Do you ever want to travel to some place that nobody else wants to go? Have you ever had the urge to travel solo? Do you ever just need to reset and take time for yourself? This last December, I decided it was time for a mini break from everything and anything and packed my bags to Honolulu, Hawaii for an epic solo trip.
Back Story..
This isn’t the first time I did a solo trip though. I had traveled to Australia last year to meet with friends and before heading there I stopped in Honolulu for a few days solo. And even if I met up with friends in Australia, I had my own hotels so I spent a few days on my own there as well.That is when I fell in love with the idea of it and totally wanted to do it again for a longer period.
It’s crazy how times can change, if you met me 6 years ago I would have never thought I’d be this ambitious or confident to do anything alone – including little things like going to the movies alone, or going to networking events alone. Many of you may think about it and think it’s too scary or you don’t like being alone – but honestly it’s kind of awesome {think about it} you get to do whatever YOU want to do; you don’t have to WAIT on anyone; you can meet A TON more people; etc. One thing I learned about traveling is never let FEAR stop you from doing YOU – the worst that could happen is you do it and you don’t like it; but hey at least you tried right? That’s all that matters!
My Trip to Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii is a great travel destination to relax, reset and catch some beach time. These last few months have been quite stressful and I was overdue for a trip myself. So without a doubt, I decided to plan a week trip to Honolulu, Hawaii.
Everyone kept asking me why I chose this city specifically when there are other amazing, less touristy areas on the island – well the answer is Honolulu is an easy spot to travel solo. With many tourists visiting and more nightlife activities; it makes it easy to meet new people. Though I do want to visit Maui soon – I felt that city is more for families and if you’re in a relationship.
Anyway, if you ever decide to take a solo trip to Hawaii, I have curated 7 must-do ideas to do while on your own exploring Honolulu, Hawaii. See below:
1) Go on a hike.
Hawaii is a very outdoorsy and active type state – and Honolulu has some of the best hikes you should definitely explore. Unfortunately when I went, it was rainy season, so I only got to check out Diamond Head. But when I spoke to the locals these are the ones they recommended:
–Diamond Head: This is a very popular touristy hike and can get pretty crowded. I did this hike when I was there last. It was quick and easy yet you still get a nice view. Though if you are looking for a less crowded and more peaceful hike, this isn’t a hike you should do.
–Wiliwilinui Ridge: I heard this hike is very scenic, with amazing views of the city!
–Koko Head Stairs: This trail was a railway that was built during World War II and was used to move personnel supplies up and down. There are 1,048 railroad steps – and is a real kick-butt workout! However, I heard these steps could be dangerous as the stairs aren’t shaped evenly, are worn down and can get very slippery if you decide to go on or after a rainy day.
–Pillbox Hike: This was recommended to me many times – if you’re staying in Waikiki, it’s about 30ish minutes west of Oahu. This hike is known for its glorious views as it overlooks the surrounding suburbs and beautiful beaches of Oahu.
–Manoa Falls Trail: If you want a hike with a waterfall, this is a must I heard.
2) Explore cheap eats and drinks during happy hour.
If you’re on a budget, no worries, most if not all restaurants and bars in Honolulu offer guests with happy hour specials daily. Read all about it in my latest guide of Honolulu’s best restaurants and bars.
3) Head to a private beach.
The public beaches can get very crowded with tourist swarming around. If you want to relax and have the beach to almost yourself – here are some beaches that you’ll find more locals hanging out at:
–Diamond Head Beach: There are multiple areas of this beach – I went here the last time and it was very peaceful as there wasn’t many people around. I noticed a lot of surfers chill at this beach – so if you are one of them, definitely check it out!
–Halona Cove: You have to hike a bit to reach this beach – but it will be all worth once you arrived. This beach has been featured in known films such as 50 first dates and Pirates of the Caribbean.
-Mokule’ia Beach: This beach is located on the North Shore of Oahu and has some amazing panoramic views. You can do more than just layout here, but is the perfect spot for fishers, snorkelers and surfers.
4) Sign up for a tour.
