Pack up your ukulele and your flip-flops, you are going to be singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on the dramatic coastline of Hawaii! With golden beaches and stunning mist-shrouded volcanoes, the Hawaiian island of Oahu is the definition of a bucketlist trip.
Divided evenly between tourist hubs in Honolulu, lush farmland, and secluded beaches, Oahu offers travelers a little bit of everything. From local culture to natural beauty, you can find it all on this magic island.
While you may be sold on the gorgeous waters and life-changing hikes, the prices of a hotel and lack of budget accommodation is sure to make travelers rethink traveling to Oahu.
But do keep packing up your swim trunks, I’m will get you to Hawaii without breaking the bank! With this stress-free guide, I put all the best hostels in Oahu in one place!
Do you hear that fire crackling? Your Hawaiian luau starts now.
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Oahu
- Best Overall Hostel in Oahu – The Beach Waikiki
- Best Hostel in Oahu for Solo Travelers – Backpackers Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Oahu – Waikiki Beachside Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Oahu – Polynesian Hostel Beach Club
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Oahu – ALOH Seaside Hostel
The 5 Best Hostels in Oahu
Remember: Oahu is an entire island in Hawaii, which means that there are lots of different accommodation options.
I’ve got some of the best Oahu hostels in Hawaii listed below, but if you want something different, there are a lot more places to stay on the island.
1. The Beach Waikiki – Best Overall Hostel in Oahu
- Dorm (mixed): From $53
- Private Room: From $111
- Address: 2566 Cartwright Rd., Honolulu, USA
If you want to get a taste of everything while backpacking Hawaii then this is the hostel just for you! Being only a block and a half away from the beach means that it won’t be long after you check-in that you are sinking your toes in the sand and going in for a dip.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Discounted tours
- Perfect location
- Beach gear to borrow
The Beach Waikiki will also hook you up with free boogie boards, mats, and much more so that you have the best beach experience imaginable!
But the fun isn’t just in the sand. This backpackers hostel also has its very own rooftop terrace, free pizza nights, and lounges perfect for hanging out and meeting other backpackers. With nature hikes and the town nearby, nothing is too far away from The Beach Waikiki. You’ll also have access to a communal kitchen which is a must when saving money in Hawaii.
2. Backpackers Hostel – Best Hostel in Oahu for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $84 (2-night stay)
- Private Room: From $180 (2-night stay)
- Address: 59-788 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, USA
Traveling solo is not always easy, especially when you are traveling in a country as expensive as the United States. And ESPECIALLY when you’re traveling on Oahu’s North Shore in Hawaii!
But staying at this epic (and aptly named) Backpacker’s Hostel will guaranteeably make your Hawaii trip amazing and save your budget.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Honolulu hostels hardly get cheaper than this!
- Surrounded by greenery
- Cabin set up
From this hostel’s front porch you can feel that ocean breeze and see the breathtaking beaches of Oahu, and this is just the beginning! You will be staying in homey rooms, which give you access to the onsite lounge, shared kitchen, and free snorkel equipment for when you are ready to take a dip!
The rooms are mixed dorms, which really add to the vibe of this being a place really made for backpackers to meet travel buddies.
3. Waikiki Beachside Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Oahu
- Dorm (mixed): From $42
- Private Room: From $116
- Address: 2552 Lemon Road, Honolulu, USA
When they say beachside hostel, they aren’t lying! Waikiki Beachside Hostel will have backpackers within two minutes’ walking distance of laying out on the beach or taking a splash into the sea. A hostel like this must cost all of Kind Midas’ gold, right? Wrong! Waikiki Beachside is my pick for the cheapest hostel and one of the best places to stay on Oahu.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Unmatched pricing
- Discounted tours
- Amazing location
This cheap Waikiki stay has free towels and comfy beds, which is a huge plus at this After a long day of exploring Oahu, you may even come back to the hostel to find a live band playing on the outdoor terrace! I also found the place to be pretty clean, which is always a huge win in a hostel.
There are numerous different types of rooms to choose from, from 8 bed mixed dorms to private ensuite rooms. They even offer one complimentary tour which was fab for both my budget and getting to know other travelers!
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Polynesian Hostel Beach Club – Best Party Hostel in Oahu
- Dorm (mixed): From $36
- Private Room: From $84
- Address: 2584 Lemon Rd., Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Honolulu, USA
Looking to really let loose and party your way through your stay in Honolulu? Look no further than the Polynesian Hostel and Beach Club!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Right on Waikiki Beach
- Outdoor terrace
- Surfboard rentals
At this Honolulu hostel, the chill vibes and drinks will make you want to book your stay – as they should. The perfect beach location (which is ideal if you’re looking to have some nights out) makes the space social and convenient. I also loved their gear offerings and local recommendations. You’ll see right away the hostel is colorful and bright – no drab vibes here!
