Solo Female Travel Hawaii
In October, a fellow blogger asked me if I had ever been to Hawaii. My response:
"No, and I'm not sure if I ever will. It's just so expensive to fly to such a small island."
Fast forward two weeks and I was clicking submit on skyscanner.com for a three week travel plan. My first stop being Oahu, Hawaii.
Travel is so unpredictable. Places I never imagined are suddenly imaginable thanks to a lot of research and killer flight deals.
So last month I began adventuring, touring and discovering Oahu, Hawaii as a solo female traveler.
With no plans and no idea what the island had to offer, I had to start on some research....about two days before I showed up. I sat on the plane on my layover in Phoenix staring at my phone waiting to see if I could sleep on the couch of a friend of a friend my first night. God, I am such an awesome procrastinator. And for having little planned-not even a place to sleep, I have to say things went extremely well.
Solo female travel is extremely intimidating at first. Half of the people you meet will think you are completely insane and the other half with think you are the coolest person alive. Traveling alone opens you to meet amazing new people and to lead you on adventures you never knew existed. It also strips you of all your comfort and forces you to be in situations most would find uncomfortable.
For example: eating alone. Others tell me all the time they feel bad for people at restaurants who sit alone and that in fact they look lonely. With solo travel, be prepared for those "I feel bad for you" stares. But you are not afraid.
I took a tour on the island and was the only single traveler of the group. But I never felt alone. I paired up with some friendly guys from the Philippians and we had a kick-ass time biking the beaches of North Shore, SUPing, Kayaking and just hanging out. Plus everyone else wants to learn your story. Once they find out you're alone it's a flood of questions:
"Aren't you scared being a female and alone?"
"How long are you traveling for?"
"You're not seriously all by yourself...are you?"
But in the end, a majority give you major props. And hell, maybe I am a little crazy...but I like it that way.
So I show up to Hawaii and stayed with some amazing people from Advlo.com, who were more than kind to open their home for me for the first few nights. After that, I just started floating. A hotel here, staying with an old high school friend there. I usually discovered where I was sleeping the day of after being sent on the street with my backpack and no plan. I'll admit it was extremely stressful but extremely fun. I always love to be a little spontaneous. We should all learn to do that a bit more. (Note: make sure you're not traveling there during the Honolulu Marathon, as all hostels will be booked)
I also went on some KILLER hikes. The landscape here is absolutely insane. Jurassic Park meets Lost meets Avatar meets Narnia. All the locals stroll around and I'm there next to them staring up and screaming "BEACHES AND MOUNTAINSSSSSSSSSS".
Hawaii is absolutely one of a kind. The island of Oahu is no longer than 26 miles across, but the ecosystems are completely different based upon the area. The beaches are sunny almost everyday and see about 10 inches of rain per year. Some mountains are actually rain forests that can see up to 400 inches of rain per year with low clouds often lingering.
Did you know 3 of the top 10 rainiest places in the world are located on the islands of Hawaii?
The contrast explains why rainbows are so incredibly common here (At least one a day).
The absolute most difficult and annoying thing I had to deal with while traveling alone in Hawaii was lack of transportation. Unfortunately, I tried renting a car but those dreams were quickly smashed. Locals also told me how risky renting a car is, because if you take it out of the city islanders can spot rental cars and then break into them.
The bus system is quite slow (3 hours to get to the other side of the island) and hitchhiking may be common on the other islands, but Oahu is not the best place. Mopeds are probably the best solution, however that means you must travel light enough to carry everything from place to place on your back. The friend I couchsurfed with the couple days had a moped and we rode that around until we got pulled over by the police for riding two people on a one-seater. Oops.
Overall, I give solo female travel Hawaii 4.8 stars and am definitely returning in the future. I could spend 6 months there and not do every hike I wished. I never felt scared or intimidated and by traveling solo I made dozens of new friends in a matter of 7 days. Not bad, right?
Solo traveling will always lead you to fun and exciting adventures that wouldn't be possible otherwise. You will meet the skeptics who think you will end up on the side of a milk carton. You will meet the people who envy you because they've always wanted to do it. But most importantly it will teach you that the world is not scary and that good people outweigh the bad tremendously.
At any given moment, Shalee is either lost, hunting for ice cream, or obsessively planning her next adventure.
Born and raised in rural Michigan, she began exploring the shores of Great Lakes as a teen, often sleeping in her car to save money. Eventually, her urge to explore pushed beyond her Midwest borders. Today, Shalee shares her tips and stories to thousands of readers interested in adventure, outdoor, and sustainable tourism. Her pack now includes two spunky hiking cats and her partner, Josh. Learn more about her here.
