Reviews of Howzit Hostels Hawaii
107 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, United States
#1 of 9 hotels in Hilo
Guests' ChoiceReview score
Based on 82 hostel reviews
8.8Score breakdown
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Cleanliness
9.0
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Comfort
9.0
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Location
9.3
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Facilities
9.0
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Staff
9.4
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Value for money
8.8
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Free WiFi
9.5
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Reviewed: 5 September 2025
Arellano
United States1 review10“Welcoming”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
N/a
Staff was friendly.
Stayed in September 2025
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Reviewed: 30 August 2025
Douglas
United States8 reviews9.0“a delightful surprise — great value — see yous next time!”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
it would be nice if there was an accessible option a ceiling fan might help to cool the rooms better, when combined with standing fans. I was too warm when I slept with curtain drawn.
1. the 24 hour desk, staffed by friendly youngsters was welcoming. 2. close proximity to Hilo Public Library, which was a revelation. 3. close proximity to Kilauea and Kamahama streets 4. darn good Thai around the corner 5. short drive to the airport 6. WhatsApp chat group a good idea 7. I would have loved some pancakes, but had an early am flight & just missed ‘em 8. kitchen clean & well organized. I encountered one cockroach when turning on the light in the middle of the night. (whatchugonnado?) 9. except the DUDE who left dirty dishes in the sink 10. dorms quiet and ~half capacity. I think the co-ed rooms help to keep things in line. 11. easy reservation & check-in procedures 12. convenient parking
Stayed in August 2025
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Reviewed: 7 August 2025
Pheng
United States4 reviews9.0Superb- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
The room was a bit too stuffy and humid. Even though the bed was very comfortable but the room needs more air ventilation and/or maybe a portable AC.
The location is great because everything I need is walking distance.
Stayed in August 2025
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Reviewed: 5 July 2025
Mary
United States4 reviews10“A delightful hostel. Highly recommend!”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Triple Room with Sea View
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Great location! Beautiful decor and furnishings! Lovely chocolate pancake breakfast. Generous and friendly co-travelers.
Stayed in July 2025
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Reviewed: 1 July 2025
Myra
Philippines7 reviews9.0“The "homey" vibe of Howzit is the plus factor.”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
The sink was clogged. There should be constant checking of facilities. Generally, the bathrooms and toilets are clean though.
It was my first time to check-in in a hostel. The room was very comfortable and quiet. The other guests were friendly and considerate. Would love to get back to Howzit in the future.
Stayed in June 2025
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Reviewed: 12 June 2025
Florence
Switzerland19 reviews1 helpful vote10Exceptional- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 4 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Privacy (curtain for the bed), staff very friendly, everything was clean
Stayed in May 2025
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Reviewed: 27 May 2025
Mary
United States3 reviews10“We thoroughly enjoyed our stay!”- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Triple Room with Sea View
- • Stayed 1 night
Delicious!
Stayed in May 2025
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Reviewed: 26 May 2025
David
United States4 reviews10“Good Stay at a low cost in Hawaii”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Triple Room with Sea View
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Secure luggage storage needed to be improved. The place is too busy for luggage to be left unattended.
Central location near the main bus station with easy and cheap transportation to the Volcano National Park, the airport, and to circle around to the other side of the island to Kona or loop the whole island. Also, there is a Subway and a laundromat an easy five blocks away to keep costs low.
Stayed in March 2025
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Reviewed: 22 May 2025
Jun
United States21 reviews15 helpful votes10“Best host, clean facilities, and great location!”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
A bit noisy on the street early at night.
Clean and great location! The host /receptionist was very kind and gracious!
Stayed in March 2025
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Reviewed: 24 April 2025
Laura
Germany1 review10“I enjoyed connecting with other people and the staff was like friends. I felt welcomed and comfortable.”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Very new and clean and cute
Stayed in April 2025
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Reviewed: 22 April 2025
Platz
United States5 reviews8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
The employees were outstanding, professionell and very kind. Alan, Megan and Vivien are awesome
Stayed in April 2025
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Reviewed: 19 April 2025
Debra
Israel2 reviews9.0Superb- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
The hostel is mostly staffed by volunteers (who were great!). But it would have helped to have some more local knowledge. As the volunteers are also figuring out the Big Island, it felt like the blind leading the blind. Would suggest the hostel to have a more local individual available, perhaps in the evening/early morning, to ask questions. Or alternatively, make some recommendation lists and add some local literature or guides to the common area. Another thing to note, there is a noticeable homeless population in Hilo and around the hostel. While I didn't have any personal problems, you could occasionally hear shouting and yelling outside. However, in order to enter the hostel, you must be buzzed in or have an entrance code, and at no point in time was it threatening.
