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Maui FAQs

  • 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 Maui 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 store your bags and 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 Maui). 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 charming downtown Wailuku, about a 10-15 minute Uber/Lift or taxi from the Kahului airport. Address is 2080 W. Vineyard Street, Wailuku, HI 96793. Alternatively, you can catch the Maui Public Bus. See the ‘How can I get around by bus’ QS/Answer below for more info on bus transportation.

  • Our free 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.

  • Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to stay at the hostel. You must be a minimum of 18 years old to stay in a dorm bed. Minors may stay in a private room if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Guests checking in with children under the age of 12 will, unfortunately, be turned away and forfeit their deposit.

    **Please note: Effective 4/15/2024 Howzit Hostels now requires all guests over the age of 55+ to book a private room accommodation. Guests aged 55+ will not be allowed to book a shared dorm accommodation (This policy includes mixed dorms and female-only dorms).**

  • The hostel has limited paid overnight parking available for $10/night. Paid municipal parking located nearby is available 24/7 subject to limits. Plus, free street parking around the neighborhood is also an option.

    Check out this parking map for a visual guide!

  • 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.

  • 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 have coin-operated laundry facilities on-site for $3/wash and $3/dry. Laundry detergent is available for purchase as well.

  • 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 five all-gender full bathrooms (one shower, one toilet, one sink), and two female-only bathrooms, and two half-bathrooms in our Main Lobby.

  • We do not have lockers, but we offer free luggage storage in a secure closet near our reception office.

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

  • Wailuku has several excellent locally owned restaurants within walking distance to the hostel. There is a Thai food truck about a hundred steps away that is delicious and authentic. Or try the Wailuku Coffee Co. for fresh coffee and tasty breakfast/lunch options. Stop by reception for a list of all the options in the neighborhood. Safeway (a grocery store) is about a 5-minute Uber away. Feeling lazy? DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Bite Dash will deliver!

  • Maui’s public bus is reliable and easy to use. It is $2 one way or you can get a day pass for $4, which we highly recommend in case you need to transfer and also for ease of paying once. Just ask the driver. Exact change is needed.

    Bus Routes to Airport

    To get to the hostel from the airport, you’ll go to the bus stop in “Pick Up Zone 3”. Depending on the time of day, you’ll take one of two buses. Be prepared to ask and pay $4 to the driver for an all day bus pass. The driver does not carry change. Route 40 (Upcountry Islander) — Operates every 90 minutes from 6:00 a.m. to 10:11 p.m. Or Route 35 (Haiku Islander) — Operates every 90 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 9:40 p.m. These routes will both take you to the Queen Ka’ahumanu Mall. Depending on your time of arrival, you will transfer onto the 1, 2, or 20.

    If you arrive on the 1 or 20, your closest stop will be Wells St. If you take the 2, the closest stop is N Market St. Each is about a 5 minute walk away!

    Please note: the Maui Bus system only allows for one medium size suitcase, duffle bag, or carry-on bag allowed, no larger than 22”H x 14”W x 9”L and must fit and be placed under the passenger’s seat or on the passenger’s lap so that they do not protrude to another seat.

    Helpful Links

    Bus Map: https://www.mauicounty.gov/1310/Maui-Bus-Route-Maps

    Bus Schedule: https://www.mauicounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4353/Bus-Fixed-Route-Schedule?bidId=