Solo trip to Hawaii for 9 days, any advice?

Question

Hii guys! I’m planning a solo trip to Hawaii for 9 days, from the end of March to the first week of April. I’ve never been to Hawaii before, so I’m open to exploring any of the islands, and I’d love some recommendations on where to visit and what to do.

A little more about myself: I’m 20, female, and won’t be renting a car. I’m planning to use Uber or public transportation, depending on what’s convenient.

My questions are:

1. What’s the best island for a first-time/solo visitor?

2. What are the best beaches for solo travelers to relax or explore? Are there any quieter, less crowded spots?

3. What are the best beaches for swimming or snorkeling?

4. What are some must-see attractions and activities that I shouldn’t miss?

5. Should I stay in a hotel or Airbnb?

6. What’s the best way to get around if I’m not renting a car?

7. Are there any local food spots I shouldn’t miss?

8. Are there any cultural or local customs I should be aware of while visiting?

9. What’s the minimum I should expect to spend for the trip, excluding flights?

10. What are some good spots to watch the sunset or sunrise by the beach?

11. What’s the general cost of meals, activities, and transportation in Hawaii?

Answer

Sounds like a fantastic trip! Hawaii is a wonderful destination for solo travelers, with plenty of things to see and do. I’ll answer your questions in detail to help you plan the best 9-day solo adventure.

1. What’s the best island for a first-time/solo visitor?

For a first-time solo traveler, I’d recommend starting with either Oahu or Maui.

Oahu: Known for its vibrant city life in Honolulu and beautiful beaches like Waikiki, Oahu offers a good mix of cultural, historical, and outdoor activities. You can easily use public transportation or ride-sharing services like Uber to get around. The island is also great for exploring on your own, with attractions like Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and Hanauma Bay.
Maui: Maui is great for nature lovers and solo travelers looking for a quieter experience. It’s known for its scenic beauty, including the Road to Hana, Haleakalā National Park, and stunning beaches. It’s slightly more spread out, but Uber and public transport can still help you get around.

2. What are the best beaches for solo travelers to relax or explore?

For a solo traveler, you’ll likely enjoy beaches that are not too crowded and have a relaxing atmosphere. Here are some recommendations:

Oahu: Lanikai Beach and Kailua Beach (on the Windward side) offer soft sand and calm waters, perfect for solo relaxation.
Maui: Napili Bay and Makena Beach are more relaxed and quieter compared to more tourist-heavy beaches like Wailea Beach.
Kauai: Hanalei Bay is a beautiful spot for solo travelers who love a laid-back atmosphere with stunning views.

3. What are the best beaches for swimming or snorkeling?

For snorkeling, you'll want beaches with clear waters and abundant marine life. These are top spots:

Oahu: Hanauma Bay (best for snorkeling), Waikiki Beach (swimming and beginner snorkeling)
Maui: Molokini Crater (for snorkeling), Napili Bay (calm waters for swimming and snorkeling)
Kauai: Tunnels Beach (great for snorkeling), Poipu Beach (good for swimming)

4. What are some must-see attractions and activities that I shouldn’t miss?

These are some of Hawaii’s must-see spots and experiences for a solo traveler:

Oahu: Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, North Shore (surfing), Hanauma Bay, and the Iolani Palace
Maui: Haleakalā National Park (watching sunrise), Road to Hana, Molokini Crater (snorkeling), and Makena Beach
Kauai: Na Pali Coast (via boat or hiking), Waimea Canyon, and the Wailua River

5. Should I stay in a hotel or Airbnb?

Both options are great, but if you’re traveling solo and want a more personal experience, Airbnb might be better. It offers unique, local stays and can often be more affordable. However, if you want more amenities, convenience, and a sense of security, hotels or resorts would be a good choice. It depends on your budget and preferences!

6. What’s the best way to get around if I’m not renting a car?

Since you’re not renting a car, here are a few options to get around:

Public Transit: Oahu has an extensive bus system (TheBus) that can get you around, while Maui and Kauai have limited bus systems, but you can still get by.
Uber/Lyft: Uber is widely available in all major tourist areas. It’s ideal for getting to places without relying on public transport.
Shuttle services: Many hotels offer shuttle services to popular tourist spots, especially in areas like Waikiki or Lahaina.

7. Are there any local food spots I shouldn’t miss?

Hawaii is known for its delicious food, and you shouldn’t miss trying some of these local dishes:

Poke bowls: Fresh raw fish served in a bowl with rice, seaweed, and various toppings. A must-try at any poke shop.
Shave ice: A local dessert made from finely shaved ice with syrup poured on top. Try it at Waiola Shave Ice (Oahu) or Ululani’s (Maui).
Spam musubi: A popular snack made with Spam, rice, and seaweed.

8. Are there any cultural or local customs I should be aware of while visiting?

Hawaiians are incredibly friendly, but it’s important to be respectful of local culture:

Aloha spirit: Embrace the friendly and welcoming “Aloha spirit.” Greet people with “Aloha” and show respect for the land and traditions.
Respect the land: Many places in Hawaii are sacred, so be respectful when visiting beaches, hiking areas, or other natural landmarks.

9. What’s the minimum I should expect to spend for the trip, excluding flights?

The cost of your trip will vary depending on your style, but here’s a rough estimate for a solo traveler:

Accommodation: Budget: $100–$150 per night, Mid-range: $200–$300 per night, Luxury: $350+
Food: Budget: $30–$50 per day (casual dining), Mid-range: $70–$100 per day
Activities: Expect to pay $50–$150 per day for tours, snorkeling, or activities. Higher-end experiences like private day sails or helicopter tours will be more expensive.

10. What are some good spots to watch the sunset or sunrise by the beach?

Oahu: Sunset Beach (North Shore), Waikiki Beach, and Diamond Head for sunrise
Maui: Haleakalā National Park for sunrise, Lahaina for sunset
Kauai: Poipu Beach for sunset, Hanalei Bay for sunrise

11. What’s the general cost of meals, activities, and transportation in Hawaii?

Meals typically range from $10–$15 for a casual meal, $20–$40 for a mid-range restaurant, and $50+ for upscale dining. Activities can range from free (hiking, beaches) to around $100–$150 for guided tours or experiences. Transportation can cost around $2.75 per bus ride or $10–$30 for Uber rides depending on distance.

I hope this helps you plan an amazing solo trip to Hawaii! Have fun, and enjoy your time in paradise!