Why you should consider a Hostel or Backpacking Lodge

“Hi Greg”. “Hi Kyle”. “How was your night?”. These were the words that I started off with every day during my trip to Hawaii. Who is Greg and Kyle you may ask? Why the lizards who stayed in the backpacking cabin with us of course.

When I told people where I was staying during my time on Oahu’s North Shore, they had a very different reaction than I did. All they saw was a run-down building, with no AC, out dated décor, and lizards (as well as many chickens, one rooster, and a black cat) that had no problem sneaking in the door while we let the ocean breeze in. What did I see you may ask? I saw an opening to Hawaiian culture. Not only was the cabin cheap; it came with access to a secluded beach and a short walk from a food truck lot that provided early morning breakfast and late-night snacks- and even more chickens! This tiny cabin gave me the opportunity to have a more genuine visit to this magical island in the great Pacific. Why would I want to pay hundreds of dollars a night for a fancy resort in the city when I want to experience Hawaii – not room service.

Most people that I talk to are adamantly against staying in hostels and backpacking lodges. Everyone always says (even if they have never stayed in one), that they are dirty and make a vacation worse- this is not the type of establishment they would ever stay at. I beg to differ as this stereotype is far from the truth. I think they have the potential to make a vacation better. Staying in this type of place opens up so many opportunities. We had a perfect location where the majority of people around us were locals which created a more authentic trip. The location also provided an unobstructed view of the most majestic Hawaiian sunset with very few people around. Where else can you get the most beautiful sunset over the powerful ocean all while having a cat named Beyoncé (yes- he was as fierce as his namesake) prowl around with the rooster and chickens that loved to jump on the roof and wake up with two lizards in the common room?

A hostel or backpacking lodge to me should not be automatically dismissed for my adventures because it allows me not to be just a tourist- but to be immersed in the culture and feel like I belong in such a wonderful place even if it is only for a week.

Happy Travels!

-Kaitlin