Central YMCA

I needed a cheap room in Waikiki for two nights while I took an exam at the convention center. This was right around the corner, so it fit the bill. They also had parking, which was a lifesaver.However, this place is on the fringe of being somewhat sketchy. This is not your average motel, this is almost hostel level accommodations. Don't go in with expectations. I got a room with a bathroom and the room was extremely bare bones. I had one lumpy flat pillow on the bed, even though I had asked to have three pillows in my reservation. There were ants and roaches. It was facing the street, so it was very loud loud at night and the jealousy windows did not particularly allow for sound blocking. There was a distinct urine smell in the room and I couldn't find where it was coming from. There was no extra lock on the door so as a woman alone, I was a bit concerned for safety, even though they have cameras monitoring the hallways. This place could use some bug treatment and new linens. it needed better towels, cleaner, mattresses, an extra pillow. A fridge in these units would go along way for short term stay.Now, I know they rent these units out by the week for people, but they really need a fridge in there. there's not a lot of shopping in the area, but I needed somewhere to put my leftovers from dinner so I could take them to lunch the following day. I also didn't wanna haul a cooler in and out of there. It's getting it from the car to the room... It's a bit of a distance. As for parking, the parking lot is super tiny, but once you know where it is, you're fine. The parking lot feels safe. The staff was extremely nice although the fact that they are behind glass leads me to believe it's not the safest area.There was a little food stand or Café of some sort inside, but I did not get to try it, as I was not there during the hours it was open. I think if you needed budget accommodations and or comfortable with the possibility of bugs and hostel accommodations, this would be a decent choice. if you were down on your luck and needed a place to stay for a few weeks at a good rate, this could also be a good place. The main issue I had with them was securing the accommodations. I made the reservation online and tried to follow up multiple times afterwards. The number on the email confirmation never got me a human to talk to. I had to go find a separate phone number for the specific location versus the general YMCA phone number for Hawaii. It was quite a pain. Then, when I finally get somebody to confirm my reservation, they tried to tell me there were staffing issues about returning my call and that's why nobody got back to me. That's not really an acceptable answer and not my problem... They need to have that figured out so however, many other dozen people that were blown off got answers. Anyway, this place is a good option for necessity, but not the best option if you have a few more dollars and a few more choices.

My friend Jeff recommended me to stay at Central YMCA at Atkinson. Because I didn't want to pay $150 a night at a hotel. So, I requested my reservation online. The process took 2 days. After I made my payment, I got my confirmation. Upon arrival, I had zero expectations of the room. This was not my first time staying at the Y. I was here prior to the turn of century as I transitioned from my apartment to return to the mainland. Except it was a shared bath situation. My room was on 2nd floor. This time, my room is on 5th floor because I wanted a private bathroom. You need to know what they don't have before arriving. So, you can either buy them while you are here or bring them with you. This is not a hotel. There is no TV. No AC. No refrigerator. No clock radios. No visitors in your room. No toiletries like soap, shampoo, lotion or body wash. In the room, you have a single bed, drapes, Venetian windows with slats for ventilation, screens for blocking bugs. There are 4 lights: walk-in closet, bathroom and main room. A desk with a folding chair. A night stand with no drawers. A trash can. The room has a door that locks securely. It has chair rail on 2 walls. Bed comes with a pillow, bed sheets and a comforter. The room smells like it had never been occupied for weeks. Carpet needed to be replaced as it wrinkled from age. I wish they had it shampooed, to the least. For the price $70 a night I can tolerate this condition. I love the trade winds and traffic noise. It reminds me of traditional island living. I managed to buy what I needed at nearby Walmart. I travelled along. So, I don't need much. Well, I don't have much to begin with. I'm just glad there is such facility for me to rest my head during my stay. Oh, one more thing. According to news article from 2019, this place was "to be sold" (I have never seen a reporting without confirmation). Looks like the deal fell through because of covid. Don't expect to use the swimming pool or the gym. Because they drained it back in 2015 and facility has been closed for many years.

