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Embracing Paradise Alone: The Best Solo Adventures in Kauai

A strong case can be made for Kauai being the number-one destination in Hawaii when it comes to sheer scenic grandeur and outdoor recreation. Granted, all of the main Hawaiian Islands have those attributes to spare, but the Garden Isle—for being a mere 560 or so square miles in area—packs a pretty darn remarkable punch in the beauty and adventure departments.

Fine as it is for family getaways and romantic couples’ escapes, Kauai also happens to be a wonderful place to visit as a solo traveler. Indeed, when it comes to experiencing this verdant, rugged island, the sky’s the limit for such visitors, who don’t, after all, need to worry about satisfying competing sightseeing goals or coordinating schedules. Exploring Kauai by yourself allows you to focus each day on following your own whims to the fullest and crafting a completely personalized itinerary.

Here are some of the best things to do on Kauai for those flying solo:

Helicopter Tours

Arguably the single best way to appreciate Kauai’s magnificent terrain and seascapes—some of the world’s most utterly gorgeous and dramatic, mind you—is from the air, and, more specifically, via helicopter. The lower flying altitude and more nimble maneuvering a chopper offers in comparison to a fixed-wing aircraft give passengers an unrivaled top-down look at the Garden Isle’s dreamy form.

Here are several highly recommended options for Kauai helicopter tours suitable for the solo visitor:

• Island Helicopters Kauai : Island Helicopters Kauai offers two showstopper tour packages: the Jurassic Falls Landing Adventure , which lands passengers at the base of the 400-foot drop of Manawaiopuna Falls—instantly recognizable from the 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park —and the Kauai Grand Deluxe Tour , cruising all around the Garden Isle for postcard-worthy views of Waimea Canyon, the NaPali Coast, Hanalei Bay, and other iconic landmarks. As a singleton, you can take a seat on a group flight and make fast new friends, or opt for either package as a private tour.
• Alii Kauai Air Tours & Charters : With better than three decades in the business, Alii Kauai Air Tours & Charters is another fine choice for helicopter flights over the Garden Isle. Each and everyone is a private tour, in fact, and you can choose between doors-on or doors-off options aboard the Robinson R44. The hourlong Kauai Helicopter Tour shows off unforgettable views of Manawaiopuna Falls and the Hanapepe Valley, Waimea and Olokele canyons, the NaPali Coast, the Alakai Swamp, Mount Waialeale, Hanalei Bay, and more.
• Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours: Kauai’s one of three Hawaiian Islands (along with the Big Island and Oahu) Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours runs flights. Here again, you’ve got a doors-off option for the most unobstructed, eye-popping vistas. Solo tours are definitely an option, so long as you pay for the two-seat minimum.

Another option for a top-down view of Kauai’s splendor, albeit a little lower to the ground, is ziplining. As with helicopter tours, you’re spoiled for choices when it comes to this fast-paced activity, including:

• Shaka Zipline Kauai : This Poipu-based attraction offers both five- and eight-line zipline adventures, with up to 200-foot drops and the opportunity to reach a cool 50 miles per hour!
• Koloa Zipline : No fewer than eight courses come arrayed over tropical canopies and the Waita Reservoir at Koloa Zipline, including the Waita Zip, a full half-mile long. With full-body harnesses and the island’s only headfirst ziplining available, this company might just be your jam if you’re a hardcore thrill-seeker.

Solo Kauai Beachgoing

Do we even need to spell this out as its own category? Ravishing as its jungle, canyons, and knife-sharp ridges are, the Garden Isle also plays host to some of the most drop-dead spectacular beaches on the planet. Whether you want to try your hand at surfing, snorkel your way amid tropical fish and the odd sea turtle, or you’re looking to simply stretch out and soak up some sun, Kauai’s mountain-backed beachfront checks all the boxes.

Among the island’s premier strands are Wailua Beach , Tunnels Beach , Poipu Beach , Kee Beach , the deliciously remote NaPali Coast’s Kalalau Beach , and—regularly showing up on roundups of the world’s best beaches—the sandy doorstep of Hanalei Bay .

Waimea Canyon

Spend some quality time with yourself against the backdrop of one of the Hawaiian archipelago’s most jaw-dropping landforms: the huge, colorful chasm of Waimea Canyon . This “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” carved by the Waimea River and its tributaries into the flanks of Kauai’s shield, runs more than a dozen miles, spans up to 2.5 miles across, and plunges to 2,500 feet deep, producing absolutely world-class scenery and an outdoor lover’s wonderland.

Whether you appreciate the rim-edge sightlines from various roadside pull-offs in Waimea Canyon State Park or you lace up those hiking boots for treks along the Iliau Nature Loop, Kukui Trail, and other footpaths, this magnificent wildland, soared over by tropicbirds and laced with waterfalls, is an absolute must-see.

Seeing the Garden Isle as a Solo Traveler

Maybe your go-to traveling companion isn’t available. Maybe you just need some soul-recharging “me-time.” Whatever brings you to Kauai as a solo traveler, rest assured this compact but bowl-you-over-beautiful island can serve up a genuinely life-changing sojourn.

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How To Solo Travel Kauai

Are you considering solo travel to Kauai, the picturesque Hawaiian island? Traveling alone can be a liberating and enriching experience, and Kauai offers the perfect backdrop for your solo adventure.

In this guide, we will walk you through the essentials of solo travel in Kauai, ensuring you have an unforgettable trip while staying safe and maximizing your experience.

Why Solo Travel in Kauai?

Kauai is known for its stunning landscapes, lush greenery, and welcoming culture. Traveling solo allows you to set your pace, explore hidden gems, and truly immerse yourself in the island’s charm.

Is Kauai Good For Solo Travellers?

Yes! Kauai is a great island for solo travelers. It has plenty of activities to suit everyones interests, great accommodations, and is very safe.

Here’s how to get started on your solo travel throughout Kauai:

1. Plan Ahead

Before embarking on your solo journey, thorough planning is essential. Research your destinations, accommodations, and activities. Kauai Sea Tours offers various tours to explore the island, so check their options and book in advance.

2. Safety First

Safety should be your top priority. Ensure you have travel insurance, share your itinerary with someone back home, and stay informed about local weather conditions and potential hazards.

3. Accommodations

Choose accommodations that suit your travel style and budget. Kauai offers a range of options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts. Consider staying near popular attractions like Poipu Beach or the Na Pali Coast.

4. Pack Smart

Packing efficiently is crucial for solo travel. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle. Kauai’s weather can change, so pack layers for various conditions.

Exploring Kauai While Solo Travelling

Kauai has plenty to offer for solo travelers. Here are some must-visit places and activities:

1. Hike the Kalalau Trail

This breathtaking hike along the Na Pali Coast is a solo traveler’s dream. The trail offers spectacular views of the coastline and lush valleys. Make sure to obtain a hiking permit beforehand. If you do not feel like hiking the Kalalau Trail , you can always visit the Kalalau Lookout instead!

2. Visit Waimea Canyon

Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is a sight to behold. Enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, and picnic spots.

3. Explore the Wailua River

Embark on a kayak adventure down the Wailua River, and hike to the Secret Falls. This is a unique solo experience that immerses you in Kauai’s natural beauty. Wailua River is known to hold some of Kauai’s greatest waterfalls !

4. Indulge in local cuisine

Kauai’s food scene is a delightful mix of traditional Hawaiian flavors and international influences. Don’t miss out on trying local dishes like poke, plate lunches, and shave ice.

5. Food Trucks

Speaking of local cuisine, Kauai also boasts a variety of food trucks with local cuisine and tons of different options. Big Monster Sushi is a popular island option, along with some great coffee coming from the Eden Coffee Truck.

6. Kauai’s Hindu Monastery

Kauai’s Hindu Monastery is one of Kauai’s most well-regarded locations. It’s serene, beautiful, and there is plenty of space for solo travelers to reflect, meditate, and really take in the scenery.

7. Kok’e State Park

Another potentially exciting option for solo adventurers is Kok’e State Park. There’s hiking trails, a historical museum, and Kok’e lodge offering food, drinks, souveniers and live music. Overall, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon if you’re in the area.

Tips for Solo Traveling in Kauai

Traveling alone in Kauai can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to be well-prepared. Here are some valuable tips to make your solo adventure in Kauai even more enjoyable:

Kauai is best explored with the flexibility of having your transportation. Renting a car is a must if you want to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden gems.

It allows you to access remote beaches, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes at your own pace. Be sure to book your car rental in advance, as they can be in high demand, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Take a Garden Tour

Kauai is home to exquisite botanical gardens, such as the Allerton Garden and the Limahuli Garden. These lush oases showcase a stunning variety of tropical plants and offer a serene environment for exploration.

Joining a guided garden tour provides you with insights into the local flora, and you’ll have the opportunity to connect with fellow travelers.

Explore Food Truck Options

Kauai’s food trucks offer a delightful culinary journey. They serve up a variety of delicious local dishes, from fresh fish tacos to mouthwatering shaved ice.

Exploring food trucks is not only budget-friendly but also a fantastic way to savor authentic Hawaiian flavors. Be sure to try poi, a traditional Hawaiian staple made from taro root.

Take a Boat or Snorkeling Tour

To truly experience the marine wonders of Kauai, consider taking a boat or snorkeling tour. Whether it’s a catamaran cruise along the Na Pali Coast or a snorkeling adventure in crystal-clear waters, these tours provide a chance to witness tropical fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins.

Many tour operators cater to solo travelers, so you can easily book a spot and join a group of like-minded adventurers.

Safety Reminders for Outdoor Activities

Always follow safety guidelines when engaging in outdoor activities. If you plan to hike, ensure you have sturdy footwear and a backpack with essentials like water, a first-aid kit, and a map.

When snorkeling or swimming, pay attention to local advisories and ocean conditions. Respect the coral reefs and marine life by not touching or standing on the fragile ecosystems.

Final Thoughts About Solo Travel On Kauai

Solo travel in Kauai can be an incredible adventure, offering a unique opportunity for self-discovery and exploration. By planning ahead, staying safe, and immersing yourself in the island’s beauty and culture, you’ll create lasting memories that will make your solo journey unforgettable.

Embrace the beauty of Kauai as a solo traveler and experience the island’s wonders on your terms. With careful planning and an open heart, you can make the most of your adventure in this paradise.

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Lucky Lady Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Tour (with Snorkel)

Enjoy snorkeling, sea cliffs, pristine beaches, waterfalls, and sea caves. Hear stories and legends while our crew provides a full-service experience of one of Kauai’s greatest highlights!

Available starting June 1, 2024 1:15p

• Clock 4 - 4.5 hours

‘Imiloa Express Nā Pali Sightsee Sunset Tour (with Snorkeling)

Enjoy an afternoon snorkel and a boat tour along the Nā Pali Coast. Watch the sunset and enjoy relaxing music, complimentary beer, wine and mai tais. Casual hot dinner provided.

Available June 1 – September 8 2p

• Clock 4.5 - 5.5 hours

Nā Pali Sunset Tour

Watch the sun set on the Nā Pali Coast! As you cruise, you’ll be entertained with Hawaiian stories by your captain and waited on hand and foot by our amazing crew.

Available starting January 11, 2024 1:15p

• Clock 3.5-4 hours (may vary by season)

Express Nā Pali Sightsee Sunset Tour

Enjoy a boat tour along the Nā Pali Coast. Watch the sunset and enjoy relaxing music, complimentary beer, wine and mai tais. Casual hot dinner provided.

 Daily – 2p

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Adventures, please

Kauai Solo Travel Guide- Three Days on the ‘Garden Island’ of Hawaii

Travelling to Hawaii alone- particularly when it comes to Kauai solo travel- isn’t really the done thing. This is the island of couples retreats and honeymoons galore. But that definitely does not mean you should write off a solo trip to Hawaii- it is 100% possible to explore this stunning island on your own, and have a brilliant time doing it.

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Have you ever heard of Kauai?

Remember that scene in Jurassic Park, where Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough and co. are sitting in the helicopter? And there’s triumphant fanfare-style music playing in the background as they fly over the rugged coastline of the dinosaur island, into a glorious forested ravine? That glorious tropical island is the real-life Hawaiian island of Kauai, and seeing it in the flesh is even better than on the silver screen, I promise you. Travelling solo in Kauai isn’t something that many people would consider, particularly given that it’s such a popular destination for honeymooners. But I’m here to let ya know that it’s fully possible and DEFINITELY worth it.

