BootsnAll Travel Community

I'm looking for a backapcking destination. Hawaii seems to have so much to offer. I'm just wondering how conducive Hawaii is to backpack travel. I'm on a budget, though not a shoe string. I would prefer to stay in hostels or cheap guesthouses. What are prices like for food, travel, lodging within the state? Thanks for any help you can give

Depends what Island you are on..
I was just in Oahu a few weeks ago:
- There are a few hostels in the Waikiki area - I stayed at the Waikiki Beachside Hostel and there is a kitchenette in each room so you can cook your food. A grocery store is a few blocks away.
- Public transport is decent as you can get around the island quite easily just don't expect it to be fast! 2 dollars a ride and transfers were good anywhere from 2-6 hrs later.
- You can get cheap eats at some of the little local restaurants. Definately some cheap delicious Japenese noodles to be found
- Best deal I found in Waikiki was purchasing a tacky yellow pineapple at the Cheese Burger in Paradise restaurant which is right across from Waikiki beach and a few blocks from most of the hostels. Unlimited pop refills - just go back to the restaurant any time and get it filled up. Never have to buy mix or refreshments

I didn't make it to any of the other island but from talking to others at the hostel they were a lot more expensive and hard/impossible to get around without a set of wheels. I don't believe any of the other islands had hostels..