Open Gate Hostel Hawaii

The unique experience of Open Gate Hostel began with the advertising and it didn't disappoint. This is one of the best backpackers I have stayed in. The out-of-the-way location on a lava field with excellent amenities. Comfortable bed awesome hospitality.

No. Everything was as it looked in the website. It was much closer to Hilo than I originally thought.

Loved the remote area and the hotel being self-sufficient but not lacking any facilities whatsoever. A very unique place to stay in and very accessible by car.

Great atmosphere, hospitality, and great location!

They had a simple free breakfast (waffles and coffee). The staff was so friendly even and recommended a few awesome spots we should see (I never would have went if she had not told me about them and they ended up being highlights of my trip). The view was nice, the lounging are was very accommodating and they even had a TV. I really loved that everything was so friendly! :)

the last road to get there was unpaved so you have to drive very carefully. everything is within close distance (but only as long as you have a car)

This place was sweet. We really enjoyed our stay. Comfortable, clean, good vibes. Well equipped and clean kitchen, important for us because we prefer to cook. Loved all the artwork and vibe of the place. The stars were incredible. Marissa, the manager, is wonderful and friendly, with lots of suggestions and advice on things to do. 100% would stay again!

It was an amazing view of the mountains and the stars really shine at night. Far away from light pollution so it really pops out

Only the distance from the next town but other than that it was amazing

Cool experience to “live on the lava” and because it’s off the grid and far from everything (light pollution) the stars are great.

This hostel is off the grid - so expect an off the grid type of stay. This includes intermittent hot water and sometimes iffy internet.

The breakfast was great, and the staff were absolutely exceptional! I would give this property an ELEVEN out of TEN! I actually decided to stay longer because it was such a wonderful place to be and chill.

The only thing that needed work was the beautiful guitar that the staff llet me use the whole time I was there ... it just could use a little lighter gauge strings ??

This is a gem of a place to stay. It's a bit off the beaten path and that's its charm. Its location on the lava field and the fact that it's off the electric grid system add to the appeal of this hostel. The fully stocked kitchen is very clean and organized. One of the best I have ever come across in any hostel. The hang out areas, art work on the walls and open air design add to the vibe and chill nature of the setting. They even have an impressive weight workout and yoga room. There are several nice beaches nearby but it's best to have a vehicle to get to them. Marissa is a fantastic manager with a lot of information to provide about the surrounding natural areas and Uncle Robert's for food and entertainment. I also appreciated that she always wanted some quiet and soothing music to be playing in the kitchen at all times. It was a great addition to ambiance. Free waffles and coffee in the morning made an excellent way to start the day. I will go back and maybe stay there for several days. It's a great home base to explore the beautiful Puna district. One needs to understand that this hostel caters to those who seek a quiet place in a unique setting, in a unique building that's off the grid and uses rainwater as its source of fresh water. Going in with this adventurous mindset will allow you to have a most excellent stay and experience and meet some fantastic travelers.

My only complaint is that although the beds are very comfortable the room is VERY stuffy. There needs to be at least a fan running the air around in the room. I understand that the place is using solar for electricity but there absolutely needs to be some electricity dedicated to at least powering a ceiling fan at night when trying to sleep.

Unique location off the grid and on the lava fields. Excellent host and very fun vibe!

The cleanliness of the place was astonishing! Way cleaner than a lot of hotels I've been to and for sure the cleanest hostel I've been to. The staff was super nice too and very welcoming and always ready to give advice on what to do and see in the area

If I really have to pick something I would say the location, but it's way more than compensated by the cleanliness and friendliness of the hosts. Also the whole location is an entire local vibe. Loved it

It’s a unique space, located on a very “young” lava field, very welcoming and with a strong emphasis on sustainability and harmony with Nature. You can stargaze from the top deck and see the firey colors reflecting from the volcano eruption in the clouds. Great black sand beaches nearby!

Uniqueness of life at the hostel as well as location, the hosts were amazing and very friendly!

Far and secluded without a car, but is a plus for calm and rest!

The stuff is friendly and helpful. The room was spacious and had a locker for the valuables. You can watch the sunset right a cross the streetThey organized a free valentines dinner

The bathrooms need a update and one more would be nice. The kitchen is quite small because it's also the reception and common area

The staff stopped answering mu messages when I said that i was not getting success to find a way to get there. I tried send messages through here and sms but they only said that i have to pay of i dont show up.

It os impossible to get there of you dont have a car. The bus stop is far from the property and you have e to walk 2h to get there. Otherwise you can get a uber that woll cost more than 60 usd one way and the internet from what I heard doesnt not work. The place seems nice but isn’t worth to rent a car just to get there. And i strongly tried this option too… but one day rent is over 100usd. I ask for a reimbursement but again the property said that they cant do that.

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

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

Loved the hammock and books to read. There was a new years party and we had so much funnn! Also loved the 3rd floor star gazing area!

We loved it all!

I recently had the pleasure of staying at the hostel, and I must say that the experience was elevated to another level thanks to the incredible management by Marissa. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that the hostel was not only well-maintained but also run by someone with a genuine passion for hospitality.She greeted me with a warm welcome and provided a thorough tour of the facilities, ensuring I felt comfortable and informed. She took the time to answer all my questions with great patience and always offered helpful tips on local attractions, transportation, and even hidden gems in the area. It was evident that they genuinely cares about the guests' experience and goes above and beyond to make sure everyone feels at home.The hostel itself is clean, safe, and has stargazing deck. It is also close to one of the most beautiful beach in big island.

I was warmly welcomed and hosted with many individual interactions with the staff and people living there. Many useful visiting tips and generał vibe of peace & love which reminds me so much of the vibe I remember for backpacker's places in Kathmandu, Nepal.

It could be pro or it can be con but you need to be prepared that the place is really at the end of the world & in the middle of nowhere :)

Lava was surrounded the hostel

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