Have I not mentioned the food yet? At Polynesian Hostel Beach Club, the staff sometimes throws barbeques to go along with that beer as well as breakfast every morning! The hostel has a variety of dorm beds and private rooms to choose between.
5. ALOH Seaside Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Oahu
- Dorm (mixed): From $46
- Private Room: From $127
- Address: 419 Seaside Avenue,, Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu, Honolulu, USA
Traveling as a digital nomad is not easy. In order to get that new blog post or video uploaded, you will need a quiet place to work with a stable internet connection. Not to mention while traveling the Hawaiian islands, you’ll also have to find a hostel that won’t be sending you to the poor house after a few nights stay.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- On site cafe
- Close to Waikiki Beach
- Colorful design
This is your shining castle on the hill! With spacious lounges, an outdoor terrace, and an internet connection that won’t have you slamming your laptop against the wall, you can be sure to get your work done in peace!
Finally got everything edited? ALOH Seaside Hostel will get the fun started with free boogie boards and snorkel equipment, cheap surfboard rentals, and even a bar just a few houses down! Oh, I almost forgot, the beach is just a stone’s throw away from your dorm bed!
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Oahu Hostels and Budget Stays
A few more cheap places to stay in Oahu!
Honu Waikiki by ALOH
- Dorm (mixed): From $43
- Private Room: From $88
- Address: 1923 Dudoit ln, Honolulu, USA
This new backpackers hostel in Waikiki is owned by the same people who own the much-loved hostel The Beach, so you know it’s gonna be good! The rooms are spacious, the staff are helpful and friendly, and you’ll find the beach and restaurants within walking distance.
There’s also a WhatsApp group chat to coordinate hangouts and events among all the guests so you can meet new friends. The common area has a hammock, and the terrace really puts it a cut above the rest!
Oahu Camper Adventures
- Private Room: From $115
- Address: 185 Ulupa Street, Kailua, HI 96734, United States
While not exactly a Honolulu hostel, this is no doubt the most unique budget stay on the island that will also give you a taste of van life. You’ll get to make a tricked-out camper your home, and spend the night soaking in the beauty of this majestic island. Not only is it a solid wave to save money on a night stay, but the camper (which you don’t drive, just stay in) is parked right on the beach. The helpful owner can even arrange a private spot for an extra fee!
Ewa Hotel Waikiki
- Private Room: From $102
- Address: 2555 Cartwright Road, Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
Needing to take a break from those backpacker’s hostels and need to get yourself one of those private rooms we backpackers pop in from time to time? At the Ewa Hotel Waikiki Beach, you will be staying in your very own space without totally emptying out your wallet!
It’s not just the single rooms with balconies overlooking the city or sea that will have you extending your stay night after night. Ewa Hotel Waikiki puts you just a few minutes away from lounging out on the beach.
If you have a bit more cash to splash, check out Oahu VRBOs!
Kuhio Banyan Apart-Hotel
- Private Room: From $95
- Address: 2310 Kuhio Avenue, Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
At the Kuhio Banyan Apart Hotel, you’ll really get more of an apartment vibe as it’s not exactly a hostel. BUT it’s significantly cheaper than most other private rooms on Oahu!
It’s not just the 5-minute walk from the beach that will have you clicking that “book” button, but also the value for money. There’s even a kitchenette inside which is perfect for saving money on food!
Aqua Palms Waikiki
- Private Room: From $122
- Address: 1850 Ala Moana Boulevard, Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
This modern hotel has an iconic outdoor swimming pool and an amazing location right near the beach. I loved being able to grab food at the on-site restaurant too – it’s actually good! They also offer a few discounts on local attractions for guests, another top tip for broke backpackers.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Oahu
Don’t travel anywhere in the US without some good travel insurance, American healthcare ain’t cheap!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQ about Hostels in Oahu
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Oahu, a much needed tool to be able to travel on the most expensive island in Hawaii:
What to Pack for Your Oahu Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Oahu?
Depending on the location and type of room, on average, the price starts at $40 per night for a dorm bed.
What are the best hostels in Oahu for couples?
Check out this romantic seaside cabin hostel, Backpackers Hostel, for a perfect Hawaiian getaway with your boo.
Final Thoughts on Oahu’s Hostels
Hawaii is a place that does not need to be talked up all that much. People from all over the globe have fantasized about visiting Oahu’s stunning beaches, surfing the waves, hiking through jungles, hiking up volcanoes, and ending the day with a beer and a luau.
Oahu has a bit of everything for travelers. No matter if you are looking for a simple beach holiday or to experience Hawaiian culture, you can find it all here!
Finding the best hostel in Oahu is a bit more difficult than in other destinations. If you are still undecided on where to stay, check out The Beach Waikiki, my pick for the best travelers hostel on Oahu!
Put your lei on and say aloha to your Hawaiian adventure on Oahu!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Hawaii for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Hawaii covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Oahu if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Oahu before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for USA to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate USA backpacking guide.
Buy Us a Coffee!
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You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
