Pros

  • Near center of Waikiki and beach
  • Cheap shared rooms
  • Some private rooms with bathrooms
  • Community kitchen and lounge
  • Guest laundry
  • Free boogie boards and sports gear loans
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Cons

  • No air-conditioning
  • No on-site restaurant or bar (alcohol not allowed)
  • Spotty housekeeping
  • Small fee for towels
  • Fee for Wi-Fi
  • Fee for parking
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Bottom Line

Full of backpackers and young tourists on a budget looking to meet fellow travelers, one-and-a-half pearl Hostelling International Waikiki provides cheap rooms close to the beach. Guest units are divided into male and female dormitories that pack six into a shared bunk space with a bathroom, or small private rooms that have their own bathrooms, but no air-conditioning. Alcohol isn't allowed and there isn't much of a social hub here outside of the communal kitchen and a TV lounge that’s often too hot for comfort. Wi-Fi is only free in common areas, but guests can borrow boogie boards on their way out.

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Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Internet

Oyster Hotel Review

Hostelling International Waikiki

Scene

Communal bunks near the beach

The hostel’s bright sea foam colored building stands out on one of the grittier urban blocks in Waikiki. The balconied property is short on common space, but there's a small front desk room with chalkboard announcing local events and a fluorescent-lit lounge beyond it. The communal kitchen feels institutional with stark blue cabinetry and tiled white walls. The TV and scant furnishings might pre-date the 90's, but at least some of the books and board games on hand are timeless. 

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Location

A short walk from Waikiki Beach on Prince Edward Street

Centrally located on an urban block, the hostel is around a three-minute walk from the beach. There are several restaurants and cafes nearby, including Kai Coffee Hawaii and Duke's Waikiki, and the Honolulu Zoo is around a 10-minute walk south. Visitors can walk two blocks and find the touristy Kalakaua Avenue, a busy stretch of shops, restaurants, and high-rise hotels that cut across Waikiki. Diamond Head and Ala Wai golf courses are both less than a 15-minute drive (in opposite directions) from the hotel. Honolulu International Airport is a 20- to 25-minute cab ride northwest.

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Rooms

Shared dorms and small private rooms

Most of the International Waikiki’s rooms are bunk bed-style dorms designed to be shared, six hostelers a piece. Like other hostels, there are no TVs, mini-fridges, or coffeemakers here, just four walls and small lockers for valuables The dorms are supposed to be male or female only, with private units providing co-ed lodging. Private rooms have double beds or bunk beds, with other furnishings consisting of a mix of wooden or metal folding chairs and small tables. The bathrooms are tiny, with the simplest fixtures and colorful shower/tub combos that show a lot of wear and tear. Bed linens are provided, but towels cost an extra fee.

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Features

Communal kitchen, TV lounge, and free beach gear loans

With no restaurant or bar on-site (the staff sometimes arrange happy hour outings at local bars), all on-site dining takes place in the communal kitchen. It has a microwave and stove, two refrigerators, cookware, and utensils as well as a shelf marked "free" with the presumably unexpired goods from past guests -- think pretzels, peanut butter, and jelly. There’s plenty of seating at the folding tables lined up end-to-end, and more space around the corner in the TV lounge. Wi-Fi is free in the lounge, and there's a computer available for use. Guests can also borrow beach chairs, boogie boards, and additional assorted beach/sports gear.

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Hostelling International Waikiki

Scene

Communal bunks near the beach

The hostel’s bright sea foam colored building stands out on one of the grittier urban blocks in Waikiki. The balconied property is short on common space, but there's a small front desk room with chalkboard announcing local events and a fluorescent-lit lounge beyond it. The communal kitchen feels institutional with stark blue cabinetry and tiled white walls. The TV and scant furnishings might pre-date the 90's, but at least some of the books and board games on hand are timeless. 

See More Scene

Location

A short walk from Waikiki Beach on Prince Edward Street

Centrally located on an urban block, the hostel is around a three-minute walk from the beach. There are several restaurants and cafes nearby, including Kai Coffee Hawaii and Duke's Waikiki, and the Honolulu Zoo is around a 10-minute walk south. Visitors can walk two blocks and find the touristy Kalakaua Avenue, a busy stretch of shops, restaurants, and high-rise hotels that cut across Waikiki. Diamond Head and Ala Wai golf courses are both less than a 15-minute drive (in opposite directions) from the hotel. Honolulu International Airport is a 20- to 25-minute cab ride northwest.

See More Location

Rooms

Shared dorms and small private rooms

Most of the International Waikiki’s rooms are bunk bed-style dorms designed to be shared, six hostelers a piece. Like other hostels, there are no TVs, mini-fridges, or coffeemakers here, just four walls and small lockers for valuables The dorms are supposed to be male or female only, with private units providing co-ed lodging. Private rooms have double beds or bunk beds, with other furnishings consisting of a mix of wooden or metal folding chairs and small tables. The bathrooms are tiny, with the simplest fixtures and colorful shower/tub combos that show a lot of wear and tear. Bed linens are provided, but towels cost an extra fee.

See More Rooms

Features

Communal kitchen, TV lounge, and free beach gear loans

With no restaurant or bar on-site (the staff sometimes arrange happy hour outings at local bars), all on-site dining takes place in the communal kitchen. It has a microwave and stove, two refrigerators, cookware, and utensils as well as a shelf marked "free" with the presumably unexpired goods from past guests -- think pretzels, peanut butter, and jelly. There’s plenty of seating at the folding tables lined up end-to-end, and more space around the corner in the TV lounge. Wi-Fi is free in the lounge, and there's a computer available for use. Guests can also borrow beach chairs, boogie boards, and additional assorted beach/sports gear.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Beach

  • Cribs

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.