I flew into Kauai from Portland, Oregon , and after a five hour flight over nothing but ocean, I was crazily excited to see a patch of bubbly clouds on the horizon, signalling the green mountains of Kauai underneath. Did I strategically play the Jurassic Park theme tune through my headphones as we neared the island?

Why yes, yes I did.

Did the island live up to my expectations?

Why yes, yes it did, and more.

Travelling solo in Kauai is also not often done without a car, so I wasn’t sure how much I’d be able to do and see with only three days to explore, and no vehicle. Lucky for me, it was easier than I’d expected to have a brilliant time on the island, all on my tod.

And before we continue onwards- because I myself wasn’t sure until my friend’s mum graciously informed me- Kauai is pronounced ‘Ka-why-ee.’ FYI.

Arrival on Kauai

I’d already spent three weeks jetting here there and everywhere across the States, with not much of a difference in its Springtime temperatures. Which meant that my arrival at Kauai’s tiny airport in Lihue was a bit of a climate shock for me. I stood outside Arrivals (which is approximately ten paces from Departures; this airport is tiny ), waiting for my Uber in the heat and feeling rather overdressed in my black skinny jeans and t-shirt. All black everything is just not the Hawaiian style, you know?

Surrounded solely by people in denim cut-offs and floral shirts, I stuck out like a sore thumb.

I might not have been given a lei when I arrived on the island, (the traditional way of greeting visitors), but I definitely felt like I received a very warm welcome regardless. Before long, I was into the Uber, driven by a super-friendly lass in gigantic aviators who gave me a run down of every US city she’s ever lived in (there were a good few).

She also gave me a long list of recommendations for about ten places to eat (plus one yoga studio) in the close proximity of my hotel, an infinite list of reasons why she loves living on the island, and followed that up with letting me know how happy she was that I was travelling solo in Kauai. She, too, had been a big time solo traveller back in the day, and her words of encouragement gave me a healthy dose of confidence that I would indeed have the best time ever on Kauai, despite the fact that I wasn’t on my honeymoon.

A retro resort in Kapa’a

I had chosen to stay at a tiny family-run hotel called the Coral Reef Resort , right on the beach in the town of Kapa’a. Unlike the majority of the hotels and resorts across the island, this was not a glamorous affair. Oh no sir. I wanted a place with character .

But also, to be completely frank, a room that cost less than $200 a night, which seemed to be the minimum for pretty much everywhere I could find.

This place was a gem, and I loved it.

With the exterior appearance of a tropical motel from the 1960s, the Coral Reef has a lawn kept in pristine condition out the back. This little lawn consistently has several feral chickens and other traditionally-farmyard birds pecking their way across it, fluffy chicks in tow. Chickens are the norm in Kauai; it’s possible in my opinion that there are more resident chickens on the island than humans, so much so that they’re considered a bit of a nuisance. Visitors are advised not to feed them as they can get rather aggressive.

Over to one side of the hotel’s lawn is a gated swimming pool complete with waterfall, trees, and a no-chickens-or-non-hotel-guests policy. 

My room, overlooking the chickens and the sea, naturally came complete with the sound of chickens and the sea, which lucky for me is a sound that I really appreciate. If you don’t appreciate roosters crowing at the crack of dawn you guys, maybe Kauai is not the place for you.

A ginormous lanai (aka balcony) stretched the length of the room, which was the perfect place to take in the sunrise every morning. The room itself was kitted out with dark wooden furniture and tropical-looking cushions, and in an extravagant turn of events the bathroom contained not one, but two sinks. Just in case I needed a spare, you know.

The Banana Bread Lady and Cher

Every morning, a hilarious Hawaiian lady would sit in the hotel’s reception, keeping watch over her home-baked banana bread and a pot of freshly brewed coffee, chuckling merrily and offering seconds and thirds to everyone who came to tuck in to breakfast. What a brilliant woman.

‘I do not have a drivers license. I do not have a cell phone. I do not have a passport. What would make anyone think I know how to use Facebook!?’

I really appreciated that lady, for sticking to her ways with absolute joy.

A couple of days in as I was tucking in to my banana bread and coffee breakfast, the owner of the hotel appeared- an energetic and twinkly-eyed man with one of the best moustaches I’ve seen in a while, twizzled to perfection in a Victorian style. He took one look at my t-shirt, which had a massive illustration of Cher emblazoned across it, declared ‘OH MY GOD IT’S CHER!!!’ And disappeared down a hallway in search of something, reappearing with his Cher doll in mint condition.

The people of the Coral Reef Hotel, are Good People.

The hippy-town of Kapa’a

The Coral Reef Hotel is on the edge of the old town of Kapa’a, which is a great base for exploring the Eastern side of Kauai. Plus, it’s conveniently only about 8 miles from Lihue, where all the planes come in. Beware though- it may not be far from the airport, but there is only one main road connecting the two together, which means the traffic along there can get jam-packed very quickly.

Inland from the town on the horizon, is the Sleeping Giant mountain ridge, which legend says is really and truly a giant who fell asleep one day (possibly from eating too much) and is yet to wake up. I’ve got to admit, it does look very much like the silhouette of Gulliver, so I’m all for believing this brilliant story.

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Back in town the Main Street is lined with a mixture of souvenir shops selling leis, floral shirts and hula girl bobbleheads to families of tourists, boutique style stores selling $200 bikinis and $50 coffee cups, and colourful little restaurants and food trucks selling tacos and poke and açai bowls. A funny mixture of spiritual-surf-hipster and family-oriented beach town, if that makes any sense at all. 

Likewise, the type of people you’ll bump into are an interesting blend of all-American families in golf visors and I heart Hawaii t-shirts, and exceedingly tanned and dreadlocked locals, shoeless and carrying longboards and macrame shopping baskets and organic produce. On the beach in front of the Coral Reef, there always seemed to be a small collection of people- either strumming on guitars and drinking beer, or a different collection of people doing yoga, or simply just standing like statues. True story.

People round here seem to know each other, and life around these parts is a quiet one.

Where to eat and drink in Kapa’a

For really good coffee, delicious açai bowls and other classic hipster-cafe meals involving a healthy dose of avocado, head to Java Kai , who’s slogan is ‘Drink Coffee or Die.’ Beware though- this place clearly has a reputation. In the middle of the day the line can get rather humungous. If you do find yourself paying them a visit, it’s worth signing up to their website in advance, just to get a free coffee.

Right next to it, the Mermaids Cafe serves awesome poke from a hole in the wooden wall of their handpainted little hut. A local lady stood outside waxing lyrical about their wraps for a solid fifteen minutes while she waited for hers to be prepared.

Bubba Burger  is further down the road, serving up a mahoosive selection of classic burgers and hotdogs and fries, for the best prices I saw the entire time I was in Hawaii. I became mildly addicted to this as they’re downright delicious.

And the choice of food trucks in Kapa’a is EXTENSIVE, considering the town is on the smaller side. My favourite was  El Taco Feliz , for their jolly exterior and delicious fish tacos, although there are little pods of trucks (I feel like ‘pod’ is as good a collective noun as any, for a group of food trucks), dotted up and down the entire length of the main road.

Walking the Eastern Shore

I left the hotel on my first morning without much of a plan for the day; I stepped onto the bike path that separated the hotel’s garden from the beach, turned left, and carried on going for as far as my little legs would take me.

Which, it turns out, was pretty full on far.

The landscape around the island is so beautiful that it wasn’t hard to get completely mesmerised by the whole set up and before I knew it I’d been walking on and on for absolutely hours.

The Kapa’a Bike Path is about 8 miles long, stretching along the seafront past golden sandy beaches. At that time in the morning they were just starting to welcome the first footsteps of surfers carving out their trails to the foam of the waves lapping at the shore.

On the other side of the path you can see inland to green mountains and grassy plains, and eventually the path cuts away from the road and curves around the rocky bends of the island, with characteristic red soil of the Garden Island underfoot. Kauai is the oldest of the islands of Hawaii, and the unique red colour of its soil is caused by the layers of volcanic rock which rusted over the years and turned the dirt red.

So don’t wear white shoes as you’ll just be  asking  for trouble.

Wildlife on Kuaui

Kauai is notorious for being a nature haven, so I kept my eyes peeled the entire time for any kind of wildlife.

First on the agenda: things swimming in the sea. Whales and dolphins are often spotted from the shores of Kauai. And I’ve got whale-spotting down to a fine art due to my time working on cruise ships. But did I see any of these guys in Kauai? No sir, I did not.

Alas. Secondly: things bathing on the sea shore. And I don’t mean my fellow human beings. Turtles can often be found hanging out on the quieter beaches, and the island of Kauai is also a hotspot for endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals. Those guys just love chilling on the beaches in the sunshine.

But did I spot any whilst I was there? Nope. Zero. Nein.

My final chance to glimpse some awesome wildlife came as I was nearing the Pineapple Dump- a concrete pier built out over the sea during the 1900s, which was once the place where unusable pineapples from Kauai’s plantations were dumped into the sea in their masses. The plan of the pineapple dump actually backfired though, as the pineapples didn’t float away, but were pushed back towards the beach where they rotted in the sun. How  awkward.

Anyway pals, there I was by the Pineapple Dump.

The eucalyptus and palm trees were stretching overhead, and the grass was swaying gently, when all of a sudden a gigantic bird crashed into that long grass destroying the peaceful atmosphere. It disappeared almost instantly in the lengthy blades.

I was pretty sure, given the size of it, that it must be some kind of eagle. Or at least an albatross. Potentially even some kind of modern-day velociraptor, as this  was  Jurassic Park, after all.

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I tentatively crept towards the spot in the grass where I estimated the landing site to be. If I’m honest I was getting a little nervous, because that bird had looked  large.  I was mere footsteps away when the bird came rushing out, wings flapping, making all the noise it possibly could. 

It was a chicken. 

A really massive chicken.

Having survived my close call with nature, I spent most of the rest of the day on the beach, chilling out in the sunshine and reapplying my sun cream every fifteen minutes. But knowing full well that on my skin this would have little to no effect. Lo and behold, I made it back to the hotel looking incredibly patchily lobster-toned and feeling rather embarrassed. 

Public Transport on Kuaui

It was pretty much a so far so good situation on the ‘no car’ front, however I wasn’t sure whether that would last when I decided to head further afield.

After some hefty googling which gave me mixed reviews of Kauai’s public bus network, I decided to take a chance and head for the bus stop on my second morning in the hope of getting on a bus to Hanalei Bay on the Northern Shore of the island. I perched in the bus shelter at the roadside with all my morning’s optimism trickling away as the minutes ticked by. Trucks and buses zoomed past. I started to think maybe the locals would start thinking I was a bit odd.

Maybe buses aren’t actually a thing here and it was all just a cruel trick? Kauai solo travel is one thing, but Kauai solo travel on public transport is a whole new level.

But approximately fifteen minutes after it was due, the little bus pulled into the stop. VICTORY!!

MY FAITH IN THE WORLD AND ITS PUBLIC TRANSPORT WAS WELL AND TRULY RESTORED!!

The  Kauai buses  are funny things, very similar to the local buses I got in the Caribbean- small and a bit rattly. The driver told me to put my dollars in the box and after I stood waiting for a ticket, shooed me up the bus to sit down. You don’t need tickets on these buses pals, they’re so teeny that it’d be pretty obvious if someone hasn’t paid without needing a piece of paper to prove it.

The only people already on board were some teenagers in the traditional backseat spot , a couple of old ladies gossiping animatedly to each other, and a lady sat alone on the opposite side of the bus to me. She was shrouded in pale blue shawls, a gigantic straw hat and sunglasses combo, and thick skin coloured tights. I wondered if she had an allergy to sunlight, because her whole ensemble seemed quite full on for a day as hot as that one. After about ten minutes the bus stopped for a barefoot Buddhist monk in full robes, who sat next to the blue lady, large wooden staff in hand.

It was an odd posse of people to be all hanging out together on the bus, I’ll tell you that for free.

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The Journey to Hanalei Bay

Altogether the journey lasted around 40 minutes, past farms, beaches, plantations and hills. It was, basically, BEAUT.

