Best hostels in Honolulu: Should you stay in a hostel in Waikiki? :: Oahu

If Hawaii seems like a distant dream because of the high prices of the best hotels in Waikiki, hostels can make that dream that much closer!

Of course, a hostel may not be for everyone.

And a shared room in a hostel may not be the ideal sleeping situation, depending on what you’re looking for in your Hawaii vacation.

But for some people, hostels can be an idea worth considering. This can be especially true for solo travelers to Hawaii.

Here are the top 3 hostels in Honolulu to consider:

If hostels are a bit much for you to consider, the next best cheap(er) place to stay would be these types of airbnb vacation rentals on Oahu. They will still likely be double the price of hostels, but could be cheaper than the hotels right on Waikiki Beach. Here’s an airbnb discount.

How much is a cheap hostel in Honolulu?

As you can imagine, “cheap” is relative in Hawaii.

In Honolulu and Waikiki, you can expect hostels to cost around $30. The time of year you’ll be visiting Hawaii can also make a difference.

Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!

What are the sleeping accommodations like in Honolulu hostels?

At the Honolulu University Hostel, there are bunk beds in a separate all-male room and all-female room.

At the Polynesian Hostel Beach Club, there are bunk beds in a mixed dorm room. You can also get a room with 2 single beds.

At the Waikiki Beachside Hostel, you can get a bunk bed in a mixed dorm room or an all-female room. They also have a semi-private bedroom and a deluxe studio.

Which hostel is in the best location?

Manoa: Location of Honolulu University Hostel

The Honolulu University Hostel is located right near the University of Hawaii – Manoa campus. This would the most convenient hostel if you have a conference at UH-Manoa, or you’re visiting a student there.

Otherwise, unless you have your own transportation, it might not be the best. While there is the bus, it will likely take at least one transfer to get to anywhere other than Waikiki since Manoa is located is a residential area. That said, if Waikiki is really the only place you’ll be going, staying in Manoa could be convenient enough.

Manoa is where one of the best waterfalls on Oahu are located!

Waikiki: Location of Polynesian Hostel Beach Club and the Waikiki Beachside Hostel

Both of these hostels in Waikiki are located pretty close to each other. So in speaking about which hostel has the best location, they are both basically the same. And they are both in pretty good locations of Waikiki!

Waikiki is the hotspot of Oahu, and you’ll find lots of activities in Waikiki.

Both are located within a 5 minute walk of the free hula show in Waikiki that takes place in the evenings 3 times a week.

And both of these Waikiki hostels are also located a minute or 2 walk away from the best spot for snorkeling in Waikiki.

So with either the Polynesian Hostel Beach Club or Waikiki Beachside Hostel, you really can’t go wrong in terms of the location!

Waikiki Travel Guide:

How much do these hostels cost exactly?!

Go ahead and do a price check for your dates to find out!

Manoa: Price check for Honolulu University Hostel
Waikiki: Price check for Polynesian Hostel Beach Club
Waikiki: Price check for Waikiki Beachside Hostel

HAPPY WAIKIKI AND HONOLULU HOSTEL PLANNING!

There are affiliate links on this page. Among other partners, as an Amazon Associate, I may receive a commission.

🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!

Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
Water shoes
Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
lightweight travel towel:
- turkish towel
walking sandals:
- teva sandals for women
- teva sandals for men

I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.

Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.

There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.

see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling

📌 Pin this post for later! Save on Pinterest! 👈📌