7 Places to Stay While Backpacking Hawaii That Won’t Break the Bank

Who doesn’t dream of backpacking Hawaii? Islands packed with sandy beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and the most chill island vibes around make for a pretty compelling argument! Unfortunately, depending on your location in the United States, getting to Hawaii might be a stretch. Keep an eye on those flight deals, though, because these accommodations are so affordable they’ll hardly occupy space in your budget! Before you know it, you’ll be on your way to the Aloha state and the envy of all your friends.

In this article, you’ll find awesome places to stay if you plan to visit the island of Oahu. If your trip sends you to Maui, Kailua-Kona, or Hilo be sure to check out this article for recommendations!

If You’re Backpacking in Honolulu, Hawaii:

1) Seaside Hawaiian Hostel Waikiki

If you’re looking for a hostel with heart, this is it! The Seaside Hawaiian Hostel Waikiki is the oldest family-run hostel in the area. Years ago they laid claim to an awesome location in the heart of Waikiki and they’ve been a popular stop for those backpacking Hawaii ever since. Stay here and you’ll find yourself only minutes from more activities than you could imagine.

The restaurants, shops, clubs, and of course, the beach are more than enough to keep you occupied for days on end. Back at the hostel, they cultivate an atmosphere of friendliness and make sure there are plenty of opportunities to meet travelers from all across the globe. Find yourself a hammock in the courtyard under the shade of the banyan trees and you’ll find that, although this hostel is conveniently located close to the hustle and bustle of the city, you don’t have to go far to find a spot fit for some island relaxation!

What they’ve got to offer:

• Free Wifi
• Coffee and Tea
• Boogie Boards
• Snorkel Gear
• Beach Mats
• Airport Shuttle
• Laundry Facilities
• Free Towels and Linens
• Luggage Storage

Website: http://www.seasidehawaiianhostel.com/

2) The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel

This hostel is in the heart of Waikiki as well. It’s hard to find a better location! Head one direction and you’re just minutes from a relaxing day on the beach, basking in the golden Hawaiian sun and listening to the waves crash. Head the other direction and all of a sudden you’re in a happening city where you can grab a delicious bite to eat or dance all night!

The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel strives to be a cut above the rest, and it shows. Not only do they keep the facility sparkling clean, but they also offer benefits (like private bathrooms in each room!) that you don’t always find in other hostels.

You’ll be surprised by the number of awesome events that they host on their one of a kind rooftop lounge! Free pizza nights, free BBQ nights, and free movie nights are only the beginning! Each morning they’re cooking up an awesome free breakfast to fuel you for the day, and they’re happy to loan you things like boogie boards, floats, beach mats, and beach chairs free of charge so you can save your dough for other exciting island adventures!

What they’ve got to offer:

• Free Wifi
• Free Breakfast
• Tons of Free Activites
• Equipment Rentals
• Free Coffee and Tea
• Airport Transfers
• Laundry Facilities
• Steam Room

Website: http://www.thebeachwaikikihostel.com/

3) Polynesian Hostel Beach Club Waikiki

This hostel comes with some serious accolades! They were named the “best youth hostel” by the Travel Channel! The list of rave reviews goes on and on, and you can see that they not only talk the talk but walk the walk in this hostel whose motto is “Come as guests, leave as friends.”

The spirit of Aloha is strong in this hostel that offers more freebies than we could begin to list. Free food, free activities, and free gear rentals — they’ve got it all! They’ve created a partnership with GPK tours so that they can help you see all that the island has to offer. That includes things like lush forests, the famous Waikiki beach, Diamond Head Crater, zoos, aquariums, restaurants, and 24-hour shops. Come back to your home away from home after an action-packed day and relax in a hammock beneath brightly painted murals on the patio!

What they’ve got to offer:

• Free Breakfast
• Free Wifi
• Daily Excursions
• Free Equipment Rentals
• 24 Hour Reception
• Free Linens and Pillows
• Discounted Activites

Website: http://polynesianhostel.com/

4) Hokondo Waikiki Beachside Hostel

This hostel is the largest one in Honolulu, and all of Hawaii, actually! Over the years, they’ve received quite a list of titles. They were given the number one spot on the Honolulu Hostel Guide, top-rated on gapyear.com, and given the gold award by hostel bookers.com. Where else can you stay for six nights and get the seventh night free? They’re less than a block from the beach and all of the awesome attractions that Waikiki has to offer. You’ll find two bus stops within a block, which means you’ll have no trouble getting anywhere you want to go. They’re locally owned and operated here, and the friendly staff loves to help gather international travelers in a place great for learning and making memories!

What they’ve got to offer:

• Free Wifi
• Free Breakfast
• Laundry Facilities
• ATM
• Free Book Exchange
• Tons of Free Rentals
• Free Local Calls
• Beachside Cafe
• 24 Hour Check-In

Website: http://www.waikikibeachsidehostel.com/

5) HI Honolulu &Waikiki

When you stay in a Hostel International Hostel, you always know what to expect! Cleanliness and safety are their two main objectives, and you can rest assured that they do as great a job of achieving them here in Honolulu and Waikiki as in other hostels all across the United States and the world!

Both of these hostels have environments where you will run into all walks of life, whether it be students, backpackers, airline workers, or even business professionals. International travelers have been trusting the Hostel International name for years, so you know that you’re in good hands. Both hostels are located in a prime location to explore all that the island has to offer, so you’ll have an enjoyable stay whichever you choose!

What they’ve got to offer:

• Free Wifi
• Free Gear to Borrow
• Laundry Facilities
• Fully Equipped Kitchen
• Low-Cost Tours and Activities
• Luggage Storage
• Free Linens
• Free Library

Website: http://www.hostelsaloha.com/

If You’re Backpacking in Haleiwa, Hawaii:

6) Backpackers Haleiwa

This hostel on the north coast of Oahu is a popular choice among travelers on a budget. Surfers especially love this spot close on the beach! Whether you’re traveling alone or as a part of a group, they’ve got tons of options. Dorms rooms, private beach studios, and whole cabins on the beach! If you want to go snorkeling, surfing, skydiving, golfing, biking, hiking, diving, or horseback riding you’re in the right spot! Backpackers and travelers come together here with friendly staff to learn all about different cultures and make memories that will last for a lifetime.

What they’ve got to offer:

• Free Parking
• Free Wifi
• Laundry Facilities
• Cable TV
• Steam Room
• Late Check-Out
• Bicycles for Hire

Website: https://backpackershawaii.com/

7) Sharks Cove Rentals

Shark’s Cove Rentals has been around for twenty-five years, so you know they’re doing something right! Options is the name of their game! You’re backpacking Hawaii solo and you only need a room? Done. You and the whole crew are checking out awesome Hawaii? How about a whole house? Why not spoil yourself with a balcony overlooking the ocean? Whatever you decide on, and whatever your budget allows for, they can accommodate you.

They have an awesome location directly across from Pupukea Marine Preserve, also known as Shark’s Cove. You’ll be walking distance from a grocery store, food spots, a bike shop, a surf shop, and, of course, the beach!

What they’ve got to offer:

• Free Parking
• Free Wifi
• BBQ
• Common Room
• Mini Supermarket
• Free Coffee and Tea
• Laundry Facilities
• Cable TV

Website: http://sharkscoverentals.com/