I wish I could’ve captured the whole journey on film to remember it properly as I hadn’t seen anything quite as stunning in a while. As we got further into the North part of the island, we passed waterfalls, big tropical flowers and gigantic trees covered with tangled webs of vines and platelike leaves.

Eventually the bus began to climb down a hillside overlooking the paddy fields where taro is grown just outside Hanalei. One of Hawaii’s most important crops, taro was once the staple food of the native Hawaiian diet, and it’s still a firm favourite with the people of this awesome state. The fields look pretty with taro in them too, so it’s a win win situation I’d say.

Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is a stunner.

A two mile stretch of curved white sand, with a backdrop of mountains with tiny silver slivers of waterfalls cutting their way down the greenery- it’s easy to see why this place is so popular. Although somehow, it doesn’t have the tourist-centric atmosphere that could go hand in hand with a must-see like this.

The town, surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains either side of the valley, is filled with colourful food trucks, surf shops and little gift stores, and has a completely laid-back vibe. And there is not a hotel to be seen!

Every now and again, the sky would suddenly cloud over completely, a smattering of rain drops would fall and cool everything off, and then just as quickly as they appeared, the clouds would be gone again. Of all the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai gets the most rainfall, and the North shore is notoriously more prone to flash rainfall than the rest of Kauai. But for the most part, people seem to ignore the few spots of rain whenever they landed on the beach, probs because let’s face it- it’s pretty refreshing really. 

The miracle of Shave Ice

After a few hours on the beach, I walked back through the little residential streets of Hanalei, past surfboards leant against the sides of houses, and garages filled with dad-projects, open to the elements. I had a casual stroll around the town, and queued for a while at  Jojo’s Shave Ice  to sample an enormous rainbow creation.

Guys. I have seen episodes of The Simpsons where they squirt multi-coloured syrup over things and hand them over ready to eat. But I hadn’t realised that was a real-life thing that is actually done in real life!?

Macadamia flavoured ice cream (a Hawaiian classic, as macadamias are aplenty round these parts), was layered on the bottom of my pot, with an enormous globe of ice scooped on top, approximately the size of my face. Three different day-glo syrups were drizzled on and I was good to go. To the average every day American, shave ice is quite a normal creation, but for me…well I  never.  Well. I. Never.

The tale of Captain Cook and the Hawaiians. As told by a sketchy man on a bus

My bus back to Kapa’a at the end of the day was shared with as equally a strange bunch of people as the journey there. This time a man got on the bus who was intent on explaining the history of Captain James Cook. At t times the guy didn’t make a whole lot of sense, but I still really appreciated his storytelling skills.

I’d actually had no idea that Captain Cook had not only probably been the first European to step foot on Hawaiian soil, but also that on his third visit to the islands, the Hawaiian islanders killed him.

Cook and his crew had previously arrived during festival time , and it’s presumed that the natives believed the sailors to be a bit on the godly side- due to the timing of their arrival. But one of the sailors died whilst the crew were docked in Hawaii, and the jig was up as it became clear to all that these English blokes were actually  not  immortal after all.

When Cook and his crew returned to Big Island (ie, the biggest of the Hawaiian Islands), the natives pelted them with rocks and were accused of stealing a boat. Next thing you know, the English had attempted to use some of the Hawaiian’s sacred wood from their burial ground, shot one of the Hawaiians, and all hell broke loose, resulting in the death of the English Captain. What a story. 

Thanks, man on the bus!

Some grand adventure plans

On my third day in Kauai, I ran into a slight problem. I was really, really intent on getting further afield, deeper into all the natural beauty that Kauai has to offer. I mean, outdoor pursuits are basically the main reason that people visit the island.

And the Waimea Canyon is the number one hotspot of all these natural beauties that visitors arrive for. The ten mile long Canyon is located in the West of the island, and was created when the volcano that created Hawaii collapsed, and heavy rainfall eroded a deep pathway through the land. The only way I could have possibly seen the Waimea Canyon without a car, would have been to join a tour. But I’d also heard that cloud coverage was particularly thick at the time that I was visiting (in fact, it often is) , and that there would be a good chance that I’d see nothing at all. So I scratched that plan.

Risky business.

Instead, I planned to wake up extra early hike the Sleeping Giant trail, which wasn’t too far from where I was staying.

Bad times pals, as I was awoken at approximately 5.30am by an insane torrential downpour outside, coupled with the sound of the wind whipping through the skinny palm trees. They all had the appearance of a person who’d just had a ride in an open-topped car going at 100mph. Poor little things. This was not a case of spotty, cooling rain drops like the day before; it was basically  biblical  in its extremity. There was no way I was going to attempt to climb up a mountain in that. Every half hour or so, the rain would suddenly disappear, the sun would blast out from the clouds with all its might, and then half an hour later the wind would whip itself into a frenzy again and the downpour would return.

Indoor pursuits

So, do you know what I did, pals? I watched Lilo and Stitch. Because Lilo and Stitch is  also  a film set in Kauai, and if I couldn’t physically get outside then I might as well get as close to it as possible via the medium of DISNEY, you know?

Later in the day, I didn’t venture further away than the confines of Kapa’a, out of fear that the rain would return. (It did). But actually, it was nice to have a chilled out day roaming around the town, occasionally legging it to the nearest shelter, and naturally purchasing a Hawaiian shirt of my own.

I mean, you can’t  not  get a Hawaiian shirt while in Hawaii, surely? 

Farewell Kuaui

So guys, whilst my third and final day had been a bit of a wash out, I was still overall pretty satisfied with what I managed to do in three days. Especially because not only had I been travelling solo in Kuaui, but I’d also been on quite a strict budget.

Would it have been easier to see the island with the use of a car?

Undoubtedly, yes, it would.

But for three days, there was plenty to see and do either nearby, or via public transport- so I’d say it was a success all round. This island is absolutely stunning, with an incredibly laid-back vibe about it, and arriving in the busy city of Honolulu after three very peaceful days on Kauai was quite the culture shock.

Kauai is my kind of place.

Logistical Statisticals

• I won’t beat around the bush here; Hawaii in general is an expensive place, and when in expensive locations, my go-to accommodation of choice is hostels. However, outside of big cities in the USA, the hostel selection is minimal, and on Kauai, the selection is even more minimal. Be prepared to either book your hostel or Airbnb far in advance, or pay more than your usual if you’re normally a budget traveller.
• Even snacks are expensive here; it’s worth stocking up before you fly to Kauai just to have things to nibble on between meals that won’t cost a small fortune.
• Although the network isn’t extensive, public buses in Kauai cost a mere $2 per ride! Bargain.
• Be prepared for rain! Parts of Kauai are amongst some of the wettest places on Earth.
• But also- don’t forget your suncream, and if possible go for one that doesn’t contain reef-harming chemicals. Hawaii has recently passed a law banning the sale of any suncream containing these crazy chemicals that protect our skin but destroy coral reefs, so I’m a full on fan of that.
• If you find any seals or turtles hanging out on the beach…leave them alone! Part of the reason they come to Kauai is because they tend to be left well alone.
• Like everywhere in the USA- tax is not included on the price labels of anything you buy. Similarly, tipping 20% is expected.

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10 THINGS TO DO SOLO ON KAUAI

In the heart of the Pacific, Kauai offers a unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture. For solo travelers seeking an unforgettable experience, the island presents a myriad of opportunities. 

From pristine beaches to lush landscapes, here are 8 things to do solo on Kauai and 2 exhilarating adventure tours that promise adventure and introspection.

Is Kauai Good For Solo Travellers?

Yes, Kauai is a great destination for solo travelers. Solo travel on Kauai is a unique blend of adventure and tranquility, offering a chance to explore the island’s diverse landscapes at your own pace. 

Whether you prefer moments of solitude or the camaraderie of group activities, Kauai caters to the unique desires of solo travelers. With its captivating scenery, friendly atmosphere, and a plethora of activities, Kauai ensures a memorable solo travel experience.

What is the least populated part of Kauai?

For solo travelers seeking solitude on Kauai, the least populated part of the island is the North Shore. Nestled away from the bustling tourist hubs, the North Shore offers a serene and tranquil escape. This region is renowned for its lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and a slower pace of life, making it an ideal haven for those craving peaceful moments and introspection. 

From exploring the scenic Hanalei Valley, hiking the Kalalau Trail, or simply unwinding on the secluded beaches, the North Shore of Kauai provides a perfect retreat for solo travelers looking to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of solitude.

1. Explore Waimea Canyon

Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is a breathtaking sight. Solo travelers can embark on hiking trails like the Waimea Canyon Trail for panoramic views of the vibrant red and green landscapes. Don’t forget to capture the awe-inspiring scenery and immerse yourself in the tranquility.

2. Hanalei Bay Beach Day

Solo beach days at Hanalei Bay are a quintessential Kauai experience. Whether you’re a sunbather or a water sports enthusiast, the bay offers the perfect setting. Kayak, paddleboard, or simply relax on the golden sands while the gentle waves serenade your solitude.

3. Kalalau Trail Hike

For the adventurous solo traveler, the Kalalau Trail beckons. This challenging 11-mile trek unveils the rugged beauty of the Napali Coast. Hike through lush valleys, cross streams, and reach vantage points that provide unparalleled views of the Pacific.

4. Wailua River Kayaking

Paddle through the lush Wailua River on a solo kayaking adventure. Navigate through tropical landscapes, witness cascading waterfalls, and discover the sacred Wailua River State Park. This serene journey offers both physical activity and moments of quiet contemplation.

5. Discover Kauai’s Waterfalls

Embark on a solo expedition to discover Kauai’s enchanting waterfalls. From the accessible Opaekaa Falls to the hidden gems like Secret Falls, each cascade is a testament to the island’s natural splendor. Capture the beauty or take a refreshing dip in the pools below.

6. Ziplining Adventure Tours

Experience the thrill of ziplining through Kauai’s lush landscapes. Solo adventurers can soar above the treetops, taking in panoramic views of the island’s beauty. Feel the adrenaline rush as you traverse ziplines, adding an exciting twist to your solo journey.

Join us at Koloa Zipline for Kauai’s longest zipline tour!

Elevate your solo adventure with Koloa Zipline , home to Kauai’s longest zipline tour! Brace yourself for an adrenaline-fueled experience amidst the lush landscapes of the island. Whether you’re a seasoned thrill-seeker or a first-timer, our zipline tour is designed for solo travelers looking to add an exciting twist to their Kauai experience. Join us at Koloa Zipline and make your solo journey unforgettable!

7. Sunset at Poipu Beach Park

Solo travelers can unwind and enjoy a picturesque sunset at Poipu Beach Park. With its golden sands and clear waters, this beach is an ideal spot for solitude. Bask in the warm glow of the setting sun and relish the tranquility of the moment.

8. Helicopter Tour Over Napali Coast

For a solo adventure from above, take a helicopter tour over the iconic Napali Coast. Marvel at the rugged cliffs, hidden valleys, and cascading waterfalls. The aerial perspective provides a unique and awe-inspiring experience for solo travelers seeking a thrill.

9. ATV Adventure

Embark on a solo ATV tour for an adrenaline-pumping exploration of Kauai’s diverse terrain. Navigate off-road trails, venture into lush landscapes, and experience the island’s beauty with an adventurous twist.

Check out Kauai ATV’s backcountry adventures!

Gear up for an off-road solo adventure with Kauai ATV’s tours! Discover the island’s diverse terrain as you navigate through lush landscapes and off-the-beaten-path trails. Don’t miss the chance to rev up your solo trip with the excitement of off-road exploration – check out Kauai ATV’s Backcountry Adventures!

10. Attend a Luau Solo

Cap off your solo adventure with a traditional Hawaiian luau. Joining the celebration alone allows you to fully immerse yourself in the culture, dance, and cuisine. Share stories with fellow attendees and embrace the spirit of aloha.

Tips For Solo Travellers On Kauai

Embarking on a solo adventure to Kauai is a liberating experience, offering a chance for self-discovery amidst the island’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture. Here are some essential tips to make your solo journey on Kauai seamless and enriching:

Plan with Flexibility

While it’s good to have a basic itinerary, leave room for spontaneity. Allow yourself the freedom to explore hidden gems, change plans on a whim, and truly immerse yourself in the unexpected beauty Kauai has to offer.

