6 best hostels in Honolulu

A trip to Honolulu is always full of excitement, no matter how many times you’ve been to the capital of the Hawaiian Islands. Here, you’ll be greeted by the lush green landscape, stretches of golden sand, and the imposing Aloha Tower, a retired lighthouse with Gothic architecture, offering insights into local history.

Although you’ll be busy with plenty of outdoor fun, events, and recreation, your priority should be finding comfortable accommodation that fits your budget and travel requirements. You can stay at a beach resort or a luxury hotel if you value privacy more than a social experience. But if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, inexpensive rooms, and social interactions with fellow travelers, the Honolulu hostels are the winner.

If you’re reluctant to stay in a hostel because you’re concerned about the safety of your precious items, Bounce has a solution for you. We partner with hostels and reputable businesses to provide you with a safe and secure luggage storage facility in Honolulu. Find the most convenient location for your needs, drop off your bags, and go about your day worry- and hassle-free. Keep reading to find the best hostels in Honolulu that attract different kinds of travelers and why you should consider them on your next Hawaiian vacation.

Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel

Whether you’re looking for temporary or long-term accommodation rentals, the Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel has got you covered. It’s conveniently located in the heart of Waikiki, close to many surf spots, restaurants, and shops. The Queen’s Surf Beach is only a four-minute walk from this Honolulu hostel, two minutes from Honolulu Zoo, and less than a block from Waikiki Beach.

Feel free to book one of the dorm rooms, a semi-private room, or a studio, depending on your needs and budget. Just keep in mind that dorm-style spaces are only available for guests between 18 and 45 years old. For those who wish to stay longer, you can take advantage of all the hostel facilities, plus a weekly cleaning service.

Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel takes the facility’s cleanliness seriously for guests. Its full-time cleaning team ensures that the privates, dorms, and common areas are clean and well-maintained. It’s an inclusive space where solo travelers, backpackers, families, and groups are welcome.

What makes Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel unique

Apart from the adventures you can enjoy on your own on Oahu Island, this boutique hostel in Honolulu also regularly arranges random nights out, free pizza evenings, and tours to add to your itinerary. It has planned activities throughout the week, taking guests to various outdoor destinations, including a tour of the North Shore, Byodo-in Japanese Temple, Waimea Bay, Sharks Cove, and many more.

Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel pricing

Stay in a mixed dorm that starts at $36.00 a night or a semi-private one for about $85.00 a night. If you’re looking for a combination of value, convenience, and privacy, a spacious suite with a double bed, an ensuite shower room, and a toilet costs about $120.00 per night.

Waikiki Beachside Hostel

Just steps from the breathtaking Waikiki Beach is Hawaii’s premier hostel, the Waikiki Beachside Hostel. It's centrally located on the south shore of Oahu, close to restaurants, bars, and Waikiki surf spots. The iconic Diamond Head Crater can also be accessed from the hostel for a heart-pumping hike.

The Waikiki Beachside Hostel in Honolulu takes pride in its clean, vibrant, and affordable rooms. Guests can choose from any one of the 4- and 8-bed mixed and women-only dormitories with ensuite; each reflects the island’s bohemian beach atmosphere. Free WiFi is available in all hostel areas, so you can stay in touch with family and friends or send that quick email to work.

What makes Waikiki Beachside Hostel unique

If you’re looking for a cheap hostel with lots of freebies, this beachside hostel doesn’t disappoint. Since Hawaii can be pricey, you can benefit from free breakfast and complimentary daily tea and coffee, discounted tours and excursions, and cheap towels. And don’t spend all your money on restaurant food. Buy local ingredients and prepare your tasty meal in the communal kitchen.

Ask the friendly hostel staff about the places you can explore and things to do on the island, and they’ll be happy to give you tips and ideas on the inexpensive ways to enjoy Honolulu and Oahu. These include surfing, snorkeling, or hiking the famed Diamond Head.

Waikiki Beachside Hostel pricing

The standard rate for co-ed and female-only dorms that sleep eight people is approximately $38.50 a night. If sharing with seven others is too much for you, why not book a bed in a four-bed dormitory for $46.50 a night? This hostel is popular among backpackers, young travelers, and groups, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Polynesian Hostel Beach Club

Considered one of the best youth hostels in Honolulu, the Polynesian Beach Club Hostel offers a simple yet comfortable accommodation for budget travelers and backpackers. It’s centrally located, just a block from Waikiki Beach, near Diamond Head, Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, Kuhio Beach, Kapiolani Park, and countless top-rated restaurants and bars.

Polynesian Hostel Beach Club offers plenty of opportunities to hang out with fellow travelers and make new friends. A common area at the back serves as the kitchen, where you can cook together. You can also head to the open smoking area, chill on a hammock surrounded by pine trees, and soak in the pleasant summer breeze.

Different accommodation options await you at the Polynesian Beach Club hostel. You can opt for a private studio, a semi-private room, or a dorm to sleep in one of the comfy bunk beds. The dormitories can accommodate six, ten, or twelve guests, allowing you to enjoy an active and social lifestyle.

What makes the Polynesian Hostel Beach Club unique

If you don’t know where to start your adventure, grab a map from the hostel and plan a tour. Let the friendly staff know whether you need a car rental, bicycle, or even a moped, and they’ll arrange something for you. Even better, they can provide you with a list of activities to participate in, from scuba diving with an experienced professional and snorkeling to taking a surf lesson, whale and dolphin watching, touring the USS Arizona Memorial, and many more.