If you are traveling solo, one of the best ways to explore more of the island roots and meet other traveling tourists is to go on a tour. I didn’t get a chance to do a tour this trip but some I really wanted to do were zip lining, hiking tour, luau show, helicopter tour, and dolphin/whale watching.
5) Have dinner.
If you have a fear of dining alone, you must do it while traveling. Two ways to enjoy dining solo is to sit at the bar (if you want to be more social – I found that sitting at the bar is best especially if you’re alone. I had some of the best conversations with the bartenders and/or have met other solo travelers as well.) or sit where there’s a view.
6) Head to the Honolulu zoo or visit the Pearl Harbor Museum.
If you want to do more than just beach and hiking; you can head to the zoo or explore the Pearl Harbor attraction for a day.
7) Pamper yourself.
Because why not, you’re on vacation and you deserve it?? There are some great Groupon deals I found while searching for some! I actually treated myself to a 90 minute massage and it was AMAZING! I recommend going to the Honolulu Massage and Bodyworks – I had a girl masseuse (forgot her name) but she was so good, and she also gave me some great recommendations for the next time I came back.
If you are ready to take on this challenge – here are a few of my top tips if you’re traveling alone for the first time:
1) Find a place where you feel the most comfortable and safe.
For most of us, traveling alone can seem intimidating and I get that because that’s how I felt initially too. Since I have traveled to Honolulu for a few days last year, I felt comfortable; not to mention it’s super safe. Waikiki area is a very busy and touristy area, most of all times (even late at night) there are people outside. If you want to start off easy, I recommend you choosing a city where you’re familiar with and/or is a touristy location. I would also do some research before heading there to get an idea of where you’re headed.
2) Always let someone know where you are.
This should be quite standard – if you plan on traveling solo or even with a group of friends, always let someone close to you know where you are, or better yet, send them your location on Find My Friends app (that’s what I use). No matter where you decide to go, you never know what could happen.
3) Talk to locals.
One of the things I loved doing while traveling in general is meeting and talking to the locals – they are the key to finding out the must-see spots and eats around town! Don’t be afraid to dig deeper; ask them about the history and culture of the city – you’ll be surprised at what you can learn just by talking to them.
4) And lastly trust yourself & be confident, spontaneous and adventurous!
You have nobody to count on but yourself when you travel solo – but you got this! This is your time to do what YOU want to do and overcome your fear.
Places to Stay
I have stayed in a variety of hotels in Waikiki – some of my favorites are:
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach and Resort
Aston Waikiki Beach Tower
And if you missed it, read all about the best restaurants, bars and happy hours to visit here.
From the laid-back culture, sunny weather, and welcoming environment, Honolulu, Hawaii is a must vacation spot to check out when traveling solo. Don’t let fear get in your way – traveling solo has only made me more stronger, independent and confident. It has helped me to reset and figure out more of what I am capable of – it’s truly a gift, a breathe of fresh air and something you should at least try once! 🙂
Looking forward to my next solo adventure! What are your favorite cities to travel alone?
xo,
Fancy Nancy
FAQs
7 Must Do Things When Traveling Solo in Honolulu, Hawaii? ›
- 1) Go on a hike. ...
- 2) Explore cheap eats and drinks during happy hour. ...
- 3) Head to a private beach. ...
- 4) Sign up for a tour. ...
- 5) Have dinner. ...
- 6) Head to the Honolulu zoo or visit the Pearl Harbor Museum. ...
- 7) Pamper yourself. ...
- 2) Always let someone know where you are.
The miles-long beaches are not the only reason Hawaii is perfect for solo travelers; its varieties of activities are the hidden gems of Hawaii. Hawaii is home to endless water activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and many more. Hawaii is also known to be one of the safest states in the country.
Where should I go alone in Hawaii? ›Maui is the best island for singles who want a beach vacation plus activities. Oahu is the best Hawaiian island for singles who are looking for nightlife. Kauai is the best island for singles who are looking for adventure. Molokini is best for anyone who wants to be alone in warm weather.
What do I need to know before going to Honolulu? ›- Expect traffic in paradise. Road in Oahu/Oyster. ...
- Parking isn't cheap, so consider the bus. ...
- Not everyone is Hawaiian. ...