Capture the Memories

Bring along a camera or smartphone to capture the mesmerizing beauty of Kauai. Documenting your journey through photos and journaling ensures that your solo adventure becomes a tangible memory to cherish.

Stay in Social Accommodations

Opt for accommodations that facilitate social interaction, such as hostels or guesthouses. This provides an opportunity to meet fellow travelers, share experiences, and possibly find companions for certain activities.

Be Open to Group Tours

Consider joining group tours for activities like hiking, snorkeling, or exploring. This not only enhances safety but also allows you to share the experience with like-minded individuals, turning solo adventures into shared memories.

Embrace Solitude

Solo travel is an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. Embrace moments of solitude, whether it’s watching a sunset on a secluded beach or enjoying a quiet hike. Let Kauai’s serene beauty be a backdrop to your own journey of self-discovery.

Enjoy Alone Time On Kauai

Solo travel on Kauai offers a harmonious blend of adventure and introspection. Whether exploring the natural wonders, engaging with the local culture, or embarking on thrilling adventure tours, the island caters to the unique desires of solo travelers. Embrace the spirit of aloha and let Kauai be your canvas for unforgettable solo experiences.

Artsy Traveler

Ten Tips for Traveling Solo on Kauai

Last updated on August 17th, 2023 at 05:01 pm

Traveling solo on Kauai is safe, easy, and convenient. The island is compact and very comfortable to drive around with nominal help from GPS. As a solo traveler, you’ll find plenty to see and do, good accommodation options, and friendly people.

Kauai is not a budget destination, so bear that in mind when planning to travel solo on Kauai. But if you have the funds, Kauai is an excellent choice. You’ll find a terrific opportunities to explore, with lots of options for sightseeing and relaxing.

I spent ten days on traveling solo on Kauai and had a marvelous time. So much variety. And the views! Kauai wins the Hawaii gorgeousness sweepstakes hands down. No wonder Kauai is known as the Garden Isle.

In this post, I share ten tips for traveling solo on Kauai. For more on Kauai, check out my other posts:

Six Highlights of a Kauai Vacation

• What to See and Do on Kauai

Ready for my ten tips on traveling solo on Kauai? Here goes!

Tip 1: Stay the First Night or Two Close to the Airport

I flew direct from Vancouver, BC, on WestJet. Its once-daily flight arrived at 9:30 PM. By that time, darkness had well and truly settled over Kauai. If I hadn’t have booked accommodation close to the airport, I’d have been driving on dark, unfamiliar roads—many without streetlights. No thank you!

When traveling solo, I suggest you make accommodation and transportation decisions based on how you answer three questions: Is it easy? Is it safe? Is it convenient?

For my solo trip to Kauai, my answers to these questions led me to book my first few nights at the Kauai Beach Villas . Located on a beach a seven-minute drive due north on the main road out of Lihue Airport, I couldn’t get lost if I tried.

Kauai Beach Villas Close to the Airport Perfect for Solo Travelers

Checking into the Kauai Beach Villas was easy. The front desk was still open when I arrived at 10:30 PM, the spacious one-bedroom condo felt very safe and secure, and the location steps from the beach could not have been more convenient.

Even if you arrive on Kauai during the day, I suggest you book a few nights at a place like the Kauai Beach Villas on Kauai’s East Shore. Otherwise known as the Coconut Coast, the area is home to most of Kauai’s population and includes several big box stores convenient for stocking up on essentials at slightly less than eye-popping prices.

The Kauai Beach Villas are on the grounds of another resort (the Kauai Beach Resort and Spa ) that has a restaurant, convenience store, and swimming pools.

The area also boasts some of Kauai’s nicest and most accessible beaches. And, even more useful, its proximity to Lihue Airport means you don’t have to drive far to enjoy the first of my highly recommended activities on Kauai—taking a helicopter ride (more on this later!).

Other Accommodation Options on the East Shore

Several other East Shore accommodation options are close to Lihue Airport:

• Marriott Kauai Lagoons
• Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue .

A Note about Big Box Stores

Normally, I’m not a fan of stores like Costco and Walmart. But on Kauai, I spent a few hours on my first afternoon traipsing through both stores in search of vacation essentials at reasonable prices. In Costco, I picked up a case of water, a large bag of macadamia nuts that lasted me the entire trip eating a good handful a day (gosh, they’re tasty!), a Hawaiian shirt for my husband (a bargain at $20 and good quality too), a few bags of snacks, and a hunk of cheese.

I considered a tub of poke for $10 and realized I’d never finish it before it started walking on its own. Messing with raw fish is not a good idea when traveling solo.

I also visited Walmart to buy a mask and snorkel, a pair of water shoes, and a nice big beach bag to carry towels and other beachie things. You can rent snorkel equipment at various places on Kauai, but it’s cheaper (and more hygienic) to pick up the gear at a place like Walmart. You’ll then have it for your next trip to a tropical paradise.

Since I live on an island (albeit not a tropical one), I look forward to using my new snorkel gear on summer swims at the beaches near my home.

A Note About COVID

I traveled to Kauai in April of 2022, a few days after Kauai lifted the mask mandate and the requirement for international travelers to get tested before arrival. Many, but certainly not all, service people in restaurants continued to wear masks, but I’d say only about 10% of customers in stores were wearing masks.

I was required to wear a mask only twice–on the helicopter tour and on the garden tour of the Allerton and McBryde Gardens on the South Shore.

Tip 2: Rent a Car

You pretty much have to rent a car when visiting Kauai. I had hoped to get around on public transit or take taxis, but nope, not on Kauai. There are busses, but apparently they are unreliable and likely won’t go to all the places you want to explore. Services such as Lyft and Uber are not prevalent on Kauai and taxis are scarce.

The biggest problem with renting a car is the cost, as in, ouch ! I’ve never paid so much for a ten-day car rental in my life. But it was either that or spend my vacation stuck in one place, and what would be the point of that?

So, adjust your budget upward (waaaay upward), and book your car well in advance. In recent years, rental cars have sometimes been hard to come by. You don’t want to arrive on Kauai and find no cars available. That would suck…a lot.

Car Rental from Thrifty

As a solo traveler, I rented the cheapest car in the budget category from Thrifty. The friendly agent at the Thrifty counter upgraded me at no extra charge from a hatchback to a closed trunk model because she said that was safer. She knew I was traveling on my own (because I told her!). I joked that I’d left my husband at home so I could enjoy ten days of blissful solitude. She laughed.

Getting to the car rental counter is very easy on Kauai. Walk out of the small Lihue airport, hang a left and within seconds, you’re at the bus stop for the car rental shuttles. I hopped on the Thrifty shuttle, waited about ten minutes in a short line, and ten minutes after that I was loading my suitcase into my silver Kia.

Note that silver is a very popular color for rental cars in Kauai. In parking lots, I often saw dozens of silver and/or white cars. More than once, I tried getting into someone else’s car. Fortunately, they weren’t around to notice as I quickly realized my mistake and sheepishly moved on.

The smartest thing to do is to take a picture of your license plate and also memorize the number. You’ll avoid a lot of traipsing around parking lots dolefully clicking the remote and listening for the subtle beep above the whooshing of the trade winds.

Driving Solo on Kauai

I confess that I was a little bit worried about driving on unfamiliar roads. I’m not a nervous driver, but still! I usually rent cars with my husband and do the navigating rather than the driving. How would I manage on my own?

As it turned out, perfectly well. Driving is sooooooo easy on Kauai because the speed limits are generally very low. Limits of 40 mph, 35 mph, and even 15 mph are common. Even on the busiest roads near the airport, the speed limit never tops 50 mph. Also, I found that most Kauai drivers obey the speed limits and do not tailgate, even if you’re going slower than the posted speed.

Okay, once, a big black truck honked at me when I was going about 30 mph in a 40-mph zone for about three minutes. Sheesh!

I remember being terrified driving on Maui where the speed limits were much higher (at least they were a few years ago) and people drove like maniacs. Kauai is much more laid back. I loved driving there!

Tip 3: Download the Kauai Revealed Touring App

And speaking of driving, one of the smartest things you can do, whether traveling solo or not, is to download Andrew Doughty’s Kauai Revealed driving app. Andrew Doughty is the author of The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook , the definitive guide to Kauai and a must-buy. If you didn’t pick up a copy before coming to Kauai, no worries. I saw it in virtually every gift shop I visited and at Walmart.

The app and the guidebook together provide you with just about all the information you need to enjoy a wonderful Kauai vacation. I followed many of Andrew’s recommendations, particularly when it came to which helicopter and boat tour companies to choose, and I was very glad I had.

What’s on the Kauai Revealed App?

Regarding Andrew’s app, it’s a hoot! Download it to your phone, click Driving Mode, plug it into your car so you hear Andrew’s commentary through the car’s sound system, and then hit the open road.

Every so often, Andrew’s voice shares some snippet of interesting information about Hawaiian history and culture, tells you where to turn to visit a cool beach, and makes all sorts of useful recommendations. As a solo traveler, I felt like I’d made a new friend.

Over time, I began to chat with Andrew as I drove, which sounds a bit creepy, but it was kinda fun and perhaps an occupational risk of solo travel. I can’t say I was ever lonely on my trip, but I did begin to appreciate having Andrew along for the ride as the days flew by.

For solo travelers who don’t have a companion to navigate, the driving app is a must-have. I’m a firm convert to driving apps now and hope I can find them for other places I plan to travel. Andrew also has apps and books for Maui, The Big Island, and Oahu.

Tip 4: Stay in At Least Two Areas on Kauai

As a solo traveler, I like to move around and get a feel for different areas in the country or region I’m visiting. On Kauai, some travelers settle in either the north or the south (sometimes the east, but not as often) for the duration of their trip and then take day trips to see the other parts of the island.

I don’t think that’s the best strategy. The North Shore and South Shore of Kauai are so different that each warrants at least a few days of dedicated sightseeing. After staying a few days at Kauai Beach Villas on the East Shore to get acclimatized, I drove an hour to the North Shore where I stayed for four nights.

Staying on the North Shore

The North Shore is the wetter and more tropical area accessible by road on Kauai and the scenery is absolutely spectacular. Seriously, there are not enough superlatives in the thesaurus to describe the area’s sparkling beaches, lush greenery, and breathtaking mountains.

For more about the North Shore, check my post What to See and Do on Kauai .

I stayed in the SeaLodge condo development in Princeville, which stretches along a clifftop about fifteen minutes east of Hanalei Bay. One of my intentions in traveling solo to Kauai was to work on my current WIP (Work in Progress aka my fifth novel). When I wasn’t out sightseeing, I spent several very productive hours writing while overlooking a view of palms and ocean accompanied by the constant sound of waves crashing against the beach below the cliff.

Talk about inspiring!

Staying on the South Shore

The South Shore is “resort central” with plenty to see and do, lots of great accommodation and restaurant options, and consistently sunny weather. I stayed at the Point at Poipu which was located right on the water and next door to the uber-luxurious Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa.

You’ll find lots to do on the South Shore—from touring the Allerton and McBryde Gardens to driving up to ogle Waimea Canyon and beyond that the fabled Nāpali coast.

For more about the South Shore, check my posts Six Highlights of a Kauai Vacation and What to See and Do on Kauai.

Tip 5: Take a Helicopter Ride

Okay, so I’ve mentioned taking a helicopter ride twice already and now I’ll tell you why.

Because it’s awesome !

Over three-quarters of Kauai is inaccessible by road. So, if you want to see the island in its stunning entirety, shell out the big bucks for a helicopter ride.

And I’m not going to lie—it’s expensive . Like, forget-eating-for-a-week expensive. On my ride, the other five passengers were from one family. I shuddered as I did the math for what their trip cost!

Check out my detailed account of my helicopter ride with Blue Hawaiian in the post Six Highlights of a Kauai Vacation .

Tip 6: Take a Boat Ride that includes Snorkeling

I love snorkeling! But as a solo traveler, I was nervous about snorkeling on my own and leaving my stuff unattended on the beach (although the crime rate is reportedly low on Kauai). I also feared going too far out and being swept into the Pacific Ocean.

From past trips to tropical locales, I knew that taking a guided boat trip was the best and safest way for me to get my snorkeling hit.

My Kauai Revealed guidebook listed the many boat and snorkeling tour options and highly recommended Nāpali Sea Breeze Tours .

