The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel

The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel has been around for a while, but its current owners took the reins in 2013. The laid-back, unfussy hostel is set in two buildings kitty corner from one another on a sleepy Waikiki street. The lobby is situated in the main building and guests often hang out in the narrow, wood-wrapped space. Its walls are lined with gorgeous photos of waterfalls, beaches, and island sights that double as advertisements for the free organized excursions available (just keep some tip money handy for the driver). The atmosphere is friendly and social, especially up on the huge rooftop deck that's a great spot to relax, cook dinner, and chat. This isn't your typical party hostel and quiet hours are enforced every night. Guests are an international set of college students, backpackers, solo travelers, and the occasional family.

This hostel is located on a sleepy street side street that's a four-minute walk from beautiful Kuhio Beach. It’s a convenient, walkable location to many of the neighborhood’s attractions. Within a five-minute walk are shops, bars and restaurants serving burgers, subs, steaks, empanadas, and Asian cuisines. The Honolulu Zoo is a two-minute stroll from the hostel and nestled in a lush public park. For stunning views of the area, the trailheads for the crater at Diamond Head State Monument are seven minutes away by car. It's a 45-minute hike to the top. Downtown Honolulu, the Iolani Palace, Chinatown, and the Bishop Museum are all less than 20 minutes away by car. Hanuama Bay Nature Preserve has one of Oahu’s most breathtaking beaches and great snorkeling; it's around a 30-minute drive away. The North Shore, famed for its big waves and surfer culture, takes 50 minutes to reach by car. Expect around a 20-minute drive to Honolulu International Airport, depending on traffic. 

Beach Waikiki’s air-conditioned guest rooms are a mix of dorm, semi-private, and private rooms with king, queen, or twin beds. They’re basic, but clean, and the daily housekeeping service is welcome. Dorm rooms have twin-size bunk beds, though the bedrooms can sometimes be cramped. In fact, the Dorm Room Mixed 2 we visited was barely big enough for its two bunk beds. Semi-private rooms have private bedrooms and shared living areas stocked with refrigerators, desks, and tables. Private rooms are Beach Wikiki's priciest, roomiest, and nicest option. Expect kitchenettes with mini-fridges, two-burner electric ranges, flat-screen TVs, free beach towels, and -- in some -- sleeper sofas. All rooms include modern en-suite bathrooms with stall showers. However, only the private rooms include toiletries. It’s worth noting that guests must be 45 years old or younger to stay in the dorms. All rooms have free Wi-Fi.   

For a two-pearl property, we were happily surprised by the amenities included here. However, keep in mind that there's no bar, limiting the party atmosphere. The free daily breakfasts include waffles, toast, coffee, tea, and juice. On Fridays, a free pizza party happens on the hostel’s fabulous roof deck. It doesn’t have ocean views, but there are tons of seating options and a shared open-air kitchen. Other freebies include bodyboards, beach chairs, beach mats, umbrellas, and floating tube rentals. They also have free beach tennis kits, volleyballs, and footballs to borrow. For a fee, guests can rent towels, surfboards, bicycles, and snorkeling gear. In the lobby is a book lending library and also a give-away area full of toiletries, bug spray, and sundries (including sunscreen) left behind by previous guests. Other on-site amenities include an ATM, two laundry rooms (fee), and free surfboard and baggage storage. Organized tours to island highlights are a great extra, but make sure to tip the driver. Limited parking is available for a reasonable fee. There’s also free Wi-Fi throughout the property.