JOIN THE ADVENTURE
Thanks for subscribing! Please check your email for further instructions.
Hello. This is a great read. I too am an avid solo female traveller and love it – (for the most part). You are dead on with people inflicting their opinions on you at time but heyho each to their own. Hawaii is on my bucket list this year and your blog just got me excited as I love hiking, been trying to research which island to go to so this is great. It is a shame about the transport issue as I like to have easy options to get around independently. How did you find it price wise for accommodation/food etc? Yvonne (Ireland)
Hi Yvonne,
So sorry for my late reply, this comment must have slipped by me. I always love meeting other women who enjoy traveling solo.
For Hawaii, I found food extremely over-priced. For example, I went out to Mexican one night with another traveler I met and the plate was $17. Ouch! On the North Shore they have food carts that are much more affordable and delicious.
I mostly couchsurfed while I was there, so am unsure on accommodation. Sorry I can’t be more help on that end!
Let me know if you get over there and how it goes! Happy travels!
We should do Hawaii together!! I am a female solo traveler as well and it’s on my bucket list! I am from Rhode Island in the U.S. We should some how make a way where solo travelers can meet each other!
I am traveling solo to HI this May. Have you gone yet?
Cindy, I’ll be in HI in May too! Please write to me at sofi_fosi@hotmail.com
Cheers from Argentina
xo
This is a great idea!! Hawaii is on my bucket list this year
I am planning on going to Hawaii early May and would like people to share the trip with. Anyone there from May 1st – 8th?
I’m going to Kona (solo) on June 25th to July 2nd. Any solo women going to be there?
Mackenzie, I am from Massachusetts. I am also a female solo traveler. Hawaii is on my bucket list. Contact me psoaresr@yahoo.com
I am going to Oahu in May 2016! I am from Mass as well 🙂 Any female solo travelers that will be in the area during the time contact me for sure! isabellayc7@gmail.com
Im wanting to go to maui in aug 2017 . is any one planning to go . i would like the company
another fellow Solo female brit travelling loon also heading to Oahu and the big island for the last two weeks of march 2017. If anyone is heading out then let me know lucyria@hotmail.com
Another solo traveller (from Australia)! I am looking at heading over to Hawaii later this year. Just found this page. Would also love the company.
Hi, just found this page!
I will be visiting the islands September – November of this year. Would love some company or to share accommodations or tips or anything from anyone!
Let me know at deyja34enriquez@gmail.com!
Hello I’ve just found this pages too. Single traveller from Australia.
Keen to go this year.
Belinda
Lookatmebebe@hotmail.com
[…] When I flew to Hawaii alone, no one saw the fear in my eyes when I landed. When I was stranded in the airport for days, no one saw my tears. When I was climbing Twin Buttes in Sedona, none of you saw me almost quit for the summit. […]
Did you stay on Oahu for the whole three weeks? I am planning a ten day solo trip in 6 weeks, and have to be in Honolulu for the first four days.
Hi Alex,
I stayed in Oahu for a week and am already dying to return. Honolulu is great, but I recommend sneaking out to the eastern tide pools and Hanauma Bay. They aren’t far from the city and easily accessible even if you just rent a moped.
I also highly recommend the Palolo Trail located off the northern city neighborhoods.
Have a blast and thanks for reading!
I am thinking about going solo to Hawaii as well…what do you recommend doing ?
Its scary but I want to get out of my comfort zone 😀
I am going to Oahu in May 2016! I am from Mass as well 🙂 Any female solo travelers that will be in the area during the time contact me for sure! isabellayc7@gmail.com
I’m leaving on Thursday and headed to the North Shore. Haven’t booked my room yet. I’m checking out airbnb. Any suggestions on beaches and areas to stay in the North Shore area. I don’t wanna rent a car. How are the buses going that way? Enjoyed reading your travel. I went toPuerto Vallarta solo and had a blast. Travelled the mountains, took tours, took a bus until it ended. I ended up discovering the little town of Yalapa. Great to hear about others getting outside of their comfort zone and enjoying life!
Sabrina,
Hope you are having a blast at the North Shore! Sorry I couldn’t reply with a helpful comment sooner, you caught me on my “detox internet” week while in the mountains.
How is it working out? Enjoy some hikes and sunset beach for me! I put the little town of Yalapa on my travel list. I love hearing of places like that.
Enjoy and thanks for reading!