The pool has been drained and all of the equipment removed. The photos on these pages are obviously outdated.I understand the building is being sold and speculation has it, will be torn down and replaced by a high-rise. If you have fond memories of this place please save those memories and stay elsewhere. - mahalo iā oe no nā hoomanao.

As far as I know the YMCA has been going back and forth to be demolished and turned into condos for years. Permit problems, funding problems is the gossip for the project. Is a pretty aged facility across from the Ala Moana center and hotel. All the fitness and recreational facilities are closed and no longer used. The housing section is still running. Probably one of the only places you can stay for $50 a night in the area. It's a bit sketch to be honest. I never stayed. But I supposed if you're on a budget and you do the backpacking, camping, hosteling route, I suppose it would be adequate. It would be great to see a place like this newly renovated, it was quite popular I hear in its hayday but nowadays it's kinda an eyesore

I've been going to the Nuuanu YMCA exclusively for over a year now. But today I was to meet some friends for dinner near Ala Moana. I decided to sneak in an afternoon hike at Diamond Head in the hot sun so I planned to come here to wash up before meeting my friends.As I walked in this YMCA, I noticed it was much smaller and this facility has been here a loooooong time with minimal upgrades (if any that is).The staff here were friendly and greeted me with a smile upon check-in. I only came here to wash up so I tried to look for the locker room only to get lost! So I went back to the reception area asking for directions.The locker room was quite small but kept clean. I was surprised how small the showers were. It was cool to see a shower chair for people with disabilities or the elderly to sit on.I didn't have much time to check this place out as I didn't want to be late for dinner but was able to check out the pool (quite smaller than Nuuanu YMCA), cardio room and the special classes ballroom.Overall, an average experience. Nothing special in my opinion.NOTES: 1) I parked across at the mall and walked over but saw a sign of the $1 parking fee.2) They have a Vietnamese restaurant at this YMCA (where they have Subway at Nuuanu YMCA).

Sometimes I prefer Central Y over Nuuanu Y because it is the most conveniently located if you need to do errands or something at Ala Moana. However, it does have a much older feel to it. One thing I like better than the Nuuanu branch is the set up of this cardio room because all the machines face the same way! It seems like they utilize the space better. For the weight room however, I like the Nuuanu's facility better. I think the machines are older here, but at least they provide a sizable room for free weights + machines and a separate side room just with mats for an abdominal work out. I also prefer the locker room facility set up here (at least for the women's side)... It seems a little more private. I attended a class here once or twice but can say that I prefer the class instructors at both the Kaimuki and Nuuanu branches. Glad to hear that they are going to be sticking around! They were slated to close at the end of this year but I guess they're here to stay!! To park in the shared parking lot with the apartment complex, you pay $1 at the Y front desk and they'll give you validation for 2.5 hours. Or, if you wanna be really chang you can evade the $1 parking fee by parking at Ala Moana and walking across the street.

I have been a member at this Y for almost 15 years. I keep coming back, though. As everyone else says, the facilities are not that nice. The machines are (sometimes) older, more expensive, the bathrooms/showers are not that clean, and some of the trainers are surly.BUT, most of the staff is very nice, the parking is good, and it is never very crowded. It is nice to not have to feel like you have to dress up to go to the gym. It is also nice to see other regulars that are sincerely glad to see you. Best of all, though, the afternoon group exercise/aerobics classes rock!

Simple,but Clean an Safe. Stuff very friendly. Thank you for reasonable price and free Coffee. Angela from Germany

This is one of the worst experiences i have ever had so far in Honolulu, Hawaii. This place is dirty and filthy, no A/C. It's an old building that was built in the 50's. I think i got a good deal at price line together with their package but little did i know the YMCA did not even provide me any parking spot. They told me they don't have any spot left but when i double check their parking lot i see at least 4 or five spot available overnight. I saw come roaches too in the bathroom. This place I would give it a F-. If i know in advance, i would pick the hotel right accross from it ( Ala Moana Hotel) . It will cost more but i think it's worth it. TT

The YMCA at 401 Atkinson Drive no longer has a gym. I recommend you call first to ensure they have what you're looking for.XXXXXXXX