- Try a local spa. ...
- Consider inland hotels. ...
- Try the amazing donuts. ...
- A Hawaiian plate lunch is a must. ...
- Snorkeling is tougher than you think.
I recommend a minimum of three days on Oahu to check out the most popular sights and beaches. At least five days on Oahu is best if you want to spend some days at the beach, hike and explore different coasts of the island.
Which part of Hawaii is best for singles? ›Honolulu and Maui are rated in the Top 10 U.S. destinations for singles! Beachfront resorts, great nightlife, dining, and shopping in Waikiki, and a host of land and watersports make Hawaii a haven for singles looking for activity or romance.
Is Honolulu safe for solo travel? ›Is Oahu indeed safe for women who choose to travel alone? Allow us to answer the question – yes, Oahu is absolutely safe.
Is Hawaii safe to travel alone female? ›Crime is virtually nonexistent here but as a solo be careful with your belongings on isolated beaches. Each island in Hawaii has its own individual character. Areas such as Hilo are untouristy, so you can integrate with the locals for a more authentic experience.
How Safe Is Waikiki at night? ›Is Honolulu Safe at Night? Honolulu is safe at night, but you must stick to areas that have a lot of people around, including tourist areas to avoid getting yourself into any sort of trouble. Waikiki is considered to be safe, if you're on your own or with a group of people.
How much does a solo trip to Hawaii cost? ›A vacation to Hawaii for one week usually costs around $1,919 for one person. So, a trip to Hawaii for two people costs around $3,839 for one week. A trip for two weeks for two people costs $7,677 in Hawaii.
What can you not bring to Hawaii? ›
- Pineapple and bromeliad plants and fruits.
- Passion fruit plants and seeds.
- Cruciferous root vegetables (radish, turnip, daikon, horseradish, rutabaga)
- Corn on the cob.
- Citrus and pulpy fruits from Florida & Puerto Rico.
- Taro and dasheen.
- Coconuts.
The conversion value for 1 USD to 600.226 HWI.
Is it better to stay in Maui or Honolulu? ›Maui resorts are generally better, though they are usually significantly more expensive. The majority of Oahu resorts are found in Waikiki, which offers a beautiful, white sand beach and bustling nightlife. But, the downside is that Waikiki is much more crowded than the resort areas on Maui.
What is the best time of year to go to Hawaii? ›When is best to Travel to Hawaii? In general, for the best overall weather, lowest statewide rates, and fewest visitors on-island, the best time to visit Hawaii is: April - an excellent month, but avoid holidays, when applicable. May - the best overall month for visitors, in our opinion.
What is the peak tourist season in Hawaii? ›When Is the Peak Season to Travel to Hawaii? Hawaii has a great deal to offer visitors no matter what time of year you visit, but some months are still more popular than others. Hawaii's “high” travel season is from mid-December to March, with peak travel around the winter holidays, from Christmas through the New Year.
Is Honolulu A good place for singles? ›Honolulu is one of the top cities in the U.S. to be single in. That's according to the personal finance website WalletHub, which conducted an in-depth analysis of 2015's Best & Worst Cities for Singles.
Can you go to a luau alone? ›They may be some solo visitors as well, but some may be with friends or family. Old Lahaina Luau is one of my favorite. 8. Re: Luau while travelling solo?
Which island has the most to do in Hawaii? ›Which Island in Hawaii Has the Best Things to Do? Oahu has the most tourist activities, perfect for group tours and checking things off the bucket list. Big Island for water activities and volcanoes. Kauai for hikes, waterfalls, and all the outdoor activities you can ever dream of.
Is it safe to hike alone in Hawaii? ›Hiking alone isn't something I'd recommend to just anyone. You have to know the trail well, be in great physical shape, venture out in optimal conditions, pack enough water and snacks, and have a charged cell phone handy. It's always, always safer to hike with other people.
Are Hawaii expensive? ›The cost of living in Hawaii is indeed high. Hawaii is the most expensive place to live in the United States. There are multiple drivers of the high cost of living on the islands.
