Questions? We’ve Got Answers!

Standard reservations may be canceled up until five (5) days prior to scheduled arrival without penalty, after which the deposit amount, equal to the first night's stay, will be forfeited.

Non-refundable reservations are not eligible for a refund under any circumstances.

Cancellation requests must be emailed. Guests that booked via an Online Travel Agency (OTA) website (i.e. Booking.com, Expedia.com, Hostelworld, etc.) must contact the OTA themselves in order to cancel. We cannot cancel non-refundable reservations for you unless you have booked Howzit Hostels directly.

Given the wide-spread awareness of Covid-19, we believe people understand the risks in traveling during a pandemic. Anything can happen, government lockdowns, flight delays, as well as sickness. Our cancellation policy is firm. Flexible Standard reservations qualify for refunded deposits, IF the reservation is canceled 5 days before the scheduled arrival. Non-refundable reservations are never eligible for refunds, regardless of the circumstances. These cancellation policies apply to your reservation, even if you cancel due to covid related issues.

Mask Policy: Hawaii's indoor masks mandate ended March 25, 2022. At this time, masks are no longer required to be worn in indoor common areas. Rules are subject to change based on Hawai’i County guidelines.

Yep! WiFi is available throughout our hostel, free of charge.

We have 24-hour reception! So no matter what time you arrive, someone will be available to assist you.

Our check in is at 2 p.m., but you are more than welcome to store your luggage with us while you explore, enjoy breakfast, use the shower, or hang out in our common area.

Our check out is at 11 AM. We do not offer late check outs, but you may use the common area facilities after check-out.

This hostel is for travelers only. We require all guests to present a valid photo ID issued from a government authority and proof of onward travel (an itinerary that shows you have a flight departing The Big Island). Guest's identification must match the name(s) on the reservation.

We do our best to place guests that are traveling together into the same room, however our ability to do so is limited by availability. For this reason it’s best to book as far in advance as possible.

Our housekeeping staff cleans all rooms and common areas daily. There are fresh linens provided. Outside linen is not permitted. We do have extra blankets, bath, and beach towels available free of charge.

Standard reservations require a deposit equal to the first night's stay and will be charged upon booking. The balance is due in full at check-in. Non-refundable reservations require payment in full in advance. We accept payment with credit card or cash. Personal checks are not accepted.

Upon your arrival please ring the doorbell and our reception staff will let you in. Once checked-in you will be given a personal code for use to enter the hostel and to access your room.

We are located in the heart of Historic downtown Hilo, about a 10-15 minute Uber/Lift or taxi from the Hilo International Airport. The address is 101 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo HI, 96720.

Our tours are available on a first-come first-serve basis. We do not take reservations, you must be an in-house guest to sign up. Tour destinations are subject to change. Please remember that many of our tour guides are volunteers and work hard to provide guests an awesome experience; a tip of $5- $20 is appreciated and appropriate. Mahalo :)

Upon arrival, guests may choose their dorm bed based upon availability. If you prefer a bottom bunk, please contact us after making your reservation and we will do our best to accommodate your request if possible.

Paid municipal parking located nearby is available 24/7 subject to limits. Plus, free street parking around the neighborhood is also an option.

Sorry, registered guests only - no visitors. Strictly enforced.

Only animals that meet the definition of a service dog by the US Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are permitted. Hawaii law explicitly excludes companion and comfort animals, unless the animal meets the definition of a service dog and is accompanying someone to perform the tasks for which the dog has been individually trained. For the comfort and safety of other guests, we encourage anyone booking with a service animal to reserve private accommodations.

Groups of more than 6 people require different terms and conditions, including but not limited to refund eligibility and deposit amounts. If you are interested in making a group booking please contact us directly for more information.

We do have a Lost & Found, where guests can reclaim their items misplaced or lost during their stay. If you have already checked out, we can mail the item to you. Just provide us with a self-addressed shipping label plus $20 for handling and we will mail your items back.

We do not currently offer on-site laundry facilities. However, there is a 24/7 Laundromat, a 5-minute walk from the hostel! Downtown Laundry Express

We offer free pancakes every single morning from 6:30-8:30 AM! Complimentary coffee and tea are also available :)

Well of course! This is where hostel bonding-magic happens! We’ve got refrigerators and a pantry for storing your items. We just ask that you label your items with your name and check out date, and please clean up after yourself.

We have Men’s and Women’s bathrooms. A total of 8 toilet stalls and 8 individual shower stalls!

Our brand new custom-made privacy bunks come equipped with built in lockers! We ask that you bring your own lock.

Yes! We have some available that you can borrow for free.

Hilo has TONS of awesome food options! From locally inspired dishes to excellent vegan food, and everything in the middle! Some of our favorites include: The Bootch Bar, Jackie Reys, Cronies, Puna Chocolate Company, Chang Mai Thai Cuisine, and on Friday nights make sure you check out the night market right across the street! They have some delicious food carts :) Stop by reception for a list of all the options in the neighborhood. Sack and Save (a grocery store) is about a 5-minute walk away. Feeling lazy? DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Bite Dash will deliver!

How Do I Get Around by Bus?

Big Island has a free public bus system called Hele-On that runs to popular spots throughout the island. Sometimes bus routes can be confusing and bus stops are not always properly labeled. The bus system is synced with Google Maps; this will generally be your best ally in navigating your chosen route. Always let your bus driver know where you’re trying to go and they’ll be able to assist you as well.

Hilo Airport (ITO) to Howzit

The bus from the Hilo airport to the hostel is the 101 bus. The bus stop is right in front of the airport when you exit outside and runs every hour. It’s a short 10 minute ride that will take you to a downtown bus station called the Mo'oheau Bus Terminal, where you’ll then be a short seven minute walk from the hostel. You can generally bring luggage with you on to the bus.

Kona Airport (KOA) to Howzit

The #2 bus is a free bus that runs from the Kona Airport to Hilo three times a day. This bus usually takes 2 ½ hours to get to Hilo. If traveling at night it’s advisable to bring layers, since the bus can get cold.

There is room on this bus to store luggage underneath. Make sure to let the bus driver know that you’re planning to exit at the Mo'oheau Bus Terminal in downtown Hilo, and they will help you get off at the right stop. Once you’re dropped off at the Mo’oheau bus stop you are a 7 minute walk from the hostel. Another option is the #80 that runs twice a day from KOA to Hilo, this one takes 3 ½ hours.

Outside of the #2 and #80 busses there are other options, but they require transferring to another bus stop and take up to 4 hours to get you to Hilo.

Once you arrive in Hilo, the free bus system can take you to local stores, beaches, even Volcano National Park! You can plan your route at the Hele - On website: https://www.heleonbus.hawaiicounty.gov//

Parking

While the hostel lacks designated parking, Downtown Hilo provides numerous free street parking options. Look for green signs indicating permissible 2-hour parking from 8 AM to 4 PM, suitable for both day and overnight stays. In the event of limited street parking, the Hilo Armory on the corner of Shipman and Keawe Street offers a larger free parking lot for overnight guests, just a 2 minute walk from the hostel.