Also, if you’re looking for the best hostel with excellent freebies, this Polynesian hostel is sure to please. Here, you can have free beach towels, snorkel equipment, free beach gear, fast WiFi, and more.

Polynesian Hostel Beach Club pricing

Save money by booking a bed in a dorm room for about $33.99 a night. If you want to maintain your privacy, a semi-private space for $79.99 or a private room with a queen-size bed and a private bathroom is an excellent choice for an average nightly price of $92.99.

HI-Honolulu Hostel

Tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood in Oahu’s Manoa Valley, within minutes of Waikiki, HI-Honolulu is a university hostel near the University of Hawaii. It offers dormitory-style accommodation but also has private studios with a double bed and a private bathroom. The dormitories are separate for female and male guests, equipped with shared bathrooms, showers, and a personal padlock.

Facilities at the hostel include free WiFi, a self-service kitchen, a lounge area, and free sports equipment for guests. Since it’s in a serene residential area, it provides a lovely escape from the tourist crowds. And if you’re ready to get out there for outdoor recreation, it’s near hiking trails and a short bus from the bustling downtown Honolulu and Waikiki.

What makes HI-Honolulu Hostel unique

What sets this youth hostel apart is its ideal location, not far from Honolulu’s actions and thrills but still providing a delightful escape from the city’s hectic life. You can quickly head to the tourist center of Hawaii for the white sandy beaches, go west to the downtown area for history and culture, and rest in Manoa Valley for a quiet evening. It’s also near several historical attractions, botanical gardens, and shopping spots.

HI-Honolulu Hostel pricing

The hostel prices change throughout the year, so contact the office directly to check the room’s availability. A bunk bed in a dorm room may cost $34.00 a night, while a private room costs $78.00 nightly.

Seaside Hawaiian Hostel

Situated at Seaside Avenue, Honolulu, HI, the Seaside Hawaiian is the most centrally located hostel in Honolulu. It’s a block from Waikiki Beach, offering a simple and laid-back atmosphere you can mingle with like-minded travelers and relax. It’s proud to be the only family-owned and operated Waikiki hostel, a favored spot among backpackers and travelers for over two decades.

What makes the Seaside Hawaiian Hostel unique

If you’re looking for an easy-going and friendly place to stay, then there’s no reason not to spend a night or two (or more) in the Seaside Hawaiian Hostel. It’s a walking distance from the world-famous beach, nightlife, shopping, premier restaurants, parks, and surf spots. And if you want to relax after all the adrenaline-rushing activities, the property will offer nothing but peace and relaxation.

Seaside Hawaiian Hostel pricing

Retire in the dorm room by the end of the day for about $48.00 per night for a bed in one of the three bunks. It sleeps six people and comes with a shared shower and bathroom. Women traveling can book a night in one of the female-only dorm ensuites for $50.00 per bed.

Pacific Ohana Hostel

The Pacific Ohana Hostel offers budget accommodations for backpackers, international travelers, and long-term renters near Waikiki Beach. It’s only a five-minute stroll from the heart of Honolulu, putting close to the pristine beaches, dining destinations, shops, and nightlife. It may not be the biggest and most spacious hostel in Honolulu, but it boasts good amenities, an excellent location, and a low price.

Opt for co-ed and female-only dorms that accommodate four people each, semi-private spaces, or a private room with one comfy bed for two. You can stay and pay nightly, weekly, or monthly based on your needs. The rooms are accessed through a keyless entry and have a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator and a stove. Mingle and socialize with other travelers in the common area, which features a TV, a DVD player, books, and vending machines. Other amenities include coin-operated washers & dryers, towels, and fresh linen.

What makes Pacific Ohana Hostel unique

Pacific Ohana Hostel allows guests to have fun in the sun and see sights along the glorious stretch of golden sand at the beach and beyond. If you don’t know where to start, the helpful staff is happy to answer your questions and recommend local activities to add to your itinerary. They include shopping at the Ala Moana Center, Hawaii’s largest shopping mall, seeing animals at Honolulu Zoo, discovering marine creatures at Waikiki Aquarium, attending surf lessons at Hans Hedemann Surf School, and many more. No matter your interest, outstanding entertainment and activities await you near the hostel.

Pacific Ohana Hostel pricing

Long-term renters can benefit from significant savings at Pacific Ohana Hostel with a monthly rate of $750.00 for co-ed rooms. If you’re only here for a few nights, expect to pay a nightly average of about $45.00 for a bed in a mixed dorm and $125.00 for a private room.

The best Honolulu hostels for a budget-friendly Hawaiian vacation

Honolulu is undoubtedly one of the most famous destinations for tourists worldwide. With the high demand for accommodation, it’s no surprise that the Hawaiian capital and largest city can be an expensive city to visit. By staying in a cheap hostel in Honolulu, you can save more while meeting some travel buddies and lifelong friends from around the world. They are also located near major points of interest, so you can quickly walk to numerous hot spots and not spend extra on rentals and public transport.

Do you think you already know a lot about this buzzing Hawaiian city? Even if you do, you’ll surely find something new in our guides on free things to do in Honolulu and where to shop in Honolulu.