Nestled between towering apartment buildings, we made our way to the hostel which looks quite small in comparison. Located a couple of streets back from Waikiki beach it’s only 30 mins drive from Honolulu Airport. There are a number of ways to get to Waikiki from the airport the cheapest being the local bus ($2.50 USD), then the shuttle ($12 – $15 USD) or like how we traveled on this occasion, taxi ($30 – $40 USD). We found out later that because we were staying 3 consecutive nights at the backpackers we could have actually organised a free shuttle service through them! Overall we were very happy with this hostel, so much so that we decided to go back to it on our last night in Hawaii after returning to Oahu from Maui.
Rating: 84%
Atmosphere: 90%
The staff work really hard to get the atmosphere going in this hostel and each night they put something on to get the people staying there mingling and bonding with each. Offering free beer on Wed and Fri and free pizza on Thursday is an effective way to get everyone in the same place at the same time because who doesn’t like free stuff? The only thing that would improve the atmosphere, is having a proper sized common room for people to hang out in. The current one is a transformed apartment room so is very cramped.
Cleanliness: 83%
This hostel is pretty clean with clearners coming into rooms on a daily basis to tidy up.
Facilities (most important ones): 72%
– Free breakfast (bread, spreads, hot drinks)
– Free wi-fi
– Lockers (need to provide own lock)
– Nightly activities (including free beer and pizza nights)
– Limited cooking facilities
– Linen included
– Tiny common room
Location: 86%
Waikiki Beach is the main tourist hub on Oahu, with the first 5 streets back from the beach lined with shops, bars and restaurants. The hostel is in a great location, situated slightly east of the heart of Waikiki and two blocks back from the beach. It’s hard to get much closer to the action.
Security: 84%
There is a gate to the main hostel which I only saw locked once so maybe after 12pm this happens and staff are at reception till 1am. Lockers are located in all non-private rooms, however you will need to provide your own lock.
Staff: 85%
The staff at this hostel are great; very friendly and helpful. A special mention goes to Jose who I never actually saw working, unless his job is to mingle with travellers and take them out partying to show them a good time. If that is the case, he is fantastic at is job! Regardless of this, he plays a vital role in creating an awesome atmosphere in the place.
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