From a solo travel perspective, spending four hours on a small boat with everyone pretty much cheek by jowl provides lots of opportunities to chat with new friends. When we came to the snorkeling place, we were asked to pair up, so I snorkeled for about 40 minutes with a friendly woman from California whose husband, fortunately for me, decided to stay on the boat.

For a description of my boat trip and snorkeling adventure see my post Six Highlights of a Kauai Vacation .

For now, trust me when I say that the Nāpali Sea Breeze Tour from Anini Beach in the north of Kauai was fabulous and again, worth every penny.

Tip 7: Go on a Garden Tour

As a solo traveler, I find that taking the occasional guided tour is a smart way to see maximum territory with minimum effort. Before I left home, I booked the three-hour “Best of Both Worlds” tour of the Allerton and McBryde Gardens in the south of Kauai.

I was so glad I did. The tour was informative and beautiful. If you love plants (and even if you’re so-so about them), take the tour. You can choose from several tours (see the website), but I’m glad I chose the “Best of Both Worlds” tour to get an overview of these two fabulous gardens.

I also enjoyed a solo walking tour of Limahuli Gardens on the North Shore.

For a description of both garden tours, see my post Six Highlights of a Kauai Vacation .

Tip 8: Participate in a Local Fitness Class

One of my favorite things to do when I travel solo is to drop in to a Nia class. Nia is a dance-fitness practice that I’ve been involved with both as a teacher and a student for nearly 15 years. It’s a worldwide practice with teachers on all seven continents. Before I leave home, I always check the Nianow.com website to find the location of classes near where I’m staying.

On Kauai, I took two Nia classes at the Golden Lotus Studio in Kapa’a on the East Shore, about a ten-minute drive from the Kauai Beach Villas. The teacher and other students were so warm and welcoming. I loved the opportunity not only to dance with them but also to chat afterwards and learn something about their lives as locals living on Kauai (lucky them!).

Even if dancing Nia isn’t your thing, consider checking out a yoga or other type of fitness class at a facility on Kauai. The Golden Lotus Studio offers several kinds of classes each week (check the website) and I’m sure it’s not the only venue.

Attending a class with locals is a wonderful way to enrich your Kauai experience and take you off the beaten tourist path.

Tip 9: Choose Food Trucks and Take-Out

Restaurants are Kauai are expensive. Very expensive. And eating alone is not much fun, particularly in crowded tourist areas. When I’m at home, I often dine alone in restaurants. But for some reason when I’m in a vacation area, I feel a bit out of place when the vast majority of other patrons are couples or families.

So, for me, the best meal options while traveling in Kauai were food trucks and take-out.

Food Trucks

Kauai is famous—and justly so—for its food trucks. Stop and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast or lunch. However, many, if not most, of the food trucks close about 3 PM, so they are not an option for dinner.

I sampled the fare at a few food trucks during my trip, although not as many as I would have liked. Either they were closed when I was driving by, or I wasn’t hungry when they were open. But for a reliable and relatively inexpensive lunch, the food trucks of Kauai are definitely a good choice.

For a comprehensive look at Kauai food trucks, check out this post .

Here are two highlights:

Kalalea Juice Hale

This spot is located on the road going north toward Anahola. I sampled my first acai (ah-sigh-EE) bowl here and was captivated! Cool, smooth, very purple mashed acai berries are topped with granola, hemp seeds, chia seeds, banana, and a few other things I can’t remember and then drizzled with peanut butter. I know, it sounds like overkill but trust me, it was divine.

While I was eating it at a picnic table, the heavens opened. I ran to my car and drove to Anahola Beach to finish my bowl. Anahola Beach is a worthwhile stop for dreamy views, but not for swimming, at least not on the day I was there.

Indian Food

The prawn curry I enjoyed at the Indian food truck in a parking lot in Kapa’a contained a plethora of plump, meaty prawns swimming in a spicy, rich coconut-flavored sauce. A highlight was the chunky, flavorful mango lassi that accompanied my curry. Very refreshing!

Other Food Truck Favorites

So many of the food truck serve tacos of every description—pork, chicken, prawns, seafood and even tofu. Kauai seems to have more taco joints than Mexico!

Other food truck staples are shaved ice and puka dogs. Alas, I didn’t get the chance to sample either. However, I did try another Kauai specialty—a Hawaiian grilled cheese sandwich containing pulled Kalua pork, Muenster cheese, and sweet pineapple at Pink’s Creamery in Hanalei Bay. Yes, it sounds a bit odd, but it was amazing!

In Kauai, every restaurant I poked my nose into was hopping busy. I didn’t like taking up a whole table when groups were waiting and so usually ordered take-out and ate it it in solitary splendor back on my lanai.

Unfortunately, take-out was rather hit-or-miss. The food was usually quite flavorful, but by the time I got it home, it was also usually cold. Fortunately, every place I stayed in had a microwave, but it’s not the same, let’s face it! And don’t think you’ll save money by getting take-out. The prices are the same for take-out and dine-in so the only thing you might save on is drinks.

I bought wine from local grocery stores to accompany my take-out meals. Once, I went to the bar at the Kauai Beach Resort to have a Mai Tai. After sipping the over-sweet concoction that cost over $20, I decided to forgo the tropical drinks.

Overall, I can’t say that my culinary experiences on Kauai lived up to the island’s reputation as a place to get great food. I think staff shortages may be one culprit. Almost every place I went, from a food truck to a nice restaurant, I saw Help Wanted signs. The lack of staff coupled with the returning crowds did not make for relaxing dining options, particularly for a single.

Shout-out to Brennekes

However, I must give a shout-out to Brennekes, a justifiably famous eatery on the South Shore overlooking Poipu Beach Park. I splurged on a sit-down meal there (my only one of the trip) and enjoyed a swoon-worthy plate of seafood risotto. Creamy, rich, and chock-a-block with scallops, prawns, fish chunks, and mushrooms, the risotto will stand as one of my all-time great meals.

Tip 10: Choose the Safest Beaches

Kauai has some of the best beaches in the Hawaiian Islands—long sandy stretches, turquoise waters, swaying palm trees—the whole tropical nine yards. However, the beaches can also be death traps, particularly for the solo traveler.

People drown every year on Kauai as a result of being caught in rip tides or swept out to sea by rogue waves. If you’re on your own, who will be watching out for you if you get into trouble? Hopefully, there will be a lifeguard close by, but I wasn’t about to take any chances.

Almost every day I was on Kauai, the water at most beaches was too rough for swimming. I found only two places where I could consistently swim, and even they could get quite choppy.

Swimming on the North Shore

My favorite safe beach on the North Shore was Anini Beach. The lagoon is ringed by a reef and so safe enough even for children (and solo travelers like me!). I went there a few times to bob around.

Also on the North Shore is Tunnels Beach which, like Anini Beach, is reputed to be safe for swimming most of the time. The day I drove there, I couldn’t find parking so only got to see it the day I swam from the boat during the Nāpali Sea Breeze tour. Oh well!

Swimming on the South Shore

On the South Shore, Poipu Beach at Poipu Beach Park is ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. That is a bit of a stretch since the bottom is not very sandy (water shoes are a must!). However, the location is certainly delightful and the snorkeling good.

On the East Shore, Lydgate Beach Park is usually safe for swimming but the day I was there, the wind was whipping the waves into a white-capped frenzy so, um, no.

The safest way to swim on Kauai is to hop into the pool at your hotel or condo. Sure, it’s not as exciting as swimming in the ocean, but it’s refreshing, generally uncrowded, and your chances of waving goodbye to this life while being swept out to sea are pretty much nil.

I loved traveling solo around Kauai. The pace was relaxed, the weather glorious (even if occasionally windy), the roads easy to drive, the service people uniformly helpful and friendly, and the scenery to die for.

If you’re craving a bit of “me time” away from your regular life, consider taking a solo trip to Kauai.

Best of France: Ten Day Itinerary for Paris and the South

[…] Ten Tips for Traveling Solo on Kauai […]

Maybe my favorite place ever but I will never go back to Kauai. They have completely and utterly ruined visitation to the North Shore with the shuttle service. It is simply amazing how badly this affects your travel. You cannot go where you want when you want and then when you do it is completely disorganized and unbelievably costly. This is a very bad start on a slippery slope and it turns me off so much I’m going to the Caribbean or elsewhere from now on unless this goes back to the way it was. You should warn people how bad it is!

That’s too bad. I didn’t take the shuttle; I had a car and chose not to visit Haena State Park where the shuttle goes. I’m sure the beach there is lovely, but I preferred to be more independent and instead visited Limahuli Gardens which I had virtually to myself – spectacular! Kauai has so many wonderful places to visit!

I loved reading about your solo adventure to Kauai. I’ll be taking my 2nd solo trip to Kauai in December and look forward to “me time”. You reminded me of why I love travelling there and I appreciate how you feel about solo dining in the touristy areas- I’m the same way! I love to do yoga wherever I travel- so I loved that suggestion too. Thank you for sharing.

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Kauai Solo Female Travel Guide

Kauai is known as the “Garden Isle,” and it’s the third most-visited island in Hawaii , so Kauai is much quieter and less commercialized than Oahu or Maui . This is one of my favorite islands I’ve ever visited, so I created this Kauai solo female travel guide.

How To Plan a Multi-Island Hawaii Trip

Fun Fact: Only 20% of Kauai is accessible by car, and most of the coastline can’t be seen from any road, which means this is the perfect island for boat and helicopter tours.

Here’s the ultimate Kauai solo female travel guide!

The peak travel season for Kauai is December-March, when prices and tourist numbers will be at their highest everywhere on the island. So book your accommodation, rental cars, and tours in advance to save some money and ensure availability. These months have the highest rainfall, so choose accommodation on the west or south coast, which are usually drier.

Kauai is one of the wettest places on Earth, so there’s always a chance of rain year-round, especially at the higher altitudes. But rain showers on Kauai are usually brief, and, often, they can cool you off.

July-August is only slightly less crowded and expensive than December-March. The weather is perfect during these months – sunny and dry, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s.

The year-round warm weather means Kauai doesn’t have an off-season. But April-June and September – November are shoulder seasons when you can score some great (by Hawaii standards) accommodation and airfare deals.

The current along the Nā Pali Coast is calmer in the summer than in the Fall, Winter, or Spring. So if you’re here when the surf is calmer, I recommend a Zodiac boat tour that will take you as close as you can get to the Nā Pali Coast, including into some of the most spectacular caves in the world. But if you’re here when the water is too choppy for a Zodiac tour, you can take a catamaran cruise.

The Ultimate Hawaii Travel Guide

Top Adventure Activities To Do in Hawaii

Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit?

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Getting around.

A car is essential on Kauai. Many tour companies provide transportation to and from guided tours, and taxis and rideshares can be arranged by your hotel. But these can be expensive.

So if you’re going to leave your hotel more than a couple of times (which I highly recommend!), then a rental car can save you money. Plus, a rental car gives you flexibility over your itinerary and room to store and transport your belongings.

I spent four days on Kauai with a rental car, and I drove all over the island. But because the island is so small, I only had to fill up my tank once.

Top 101 Things To Do in Hawaii

The Best Honeymoon , Birthday & Bachelorette Party  Activities in Hawaii

Where To Stay

Kauai has some incredible hotels for every budget and preference. My favorite part of the island to stay in is Po’ipu. So from oceanfront resorts to hotels where you can earn and use points, I’ve rounded up the best hotels on Kauai .

This island also has some  incredible vacation homes !

The Best Resorts and Airbnbs in Hawaii

Tips for Traveling To Hawaii on a Budget

Things To Do in Kauai on Your Honeymoon

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive on the island early enough that you can pick up your rental car and visit the Wailua and Opaeka’a Falls Overlooks and hike a portion of the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail before checking into your hotel in the later afternoon or early evening.

Day 2 : Go on a Zodiac or catamaran cruise along the Nā Pali Coast that includes snorkeling. You want to book this tour early in your trip so that if there’s bad weather and your tour is canceled, you have time to re-book. These tours usually leave early in the morning and are back mid-afternoon.

Day 3 : Paddle and hike to Secret Falls. This will take half a day, and as I mentioned above, I only recommend this hike if you are in good physical condition and want an adventure. If this activity is out of your comfort level, you can do a motorized riverboat trip and a more leisurely hike.

