Hawaii Solo
Jun 23rd, 2008, 01:05 AM
#21
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You could fly to Oahu for the day from Maui or vice versa as flights are plentiful. However, flights to and from the Big Island are a more limited, and spending a couple nights there would be more feasible. You can also take the ferry from Maui and spend a day on Lanai, $50 round trip.
Jun 25th, 2008, 04:46 PM
#22
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You know we are all drooling and living vicariously thru your planning...so, keep us posted!
I think Fodorites just exist between trips! And then we are busy planning and start breathing again! Travel is our Oxygen!
Anyone agree?
I think Fodorites just exist between trips! And then we are busy planning and start breathing again! Travel is our Oxygen!
Anyone agree?
Jun 27th, 2008, 10:19 AM
#23
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I'll chime in here as another solo traveller to Oahu. I go every chance I get and LOVE it! IMO it's a great place to travel alone - no one else to influence your itinerary.
I would suggest split the time between Oahu and Maui. As Suze said you won't need a car on Oahu, but you will on Maui. I would recommend renting a car for a day or two on Oahu to get out and drive around and see the North Shore. But you can take The Bus out there if you want, but it will take quite a chunk of tim e to do so. For the rest of your stay The Bus is a wonderful way to get around in Honolulu.
If you decide to go to Maui, you might want to consider taking the SuperFerry instead of flying. It does take longer but I've heard it's s really nice way to travel to Maui. I believe the fare right now is $39 each way. My BF (who is a local over there) takes it every time now.
Also - you can take a day trip to the BI.
I would suggest split the time between Oahu and Maui. As Suze said you won't need a car on Oahu, but you will on Maui. I would recommend renting a car for a day or two on Oahu to get out and drive around and see the North Shore. But you can take The Bus out there if you want, but it will take quite a chunk of tim e to do so. For the rest of your stay The Bus is a wonderful way to get around in Honolulu.
If you decide to go to Maui, you might want to consider taking the SuperFerry instead of flying. It does take longer but I've heard it's s really nice way to travel to Maui. I believe the fare right now is $39 each way. My BF (who is a local over there) takes it every time now.
Also - you can take a day trip to the BI.
Jun 27th, 2008, 08:15 PM
#24
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When my husband was working during our 9 day stay in Oahu, I loved taking the Ford Edge out and do my own thing. You might enjoy having the freedom of a car.
I used my Blackberry GPS like CRAZY, I would have never gotten around with just a map, but I guess that's what we did before mapquest and GPS. My lady on the GPS just told me where to go, after typing in such long difficult street names.
I just fell in Love with Oahu and Kauai on this trip. Yes, Maui is gorgeous.
kavedweller, I can send u Kauai pics if you give me your email.
I used my Blackberry GPS like CRAZY, I would have never gotten around with just a map, but I guess that's what we did before mapquest and GPS. My lady on the GPS just told me where to go, after typing in such long difficult street names.
I just fell in Love with Oahu and Kauai on this trip. Yes, Maui is gorgeous.
kavedweller, I can send u Kauai pics if you give me your email.
Jun 29th, 2008, 04:59 PM
#25
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Well, I booked my flight...I ended up getting an extra day at work, so I have twelve days total. I haven't completely figured everything out yet - the flight is through Honolulu, so I will definitely be spending a few days in Oahu. I haven't decided about the rest of the trip. Probably Maui or Big Island...there are so many options available, it makes it hard to decide.
Thanks for everyone who convinced me to go alone.
beachkomer - my email is [email protected]
Thanks for everyone who convinced me to go alone.
beachkomer - my email is [email protected]
Jun 29th, 2008, 05:09 PM
#26
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Hey there! I actually flew out there once by myself from CT to visit someone. I can tell you the flight(s) are fairly exhausting, but the reward when you arrive is exhilarating!! It is one of the most amazing places on Earth! People are really friendly there, but I would recommend getting a good book about the islands so you can figure out where you want to go. You can take a small plane to get from one island to the next when you arrive, but it can be a bit time consuming. I had a great time in Waikiki. There are beautiful beaches and great shopping. Have fun!!
Jul 18th, 2008, 11:17 AM
#27
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kavedweller:
This is a late post, but being a travel lover and having done alot of traveling in the past with others, I'm now considering "solo" travel for the first time (recent marital separation) this year. Was a little hesitant @ actually doing it, but decided to just enjoy my life and just do it (smile)!
You should have a great time in HAWAII and I think its a great choice. You just gave me a great idea for one of my next "solo" vacations!
You should have plenty of time to do 3 islands,probably 2 islands would be more comfortable. But you're young and energetic so go for it. Oahu is touristy, but fun. Maui has some great resorts for relaxing. Never been to Hawaii or Kauai but if I had to pick a third I would probably choose Hawaii and go see the Volcano Park.
