fun way.
Rating: 3.8 (277 reviews)
Location: 59-788 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Contact: (808) 638-7838
Website: Visit Website
The Beach Waikiki Hostel by ALOH
When I visited The Beach Waikiki Hostel by ALOH, I loved how close it is to Waikiki Beach. It’s just a short walk, so I could hit the waves or relax on the sand whenever I wanted.
The area is busy with bars, places to eat, and fun things to do. I found the hostel vibe friendly and social.
There’s a rooftop lounge where everyone hangs out. I met other travelers during weekly events like Margarita Monday and Thirsty Thursday.
We played beer pong and listened to music together. The hostel offers both dorms and private rooms.
I liked that the dorms are only for people between 18 and 45, which makes it easy to connect with other backpackers. My room had air conditioning, which made sleeping comfortable after a hot day at the beach.
I used free Wi-Fi to stay connected. The communal kitchen is open every day.
I could rent beach gear or a surfboard from the front desk. The staff at reception were available 24/7, so I always felt well taken care of.
Rating: 4.8 (1451 reviews)
Location: 2569 Cartwright Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
Contact: (808) 260-8699
Website: Visit Website
Honu Waikiki by ALOH
I stayed at Honu Waikiki by ALOH and felt at home right away. It’s an easy walk to beaches, restaurants, and shops, but the lane is quiet and peaceful.
I started my day with free Kona coffee in the indoor lounge before joining one of their group excursions. There’s a strong sense of community here.
The kitchen, group chat, and shared events like Margarita Monday and Thirsty Thursday made meeting other travelers easy. Even as a solo guest, I felt included.
The rooms are simple and comfortable, with options from dorms to private suites. Everything looked clean and well-kept.
Dorm guests need to be between 18 and 45, but private rooms are open to older guests too. The rooftop terrace was a great spot to relax in the evenings.
I borrowed beach gear for free, and got discounts on surfing or snorkeling rentals. Having coin laundry and a luggage room also made my stay easier.
Rating: 4.8 (536 reviews)
Location: 1923 Dudoit Ln, Honolulu, HI 96815
Contact: (808) 979-4664
Website: Visit Website)
Seaside Women’s Hostel
I felt comfortable and relaxed from the moment I walked into Seaside Women’s Hostel. This hostel is just for women, and the atmosphere feels friendly and welcoming.
I met other solo travelers in the lounge and at events like beach hangs and pizza nights. The rooms are clean and safe, with options for small dorms or semi-private spaces.
I joined free morning yoga and made breakfast in the communal kitchen, where I met people from all over. Staff members helped me when I had questions, and I used lockers in the dorms to store my things.
I could walk to Waikiki’s beaches, shops, and parks easily. I caught the bus from the airport and settled in quickly.
The hostel provided fast Wi-Fi, plenty of showers, and a cute courtyard to relax in. Quiet hours and no smoking rules made it easy to rest after busy days exploring Oahu.
Staff checked proof of travel for all guests, so everyone was a new arrival.
Rating: 4.4 (345 reviews)
Location: 419 Seaside Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Contact: (808) 453-0446
Website: Visit Website
Plantation Hostel
I visited Plantation Hostel on Oahu’s North Shore and liked the relaxed and friendly vibe right away. The hostel sits among greenery and is close to beautiful beaches, making it a good spot for backpackers who want easy access to the ocean.
The rooms are simple and clean. I met other travelers in the shared common areas.
I used the kitchen to prepare quick meals after a day out exploring. Staff answered my questions about bus routes and nearby places to eat.
If you need anything, you can easily ask or chat at the front desk.
Rating: 4.8 (10 reviews)
Location: 59-754 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Contact: (808) 638-7838
Website: Visit Website
Hostelling International – Honolulu
I enjoyed my stay at Hostelling International – Honolulu. The dorm rooms are separated by gender and have plenty of space.
Each room has lockers for valuables, but I needed to bring my own padlock. The hostel has a big kitchen, which helped me save money by cooking my own meals.
I spent time in the lounge and small library, where I met other travelers and shared tips about exploring Oahu. Private rooms are limited, so I called in advance to check availability.
Staff greeted me with a friendly attitude, and the check-in process felt easy with my ID and ticket ready. I appreciated the free parking spaces, though they filled up fast.
I felt safe and comfortable here. Laundry machines on-site made it easy to clean my clothes after days at the beach.
The hostel is close to bus stops, so getting around the island was simple.
Rating: 4.2 (186 reviews)
Location: 2323A Seaview Ave, Honolulu, HI 96822
Contact: (808) 946-0591
Website: Visit Website
Why Oahu Is Perfect for Backpackers
Oahu offers a special mix of budget-friendly adventure and island culture. It feels easy to make new friends, get around, and find fun places to explore without spending much.
Vibrant Backpacker Community
When I stay on Oahu, I meet friendly backpackers from around the world. Many hostels have common areas for socializing, like big kitchens and open lounges.
Hostels often organize group trips, making it simple to join in and meet new people. Some of the best hostels are close to beaches and popular neighborhoods.
I have played beach volleyball right outside the hostel and joined daily activities such as snorkeling tours or hiking groups. Hostels post these activities on notice boards.
Waikiki and the North Shore attract surfers, hikers, and travelers who want adventure on a budget. Hostels share tips on cheap eats and free island events.
Affordable Transportation Options
Getting around Oahu is affordable. The public bus system, TheBus, covers most of the island and is reliable.
I can reach beaches, historic sites, and the North Shore for just a few dollars per ride. Day passes make unlimited travel cheaper if you plan to explore a lot.
Many hostels are near bus stops or main attractions. I like renting a bike for short trips or using shuttle services to get to the airport.
I don’t need to rent a car or spend much on transportation. This lets me save money for experiences and meals.
Tips for a Memorable Hostel Stay
When I stay at a hostel on Oahu, a few key things help me have a great experience. Bringing the right items and making friends adds to the fun and comfort of my trip.
Packing Essentials for Oahu Hostels
I pack items that keep me comfortable and organized. I always bring a small lock for my lockers or bags, since hostels have shared spaces.
Flip-flops or sandals are essential for the showers, since shared bathrooms are common. A quick-dry towel dries fast in humid weather and saves space in my bag.
If I am a light sleeper, I bring a sleep mask and earplugs because dorms can be noisy. A reusable water bottle helps me stay hydrated and is eco-friendly.
I use packing cubes or small bags to keep my things organized in my bunk. Power banks are handy, since outlets might be in use or far from my bed at night.
Here’s a quick list:
- Small lock
- Flip-flops for the shower
- Quick-dry towel
- Sleep mask and earplugs
- Reusable water bottle
- Packing cubes
- Portable power bank
How to Meet Fellow Travelers
I find that meeting new friends at a hostel can be one of the best parts of backpacking.
I usually start conversations in common areas like kitchens, lounges, and patios.
At Oahu hostels, I often join group activities or tours that the hostel organizes.
Beach days, hikes, and potlucks are popular and make it easy to talk to others.
When I see someone reading or planning their day, I ask about their favorite sights.
This often leads to a friendly chat.
Cooking my meals in the shared kitchen also helps me meet people.
I break the ice by offering to share snacks or a simple meal.
Sometimes, I join group chats or events posted on bulletin boards.
Smiling, saying hi first, and showing interest in where others are from helps me make new friends.
