When most people picture Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, they imagine resort pools, oceanfront cocktails, and spa days that melt your stress away. And honestly… that’s a great Waikiki trip.
But not everyone comes to Oʻahu to be pampered.
Maybe you’re island-hopping with a backpack, chasing surf breaks, hiking at sunrise, diving all day, or doing a solo “yes to everything” adventure. In that case, you don’t need a fancy room—you need a clean bed, a safe place for your stuff, and a location that keeps you close to the action (without destroying your budget).
That’s where Waikiki hostels shine.
Below is an updated, 2026-ready guide to the best hostels in Waikiki—with tips on how to choose the right one, what to expect, and which properties are currently operating.
Quick List: Best Hostels in Waikiki (Open for 2026 Travel)
If you want the shortlist first, here it is:
- Polynesian Hostel Beach Club (classic backpacker energy, near the beach)
- Waikiki Beachside Hostel (social, activity-heavy, great for solo travelers)
- The Beach Waikiki Hostel (popular rooftop hangouts + easygoing vibe)
- Honu Waikiki Hostel (newer, polished, great “hostel-meets-boutique” feel)
- Seaside Women’s Hostel (women-only, cozy, community-forward)
- Pacific Ohana Hostel (budget-friendly, flexible, good for longer stays)
- Island Hostel (Ala Moana end of Waikiki) (excellent bus access, shopping, and city exploring)
- Banana Bungalow Waikiki Beach (another budget-friendly option to compare)
- Bposhtels Waikiki Retreat (newer entry with a “hostel + amenities” angle)
Important update: Hostelling International Waikiki is no longer operating (it closed in 2019), so it’s been removed from the “live options” list below—no surprises when you go to book.
How to Choose a Hostel in Waikiki (Without Overthinking It)
Hostels are wonderfully simple: you’re paying for the base camp. Everything else—beaches, hikes, plate lunches, sunsets—happens outside your room. Here’s how to pick the right hostel fast.
1) Price (and what “cheap” really means in Waikiki)
Waikiki is one of the most in-demand neighborhoods in Hawaiʻi, so hostel rates can swing wildly by season, weekends, holidays, and even events in town. Your best move is to plug your dates into 3–4 hostels and compare final pricing (including taxes/fees/deposits).
Money-saving sweet spot: Midweek stays + flexible dates + booking direct when there’s a promo.
2) Location (and your “walkability plan”)
Waikiki is compact, but “a few blocks” feels very different when you’re carrying beach gear, coming home late, or racing to a tour pickup.
- Want beach + Diamond Head + Zoo? Stay on the Kūhiō / Kapahulu side.
- Want shopping + Ala Moana + easy bus routes? Consider the Ala Moana / west end.
- Want nightlife steps away? Stay closer to Kalākaua Avenue.
3) Room style (dorm size vs. sleep quality)
Dorms come in different sizes. Generally:
- More beds = cheaper
- Fewer beds = quieter
- Private rooms = best sleep + best splurge value if you’re splitting costs
If you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs and a sleep mask no matter what.
4) Policies (age limits, deposits, minimum stays, and “vibe rules”)
Some Waikiki hostels have policies like:
- Age limits for dorm rooms (common in Waikiki)
- Quiet hours and no-party rules
- Deposits or ID requirements
- Minimum-night stays during peak periods
These aren’t bad—just good to know before you arrive.
5) Extras (only as a tiebreaker)
Free pancakes, beach gear, rooftop pizza nights, tours, yoga, mixers… these perks can be awesome. But don’t pick a hostel only for the freebies. Pick it because it fits your location + sleep + budget needs—and let the extras be the bonus.
The Best Waikiki Hostels (Details + Who Each One Is Perfect For)
Polynesian Hostel Beach Club (Waikiki)
Best for: Beach-first travelers, surfers, social-but-not-wild vibe, excellent location
If your dream is “wake up, grab coffee, walk to the ocean,” the Polynesian is a strong contender. It’s close to the beach and surrounded by the kind of Waikiki essentials backpackers love: quick eats, convenience stores, and walkable attractions.
Why people love it:
- Prime Waikiki base camp (easy to walk nearly everywhere)
- Classic hostel feel: friendly, laid-back, easy to meet people
- Great for short stays between bigger island adventures
Good to know:
- Like many hostels, experience can vary a bit based on who’s traveling that week (that’s just hostel life)
- Book earlier if you’re traveling peak season or want specific room types
Perfect if you… want to maximize beach time and minimize transportation planning.
Waikiki Beachside Hostel (Waikiki)
Best for: Solo travelers, social calendars, structured activities, “make friends fast” energy
This is one of the most activity-forward hostels in Waikiki. If you like the idea of built-in community—mixers, events, and a lively common space—Beachside is a top pick.
Why it stands out:
- Strong social vibe (easy to meet people on day one)
- Frequent on-site happenings and community-style events
- Great option when you want “hostel energy” without needing to search for it
Good to know:
- If you’re craving total quiet, choose a smaller room/private option (or consider a calmer property)
- Event schedules can change, but the social focus is a core part of the experience
Perfect if you… want your hostel to feel like an instant friend group.
The Beach Waikiki Hostel (Waikiki)
Best for: Rooftop hangouts, fun atmosphere, travelers who want a lively home base
The Beach is popular for a reason: it leans into the “vacation” part of budget travel. It’s the kind of place where you can come back after a long day, rinse off, and still have energy for a casual social night upstairs.