Shalee
Hi!
I am going to Oahu next week for ten days. I booked a hostel on the North Shore called Backpacker’s Hawaii. Price is right and the location is great!
I’m planning on a short trip to Hawaii myself. I’d just like to know on your experience in the hostel. I’m considering that location as a place to stay. Thanks!
Hi Alex! I’m planning a trip to that area in September, did you enjoy the hostel?? Let me know!
Hey!!
Im heading to Hawaii for 3 weeks in mid november! But i am still a little lost
I am flying into oahu and thinking of staying for 5 days, then flying to the big island for a week and then heading back to Oahu for my birthday! Do you think it is a good idea to just have waikiki as my homebase and try travel around the island?
Im thinking of Waikiki beachside hostel, since i want to meet fellow travellors and just have a good ol solo adventure!
Hi Zana,
Thanks for the comment! Wakiki is a great home base if you want to be close to the airports to fly to different islands. If you decide you want to spend some time just exploring Oahu, there is an awesome little hostel on the North Shore! It’ll get you away from the expensive-toursity locations :). They also have shark cage diving on the north end, which I didn’t have time to do and am so bummed I missed out on it.
I hope this helps! Have so much fun!!
Hi there I too am going mid November for 7 nights as a solo traveler. amconnolly13@hotmail.com
Annmarie from Ireland
Hi Annmarie
I am going to Oahu from 10th-17th November. Will you be around?
Vicky
Hello! You so totally rock for posting this – you’ve inspired me!
I travel often for work to the west coast (home is NYC) and I decided to embark in a mini adventure to Hawaii for 4 days. I know it’s very little time, but it’s the only time I can manage to squeeze into my busy schedule. I really want to hike, surf and bike and explore nature as much as I can, would you recommend I stay in Oahu? The black sand beach has always been a place I want to visit, but I don’t think Island hoping is an option which such little time.
Thanks again for a great post and look forward to hearing from you!
Cheers,
Juliana
This is so awesome!! I’m not the only one out there!!
I plan to go to Hawaii in 3 weeks and am clueless still as to where I will be going, staying, doing!! Any tips on safety would be great. I am a little nervous and feel I will be vunerable as I’m not a seasoned traveler and am going with no set itinerary.
At first I am attending a wedding on the big island at a “resort”, I’m not really a resort type of girl and want to spend more time in more natural and remote places doing things like, surf lessons, hiking (however, I’m a beginner and would want to go with a group for that) Kayaking, etc.
Any tips on safety or activity would be great…..Thanks!! I’ll be there aug 23 -29 (ish)
Look forward to any comments!!!!
xoxoxxo Sharon
Hi Sharon!
I’m planning to be there Aug end/Sept first week as well. I am going to be traveling by myself as well. Are you going to all islands?
Best,
Amu
Hi Amu and Sharon,
Hope you both still check this site! I’m currently on Oahu and looking for hiking or adventure buddies?! Would anyone be keen?
Hi Sharon,
Sorry for the delayed reply! Your trip is just around the corner, eep! That’s so exciting and I’m beyond jealous.
My biggest safety advice is to trust your instincts, but don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and connect with other travelers. Maybe see if they want to do a hike together! I was in your shoes, and can completely understand the nervousness! But once I got there I realized I was overthinking it.
Have a BLAST! And surf some waves for me 🙂
Hi Amu and Sharon,
Hope you both still check this site! I’m currently on Oahu and looking for hiking or adventure buddies?! Would anyone be keen?
you are the reason I’m planning a solo adventure to hawaii now!!!!!!! I didnt realize how do-able this was so awesome
Yay!! I’m so glad! Please feel free to reach out of you have any questions :).
Hi Shalee,
Thanks so much for your post! I’m doing LA, Hawaii and NY over the Xmas and New Year holidays and although I’ve lived round the world on my own I’ve never actually traveled solo! Your post has left me feeling way more confident and also empowered as a strong solo woman embarking on my adventure!! 😉
Hi tracy,
I’m planning to do a similar trip in that time of the year and I’m traveling solo too! If you are instrest in getting in touch just reply in this post!
Hi,
I’m planning a trip aswell mid-december, give me a heads up if anyone wants a new Norwegian friend!
When are you in Hawaii Helga?! Im also there December on my lonesome 🙂
Hello,
I am planning to go go Hawaii this Christmas… Maybe we could plan something together?
Magdalena
Hi,
How long and in which island are you staying? I’ll be arriving the 1st of January actually at the Big island.