You could rent a car with GPS if you want to buzz around on your own. Hertz NEVERLOST GPS is great!
Have fun and enjoy!
This is a late post, but being a travel lover and having done alot of traveling in the past with others, I'm now considering "solo" travel for the first time (recent marital separation) this year. Was a little hesitant @ actually doing it, but decided to just enjoy my life and just do it (smile)!
You should have a great time in HAWAII and I think its a great choice. You just gave me a great idea for one of my next "solo" vacations!
You should have plenty of time to do 3 islands,probably 2 islands would be more comfortable. But you're young and energetic so go for it. Oahu is touristy, but fun. Maui has some great resorts for relaxing. Never been to Hawaii or Kauai but if I had to pick a third I would probably choose Hawaii and go see the Volcano Park.
You could rent a car with GPS if you want to buzz around on your own. Hertz NEVERLOST GPS is great!
Have fun and enjoy!
Jul 18th, 2008, 11:19 AM
#28
Gail- Go to the Smart Tips forum here. There used to be a good Solo Traveler forum that was recently combined with other topics. If you 'search' solo travel you'll find lots of helpful older threads with tips for traveling on your own.
Jul 18th, 2008, 11:57 AM
#29
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Hi Kavedweller -
I've been to Hawaii twice and both times have been by myself.
The first time around I did many of the tourist items in Oahu. I did Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, climbed Diamond Head, etc.
The second time around I went back to Oahu but spent a few days on the Big Island, renting a car and driving from Kona to Hilo. I also spent two days in Volcano National Park. It was excellent.
There are one day tours that you can take from Oahu to the Big Island but I think that would be rushed. I liked having the rental car and being on my own pace.
I've been to Hawaii twice and both times have been by myself.
The first time around I did many of the tourist items in Oahu. I did Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, climbed Diamond Head, etc.
The second time around I went back to Oahu but spent a few days on the Big Island, renting a car and driving from Kona to Hilo. I also spent two days in Volcano National Park. It was excellent.
There are one day tours that you can take from Oahu to the Big Island but I think that would be rushed. I liked having the rental car and being on my own pace.
Jul 21st, 2008, 07:58 AM
#31
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When eating in a fancy restaurant it's very easy to order too much food, as a solo diner.
Sometimes I will sit in the bar and eat off the bar menu (often times they serve the entire dinner menu in the bar).
I usually have a glass of wine and maybe two appetizers, maybe a dessert. I am usually not so hungry, just interested in the taste of everything, and an entree is usually just too much.
Sometimes I will sit in the bar and eat off the bar menu (often times they serve the entire dinner menu in the bar).
I usually have a glass of wine and maybe two appetizers, maybe a dessert. I am usually not so hungry, just interested in the taste of everything, and an entree is usually just too much.
Jul 21st, 2008, 10:39 AM
#32
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Dining alone will only affect you if you feel self-conscious and will bother you only if it makes you feel lonely. No one will be looking at you. Just people-watch, enjoy your good food, and be thankful you don't have to pay for more people!
Jul 21st, 2008, 11:38 AM
#33
GailLK~ Honestly I don't usually eat in fancy places when I travel alone. If I *wanted to* I would, but I'm more comfortable generally speaking in casual places whether alone or with friends.
Especially in Hawaii, I'd much rather eat overlooking the beach or on a nice patio set-up somewhere.
When you're first getting used to dining along, I suggest taking a prop like a magazine or paperback to read, or some postcards to write out.
Especially in Hawaii, I'd much rather eat overlooking the beach or on a nice patio set-up somewhere.
When you're first getting used to dining along, I suggest taking a prop like a magazine or paperback to read, or some postcards to write out.
Jul 21st, 2008, 03:26 PM
#34
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Gail - I've done Hawaii solo many times and love it. One of my favorite places to eat is Duke's - grab a barstool, order some food and a drink and enjoy! Folks are so friendly - I always strike up conversations with folks and have a great time. I also like to eat upstairs at Hula Grill and take my postcards with me, or a good book and never feel conspicuous. I love the freedom of traveling alone and not having to compromise my plans for someone else's - selfish? - YES but I love it! Have a great time!
Jul 22nd, 2008, 06:58 AM
#35
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Thanks everyone for the "dining alone" tips. The post cards/book idea is great. I DO love to people watch, so should be no problem. I'm thinking of doing Orlando/DISNEY area for my first "solo" trip, plenty to do, great resorts/hotels, and plenty of places to dine alone. If all goes well, will give Hawaii a shot. Thanks again!
