Looking for the best hostels in Oahu?
From laid-back surf shacks that practically serenade you with the ocean’s whispers to vibrant urban havens where the aloha spirit is as palpable as the island breeze, we’re here to guide you through the best hostels on this Hawaiian gem.
This guide is part of a bigger one: the best hostels in Hawaii.
Our favorite hostels in Oahu are:
- Honu Waikiki by ALOH - best for Social butterflies
- The Beach Waikiki by ALOH - best for solo travelers
- Seaside Hawaiian Hostel Waikiki - best for backpackers
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Honu Waikiki by ALOH
2. The Beach Waikiki by ALOH
3. Seaside Hawaiian Hostel Waikiki
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Oahu
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Oahu costs around $36 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average of around $123 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 p.m.), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 a.m.). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Budget-Friendly Eats: Seek out local food trucks, especially on the North Shore, for delicious and wallet-friendly meals. Don’t miss the famous garlic shrimp trucks!
Free Cultural Experiences: Attend free hula shows at places like the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki to learn about Hawaiian culture and dance traditions.
Pack Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Opt for reef-safe sunscreen when snorkeling or swimming to protect the island’s delicate marine ecosystem.
Fun Fact: Oahu is home to the world-famous Waikiki Beach, where legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku popularized modern surfing. It’s not just a spot for riding waves; it’s a historical and cultural icon.
Camping Permits: If you’re into camping, obtain permits for beach camping. It’s a unique way to experience the island’s beauty up close.
Embrace Hawaiian Etiquette: Learn a few basic Hawaiian phrases and practice cultural etiquette, such as respecting sacred sites and removing your shoes before entering homes.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Oahu are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Oahu.
- Honu Waikiki by ALOH – best for Social butterflies
- The Beach Waikiki by ALOH – best for solo travelers
- Seaside Hawaiian Hostel Waikiki – best for backpackers
These are our favorite hostels in Oahu. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Honu Waikiki by ALOH
2. The Beach Waikiki by ALOH
3. Seaside Hawaiian Hostel Waikiki
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | The Beach Waikiki by ALOH |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | The Beach Waikiki by ALOH |
| 🎒 for Backpacker: | Seaside Hawaiian Hostel Waikiki |
| 👯 For Groups: | The Beach Waikiki by ALOH |
| 👫 For Socializing: | Honu Waikiki by ALOH |
1. Honu Waikiki by ALOH
Honu Waikiki by ALOH is the ultimate contestant for social backpackers in Oahu.
If you come here, I guarantee you’ll feel instantly at home thanks to their super helpful and friendly staff.
I really like this hostel because they’re always organizing activities that you can join with other travelers, which makes it super easy to meet new people.
The overall atmosphere at this Oahu hostel is pretty chill and laid-back, no crazy partying here.
The location is pretty good as well: you’ll be just a short walk away from the Hilton Hawaiian village and beach, where the sky comes alive with fireworks every Friday.
Facilities and Amenities:
- Daily organized activities
- Complimentary amenities: Wi-Fi, bed linens, beach equipment, locally roasted coffee.
- Self-catering kitchen
- Coin-operated laundry machines
Location: Short walk to Hilton Hawaiian village and beach. Convenient access to local attractions and nightlife.
The best choice in Oahu for
- Social butterflies
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
2. The Beach Waikiki by ALOH
The Beach Waikiki by ALOH has one of the most friendly atmospheres in Oahu.
This hostel offers daily activities to help you meet other people as well, so you don’t have to worry about ending up alone if that’s not your thing.
Their helpful staff is available 24/7 to assist you with planning your day or showing you the local nightlife (another reason why we think this is one of the best hostels in Oahu for solo travelers). Plus, they’re just half a block from the famous Waikiki Beach.
Btw, if you feel like this hostel pretty much offers the same thing as the one above : good catch, you’re right, they’re actually owned by the same people.
I’d recommend this one for people who like going to bars or any other night activities in general.
Their dorms are clean and comfortable, and they also offer private rooms.