Day 4 : Sleep in, then do a helicopter tour. Then spend the rest of your day laying out on a beach or lounging by your hotel or vacation home’s pool.

Day 5 : Do the scenic drive through  Waimea Canyon State Park and Kōkeʻe State Park. Plan to spend at least half a day at these parks. There’s a restaurant at the visitor center, or you can bring a pack-out lunch.

Day 6 : Fly home or to another Hawaiian Island.

Where To Eat

My Favorites : Keoki’s Paradise (American, $$), Bull Shed Restaurant (Steakhouse, $$$), JO2 Restaurant (Fusion, $$$).

Fine Dining : Tidepools (Seafood, $$$$), Rum Fire (American, $$$$), The Plantation House by Gaylord’s (Seafood, $$$$).

Seafood : Merriman’s ($$$), The Dolphin Poipu ($$), Lemongrass Grill ($$).

Hawaiian : Red Salt at Koa Kea ($$$), Beach House ($$$), Luau Makaiwa (Luau).

Cheap Eats : Kalaheo Coffee Company (Cafe, $$), Tiki Tacos ($$), the food trucks in Po’ipu.

Asian : Dim ‘N’ Den Sum (Food Truck, $$), Big Monster Sushi & Thai ($$), Eating House 1849 Koloa ($$$).

The Best Foods To Try in Hawaii

Shop my hawaii essentials.

What would you add to this Kauai solo female travel guide? Share with us in the comments!

Recommended tours on kauai, plan the rest of your trip.

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Planning a Trip To Maui

The Most Romantic Hotels in Maui

Visiting Haleakalā National Park

How To Solo Travel on the Big Island

The Best Airbnbs on The Big Island of Hawaii

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The Best Luxury Hotels in Hawaii

Self-Guided Tour of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Which Island in Hawaii Should I Visit Quiz

101 Things To Do in Hawaii

Hawaii Island-Hopping Itinerary

Foods To Try in Hawaii

Things To Do in Hawaii for a Bachelorette Party

Romantic Things To Do in Hawaii

Things To Do for Your Birthday in Hawaii

Adventurous Things To Do in Hawaii

Things To Do on Your Honeymoon in Hawaii

Romantic Things To Do in Maui

Things To Do in Kauai on a Honeymoon

Pictures of Maui, Hawaii To Inspire Your Next Trip

Extreme Things To Do in Oahu

Pictures of Kauai, Hawaii To Inspire Your Next Island Getaway

Pictures of Oahu, Hawaii To Inspire Your Next Trip

My Stay at the Andaz Maui in Hawaii

Staying at the Hana-Maui Resort and Spa in Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii Photos for Trip Inspiration

Hawaii Vacation Pictures To Inspire Your Next Trip

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Frequently asked questions, is kauai good for solo travel.

Yes! Kauai is usually thought of as a romantic or honeymoon destination. But this island is perfect for solo travelers, especially if you’re into adventure activities!

What is the best time of year to go to Hawaii?

Hawaii is made up of micro-climates, so the weather varies significantly from island to island and from one side of an island to the other. The year-round warm weather (rarely going below the mid-70s or above the mid-80s) means Hawaii is a great destination any time of the year. So Hawaii doesn’t have an off-season.

April – September is the most popular time to visit Hawaii because these are the warmest and driest months. The ocean is calmer, giving you access to more water activities with better sailing conditions. Be prepared to pay the highest prices during these months. The islands will also be crowded, so book accommodation, tours, and rental cars in advance.

The weather in Hawaii is marginally cooler from October – March, and these are the wettest months of the year. Pro Tip: the islands’ west coasts are significantly drier than their east coasts.

October – March is whale-watching season, and the crowds and prices will be lower (though not significantly). These months have some of the largest swells of the year, so surfers will swarm the beaches.

Is Hawaii safe for solo female travelers?

I felt very safe during my entire trip to Hawaii. But, as with any destination, you need to take precautions to keep yourself safe. Don’t walk by yourself at night, stay in a secure and well-located hotel or vacation home, use slash-proof, lockable, and RFID-protected bags and purses, and always have a charged cell phone with you.

How do I meet other solo female travelers?

You can meet fellow solo female travelers by going to a meetup activity, doing a food and drink tour, staying in a hostel, and booking group excursions.

Which Hawaiian island is best for solo travel?

All four of the main Hawaiian islands – Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island – are incredible solo female travel destinations.

What is there to do in Kauai solo?

The Best Things To Do on Kauai:

1. Visit the Wailua Falls Overlook

2. Hike a portion of the  Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail

3. Do the scenic drive through  Waimea Canyon State Park

4. Take a Zodiac or catamaran cruise along the  Nā Pali Coast  that includes snorkeling

5. Do a helicopter ride (my favorite is a no-doors helicopter)

6. Visit Secret Falls

7. Visit Kōkeʻe State Park

8. See a luau

Where can I go solo in Hawaii?

Do i need to rent a car in hawaii.

If you’re staying in a vacation home on any of the islands, then you’ll want to rent a car.

If you’re staying in a resort and planning on leaving your hotel, then a car is essential on all of the Hawaiian islands. You can hire a driver, and taxis and rideshares are common, but these are expensive. So if you’re going to leave your resort more than a couple of times during your trip, you’ll probably save money by renting a car.

Plus, renting a car gives you flexibility and the freedom to set your own itinerary.

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This Kauai solo female travel guide trip is not a sponsored post, and the thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Some of the links in this Kauai solo female travel guide are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.

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Solo in Kauai: What I Spent

February 22, 2016 by Janice Waugh

Wailua Valley viewed from the Wailua River State Park

I did a lot in Kauai and I also did a lot of nothing.

I had a two luxurious weeks for this trip so I was no hurry to race around the island and fit in everything possible.

Instead I took it slow. Some days I was up early and went to the beach to read. Other days I worked first (yes, the site requires work even when I'm traveling) and then went for a hike in the afternoon. I went to the museum in Lihue and the Waimea Canyon on the west side. I went kayaking up the Wailua River and stayed at a resort for a couple of days. This trip was probably the most relaxing trip I've ever take

I loved it!

And, on top of that, it wasn't too expensive given that I was away for two full weeks.

Now, I had an advantage. My plane ticket was purchased with a credit I had from my trip last spring that “Just Wasn't Meant to Be.” So my costs really were based on my time there.

Wailua River State Park

Kauai: $2,000 in 2 weeks

Clearly, I could have done Kauai cheaper than $1,000/wk or $141.25 a day. And I probably will next time. I think there will be a next time because I really liked being there. I will cut some of the expensive things I didn't enjoy enough and keep some of the perks that I felt really worthwhile.

Here's how the trip went but don't miss reading  Affordable Kauai: 32 Free and Low-Cost Tips .

I arrived late on the night of January 4th, picked up my rental car, and headed to the hostel in Kapa'a which was already dark for the night. The next morning I awoke to my first sunrise. All I had to do was sit up in bed as there was an east-facing window at the foot of it. Fantastic!

I started by exploring the island by car. On day one I headed south and west. The island is small and there is a horseshoe-like road that covers most of it. The section along the Na Pali coast is not accessible by road. On the west side of the island, I drove up the windy route 550 to the Waimea Canyon – the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. The next day I drove east and north stopping in at the Kilauea Lighthouse, Hanalei and driving to the end of the road at Ke'e Beach and the trailhead for the famous Kalalau Trail.

The Secret Falls

On subsequent days I took a photography tour of the north and east of Kauai and a few days later a kayak tour on the Wailua River that included a hike to the (not so) Secret Falls. (You can contact my guide, T, to book your own private tour on a Sunday when it's more quiet than on any other day of the week. T is at [email protected] ). Then there were the resort days and the hiking days (read Another Hiking Humiliation and Then… Redemption and beach days. And on the second to last day I flew to Honolulu to get a feel for that city and see the USS Arizona Memorial .

Here's the breakdown of what I spent (less airfare of course). All prices are in US dollars.

• Accommodation: $992.22 ( you can read my reviews and see pictures of the places I stayed here. )
• Food and drinks: $607.12
• Car rental: $261.23
• Flight to Honolulu: $104.00
• Gas: $64.74
• Museum, Kayak Tour: $65.00
• Shuttle in Honolulu: $30.96
• Walking around money (miscellaneous): $150.00

The beach in the morning at Kumu Camp.

My 2017 Budget for Kauai. What I Will Cut. What I'll Keep.

What I won't spend money on next time:

• First thing to cut will be the resort. I was really happiest at the hostel. It was warm and friendly and easy and central. Yes, if you can believe it, I would stay in the hostel dorm every night next time. At the resort I felt cut off from the island and on an island as beautiful as Kauai I would rather be connected to the land. Savings: $273.54 over two nights.
• I would also cut the yurt camp.  The best thing about Kumu Camp was waking up in the morning and having the beach all to myself. However, the evenings were very quiet. My yurt had no electricity so by the time 6pm rolled around I was reading by flashlight. Savings: $81.00 over three nights.
• The theater. I live in Toronto. I see theater all the time. Why I would go to a theater on a small island with no reputation? I wasn't expecting much and I got less. It was $89.58 with dinner. Savings: $69.58 allowing $20 for the dinner.
• Honolulu . Honolulu is not my scene and was simply an endurance test until I boarded the plane home. Don't get me wrong. I'm glad I saw it but I don't need to again. Savings: $133.96 for flight and shuttle bus to and from the airport. The savings would actually be higher if I were to include the higher cost of food in Waikiki.

Total savings: $558.08.

What I absolutely will spend money on next time.

• I will rent the car again. At $261.23 for two weeks, it was excellent value and really allowed me to explore the island.
• I will stay at the hostel. I really enjoyed it in the dorm at the hostel though I know that not all readers would. At $38 a night it was a real deal.
• I would hike, swim and read more. Free. Now that's a bargain.

With the cuts I'll make next time and my focus on enjoying Kauai's nature, I believe Kauai can be done for, or even less than, $100/day. But with having to pay for my flights next year I will likely come in just above $2,000 again.

I'm a budget traveler. Not everyone is. To determine your budget, please read How to Plan Your Solo Travel Budget – on Any Budget and check out the post I wrote on accommodation in Kauai as it will give you a sense of four ways you can stay and what it will cost.

A taro crop with the mountains of the Na Pali Coast in the background.

The 5pm Hawaiian music and dance at Kauai Beach Resorts.

Driving Kauai is beautiful.

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Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

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A solo weekend in Kauai

• United States

I’ve been to Hawaii several times ( mostly Maui ), and I’ve never thought of it as a solo destination: it’s a place for family vacations, or romantic getaways, or beachfront yoga retreats. But I’ve had Kauai at the top of my list for a long time, and I decided I wanted to make it happen–and to do it exactly how I wanted. I booked a long weekend when I was about six months pregnant, and although I didn’t indulge in as many pina coladas as on trips past, I enjoyed exploring the Garden Island very much.

My big goals for the weekend: go on some good hikes, do some snorkeling, eat plenty of poke ( yes, while pregnant ) and get shave ice every day. I largely succeeded! And frankly, it was a very satisfying last solo trip: Kauai is beautiful, accessible, delicious. Below are all of the things I did and ate and drank, and what I would happily recommend to anyone heading to the island–alone or not.

Koloa Fish Market: a casual spot to grab some perfect poke. I picked this up right after landing at the airport and drove directly to eat it across the street from the beach, and it was the perfect way to start the trip. It was also delicious enough that I decided to pick up another poke plate to take with me to the airport on the drive home! It might have been part of their Covid protocols, but this was strictly takeaway only when I was there, so plan on grabbing and heading somewhere more scenic to enjoy.

Waikomo Shave Ice : a few weeks before my trip, I was at the La Jolla Farmer’s Market and I noticed one of the vendors wearing a hat for this spot–I asked him about it, and he told me his sisters lived in Kauai and owned it! I popped by after my beach poke and snorkel session, and it was absolutely fresh and delicious. They actually use natural fruit syrups instead of high fructose corn syrups, and top it with honey and use compostable bowls: a very nice alternative to the neon colors and styrofoam bowls you see most places.

Holey Grail Donuts : I’m not a crazy donut person (I’ll take a bagel any day), but I am a big fan of draft matcha lattes and inventive combinations. This spot has rotating flavors with a focus on fresh, punchy fruits and local ingredients. I especially liked the Hot Single with local honey and flaky sea salt!

