I'm Coming Back Again!

• April 9, 2009
• Rated 5 of 5 by windsurfer3000 from Corpus Christi, Texas

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Standard Backpacking Accomodations in a Beautiful Building

• January 30, 2009
• Rated 2 of 5 by travellingdave from Calgary, Alberta

The Northshore Inn and Hostel is one of two options for backpackers on Maui, located in the city of Wailuku. The hostel caters to a wide variety of demographics, with newbie 18 year old travellers sipping beers alongside seasoned, been-there-done-that 60 year olds. Upon arriving, you'll be warmly greeted by Scott, the bushy-bearded twentysomething proprietor. He's a nice guy, but he takes his house rules very seriously, giving each guest a guided tour, explaining them in detail to the point of overkill. None of the house rules were anything to balk about, but some may find the 10 PM quiet time to be a bit of a drag.

This historic building is a bit weathered, but with its age it brings several antique features that make up for what would otherwise be an underwhelming experience. The hostel is fronted by a wonderful antique wooden balcony overlooking the busy street below; this is a great place to relax on one of the many couches and get to know your fellow backpackers. There are also a few tables with chairs if you want to enjoy the sweet morning Hawaiian air while working on your laptop. Other historic features of the property include a lovely hardwood staircase.

One unique feature of this hostel is the interior layout of its common areas. Four couches are arranged in a circle, all facing each other, with a small television to the side for those who want a diversion. The layout is conducive to conversation, with the crowd gathering each night to get to know one another. There are many long-term residents here, many who seem to "run the show" and direct the conversation, so newcomers seeking to break the ice may remain speechless; the group is quite "cliquey". It's a bit tight at times, and some may feel smothered by the perhaps too-close-for-comfort environs. There is literally nothing to do in Wailuku at night, and these conversations are pretty well one's only entertainment while here.

Bathroom-wise, the hostel has you covered. There are a total of 4 common bathrooms (not gender segregated) and all are equipped with hot showers, so waiting around isn't much of an issue. Towels are provided for an additional $1.00 fee.

The dorms are spartan, but clean. Each dorm features four wooden bunk beds, and the rooms are gender segregated. There is no mixed dorm, so travelling with a partner of the opposite sex may mean a lot of time apart. The bedding is ultra-basic - a fitted sheet, a small sheet to cover up, and a pillowcase. The mattresses and pillows are covered in unbearably annoying plastic protectors, so you may find it hard to fall asleep for a while. Dorm beds are a flat $25.00 per night.

The hostel also features private rooms in the $40 - $60 range for
those so inclined. Those rooms appeared to be much more comfortable than the dorms and likely worth the price (a bargain for Maui).

The hostel has a full kitchen available for anyone to use, along with all of the supplies that comes with that. There is no free breakfast here, but free Kona coffee is available 24 hours per day. Luggage storage and lockers are available for $2.00 per day.

The hostel is located in north-central Maui, over 20 miles from the
nightlife hotspot in Lahaina. You can catch an hourly bus to there from the Maui Bus stop just down the street, costing just $1.00. The airport is another $1.00 bus ride away, and is just 5 miles from the hostel in neighboring Kahului. Scott provides on-demand airport pickups and drop offs for $10.00 one way.

Overall, this is a good base for a couple of nights while on Maui, but not for much more. The uncomfortable bedding, the cramped common space, and the cliquey social atmosphere will likely have you moving on your way out quicker than you may have anticipated.

From journal My Return to Maui

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Northshore Inn

• February 20, 2001
• Rated 2 of 5 by kimca from Victoria, British Columbia

The Northshore Inn is a popular hostel with windsurfers who come to Maui for a few months. I worked for them while I was there in exchange for accommodation. There are single, double and dorm rooms available. Amenities include a kitchen, free morning coffee, a large storage locker that can fit windsurfing gear and a TV lounge. The downside is that it is very far from everything. If you are not planning to get a car, this is not the place for you. The hostel is located in the suburb of Wailuku and not near beaches or other sights. It is cheap though and I met life long friends while staying there.

From journal 3 Months on Maui

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