Hakuna Matata Maui Hostel

I feel like I should start with the positives. This was by far the most affordable place to stay in Lahaina when we booked our trip. And the location was fabulous! So close to a lovely beach for snorkel and surfing and walking distance to all of the action on Front street. The people staying at this hostel were absolute gems! We all got along well and enjoyed several communal meals in the fully equipped kitchen and genuinely enjoyed our time with really cool and respectful guests. Also, I did find the bed very soft, and comfy. As for some of the challenges we faced. I would not describe the place as pristine, or extremely well maintained. It was liveable, but ant infestations (I get it, it’s tropical. But there was no attempt to reduce them) hair in the drains after the cleaner was there, mould on the floor and walls in high humidity area etc. just a general lack of attention to detail were hard to miss. Communication with management broke down in many areas. There was no information provided to us on policies, or house rules. We, as well as other guests we spoke to had to text the management with multiple questions regularly. Ie about towels, bbq use (it’s broken and there was no propane) and to please come replenish the toilet paper! During our stay, management would show up and inform us of a new and seemingly made up rule that we were never aware of before. (Dishes have to be washed by 10 pm, even if we were still using them). Over all our experience was comfortable, but there is lots of room for improvement.

I slept on the top of a comfortable bunk bed in a dormitory for four females, named Plumeria. The rooms have names and keypad locks. The entrance door also has a keypad lock and a video camera. Every day, I was out the door at 5:00 am to explore Maui by driving to hiking trailheads, eating at the Saturday Upcountry Farmers Market or at Food trucks. I generally returned to Hakuna Matata around 5:00 pm to pack my hiking cloths for the following day, rested until I slept.

Hakuna Matata was such a wonderful experience. I’ve traveled all over the world and stayed in many hostels. Hakuna Matata was exceptionally clean and more importantly the people working there were so kind and helpful! The hostel felt warm and welcoming and I became close friends with several of the other travelers staying there. The room was spacious and had air conditioning. The hostel had all of the equipment one could ever need for the beach as well as surf boards, paddle boards and bicycles. The shower was immaculate and spacious. If I ever return to Maui, I will most definitely book my stay at Hakuna Matata. I highly recommend it for those traveling on a budget, solo travelers and those looking to meet new and interesting friends!!

Hakuna Matata quickly felt like a second home to me. The house has a vibe that is very welcoming and the people were incredible. You can’t beat the location either!! We used the bikes and boards every day. I booked this place with doing very little research and it exceeded every expectation I had. I’m coming back to stay here every time for sure. I hardly ever write a review on anything but just had to share how great the experience was

Literally the best hosteI on Maui. Highly recommend! I have my morning coffee on the beach everyday with West Maui mountains behind me. Beautiful spot & great hosts. Free amenities and location are always helpful too! I have felt like home here for five weeks. I would not hesitate to come back here and stay in the dorms as a female traveler or rent the private room for two.