12 BEST Hostels in Hawaii, USA 2024 (for Solo Traveler + Surf)

Aloha and welcome to the only guide you need to discover the absolute best hostels in Hawaii.

No doubt if you’ve landed on this page, you’re planning on backpacking Hawaii. Great news – there are some fabulous hostels to discover on this small collection of islands.

Did you know? Hawaii is the most recent state to join the US, back in 1959.

Are these really the best hostels in Hawaii?

100% YES!

The list may be small – ok, very small – compared to other countries around the world, but there are only around 30 hostels across the entire state.

For more great hostels, check out our huge collection of the best hostels in USA.

As always, we pick the best of the best. Hostels that we’d recommended to our friends and family. And you!

Solo travellers, backpackers, couples and friends, get ready for memorable accommodation.

FYI: Price per night to stay in a dorm average between 30-50€. This also depends on which island you’re staying on. So no, it’s not particularly cheap!

Money-saving Tip: Before making your reservation, compare all prices on major booking platforms for hostels in Hawaii with Hostelz.com, and save lots of money!

We are the Hostelgeeks and we discover the world’s greatest hostels: the 5 Star Hostels. At the end of this article you’ll spot a hostel map which is really helpful for your planning.

List of Destinations with the Best Hostels in Hawaii

Hawaii is petit and manageable, just like our below list. However, it requires some planning for ferry, flights and transport in general.

Looking for hostels in Big Island Hawaii? You’ll want to venture to Kailua-Kona, in that case.

The destinations we cover in this guide are:

Hilo
Kailua-Kona
Maui
Honolulu

Looking for hostels in Kauai? We had a look at we couldn’t find any Kauai hostels worth mentioning. But we have a guide on affordable places to stay in Kauai.

Best Hostels in Hilo: The Big Island Hostel

Hilo is on the main Hawaii island, and is often called the Big Island. This is the place to base yourself if you’re keen to check out the Rainbow Falls or the ‘boiling pots’ of basalt-lava rock.

When it comes to hostels on the big island, there aren’t as many great options as you might think.

The only place worth staying in Hilo is a hidden gem named The Big Island Hostel.

It’s a colourful, secure and has everything you need for a basic hostel stay.

Details go a long way and we’re sure you’ll appreciate theirs:

24/7 security & on-call staff
Free tea & coffee
Memory foam mattresses & pillows
Filtered water
Code lock on doors

There is a collection of board games and a kitchenette that all can use.

Location: a 15-20 minute walk to many local restaurants, markets and shops. Staff can help you with hiring a car so you can explore further afield. It is a big island, after all.

Book The Big Island Hostel here

Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Best Hostels in Kailua-Kona

Also on the big island of Hawaii is Kailua-Kona. This town is on the West coast of the island and is home to Hawaii’s oldest church. Not particularly exciting, we agree.

However, there is more of a choice for hostels in Hawaii big island when it comes to Kailua-Kona.

Yet you’d have more fun if you checked out:

1. My Hawaii Hostel

You’ll have plenty of fun if you checked in to My Hawaii Hostel on your way to Kamakahonu Beach!

First off, choose your room. There happens to be female and mixed dorms, plus private rooms on offer.

Shove your stuff in a locker and take a stroll the the nearby beaches and coffee shops. Ask to borrow a boogie board on your way out!

It helps as well to pack water shoes, rash t-shirt and underwater camera. Make sure you plan your tip accordingly and set your packing list for Hawaii before take off.

When you get back, light up the BBQ and enjoy dinner in the courtyard or bright kitchen area. This is easily one of the best big island hostels you’ll find.

Book My Hawaii Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld

2. Pineapple Park Kona

Located just above Kealakekua Bay, Pineapple Park Kona is an awesome place if you’re keen to experience pristine kayaking, diving and snorkeling.

These guys offer a special rate for guests to go manta ray snorkeling!

Make use of the handy shared kitchen and community BBQ grill area. The large upstairs lanai which overlooks the Pacific ocean is the best place to watch the sunset.

Some other cool inclusions:

Secure free parking
Free tea/coffee every morning
Indoor & outdoor common areas
Kayak and snorkel rental gear

From here it is easy access to the Captain Cook hiking trail.

Book Pineapple Park Kona here

Compare prices at: Hostelworld

3. Kona Beach Hostel

The name gives it away really. Kona Beach Hostel is right by the beach, a short alking distance from shops, restaurants and bars.

There’s certainly a family-vibe going on here, thanks to a cosy layout and super friendly staff.

Make the most of a fully equipped communal kitchen, shaded common areas and a BBQ grill for all to use. There’s also plenty of beach gear on offer for discounted rent.