Is Oahu safe? ›
Oahu is a relatively safe island, but theft is common in tourist areas like Waikiki and Ala Moana. Keeping an eye on your personal belongings is strongly recommended, and valuables should never be left unattended at the beach or inside vehicles.
Are there pickpockets in Hawaii? ›Although not as prevalent as in, say NYC, pickpocketing happens in Hawaii too. Count your money in private, don't flash around your watches or jewelry, and don't carry around expensive electronics.
Can I swim at Waikiki Beach at night? ›It is even "safe" after dark, although most folks probably wouldn't want to be out at midnight. But, even though Waikiki has typically gentle seas, unless you are experienced it would probably be best to just wade (at most) once the light goes. Any time before sunset is fine.
Are you allowed to swim at night in Hawaii? ›Avoid swimming at night, dawn and dusk.
On Oahu, Box jellyfish usually arrive to the near shore approximately 7 to 11 days after the full moon of each month. For Oahu, check this Box jellyfish arrival prediction calendar. Learn more about Hawaii beach safety and current conditions at the Hawaii Beach Safety website.
Islanders themselves wear "Hawaiian" (aka "aloha") shirts, board shorts, loose-fitting trousers and comfortable shoes, sandals or flip-flops. Women can wear similar attire and have the additional option of choosing a pretty sundress on a sunny day.
How much spending money will I need for a week in Hawaii? ›A reasonable budget for two for a week in Hawaii is around $3,273. The above cost is based on staying in good, mid-range accommodation and having a few meals out per week, while preparing some yourself.
What is the cheapest time of year to visit Hawaii? ›The cheapest time to fly to Hawaii is during February and March. The most expensive month to fly is December when the holiday period falls, with January being very expensive as well. The peak travel months of June and July are surprisingly not the most expensive months for flights, with middle figure prices.
How should I dress in Hawaii? ›We recommend comfortable shoes for walking, shorts, sun dresses, and t- shirts. In the evening most people switch over to dressy casual - slightly dressier than their daytime attire - khaki shorts or trousers, polo shirts, aloha shirts, skirts, sundresses, etc. Breakfasts - Come "as you are".
What does Mahalo Ke Akua mean? ›Mahalo ke Akua literally means “thanks be to God.” If you're like me, sometimes I look back at my life and marvel at the fact I even survived.
How can I be respectful in Hawaii? ›Always ask questions and permission. The best way to respect the Hawaiian culture is to ask! If you're not sure about anything, such as where to go or what to wear, you can never go wrong by asking a local.
Can I take my lei home from Hawaii? ›
It is also nice to take it home as a memento of your amazing Hawaiian vacation. So you might be wondering, can I bring flower leis home from Hawaii? The answer is yes.
Can you take shells from Hawaii? ›Can You Take Seashells from Hawaii? Some people will argue and say that you can't take seashells home with you on a plane, but that isn't the case. You are allowed to take small amounts of seashells back home with you as long as you don't try to sell them.
How many pineapples can you bring back from Hawaii? ›For the most part, we will accept one pre-packaged box of pineapples or treated papayas, per paid passenger, free of charge (subject to space availability) on flights departing from Hawaii to the North America. The box must not exceed 10 lbs in weight and must be pre-agriculture inspected.
How much is $100 in Hawaii? ›Historical Exchange Rate Graph for USD to HWI
The conversion value for 100 USD to 60022.568 HWI.
As Hawaii is a state of the USA, the official currency used in Hawaii is the U.S Dollar (USD). This is represented by the dollar symbol ($).
How much is $50 in Hawaii? ›The conversion value for 50 USD to 30011.284 HWI.
Which airport in Hawaii is cheapest to fly into? ›Inouye International Airport (HNL), Hawaii's capital, or at Kahului Airport (OGG), on Maui. This is because it's the cheapest to fly to and from the busiest airports in a region, and both HNL and OGG are accessible to the most popular vacation destinations in Hawaii.
How long is the ferry from Honolulu to Maui? ›The ferry trip takes 90 minutes.
What's the difference between Oahu and Honolulu? ›Honolulu is the name of the county that makes up the island of Oahu. The County of Honolulu is the entire island of Oahu. Basically each major island in the State of Hawaii is its own county, although this simplifies it and is not entirely true.
