--- title: Everything You THINK You Know About Hostels Is Wrong - with Howzit Hostels Co-Founder Nathan St Cyr description: Nate St Cyr, the visionary co-founder of Malama Capital and Howzit Hostels, discusses how he’s revolutionizing the traditional hostel concept in Hawaii. image: https://str.legal/hubfs/Howzit+Hostel+Maui+Hawaii+new+lobby+renovation+IMG_8089-Edit.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://str.legal/smartstay-show/nathan-st-cyr#main) [![FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2](https://str.legal/hs-fs/hubfs/FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2.png?width=300&height=82&name=FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2.png) ![FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2](https://str.legal/hs-fs/hubfs/FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2.png?width=300&height=82&name=FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2.png) ![FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2](https://str.legal/hs-fs/hubfs/FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2.png?width=300&height=82&name=FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2.png) ![FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2](https://str.legal/hs-fs/hubfs/FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2.png?width=300&height=82&name=FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2.png)](https://str.legal) - [Podcast](https://str.legal/smartstay-show) - [Contact Us](https://str.legal/contact) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Podcast](https://str.legal/smartstay-show) - [Contact Us](https://str.legal/contact) - Search - [Get Started](https://str.legal/get-started) [Get Started](https://str.legal/get-started) Search [SmartStay Show](https://str.legal/smartstay-show) # Everything You THINK You Know About Hostels Is Wrong - with Howzit Hostels Co-Founder Nathan St Cyr ![Rory Gill](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/52a7403c0c5152799543ceb531cdb16d) Jan 21, 2025 7:00:00 AM Ever wondered how hostels are redefining the travel experience? In this episode, I sit down with Nate St Cyr, the visionary co-founder of Malama Capital and Howzit Hostels, to uncover how he’s revolutionizing the traditional hostel concept. From daily pancake breakfasts and Margarita nights to crafting a vibrant, community-driven atmosphere, Nate shares his journey of turning a simple idea into a thriving hospitality brand. We dive into how Generation Z’s desire for connection inspired his approach, the power of social media and influencer partnerships, and his innovative strategies for building an empowered team. If you’re curious about the future of travel, hospitality, or entrepreneurship, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Tune in now to hear Nate’s incredible story and get inspired to think differently about what it means to create unforgettable travel experiences. Let’s go! Things we discussed in this episode: - The evolution of the global hostel industry and the recognition of it as a significant investment opportunity. - Nate St Cyr's background and his partnership with a business partner experienced in short-term rentals. - The misconceptions about hostels and how Howzit Hostels offers a unique, community-driven experience. - The amenities and programming at Howzit Hostels, including daily activities, shared spaces, and community-building events. - The importance of understanding the target audience, particularly Generation Z, and their preferences for shared experiences and human connection. - The strategic use of social media and influencer collaborations to market the hostels and reach their ideal guests. - The high-touch approach to guest experience, including pre-arrival welcome calls and 24/7 reception. - The company's focus on creating a positive work culture and retaining employees through generous vacation policies and empowerment. - The plans for expansion and the need to understand the local market and hospitality needs when scaling the business. - The importance of aligning the business model and hospitality offerings with the target audience's needs and preferences. Get in touch with Nate: - Facebook - [ ![](https://www.gstatic.com/youtube/img/watch/social_media/facebook_1x.png) / howzithostels  ](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2ZmWkpXSzRBeEk3YUpSQVZWUHE1Q3l3aV8yQXxBQ3Jtc0trak1yeHZRQU9aLXV6SEhpN0xwS2hsS2xuY2l0N3lfb3ZXQWYxTlQtU28zWVZhWnAyMVF3dmpIeUhib3EtNmhYeGszNWJkNHpYdDNhNy1CbmE5UkJEbEJIU09yVDNkQjEtMGZLaS1lTkZZLW1GLVZyUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fhowzithostels&v=1jGo6IkICnE) - Instagram - [ ![](https://www.gstatic.com/youtube/img/watch/social_media/instagram_1x.png) / howzithostels  ](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbThrbVZnUjF2TkxpeEZCSWFyUTRVcEVtYjZhd3xBQ3Jtc0trUHFQcFJDV010RThzZFZ4cTdoUUN4LUFUZHVBNXhxUGNQaUExNnB3M2RsMVBVa0JFUklyaDJ4RHppT0RCdG5kSE5sY1JUSTFWQ3pUdWVsYVVLeE5DTE5vcy0ySkxSMHhkX2VEMXppR2c1VXZwZmhKaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fhowzithostels%2F&v=1jGo6IkICnE) - Website - [https://www.howzithostels.com/](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEltMENrYVNFS0RyZFNuUWpYUENTemdHTm9nd3xBQ3Jtc0tuWGhPSHVxQnB4WC0wRUtOLVlEbnVPY1p2d19tQjFSd25PWGw2VVNQSmd2LTVWay00NFRxVUVfMDhLOGZ4dHF4eFd6dmZUZ29iVWNXdzVzMWt6Wjk3ZlZ2dGxqRUlPY2xac0hxM1hzRmhUQllhQXJtMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.howzithostels.com%2F&v=1jGo6IkICnE) ➢ Subscribe: [  ![](https://www.gstatic.com/youtube/img/watch/yt_favicon_ringo2.png) / @smartstayshow  ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9hSZeHoPAwF2bcEib0RCvg) - [0:00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jGo6IkICnE&t=0s) - Introducing the Hostel Concept - [0:00:37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jGo6IkICnE&t=37s) - Nate's Journey into Hostels - [0:03:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jGo6IkICnE&t=196s) - Nate's Life in Maui - [0:06:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jGo6IkICnE&t=378s) - Redefining the Hostel Experience - [0:11:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jGo6IkICnE&t=703s) - Protecting the Hostel Community - [0:15:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jGo6IkICnE&t=936s) - Targeting the Right Audience - [0:18:23](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jGo6IkICnE&t=1103s) - Leveraging Social Media Marketing - [0:21:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jGo6IkICnE&t=1263s) - Scaling the Hostel Business - [0:23:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jGo6IkICnE&t=1402s) - Creating a Positive Work Culture - [0:28:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jGo6IkICnE&t=1735s) - Advice for Aspiring Hostel Owners **Tags:** ### Related Articles ### Comments ![SmartStay Coaching (transparent background).png-3](https://str.legal/hubfs/SmartStay%20Coaching%20(transparent%20background).png-3.avif) ### Short-Term Rental Counsel + Coaching Welcome to the SmartStay Show, where profit meets strategy for short-term rental hosts. 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