Solo Travel Destination: Oahu, Hawaii
We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Rachelynne, a member of the Solo Travel Society. Rachelynne is from the United States and submitted the following report about Oahu. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: English, Hawaiian, Tagalog
The view from atop Diamond Head Crater
Reasons to go: I went to Oahu for my first solo trip just a month ago. As a 20-year-old woman I never had any problems with safety and was able to get around using the impeccable bus system and occasional taxi. If you love beaches, Pacific Island culture, stunning views of nature, and a welcoming people then you should definitely visit Oahu.
I would recommend staying in Waikiki and traveling to any outside destinations from there. Waikiki is central to everything and a lot of tours to other places begin there. If you’re looking for a great, clean hostel, I stayed at Waikiki Backpackers Hostel and had a fabulous experience.
Some to-dos are: climbing Diamond Head Crater, visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center, sitting on Kailua Beach, taking a hula lesson (free at Waikiki Shopping Center), surfing on the North Shore, visiting historic downtown Honolulu and attending a luau.
Everyone I met in Hawaii was incredibly friendly and more than willing to help out a solo traveler. I was presented with a lei from a total stranger, and occasionally given rides by people who wanted to help. The spirit of aloha is a beautiful thing and you can find it all over this island.
View of Honolulu Harbor from the top of Aloha Tower.
Diamond Head Crater from the ocean.
Sunset on Waikiki Beach.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety - 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language - 1 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 2 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult)