The hostel was exactly what we needed. During my trip I stayed with a friend, and after she left came back to the hostel alone. The rooms were comfortable with comfortable beds. I took the female only room. Each bed comes with a charging port, side light, storage box (you need to bring your own lock). Windows could open fully to let the breeze through. There were also a ceiling and standing fan available to use. Bathroom and showers were great, with numerous shower stalls available. Showers have soap and conditioner provided. Toilets were also quite nice, providing adequate privacy. The common area is comfortable, with couch areas for communal seating as well as side tables for eating or working. Kitchen was comfortable with everything available to make your own meals. The area is in the heart of Hilo and quite close to the shoreline. There are great local eateries just a short walk away. Additionally, some great museums are just up the road like the Lyman museum.
Stayed in April 2025
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Reviewed: 23 March 2025
Douglas
United States36 reviews10 helpful votes10“Highly Recommended - Almost Everything was a 10 - Great Staff - Clean - Safe - Free Breakfast!”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 14 nights
No A/C - The Coffee was Terrible!
Security (Combination Codes) 10 - Staff 10 (Especially Will (Manager), Miranda and Cynthia) - Cleanliness 10 - Showers Huge, Lots of hot Water 10 - Room was Large (I was in a 6 bed room), but hot, No A/C. 8 - Common room HUGE 10 Free Pancake Breakfast 10! - Value was OK 7 - Location was OK 7.
Stayed in March 2025
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Reviewed: 12 March 2025
Sergiusz
United States13 reviews1 helpful vote8.0“Hawaii is expensive, even when you stay at hostels”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Quadruple Room with Sea View
- • Stayed 1 night
Nothing really, but it would add value if the hostel stuff was more aware of the neighbourhood and would be able to provide some tips for visitors.
The cleanness of the place, especially the bathroom areas exceeded our expectations. Also location is prime - center of second largest town on the Big Island.
Stayed in February 2025
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Reviewed: 10 March 2025
Snežana
Serbia62 reviews10 helpful votes10“Beautiful place”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
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Lovely atmosphere and nice location. Easy to get to it with the local bus from the airport. Also within walking distance from Rainbow falls.
Stayed in March 2025
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Reviewed: 24 February 2025
Wendy
Canada9 reviews10“Perfect space for a group, or family to”- • Leisure trip
- • Group
- • Private Dorm Room (Sleeps up to 6)
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Nothing
Perfectly clean and quiet at night.
Stayed in February 2025
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Reviewed: 23 February 2025
Frank
Germany82 reviews8 helpful votes8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Breakfast only until 830am (vacation!) No aircon
One of the best hostels I ever stayed at👍 clean, modern facilities, friendly staff, great location.
Stayed in February 2025
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Reviewed: 20 February 2025
Michael
United States23 reviews9 helpful votes8.0“One of the few hostels in Hilo but I good spot for a few days.”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Not enough space to eat! Nice kitchen but limited seating area.
Friendly staff and bed was comfortable. Bathroom was really clean.
Stayed in February 2025
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Reviewed: 14 February 2025
Priscilla
United States2 reviews10“I loved it!”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
I'm terrified of heights so I was really scared i would roll over and fall out of the bed all night (I got the top bunk) and I was scared to get out of my bed in the morning and climb down. All of the other beds in the room appeared to be taken already so that's why I didn't ask for a different one.
The chocolate pancakes tasted delicious! And I loved the bathrooms! The showers were also really nice as they gave us space to put our belongings where they wouldn't get wet. Sometimes in other hostels, it would just be the shower room and no room to put our dry clothes. I like how many activities they do together at the hostel; if I would have stayed longer I would have loved to have done some activities with the other people staying at the hostel. I think the price was perfect and I got a lot more than if I would have stayed at a normal hotel and paid 200+ dollars for just one night. Also the staff was super sweet and helpful!!
Stayed in February 2025
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Reviewed: 10 February 2025
Justyna
United States3 reviews10“Great hostel to meet interesting g people and sightsee east and south”- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Private Dorm Room (Sleeps up to 6)
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Comfortable beds clean bathrooms
Very nice Staff giving great sightseeing recommendations and borrowing us gear. Free pancakes and coffee in the morning!
Stayed in February 2025
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Reviewed: 4 February 2025
Donna
United States2 reviews10“Great”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Long flight of stairs
Very clean wonderful coffee& pancakes in morning
Stayed in January 2025
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Reviewed: 24 January 2025
Paul
United States59 reviews5 helpful votes9.0Superb- • Business trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Great location, friendly vibe, super clean
Stayed in January 2025
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Reviewed: 16 January 2025
Steven
United States1 review10Exceptional- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Location and staff.
Stayed in December 2024
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Reviewed: 16 January 2025
Konstantin
Germany40 reviews9.0Superb- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 5 nights
It is one of the cleanest Hostels I've been to, also very comfortable rooms with private beds with curtains and private lockable storage facilities. Nice kitchen, big and very clean bathrooms. There are also nice events organized by the hostel
Stayed in January 2025
