I'm planning to vacation there this summer. I like outdoor activities and prefer to stay away from big resorts, but I don't want to be too isolated. Any suggestions on islands, accommodations, etc.?

Aloha Kelly,

I've traveled to Hawaii solo... a great destination for solo travel.

O'ahu would be great for sightseeing, shopping, tours, etc.

Do a search on this board of Hawaii, and you'll find a zillion suggestions... my favs... Chinatown, Pearl Harbor, driving the windward coast, the north shore... the list could go on & on.

Personally, I like staying in a bungalow/cottage on the north shore... it might be more isolated than you're looking for... I like the laid back living up there...

You might try a 3 nights or so in Waikiki, and some time on the north shore.

I also have enjoyed solo travel to Kauai... stayed in a condo on the north shore there also. Had to be cautious on a few hikes, but all in all, it was great to explore alone.

Whatever you decide, have a great time! Aloha

I've gone to Hawaii several times now solo, and Oahu, BI, Kuaui and Maui are all fine for a woman alone. You're right to avoid resorts. On Kuaui, I rent a condo at Kapaa Sands. In Maui, a tourist-class hotel. On BI, some smaller inns. On Oahu, an upscale hotel. All worked out well, though the condo and inns seem best. For activities, stick to hikes on well-traveled trails and you'll be fine alone. For example, there's a trail on Kuaui on the far north of Kuaui, and the first 2.5 miles always seem to have plenty ofpeople. A couple of years ago when I was there, a fellow on the trail hurt himself, and a number of other hikers rallied to help him. Had he been in a more isolated area, help would have been hard to come by. Signing up for snorkeling tours or sea kayaking lessons is a good way to get into a activity with a group, so you have the safety of others but don't have to bring your own buddy.

I stayed on the Big Island in Hilo (the rainy side) at a little place called the Dolphin Inn, it was clean I had a deluxe room (which was roomy with a little kitchenette). It was not fancy, but the owners are very friendly and volcano experts always happy to provide lots of advice for daily planning.

The Inn had lots of tropical fruit growing on site and they put it out (all you can eat) plus fresh pastries every morning. It is nicely located for the National Park, Local waterfalls, and day trip to Waipo Valley.

We went horseback riding with just the tour guide and his child in the Northern part of the Island, and on another day joined a group to go snorkeling near the Captain Cook monument (fantastic). You can do this alone, but you may enjoy the group. Also loved the (I think this is right) City of Refuge where we saw lots of sea turtles. You end up driving more on the big Island, but it was terrific.

We liked Oahu -- North Shore and Waikiki (not too crowded when we were there) Pearl Harbor and also the windward side (near Chinaman's Hat), but Honolulu is not a very pretty city outside Waikiki.

Wish I were headed back!

Forgot to mention another highlight was a tour to the top of Mauna Kea. We went with Arnott's Lodge it was only about $50-$75. Good deal and very worth it!

Kellysleahy2004 - I went to Honolulu last summer for the most marvelous two weeks EVER - all by myself. I must qualify that by saying that I do have some friends - and a sweetie of sorts - on Oahu, but I was by myself most of the time. I had the best time! No one else to worry about, no one else to consider when making plans. Perfect.

I found a terrific little hotel right in the heart of Waikiki - the Hawaiiana Hotel is on Beachwalk - steps to Kalaukaua, one block to the beach, The Bus runs just outside the back gate. It is an older hotel, but the rates were great and the grounds were beuatiful. Granted, the rooms are outdated and could use some refurbishing, but they were clean, functional and efficient. There are two pools, kitchenettes -saved me lots of $) - grassy areas, gardens, plumeria trees. The staff was very friendly and helpful. This is a low rise hotel - no elevator, no resort ammenities - OR resort crowds. They give you a complimentary pineapple - sliced and ready to eat - after you checkin. Every morning they serve (also free) Kona coffee & tropical juice by the pool which is a great way to meet other guests.

I took The Bus all over town - I went on the Iolani Palace tour and loved it. There's also an historical tour at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider that was very interesting (and free). I indulged in tropical drinks at Duke's, the Moana, Royal Hawaiian - I loved sitting nearly on the beach and sipping away on those yummy concoctions.

Every time I rode The Bus I met new people, I loved that. I met a lovely older gentleman (80-something) while walking through the Ala Moana Shopping Center. When I'm traveling with my kids (now grown) or friends, I don't meet as many people as I do when I'm alone - it's great to hear their stories.

To get out of Waikiki and away from the hustle & bustle, rent a car on a day-by-day basis - parking is a premium, rare & costly so you probably wouldn't want one for the whole trip. Drive up to the North Shore, to Kailua, Lanikai and Waimanalao Beaches, over to Kaneohe. There's so much to see and do on Oahu you'll have a tremendous time. Pick up some of the "This Week on Oahu" books which are everywhere and scan them for things you want to do - and the coupons.

Enjoy your trip - I'm envious - I'm more than ready to do it all over again!