Syv

Deciding between 3 ideas of where to go "next year".

Is Hawaii suitable for single female traveller? I always think of it as mostly couples / honeymoons / resort life.

Is it best to go with a guided tour or can I get a rental car and travel about on my own? Which island or go to a few?

Thanks.

BowenLinda

For years my sister in her 30's has travelled to Maui for 10 days every year, leaving hubby at home. She parks herself by the beach/pool, pretends to read and decompresses. A traveling friend just returned from a 7 day solo trip to Maui/Oahu, and loved it. She did more touring, and, most importantly (I think), located a bar she felt comfortable in for that after-dinner/pre-bed drink. I've travelled many times to Hawaii, but always with a female friend, and we've invited solo female friends to join us for lunch/drinks/etc. (and I think you'll find others will so invited you). So, I think Hawaii is fine for solo female travellers but it does depend on your confidence level. You don't say how long you are going for, what month and what your interests are and that would be helpful in choosing an island or two. Cheers, Linda

JeffKaanapali

I am a little perplexed by your question. Hawaii is a state just like any other. Its in the United States, with the same infrastructure and the same laws. You should follow the same advice you would give to someone visiting your home city/state.

Debden

Jeff,I think Syv just wanted to make sure she would feel comfortable about being a 'single' there and not feel out of place. I know when my sister and I had decided for the first time to travel to Hawaii we had the same concerns..But we found it to be a great place for singles to visit and relax and just have a great time! The scenary,the Ocean,and the people are perfect for a relaxing (or not)get away.
We have been to Hawaii 5 times since then and love it even more every time we go!
Go Syv and have a wonderful time!!!
Debbie

crys

I will be making my fifth solo trip to Hawaii next month. I usually avoid the posh resorts and stay in condos or B&Bs, and that works out well--you're away from the honeymooner atmosphere that way. Every time I go, I wind up meeting other solo travelers--male and female, but mostly female--as well as couples who are fascinated by the idea of coming to Hawaii alone, so I wind up having company if I want it. I'm not a particularly outgoing person, so if this happens to me, it can happen to anyonw. Now, there's certain things you shouldn't do alone. All have to do with remote areas: swimming or surfing on remote beaches or hiking remote trails. Or sea kayaking anywhere. That being said, I won't hesitate to go to a well-used beach or hike where others are hiking. Sign up for snorkeling cruises or surfing lessons, or just walk around and check things out. You'll have the time of your life.

crys

Just saw your last line of questions. By all means, rent a car. The people I see on tours all look horribly bored in the least boring place I can think of. Which island(s) depends on how long you'll be there. For a week, I'd say one island--two at most. All are lovely, but have their own characters. Oahu is more bustling, but there's some lovely areas to the north. Oahu is also strong on history, if that interests you. The Arizona memorial for WWII, the Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace for Hawaian history, etc. Kuaui is great for sheer beauty. The Big Island is fascinating--the world's only walk-up erupting volcano. (BI is my favorite). Maui is a good compromise island. Lots of built-up areas but lots of pretty paradise spots. If I were making my first visit, I'd do a couple of days on Oahu, then head to the Big Island, splitting time between Hilo (as a base for going to the volcano) and Kona.

Syv

thanks everyone. gives me lots of ideas to start looking into.

bashfulLV

Syv - I went to Waikiki last summer for two weeks all by myself. It was the best trip I've ever taken. No one to worry about - no one to interfer with what I wanted to do, or when I wanted to do it. It was wonderful.

I purposefully searched until I found just the right hotel (for me) - I didn't want a huge resort-type place. I found a gem when I came across the Hawaiiana Hotel on Beachwalk. It's an older property (1950's), a low-rise, no elevators, no resort ammenities, but absolutely wonderful. It was more like an apartment complex than a hotel. And it was situated right in the heart of Waikiki. The beach was at the end of the block, Kalakaua was steps away, The Bus ran just outside the back gate. The kitchenette saved me a lot of $$ and let me cook - something I love to do. There were two pools and the grounds are covered with flowers, plumeria trees and grassy areas.

They serve complimentary tropical juice and Kona coffee every morning by the pool. It was great fun meeting other guests every morning and comparing notes on each other's trip. They also give you a sliced fresh pineapple after you check in. The staff couldn't have been friendlier or more helpful. I can't wait to get back.

I rode The Bus all over the place and walked miles and miles all over Waikiki, not to mention up and down the beach and loved every bit of it. I am chomping at the bit to get back again, and I will go alone again - there's no other way to travel! I'm envious of you - have a GREAT time!

hawaiiorbust

It's funny, this was just the info I was looking for. I am a single guy who plans on traveling to Hawaii soon in about a month(hopefully). I was a little nervous about traveling alone, but you guys have built my confidence. Do you think 1 week or 2 weeks is best for staying in Hawaii alone? I plan on staying at a hostel in Waikiki.

SylviaJordan

I plan on travelling by myself early June or early July. After reading these post, I have a bit of confidence to make some travel plans.

suze

Wow this is an OLD thread!

I've been to Oahu 4 times, my 5th trip coming up this Saturday -hurray! I've been solo for all but one of them. I have always had a fantastic time.

I prefer to stay right in Honolulu/Waikiki on Oahu because it's the easiest to get to, and you don't need to rent a car because there's excellent public transportation, and I think it's less couples/romantic/family than maybe some other islands or towns. Also I have found it has the most variety and options of lesser expensive places to stay.