Why it stands out:
- Rooftop lounge vibe (great for meeting other travelers)
- Often runs social nights that feel effortless (show up, relax, enjoy)
- Nice balance of location + affordability
Good to know:
- Some dorm categories may have age requirements (common in Waikiki hostels)
- Check-in hours and desk hours can vary—worth confirming if you arrive late
Perfect if you… want a Waikiki hostel that still feels like a “vacation hub.”
Honu Waikiki Hostel (Waikiki)
Best for: Travelers who want “hostel pricing with a boutique feel,” couples who want semi-private options, comfort-first backpackers
Honu is one of the newer-style Waikiki hostels that feels a little more polished—like a bridge between hostel and budget hotel. If you’ve done your fair share of bare-bones dorms and want something a bit fresher, put this on your shortlist.
Why it stands out:
- More “modern” vibe and a curated feel
- Options beyond basic dorms (semi-private and suites depending on availability)
- Great for travelers who want social access and solid downtime
Good to know:
- Like other Waikiki hostels, dorm rooms may have age requirements
- Some tours/experiences may require you to already be checked in to reserve
Perfect if you… want a hostel that feels like a small upgrade without paying resort prices.
Seaside Women’s Hostel (Waikiki)
Best for: Women travelers, first-time hostel stays, cozy community feel, safety-focused comfort
Seaside has evolved into a women-only hostel, and it’s a standout option if you want a welcoming, supportive atmosphere while still being in the heart of Waikiki.
Why it stands out:
- Women-only environment (great for many solo travelers)
- Warm, community-forward vibe
- Still close enough to Waikiki essentials to keep your trip easy
Good to know:
- Because it’s a more specific niche (women-only), availability can tighten during peak weeks
- Always review house rules so you know what to expect (quiet hours, guests, etc.)
Perfect if you… want Waikiki convenience with an extra layer of comfort and community.
Pacific Ohana Hostel (Waikiki)
Best for: Longer stays, budget travelers who want flexible options, people who like having practical basics handled
Pacific Ohana is one of those “simple, functional, and gets the job done” places—ideal when you care more about exploring Oʻahu than paying for a fancy room. It’s also part of a two-location setup with Island Hostel (below), which gives you some flexibility depending on your plans.
Why it stands out:
- Good budget option with practical amenities
- Helpful if you’re staying longer than a quick weekend
- Convenient Waikiki positioning for classic attractions
Good to know:
- Some third-party listings can be outdated—booking direct (or checking the official site) is the cleanest way to confirm current availability and policies
Perfect if you… want a no-fuss Waikiki base camp and you’re watching your spending.
Island Hostel (Ala Moana / West End of Waikiki)
Best for: City explorers, Ala Moana shoppers, bus riders, travelers doing lots of day trips around Honolulu
If your trip includes Pearl Harbor, downtown Honolulu eats, museum time, and lots of moving around the island, Island Hostel’s location can be a real advantage. You’re near major transit routes and close to Ala Moana—one of the easiest “launch points” for exploring beyond Waikiki Beach.
Why it stands out:
- Excellent access to buses and cross-island routes
- Great for shopping and city exploring
- Helpful if beaches are only part of your plan (not the whole plan)
Good to know:
- It’s less “steps from the sand” than the Kūhiō-side hostels—choose it for convenience, not beach romance
Perfect if you… are treating Waikiki as your home base but not your entire itinerary.
Banana Bungalow Waikiki Beach (Waikiki)
Best for: Travelers who want another budget-friendly Waikiki option to compare
Banana Bungalow is one of those properties that often shows up in “Waikiki hostel” searches, and it’s worth checking if the bigger names are booked or if you’re hunting for a specific price point.
Perfect if you… want to compare one more Waikiki-area budget property before committing.
Bposhtels Waikiki Retreat (Waikiki)
Best for: Travelers who like newer hostel concepts and “amenities-forward” stays
Bposhtels is a newer addition to the Waikiki budget scene (launched in late 2025), and it’s aimed at travelers who want location and convenience—with some extra perks that feel more hotel-like than traditional backpacker hostels.
Perfect if you… want something new, central, and a bit more amenity-driven.
Waikiki Hostel Tips That Make Your Trip Better Immediately
A few simple moves can make your hostel stay smoother (and more fun):
- Bring a small padlock (for lockers, if provided) and keep valuables minimal.
- Pack a micro towel (dries faster, takes less space).
- Flip-flops are non-negotiable for shared showers.
- Use packing cubes so you’re not rummaging loudly in a dorm at midnight.
- Choose your dorm strategically: smaller dorms often mean better sleep.
- Say hi in the common area—hostels are one of the easiest ways to make travel friends fast.
Related Questions
What should I expect from my first stay at a hostel in Waikiki?
Hostels in Waikiki are typically dorm-style accommodations with shared rooms (bunk beds), plus common areas like a lounge and kitchen. Some also offer semi-private rooms or private suites for travelers who want the hostel vibe without the dorm experience.
In a well-run hostel, you can usually expect:
- A clean bed and shared bathrooms (or sometimes en-suite)
- A kitchen or at least basic food prep space
- Secure storage options (lockers vary by property)
- Laundry access (often coin-operated)
- Wi-Fi
- A social lounge where travelers actually talk to each other
Pro tip: earplugs + sleep mask can turn any dorm into a much better night.
What’s a great day trip from Waikiki if I’m staying in a hostel?
If you only do one “iconic” thing, make it Diamond Head. It’s close, unforgettable, and feels like a classic Hawaiʻi moment—ocean views, volcanic landscape, and the kind of photo you’ll keep forever.
If you want more ideas, build your trip around a few themes:
- One sunrise hike
- One snorkeling day
- One cultural/history day (Pearl Harbor or museums)
- One North Shore day (if you can swing it)
That balance keeps your trip adventurous without exhausting you.