Note: This is an 18+ hostel with a minimum booking of two nights.

Book Kona Beach Hostel here

Compare prices at: Hostelworld

Best Hostels in Hawaii Maui

Maui is the island where natural beauty takes over and leaves you feeling breathless. Especially if you decide to hike around Halaekala – the island’s highest peak!

There are 30 miles of beaches to enjoy. Plus gorgeous waterfalls and refreshing pools accessed only by winding roads.

So where to stay? We have two top hostels for you:

If you’d like more indepth info about these hostels, plus even more hostels, check out our full guide to the best hostels in Maui.

CLOSED: The Lahaina Beach House

Update: Our former #1 hostel in Maui has permanently closed its doors.

This newly renovated property is a hop, skip and jump from the famous surf area known as Break Wall. Welcome to The Lahaina Beach House.

Catch some rays on the sun deck on hot days, and escape inside to the air-con when it all gets a bit too much. There is also a lovely garden filled with flowers and plants if that’s more your style.

It’s one of the hostels that’s designed for various traveller types. Small families, older travellers and surf nuts will feel at home here.

Location: situated on the renowned Front Street, quite literally on the beach. All major attractions and yummy restaurants are within walking distance.

2. Aloha Surf Hostel

In the historic town of Paia is a surf lovers paradise. Welcome to Aloha Surf Hostel. This is a top backpackers hostel in Hawaii!

This place surely does love the word free. Get a load owf their inclusions:

Daily tours of Maui
Pool table & ping pong
Hot tub
Pancake breakfast
Outdoor BBQ

To top it off, Aloha is located between two of the most popular water sports spots, Ho’okipa and Kanaha beach.

There are 6-bed mixed dorms and private rooms on offer, though we doubt you’ll spend much time in there.

Book Aloha Surf Hostel here

Compare prices at: Hostelworld

3. Banana Bungalow Maui Hostel

At Banana Bungalow Maui Hostel there is SO much fun to be had. Just take a look for yourself:

Free daily tours (hiking, whale watching etc)
Free pancake breakfast
Outdoor jacuzzi
Parties, BBQs, Happy hours

If that’s not enough there’s an outdoor terrace, free Wi-Fi and a communal kitchen. In the common room there’s a pool table and everything needed for that all important movie night.

Oh and the team here offer a free airport shuttle!

Book Banana Bugalow here

Compare prices at: Hostelworld

4. Tiki Beach Hostel

Built around a Tiki Garden, Tiki Beach Hostel is located right at the beach in Lahaina – the best surf spot! Roll out of bed and be there in less than a minute.

It’s a cute space with small 4-bed dorms (mixed & female), plus a couple of private options and a tent with a futon bed.

There’s always time for socialising here, and most travellers get together to enjoy food and drinks on a regular basis.

Book Tiki Beach Hostel here

Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Best Hostels in Hawaii Honolulu

This is in fact the capital of Hawaii and your gateway to exploring the island chain. It’s most likely you’ll fly into Honolulu. Like most cities, you can expect plenty of shopping, nightlife and dining as well as access to some beautiful palm-lined beaches.

As for hostels? There are two we recommend:

Good To Know: We have a detailed on the best hostels in Honolulu + best hostels in Oahu

1. THE BEACH Waikiki Boutique Hostel by IH

If you’d prefer to be staying in a Waikiki beachside hostel (how does 1 minute walk sound) and find yourself amongst a more social atmosphere, pick THE BEACH Waikiki Boutique Hostel by IH.

This great island boutique hostel wants to show off with:

Free breakfast (waffles, Hawaiian coffee)
Daily activities
Free beach equipment rental
Big kitchen

Dorms are kept small with just 2-8 beds, mixed and female only. Twin and doubles are also available. They all come with en-suite bathrooms!

When you’re not at the beach, chill out on the awesome rooftop lounge with a cold drink.

Book THE BEACH Waikiki Boutique Hostel here

Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

2. Seaside Hawaiian Hostel

Another hostel Waikiki has to offer is Seaside Hawaiian Hostel. It’s safe, quiet and very close to the beach – another great backpackers in Hawaii.

It’s a small place, but you won’t feel crowded. The shared kitchen is a decent size, and there’s a cool movie room if you fancy chilling out in the evening.

Don’t expect fancy rooms – the mixed and female-only dorms are basic, yet they do come with linen and a ceiling fan.

Help yourself to free breakfast and coffee, chill in the banyan courtyard or rent a surfboard and hit the beach. Oh and there’s a vending machine if you fancy a snack!