What is the rainiest month in Hawaii? ›– Overall June is the driest month in Hawaii, while December is the wettest month.
Which airline is best to fly to Hawaii? ›
- Hawaiian Airlines. Fittingly, Hawaiian Airlines offers some of the best flights to Hawaii, providing daily service to Hawaii from more North American cities than any other airline. ...
- Alaska Airlines. ...
- American Airlines. ...
- United Airlines. ...
- Allegiant. ...
- WestJet.
While many vacations are five to seven days long, we recommend staying for at least 10 days to enjoy your Hawaiian vacation. The time change is difficult to adjust to at first and takes about 3 days to get fully acclimated. So, allowing a couple days to get over the jet lag is important.
What is the hottest month in Honolulu? ›The hottest month of the year in Honolulu is August, with an average high of 87°F and low of 76°F. The cool season lasts for 3.6 months, from December 13 to April 1, with an average daily high temperature below 81°F. The coldest month of the year in Honolulu is January, with an average low of 68°F and high of 79°F.
What is the rainy season in Honolulu? ›Hawaii has a dry season (April to October) and a rainy season (November to March). However, even the rainy season can be relatively dry when many parts of Hawaii suffer drought conditions.
Which Hawaiian island is the cheapest to visit? ›Due to the abundance of hotels, activities, tours, and attractions, Oahu is the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit. Between the competitive prices and myriad of things to do, those looking for a budget vacation to Hawaii will find that Oahu is exactly what they've been searching for.
How much does a solo trip to Hawaii cost? ›A vacation to Hawaii for one week usually costs around $1,919 for one person. So, a trip to Hawaii for two people costs around $3,839 for one week. A trip for two weeks for two people costs $7,677 in Hawaii.
Is Maui good for solo travel? ›Is It Easy To Travel To Maui Solo? Maui is a great place to explore on your own. As long as you have a place to stay and a vehicle, Maui is safe, easy to get around, and locals are nice and accommodating. The crime rate is low, and consists mostly of petty theft, so female travelers can enjoy peace of mind.
Is it safe to hike alone in Hawaii? ›Hiking alone isn't something I'd recommend to just anyone. You have to know the trail well, be in great physical shape, venture out in optimal conditions, pack enough water and snacks, and have a charged cell phone handy. It's always, always safer to hike with other people.
What's the best time of the year to go to Hawaii? ›When is best to Travel to Hawaii? In general, for the best overall weather, lowest statewide rates, and fewest visitors on-island, the best time to visit Hawaii is: April - an excellent month, but avoid holidays, when applicable. May - the best overall month for visitors, in our opinion.
What do locals wear in Hawaii? ›Islanders themselves wear "Hawaiian" (aka "aloha") shirts, board shorts, loose-fitting trousers and comfortable shoes, sandals or flip-flops. Women can wear similar attire and have the additional option of choosing a pretty sundress on a sunny day.
How much spending money will I need for a week in Hawaii? ›
A reasonable budget for two for a week in Hawaii is around $3,273. The above cost is based on staying in good, mid-range accommodation and having a few meals out per week, while preparing some yourself.
What is the cheapest time of year to visit Hawaii? ›The cheapest time to fly to Hawaii is during February and March. The most expensive month to fly is December when the holiday period falls, with January being very expensive as well. The peak travel months of June and July are surprisingly not the most expensive months for flights, with middle figure prices.
Is Hawaii safe for solo female Travellers? ›Many people wonder, is Hawaii safe for solo travelers? Just as with any travel destination, Hawaii is safe as long as you take special care and precautions. It's important to always be aware of your surroundings and to trust your instincts. Talk to the hotel concierge for safety tips and tricks about the area.
Is it safe to hike alone in Maui? ›For safety reasons, DO NOT hike alone if at all possible, but if you must, make sure to tell someone where you are going.
How many miles is Hawaii from the coast? ›How Far Apart Are Hawaii and California? Hawaii is about 2,500 miles from California. But while Hawaii is southwest of the mainland United States, the curve of California's coastline means that Hawaii is actually closer to northern cities like San Francisco than it is from southern cities like San Diego.