Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii and the gateway to Oahu. Almost every visitor stays in Waikiki, a strip of beachfront, shops and restaurants at the southern end of the island. Waikiki hotel rates are very high, so even a basic dorm bed is a major saving.
Our top pick: Honolulu: Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial Tour
Where hostels are
- Waikiki: the main hostel area. You can reach the beach, Kapiolani Park and the bus stops on foot.
- Ala Moana and Kakaako: a short bus ride west, near the big shopping center and Ala Moana Beach Park, with a more local feel.
- Downtown Honolulu and Chinatown: close to Iolani Palace and the harbor. It is busy by day and quieter after dark, so look at reviews for the exact street.
Getting in from the airport
The airport is about 9 miles (14 km) from Waikiki. Shared shuttles, taxis and rideshares are the simplest, and TheBus is the cheapest option but limits luggage size, so a large suitcase may not be allowed on board.
Safety and budget tips
Waikiki is well lit and busy, but petty theft from cars and beach bags happens. Keep valuables in the hostel locker, never leave items in a parked car and don’t leave your bag unattended on the sand when you swim. To keep costs down, book early for winter and summer, pick a hostel with a kitchen so you can cook, and use day passes on TheBus to reach Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor and the north shore.
Check hostel prices in Honolulu
Skip the rental car. Parking in Waikiki is expensive, and buses and tours reach most of the sights you will want.
Top-rated Honolulu tours
Honolulu: Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial Tour
A moving visit to the memorial. 4.5/5 from over 1,200 reviews.
Honolulu: Half-Day Scenic Tour of 7 Oahu Viewpoints
Coastal lookouts around the island. 4.9/5 from over 240 reviews.
Oahu: Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona, and City Tour
Pearl Harbor plus Honolulu sights. 4.3/5 from over 1,700 reviews.
Why book online
- Free cancellation on most tickets, usually up to 24 hours before
- Reserved time slot: no queue at the ticket desk
- Mobile ticket on your phone
- Reviews from verified travelers
Frequently asked questions
Where are the hostels in Honolulu?
Most are in Waikiki, a short walk from the beach, with a few in the neighborhoods around it. Waikiki is the easiest base if you want to walk to the sand and catch buses to the rest of Oahu.
How do I get from Honolulu airport to Waikiki?
Options include shared shuttles, taxis, rideshares and TheBus. The city bus has strict luggage limits, so check the size rules or use a shuttle if you carry a large bag.
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