Book Seaside Hawaiian Hostel here

Check prices at: Hostelworld | Hostelz.com

3. Polynesian Hostel Beach Club Waikiki

The Polynesian Hostel in Honolulu, Hawaii, is one of the cleanest hostels around, and the staff is great and always willing to help.

It also helps that the best things to do are right around the corner. With a top-notch zoo and aquarium, you can learn more about animals and get to know them better.

This makes Polynesian Hostel Beach Club one of the top choices to have a great time and not miss out on typical hotel luxuries.

Additional goodies from this hostel include free luggage storage, free beach toys, and free Wi-Fi.

Book Polynesian Hostel Beach Club Waikiki here

Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

4. Hostelling International Honolulu

Remember that beautiful beach we mentioned? Waikiki beach is its name and Hostelling International Honolulu happens to be two blocks away.

This modern, clean and safe hostel has rooms designed like small apartments, with no more than 7 people sharing an en-suite bathroom.

It’s ideal for travellers looking to avoid the party scene and enjoy a great location.

Grab your free boogie board and snorkel gear before heading to the beach!

The large kitchen dining area is the highlight of the property and a good place to meet others.

Book Hostelling International Honolulu here

Check prices at: Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Best Hostel in Pupukea for Couples & Families

Ok so not technically a hostel, Kalani Hawaii Private Lodging is a really good option if you’re part of a group/couple that prefers private rooms.

The cool thing about Kalani is that it’s still social.

There are these large lanais (covered patios) which are perfect for mingling with others, doing yoga, reading or enjoying a BBQ.

Good To Know: We have a detailed guide on the best yoga retreats in Hawaii.

Rooms choices include:

Small mixed dorm
Standard double/twin with seaview
King private
Queen private
Deluxe triple room
Deluxe family room

Book Kalani Hawaii Private Lodging here

Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Airbnb Hawaii

For those that have a bit more to spend, Airbnb is always an option in Hawaii. You can find options in all of the major destinations mentioned in this article.

If you’re on honeymoon or wish to splash out, we recommend checking out the Sharks Cove rentals on Airbnb.

Read: Full Review of Airbnb + discount code

Our Favorite Hostels in Hawaii put on a map + sights

Below we have put all of the greatest hostels in Hawaii mentioned in this article on a map.

That’s because we want to make your planning as hassle free and straight forward as possible!

We’ve marked them as follows:

Backpacker-Type Hostel: Orange
Other recommendations: Purple

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FAQ

Alright, you should have found your accommodation already. Below we list all the frequently asked questions. Have a look.

More Hostels in USA

There are many, many awesome hostels in USA to be discovered and enjoyed, including out-of-this-world 5 star hostels. Trust us when we say they it doesn’t stop with cool Hawaiian hostels.

Here are all our US Hostel Guides:

Party hostels in the US:

Destination not Listed?

Besides the listed accommodation, we also put together the best hostels in the world; the 5 Star Hostels.

We stayed in a former winery in Santorini, in a former jail-now 5 Star Hostel and many more. And we share all of these unique budget accommodations with you.

Make sure you check out our guides “best hostels in“. Here we cover many more destinations.

Update: We now cover as well curated ‘3 best hostels’ guides to cities with no 5 Star Hostels such as Paris, Tokyo and Sydney.

Summary

By now you should have the answer to your question where to stay in Hawaii – the hostel world here is good, right?

Which of the best hostels in Hawaii have you fallen in love with? Let us know!

This guide is your shortcut to your hostel-picks, saving you lots of time in your accommodation research.

And for sure, it gives you the security of a top-hostel choice without any bad surprises.

Any questions?

Then please please leave a comment below. We would be thrilled to hear from you and to help a fellow backpacker.

Have fun & Safe travels!
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12 Best Hostels in Hawaii – Surf and Beach Vibes for All to Enjoy

List of Destinations with the Best Hostels in Hawaii

Best Hostels in Hilo: The Big Island Hostel

Best Hostels in Kailua-Kona

1. My Hawaii Hostel

2. Pineapple Park Kona

3. Kona Beach Hostel

Best Hostels in Hawaii Maui

CLOSED: The Lahaina Beach House

2. Aloha Surf Hostel

3. Banana Bungalow Maui Hostel

4. Tiki Beach Hostel

Best Hostels in Hawaii Honolulu

1. THE BEACH Waikiki Boutique Hostel by IH

2. Seaside Hawaiian Hostel

3. Polynesian Hostel Beach Club Waikiki

4. Hostelling International Honolulu

Best Hostel in Pupukea for Couples & Families

Airbnb Hawaii

Our Favorite Hostels in Hawaii put on a map + sights

FAQ

More Hostels in USA

Destination not Listed?

Summary