Their amenities include Kona coffee (cultivated from the nutrient-rich volcanic soils of Hualalai and Mauna Loa), Wi-Fi, lockers, and beach equipment.
Facilities and Amenities:
- Health Bar and Cafe named ALOH Health bar & Cafe offers special discounts to travelers
- Daily organized activities for meeting fellow travelers.
- 24-hour reception
- Mixed and female-only dorms with en-suite bathrooms and air-conditioning.
- Complimentary amenities: Kona Coffee, Wi-Fi, AC, lockers, bed linens, and beach equipment.
- Self-catering kitchen
Location: Half a block away from Waikiki Beach. Convenient access to local attractions, restaurants, bars, and food trucks.
A great choice for
- Solo travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Seaside Hawaiian Hostel Waikiki
Seaside Hawaiian Hostel Waikiki is a family-owned and operated hostel that has been welcoming backpackers and travelers for over two decades (it’s also located in the heart of Waikiki).
This is the perfect Oahu to pick if you’re looking for a family-like atmosphere or if you’re the type of person who likes to support locally owned-businesses.
Just steps outside the gates, you’ll find yourself minutes away from all that Waikiki has to offer, including city exploring, world-class restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and, of course, the world-famous Waikiki Beach.
Even though the hostel is in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, the inside of it oozes nothing but peace, calm, and chill vibes.
Perfect for those who like a more relaxed feeling than a crazy party social hostel.
Facilities and Amenities:
- Linens, bath towels, and beach towels are provided.
- Fully equipped kitchen
- WiFi available.
- Outdoor TV area with fairy lights and occasional beer pong table.
- Morning coffee or tea is provided.
Location: Centrally located in the Waikiki neighborhood of Honolulu. Short walk to Waikiki Beach, dining, shopping, parks, and coffee shops. Easily accessible from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport by bus (bus 19 or 20 to Kuhio Avenue).
This is one of the best hostels in Oahu for
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Oahu for Solo Travelers?
The best hostel for solo travelers in Oahu is The Beach Waikiki by ALOH.
This hostel organizes a lot of social events which will make it easier for you to meet new people, but it also has enough calmer spaces within it for you not to get overwhelmed.
I think it has a good mix of laid-back and crazy, so it’s pretty much suitable for both extroverts and introverts.
The 24/7 reception is also great: if you have any issues, you’ll always have people you can call.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Party Hostels in Oahu
While not exactly party hostels, Honu Waikiki by ALOH and The Beach Waikiki by ALOH both have really social atmosphere, so we recommend both of them if you’re looking for that.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
More Hostels worth a mention
At the moment, we think you are all set with the hostels we just shared with you. We always try to keep our guides super fresh and up to date. We might add more hostels worth mentioning here in the future if we feel that it could enrich your travel and hostel experience.
What about the cheapest hostels in Oahu?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Oahu.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Oahu
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Oahu best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Need an eSIM Card for Oahu?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
No more searching for mobile stores. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.
Our Favorite Hostels in Oahu put on a map + sights
We’re listing all the three best Oahu hostels on a map to give you an idea of the location and distances between them.
Any questions about hostels in Oahu? 🤔
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FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
Flights to Oahu?
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More handmade Guides for you
So this was your answer to where to stay in Oahu.
Here are all our US Hostel Guides:
- best hostels in the USA
- best hostels in New York City, Manhattan, and Brooklyn
- best hostels in California
- best hostels in Washington DC
- best hostels in Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, and Honolulu
- best hostels in Los Angeles
- best hostels in San Diego
- best hostels in San Francisco
- best hostels in Hollywood
- best hostels in Key West
- best hostels in Seattle
- best hostels in Boston
- best hostels in Chicago
- best hostels in New Orleans
- best hostels in Portland
- best hostels in Denver
- best hostels in Houston
- best hostels in Dallas
- best hostels in Miami
- best hostels in Las Vegas
- best hostels in Boulder
- best hostels in Anchorage
Party hostels in the US:
- coolest party hostels in the US
- coolest party hostels in Miami
- coolest party hostels in San Francisco
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Oahu guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
