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  5. Reviews of Open Gate Hostel Hawaii

Reviews of Open Gate Hostel Hawaii

12-2278 Piilani Road Kalapana Gardens, Pahoa, HI 96778, United States

#10 of 22 hotels in Pahoa

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 45 hostel reviews

8.7

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.9

  • Comfort

    8.8

  • Location

    8.6

  • Facilities

    8.6

  • Staff

    9.1

  • Value for money

    8.7

  • Free WiFi

    8.0

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 29 October 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Queen Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Rather spooky if want to toilet at night. Need more light on trail

    Lava was surrounded the hostel

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: 21 October 2024

    9.0
    What a hidden gem!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 4 nights

    Amazing location, super friendly staff. Best location for stargazing. Absolutely loved my stay.

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: 17 September 2024

    10
    Wild
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There could be fans in the rooms to help with the hot nights. That would have been nice.

    Very personal service, met me at the front gates. Amazing location, very low key. Get ready to rough it a little, but that’s all part of the experience - get ready for a ride!

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: 4 September 2024

    10
    Magical stay on the magical lava fields. It was a pleasure and an honor to stay here.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Everything was AMAZING!!!

    Open Gate was a magical place on a magical piece of land. Hands down the best hostel I've stayed in.

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: 1 September 2024

    10
    Unforgettable
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Staff was very helpful made my stay there that much better. The hostel was very nice

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: 1 August 2024

    10
    One of the best accomandations on hawaii
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Queen Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    - cool hostel with really nice people - really clean - very special location on the lava fields 😄

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: 29 February 2024

    10
    Unforgettable experience!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Queen Room
    • Stayed 4 nights

    The vibe you find at Open Gate Hostel is hard to explain and find somewhere else. Staying here was one of the best decisions I have made throughout my two weeks in Hawaii. Staff is truly super (helpful, friendly, welcoming, helpful) and the people you meet there are just amazing. My private room was large, comfortable, and clean. Bathrooms and kitchen were very clean, too. Location is incredible.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 31 January 2024

    10
    Not just a place to lay your head down, it is a great experience!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Queen Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    One of a kind comfy place with a friendly staff. Very cool experience, we enjoyed it very much. It has all you need, including a star-gazing patio and a gym. Staying here made our trip special. Highly recommended.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 16 January 2024

    9.0
    Far way but by far the best value for money
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    It's a dead-end location with no restaurants, shops, beach, whatsoever. 30-40 minutes drive to Hilo, >60 min. to the Volcanoes park entrance. In the future, an inhouse bar would be great!

    Very special place and probably the best value-for-money on Big Island.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 15 January 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I really loved this hostel. The staff were so friendly and went out of their way to make sure the guests had a nice experience. The hostel itself is a very unique structure built on lava fields. Definitely one of the most interesting hostels I’ve ever stayed at.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 24 October 2023

    10
    Great spot in Pahoa with friendly and kind staff!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The temperature of the water of the shower was rather cold, for me that’s fine, but it might be uncomfortable for some people.

    The location is great in the middle of the old lava. Plus there is a gym and the people at the hostel were kind and friendly.

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 19 September 2023

    10
    PERFECT
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    This hostel is amazing, the staff are amazing, everything perfect!!!

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 12 September 2023

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Queen Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Cool location on old lava flows! Appreciated how clean the rooms and the bathrooms were!

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 5 September 2023

    10
    Would like to stay again in the future, very peace cute place on lava.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Queen Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Hot water shower…

    So peaceful. So beautiful.

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 28 August 2023

    10
    Relaxing place
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I liked everything, I only recommend that a car is necessary because it is a bit far from the main road.

    The atmosphere that is breathed is one of complete relaxation, ideal to rest and disconnect from everything, the staff is very attentive and helps with everything you need.

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 18 August 2023

    10
    Good, but maybe not for everyone
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Helpful staf that picked and dropped me in Pahoa. Pretty good wifi. I had to make a video call (which I usually don't do and hate) and it worked fine. Room was comfortable. The road is in bad condition but regular cars can definitely make it. Clean. Very remote. Again, I liked it, but maybe not for everyone.

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 16 June 2023

    10
    Would be happy to visit with them again.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 14 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Travel distance to stores and restaurants.

    Staff and location.

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: 18 May 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Queen Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The structure is made of wood and shakes anytime anyone walks on it. There were people watching tv until late and the noise flew into our room, so it depends on your luck what you get. There is little to no food in common stock at the hostel (which generally is), we had to go out late in a very dark area to get some basics.

    The location is actually on top of a volcano. It's unlike any other place you have lived at.

    Stayed in May 2023

  • Reviewed: 12 May 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There's not much to dis like honestly. It's definitely a choice to be there and I have no regrets.

    The personalities of all members was fantastic 😊 hospitality and the warm welcome you get is exceptional

    Stayed in May 2023

  • Reviewed: 3 May 2023

    10
    friendly staff, cool fellow travelers, great off the grid gem for hostel lovers!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Queen Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    unique hostel away from the bustle of town and busier beaches! loved the breeze through the common areas and the stargazing tower. would stay here again!

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: 18 April 2023

    8.0
    unique exciting
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Queen Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    the property was great! they could definitely invest in some comfier beds as they get more popular ! but for a hostel style it was great

    quite possibly one of the coolest locations we’ve had the pleasure of staying at. environmentally friendly, easy check in. close to some cool trails

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: 18 March 2023

    10
    Felt like a family!!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Everything was great!

    everything was great! Location far away from everything, hard without a car, but there is always people there to take you somewhere and enjoy the island together! I only stayed there for 3 nights but it felt like home! 10/10 would recommend!!!!

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 25 February 2023

    10
    Amazing and wonderful hostel. Met lots of friendly people and we will never forget the location :)
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Queen Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    You will need a car to get around but the friendly staff will help you in case you need anything. It is not easy to reach the hostel by public transport or taxi or uber.

    Unique and absolutely amazing location. It would be hard to imagine another hostel built on lava. You definitely need a car though otherwise you will be stuck and bring all your food too!

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: 15 February 2023

    10
    loved my stay . it is literally more comfortable and more welcoming than my room I rent on Maui
    • Solo traveller
    • Queen Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    the driving directions on map take you a little behind on the actual hotel and unless you really know the roads out there it will be hard to find and almost impossible to find at night. Also the potholes are especially bad right now on the road and you need to take special care

    loved the energy and feel of the place. you need to understand about Kalapana and the lava flow to really appreciate this place. it was suuuuper clean, well organized, very comfortable rooms, very fast WiFi and the best cell service in the neighborhood. Also had exceptional espresso, which is unheard of in Puna.

    Stayed in February 2023

Showing 1 – 25

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