Nourish Hanalai : my favorite part about Hawaii is how easy it is to find fruit- and vegetable-forward healthy meals (with epic views). It might not be cheap, but there is an abundance of produce on the island and so many purveyors that do it right. This little food shack on a dead end street overlooks the most beautiful view and has plenty of shaded spots to enjoy your food. I had the Hanalei bowl, and it was delicious–just be careful to not leave your food or drinks unattended, or the roaming chickens will take advantage!

Queen’s Bath : getting to this oceanfront tidal pool is a little precarious: you kind of have to sneak in through a chainlink fence (along with many other people), and go down a fairly muddy trail and then walk across an oceanfront rocky outcrop. That said: it is a very cool thing to see, and seems a very unique spot to take a swim! I didn’t jump in since I was pregnant and traveling solo, and the tides are a bit unpredictable–seems like it’s definitely more dangerous in the winter as opposed to the summer months–but worth wearing your suit if you’re up for it!

The Right Slice : I love pie and find it shockingly underrepresented in the sweet AND savory sphere! I love that this spot has both, and plenty of Hawaiian-specific flavors to try. I took a slice of mango lilikoi to the beach, and it was a brilliant afternoon treat.

Waimea Canyon : often described as the Grand Canyon of the islands. I took a very lovely scenic drive full of podcasts and stopping at every vista point, and it was an excellent way to pass a couple of hours!

JoJo’s Shave Ice : at the point of enjoying this shave ice, I did not know I would have a baby named Jojo in just a few short months! Alas, this is a pretty popular spot and it is a very easy place to grab a post-Waimea Canyon drive sweet treat.

Dark Horse Coffee : Dark Horse is actually one of my favorite places to grab whole beans and afternoon coffees in North Park, San Diego–so I was surprised to see that they had a location in Kauai! I picked up a Haupia Foam Cold Brew and while I am still unclear as to exactly what haupia foam is–this was a delicious morning beverage.

Kauai Humane Society : without a doubt, the best thing I did when I was in Kauai was take a shelter dog on a field trip . The whole experience was absolutely joyous and heart wrenching. I signed up online the night before (I’ve heard that sometimes it can hit capacity on the weekends during peak travel season, so worth signing up in advance if your plans allow) and then got to the shelter around lunchtime. I’m pretty comfortable with most dogs, but I let them know that I was pregnant and hiking solo–I just didn’t want a pooch who was super strong and not great on a leash! I got to take out the sweetest pitbull pup named Mana: we grabbed lunch and then he was the perfect gentleman on a trail hike. Obviously, my pugs are not big hikers so it was SO fun to get to take a dog hiking–and he was so perfectly behaved that I assumed he must have been a brand-new addition to the shelter from a family that loved him but couldn’t keep him. I was incredibly sad to find out when I dropped him off and raved about him to staff that he’d been at the shelter for more than a year–and when he arrived, he could barely walk on a leash! He had only been approved to go on field trips a few months before, but they had been making such a huge difference in his behavior and social skills.

I obviously love love love dogs and animal rescues hold a special place in my heart, so this whole experience was such a rewarding part of my weekend. It’s also a really seamless experience: it’s super easy to sign up online, and they give you an adventure-ready backpack when you check out a dog. They’ll also assess how comfortable you are with big dogs, pitbulls, behavior issues so that that you’re able to have a good experience. And although this was such a wonderful part of the trip for me, it’s also SO important and healthy for these dogs to get out of the shelter and get to experience the world. Truly, if you have any interest: I cannot recommend this experience more.

Kuilau Ridge Trail : this was the hike I did with my dog friend Mana, and it was the perfect dog-friendly hike. Wide trails, lush foliage, not too steep. It’d be great without a dog too, but I promise–bring a shelter dog with you, and it will be way more fun!

Opa Kalaole Falls : this isn’t really a hike, it’s just a scenic lookout point. But it truly is SO scenic that I must recommend pulling over and taking in the view.

Mount Nounou : A challenging hike with a fair bit of rock scrambling at the end, but the views were worth it.

Warehouse 3540 : a very fun collection of independent shops, including some excellent spots to pick up unique souvenirs, a cafe to grab a coffee and food trucks out front.

Hanapepe Town : Most famous for its swinging bridge, this little main street vibe had a few fun shops, a great independent bookstore and a variety of casual food to choose from. A very solid place to stop for lunch and a wander.

Poipu Beach Park : an extremely accessible and chill place to snorkel. It’s super popular with families because of the easy-to-swim sandy cove, but I found it a wonderful little spot to set up with a book on the beach–and take breaks to swim with sea turtles! Recommend going earlier in the day to find parking.

Anini Beach : although this wasn’t as good of a spot for snorkeling as down south, this was a very chill beach to just relax on with a book.

In short: I had the most amazing trip! A reminder that *any* destination can be a fantastic solo travel opportunity.

What I packed in my hospital bag (+ bonus birth story)

Notes on the fourth trimester

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C’est Christine  is my little slice of the internet to talk travel, lifestyle and twenty-something struggles. After living in France, Australia and New York City, I’m exploring and adventuring in San Diego with my husband and pug.

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Christine Amorose Merrill

C'est Christine is my little slice of the internet to talk travel, lifestyle and twenty- and thirty-something struggles. After stints living in France, Australia and NYC and lots of (often solo!) travel around the world, I currently live in San Diego with my husband, daughter and two pugs.

HAWAII: A Solo Trip to Kauai

This stressed out mom needed a break. I needed time to finish incomplete thoughts and entertain new ones that were forcing their way in. My husband was practically pushing me out the door in the hopes that he would get his formerly sane wife back.

Where to go for a week of luscious solitude???

A bunch of places overwhelmed me—and, then a long buried memory surfaced, one that assured me I was meant to go on a solo trip to Kauai.  

It had been many years since I at lunch with my husband and two kids in the Old Hanalei schoolhouse. I remember chewing on my sandwich and feeling that, one day, I would return there by myself. For some strange reason, the North Shore of Kauai literally beckoned me.

On this solo trip to Kauai, I would just be a woman—not a mommy, not a wife, not a friend. I needed time where I only had to answer to myself.

As the departure date got closer, a part of me that I had buried pretty much my entire way started pushing her way out. It was “her” idea to get a henna tattoo around my ankle, dust off my cute bikinis, and unbury some spicy books from the back of my bookshelf.

“She” also made me promise:

• No bras. (Free women don’t wear bras.)
• No exploring every sight to be seen. (My focus would be on unwinding, contemplating and rejuvenating.)
• Limited camera time. (I wanted to be fully present and engaged in the moment.)

Hanalei Colony Resort

There are far more one lane bridges than hotels in the last section of the Kuhio Highway. Perfect. I had zero desire to be in the tourist zone. I needed maximum peace and quiet and, more than other wanders, I wanted to be amongst the locals.

That pretty much narrowed it down to a single hotel—the  Hanalei Colony Resort . Oh, but what a magical choice it was.

The resort sits far past the quaint town of Hanalei, the tiny communities of Ha’ena and Wainiha, and the famous Tunnels Beach. It is surprisingly reasonably priced considering it’s adjacent to a quiet stretch of sand and within walking of Ke’e Beach and the Kalalau Trailhead . Look one way and you’re gazing at the Hawaiian sea…look the other way and your breath is stolen by Kauai’s rugged mountains.

Hanalei Colony is definitely conducive to unplugging.

My one-bedroom-ish unit was a few steps from the beach. I didn’t even have to leave my back patio to gaze at the ocean. It was small, but had everything that I needed—a semi-enclosed bedroom (with adjustable wood shutters), a functional living room, an open dining area, a decently stocked kitchen, and a tiny bathroom. Being that I was literally at the end of the road, I was thrilled to find an onsite bar and restaurant.

The Universe quickly confirmed I was exactly where I was supposed to be with a sign announcing the next evening’s belly dance entertainment.

I exhaled and started nesting. Six glorious days in this haven with no interruptions, no schedule and no one to consult with on the day’s activities??? It was almost too much to fathom.

My first morning, jet lag had me wide awake before the sun. My gift was a sunrise on a deserted beach.

Ke’e Beach

Even though I could have just plopped my towel down on my own semi-private beach, I decided to walk along the shore to Ke’e Beach.

It was further than I realized, but worth every sandy step. Surrounded by bright turquoise water, crashing waves, lush mountains and a crisp blue cloud-filled sky, I could have happily walked until I collapsed.

I found my quiet spot and made a nest where I read and napped for some unknown length of time…until a lifeguard truck brought me out of my stupor.

He was pounding signs into the sand. “CLOSED…DANGEROUS SURF.”

Really??? The ocean was closed???

I decided to walk back to my temporary home. Not too far down the beach, I spotted a young couple pretty far out in the water. The woman seemed frantic. When I saw that the guy was pretty animated, I wondered if they were going to be the next tourists shamed on the evening news for ignoring the warnings.

I watched to see if I would be the one to make the call. As I studied them, I realized they weren’t frantic at all. They were excited and pointing down into the water.

Damn, I thought…if my husband were here right now, I could see whatever cool thing they were seeing. Then, I remember that he was just as much a rule follower as me and the signs made the rules crystal clear.

More thoughts came…why am I such an incessant rule follower? Why do I always play it so safe?

Out of fear. Fear of humiliation. Fear of injury, of course. As a result, I retained my pride and had never broken a bone. I had also missed many moments like this couple was having. And, I was drowning in boredom.

This moment was one of those forks in the road of my life. To the right was the predictable route back to the resort where I remained out of harm’s way…to the left was a treasure swimming in dangerous waters. The former would keep me safe and regretful…the latter, possibly mortified (or worse), but maybe as joyful as the young couple.

I was frozen for a moment…then, Kauai spoke to me again. It was time for me to start turning left. So I did.

I tossed my beach bag behind me, stripped down to my bathing suit, and started walking into the sea.

I wasn’t going to be a total idiot. My plan was to keep my feet clenched to the ocean floor, while I hunted for the treasure. The water went from my ankles to my shins to my thighs.

I recalled the lesson I learned in the rain forest — be still and wait.

Nothing. Now, my butt to my waist to my stomach to my chest. More stillness, more waiting. And, there…it…was.

My treasure…my reward for being brave and turning left. A family of honu. Swimming toward me were maybe eight sea turtles—parents, babies, probably grandparents, coming to check me out.

There is something spiritual about sea turtles. I felt it and I soaked it up all by myself. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Holy shit.

And, then they were gone. As corny as it may sound, this seemingly simple experience dramatically changed me. I could feel the door open. I was not the same woman who had just wished for a husband to protect her.

I spent the rest of the day on my semi-private beach, absorbing the Kauai sun in various states of consciousness and   finding myself on the pages of the first book of the trip .

During one of my more conscious moments, I pondered the  Kalalau Trail .

Apparently, the trail is pretty treacherous…usually quite slippery as it winds above steep sea cliffs for 11 miles. It starts at Ke’e Beach, goes through the Kalalau Valley, and ends at Kalalau Beach on the rugged and breathtaking Na Pali Coast.

You can’t get there by foot any other way—and any sane person wouldn’t plan on going there and back in one day. There are no hotels on Kalalau Beach. You camp in your very own tent that you carry in on your very own back.

Despite feeling quite empowered at this moment, it was clear that this adventure wasn’t going to happen on this trip. It is, however, now an official item on my growing Wander List .

That night, I walked into the resort bar without one bit of awkwardness, ordered my new favorite cocktail—a decadent Lava Flow—at the bar, and had a serious case of tattoo envy as I watched the belly dancer do her thing.

A Leisurely Drive

It pays to befriend locals.

I spent my second day driving to some of the North Shore’s less crowded spots—a taro field, Queen’s Bath, Anini Beach, Kalihiwai Beach, Secret Beach, Kilauea Point, Moloaa Beach—and a few “secret” ones that I swore I would never divulge. As this six sentence paragraph will attest, I was left a bit speechless by everything I saw. And, I didn’t break my promise and experience everything from behind the camera.

It was spectacular. As I pulled into the resort later that afternoon, I noticed that despite never having been to any of these places before, I had a strange feeling that I had come home.

I walked into the buzzing  Tahiti Nui —possibly looking a bit like a deer blinded by headlights. Within seconds, the server approached me with an inquisitive look.

“Are you here for drinks or dinner?”

