Mitch

Does anyone have anything positve or negative to say about Beachside Hostel on Lemon Road in Waikiki? Any other suggestions - please include reason why you did or did not like it.

Thanks

Sarah

I have never seen a nice one on Oahu. Sounds like a business idea. Think guide books tell you not to get your hopes up on Youth hostels in Hawaii. I did find a youth hostel type place on the big Island but back to the Waikiki inquiry.

I visited one youth hostel in Waikiki back in 96. It was a hot cynder block type building with bunk beds. I have stayed at hostels all over Europe. I would not stay here. There are hotel bargains in Waikiki. The only thing is you won't meet other back packers. At that youth hostel it looks more like the travelers are interned.

I guess you could rough it if Waikiki were part of larger trip. It is just that there are so many budget options in Waikiki. I would call a travel agency based in Waikiki. Go to the library and pick up Honolulu yellow pages. There are the big agencies that we know (Pleasant Island Holidays, Roberts Hawaii)but I would think a smaller locally based agencey will put you intouch with the $60 a night hotel rooms. If you split that with a friend it can be similar to hostel prices.

That $60 rate I saw in 96 and the hotel room was fine (coral something or other was the name). I did not stay just checking out the room when bo ticked me off. Anyway I am sure you could find something similar today off the water a few blocks.

Let us know what you find Mitch.

Hawaii lover

I would think there are some great camping options on Oahu that would be nicer than the hostels Sarah is describing. The weather is generally nice enough and warm enough at night that you could camp on the beach or in the forest in some lovely places. I'm sure you could rent tents and other gear when you arrive on the island. I saw a lovely campground on the beach on the northern windward side of the island, near Laie. In fact, I just looked in my Frommer's guide to Oahu and it describes some lovely camping areas and vendors who will rent equipment. Good luck!

Nita

There is no need to stay at a hostel as you can get a room at a 3 star hotel for about $50 a night. All of my friends got the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani for $50 a night on Priceline and they all bid separately. Check www.biddingfortravel.com if you want to see people's bids.

Melissa

I have never seen a nice hostel, either, but like Nita says, if you can find a regular hotel at hostel prices, go for it! Lemon Road is at the end of Waikiki near Kapiolani park and the zoo and is on the bus line. It is also close to the beach. It's also a small road off the main road, so perhaps it is more secluded and less noisy. Not sure.

If you are set on a hostel type experience: At the direct opposite end of Waikiki is Central YMCA (www.centralymcahonolulu.org ). This is close to the beach AND the Ala Moana shopping center, plus you get workout privileges. They recently renovated 8 rooms on the 5th floor. I think the rates are about $30/night, but you should check.

Melissa

Hi Mitch, I just went to Lemon Road today, as my friend works there. Apparently the street has turned into a whole ROW of hostels! The buildings all look fairly decent, but it can be noisy & congested during the day. And my friend says that she doesn't like to leave the office too late at night because it tends to look really seedy. So if Nita is right and you can get a room at the Princess Kaiulani for the same price, maybe you should opt for that........if you are looking to meet other hostelers, then I suppose this is the place to go.