“Just drinks…and hopefully some good music,” I said with a smile.

After a short pause, she asked another question. “Are you alone?”

“Yes, I am,” I smiled again.

Another unsure pause—then a reciprocated smile. “Well, in that case, I have just the seat for you.”

She walked me to the back side of the bar and said, “Meet Uncle Art. He’ll protect you.”

I spent the next couple hours soaking up the company of a 70+ year old local who started off our conversation informing me that I had just missed George Clooney and the cast of The Descendants by just a few months. He went on to share the fascinating history of this tiny iconic North Shore hangout (the original owner being a character in South Pacific) and life on this tiny island for the past several decades.

What a privilege and an honor. Pretty ironic that I had one of my most social travel moments on my solo trip to Kauai.

Time to Go Home

Coming here alone truly was one of my better decisions in this lifetime (so far). The time flew by. I will never be the same. In fact, I feel like a new woman. Mission accomplished.

If you’re debating about taking your own solo trip to Kauai, stop and DO IT.

If you do decide to take the leap, here is a FABULOUS article by James who also took a solo trip to Kauai and shares a bunch of very helpful Kauai travel tips— Solo Trip to Kauai, Hawaii on a Budget

Share This Info!

About the author: janet dore.

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Solo Trip To Hawaii: The Ultimate Guide (From A Local!)

By Bridget Gutierrez. This guide to traveling solo in Hawaii contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Are you considering a solo trip to Hawaii ?

If so, then you’re in the right place!

As a Hawaii local who knows the ins and outs of the islands, I’ve created the ultimate guide to help you make the most of your trip.

From choosing which island to visit to finding local activities and booking the best solo travel tours in Hawaii, keep reading to learn everything you need to know to have an authentic experience.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or both, this guide will provide you with the best advice and recommendations from a local.

⏳Short on time? Here are some quick tips for visiting Hawaii solo: 🚘 Car Rental: Discover Cars  (save up to 70%!) 💸 Save Money: If visiting Oahu, get the Go City: Oahu All-Inclusive Pass to get access to 40+ local attractions and tours for one low price. 🏨 Accommodation: This accommodation map shows a mix of hotels and vacation rentals with prices. It’s currently set to the North Shore of Oahu, but you can easily change it to your preferred island and heighborhood. 🎉 Experiences: You can see a list of guided Hawaii tours here . A few top picks include: – Turtle Canyon Catamaran Snorkel Cruise (Honolulu, Oahu) – Eye-Level Whale Watching Eco-Raft Tour (Lahaina, Maui) – Volcanoes National Park Safari (Hilo, Big Island) ☔ Safety: While Hawaii is safe for solo travel, it’s still smart to pack travel safety essentials . One top pick is the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm , which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves 🏥  Travel Insurance:  SafetyWing 📞  Staying Connected:  Airalo eSIM

Table of Contents

Travel Solo To Hawaii With Confidence [Free Course]

But first, before we get into how to plan a solo trip to Hawaii, I invite you to grab a seat in Jessie’s  free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course .

The 6-day course is designed to help you feel confident about booking your first solo trip and exploring the world alone.

Lessons include:

• Common solo travel fears and how to overcome them
• How to choose your perfect solo trip
• How to tell loved ones you’re hitting the road solo
• Mentally preparing for your solo journey without losing your mind
• Essential steps for staying safe on a solo trip
• How to take amazing solo selfies

Once you’ve  grabbed your seat , read on to learn how to travel solo in Hawaii.

Is Hawaii Safe To Travel Alone?

Yes, traveling to Hawaii alone is safe, especially as the destination has a lower crime rate than many other US states.

In fact, according to SafeWise , Hawaii’s violent crime is lower than the national average, and it’s one of only 15 states to continuously see a decrease in violent crime rates.

In short, as a tourist, you’ll likely feel very safe exploring Hawaii alone — though, of course, crime does still occur.

This is why it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid flashing valuables, and do your research so you know of any local scams or concerns to be aware of.

Where Is Hawaii?

Hawaii is a beautiful and unique state in the middle of the Pacific Ocean .

Made up of a chain of islands that include Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island , Hawaii boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.

The islands are known for their stunning natural beauty — with gorgeous beaches, lush rainforests, and towering volcanoes.

If you’re wondering where it is on the map, Hawaii is about 2,500 miles southwest of Los Angeles, California.

Getting To Hawaii

Getting to Hawaii may seem daunting, but it can be a breeze with some planning and preparation.

The best way to reach Hawaii is by plane, with several airlines offering direct flights from major cities in the United States and worldwide. Some popular airlines that fly to Hawaii include Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines.

If you’re flying from the mainland United States , you can fly directly to Honolulu International Airport on Oahu.

Hawaii has two international airports:

• Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Oahu (HNL)
• Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole in Hawaii (KOA)

From there, you can catch a connecting flight to one of the other islands.

Getting Around Hawaii As A Solo Traveler 

When you arrive in Hawaii, transportation options include rental cars, taxis, shuttles, and public transportation.

Renting a car in Hawaii

One of the best ways to see the sights during solo travel in Hawaii is renting a car, which will give you the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace.

It’s recommended to check out Discover Cars to quickly compare your rental car options.

Public transportation in Hawaii

However, if you feel uncomfortable driving or would prefer not to rent a car, other options exist — such as public transportation, ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, and even biking or walking, depending on where you’re staying.

If you’re staying in Honolulu, the bus is an excellent option as it covers most areas of the city and is the most affordable option.

Taxis are also available — but can be expensive, especially for longer distances.

Biking around Hawaii

Biking is a fun way to explore some of the more scenic areas of Hawaii, such as the North Shore of Oahu or the famous Ke Ala Hele Makālae bike path along the east coast of Kauai.

If you have a motorcycle license, a more adventurous option is renting a moped to explore independently. This allows you to see Hawaii on your own time while really immersing yourself in the scenery.

Hawaii Solo Travel Map

To help give you a lay of the land, here is a map. It has most of the main points and solo activities mentioned in this guide to Hawaii solo female travel pre-plotted:

You can also click here for the interactive version .

Popular Solo Travel Destinations In Hawaii

On that note, let’s go over some of the best places to go when you travel Hawaii solo.

The following destinations are safe, fun, and have a lot to offer those doing a solo trip to Hawaii.

Honolulu, Oahu

The first Hawaii solo female travel destination on the list is Honolulu, a city on the island of Oahu, which is full of fun things to do.

Honolulu is the best place to travel in Hawaii alone for first-time solo female travelers looking for a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty. 

The city is known for its historic landmarks, vibrant food and shopping scenes, and beautiful beaches for a memorable solo beach trip .

One must-visit place in Honolulu is Waikiki Beach , where you can relax on the sand, catch some waves, or enjoy the  city’s nightly scene .

If you want to explore Honolulu’s natural beauty, hike up Diamond Head — a 300,000-year-old dormant volcano — to get panoramic views of the city and the Pacific Ocean.

If hiking is not your thing, drive up to Puu Ualakaa State Park , an underrated lookout point offering amazing views of the city and one-of-a-kind views of Diamond Head.

For a taste of Hawaiian culture and history during your solo travel in Hawaii experience, head to the Iolani Palace or the Bishop Museum.

You can take a guided tour of the Iolani Palace — a royal residence — to learn about the history of the Hawaiian monarchy. The monarchs played an important role in Hawaiian history, and their legacy is still celebrated and remembered today.

Alternatively, the Bishop Museum showcases an extensive collection of Hawaiian history, local culture, and natural history. Popular exhibits include Hawaiian voyaging, the Hawaiian language, and the cultural traditions of the Hawaiian people.

Honolulu truly offers the best of city and beach lifestyle.

Honolulu Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Honolulu . Honolulu Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Honolulu .

North Shore, Oahu

If you are a solo female traveler looking for a laid-back and authentic Hawaiian experience, the North Shore of Oahu is the best place. This is where you’ll find many local things to do in Oahu , which is one of the more popular Hawaiian islands.

North Shore is great for relaxing and unwinding on its stunning beaches and lush landscapes.

The area is known for its world-class surfing during the winter season, though there is plenty to do beyond the waves.

Love hiking? Some beautiful moderate trails are Waimea Valley Trail — which takes you to the magnificent 30-foot Waimea Falls — and Ehukai Pillbox Hike , which offers beautiful views over the North Shore after taking you past several WWII “pillbox” bunkers.

If you love to explore underwater, you must go snorkeling in Pupukea Beach Park at Shark’s Cove — known for its shallow, calm, and clear water as well as its abundant marine life and sea creatures. While there aren’t actually sharks here, lucky visitors may get to see angelfish, butterflyfish, moray eels, and octopuses. It’s the perfect spot for beginner snorkelers.

After a day at the beach, head across the street to the local food trucks for lunch plates and poke bowls.

You can also find an abundance of food trucks in Haleiwa Town — which is also known for its surfing — and in Kauhuku .

A must-try is garlic shrimp from Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck in Haleiwa. Just make sure to bring cash and be prepared for a long line — though it’s totally worth the wait!

The relaxed pace of life in North Shore makes it easy for travelers to connect with locals and other visitors, whether at a farmers’ market or the beach watching the sunset.

Oahu North Shore Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Oahu North Shore . Oahu North Shore Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Oahu North Shore .

If you want adventure and relaxation, Maui is perfect for a solo vacation to Hawaii. Compared to Oahu, Maui is more rural and offers a more tranquil atmosphere with its scenic drives along the coast.

Maui offers the best hotels in Hawaii for solo travelers, from hostels to vacation rentals to budget-friendly hotels.

Solo travelers will find that Maui’s friendly locals and laid-back atmosphere make it easy to form connections and find adventure. Plus, the island is known for its natural attractions — including a volcano, secluded beaches, waterfalls, and even whale watching .

The best things to do in Maui are the scenic Road to Hana and visiting the Haleakala National Park.

Road to Hana is a 64-mile coastal road known as the Hana Highway that officially starts in Kahului and ends in Hana. Along the way, you can stop at waterfalls, black-sand beaches, local fruit stands, and farm-to-table restaurants.

While there are countless stops and sights to explore along the way, there are three must-see spots that should not be missed:

• Twin Falls is a beautiful waterfall with swimming pools. You can reach the falls via a relatively easy 1.8-mile hike just off the main road.
• Hana Farms Roadside Stand is a great mid-point stop to eat at before continuing the 34 miles left on the Road to Hana. This outdoor farm-to-table cafe serves healthy dishes made with local ingredients and fresh produce. I recommend trying out their beef brisket or kale pork farm plates. You can also buy freshly baked goods like banana bread and brownies, ice cream, produce, nut butter, and more.
• Waianapanapa State Park is a black sand beach where you can do much more than just swim. Visitors can explore a small cave on the right of the beach. On the other side of the beach, to your left, you’ll find a hiking trail that winds through the lava rock. The park does require a reservation to enter the park.

Within Haleakala National Park , you can book a bike tour to watch an awe inspiring sunrise at the Haleakala summit — 10,000 feet above sea level! Watching the sunrise while you are above the clouds is a one-of-a-kind experience, and afterwards you can do some downhill biking to experience the area’s natural beauty in a fun and active way.

The park is also full of hiking trails. One recommended trail is Waimoku Falls via Pipiwai Trail , a moderate 3.8-mile hike that takes you to a gorgeous 400-foot tall waterfall.

You can view a full list of top Haleakala National Park hiking trails here.

If you’re wanting a peaceful solo travel in Hawaii experience removed from the big city vibes, then you can’t go wrong with Maui.

Maui Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Maui . Maui Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Maui .

Known as the “Garden Island” because of its lush tropical landscapes, Kauai is the perfect tourist destination for solo travelers who love the great outdoors and don’t mind getting rained on.

The rural island is known for its beautiful hiking trails, with only 10% of the land accessible by car.

Hikers should head to  Waimea Canyon State Park — known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” This is because it resembles the famous Grand Canyon with its reddish hues — Waimea (“reddish water”) refers to the canyon’s red soil erosion — and massive size at 10 miles long and up to 3,000 feet deep.

The extreme rainfall on Mount Waialeale formed the canyon , which is one of the wettest places on Earth.

Prefer biking? Don’t miss the Ke Ala Hele Makālae bike path , an easy trail along the island’s Royal Coconut Coast, a nickname given to Kauai’s East Side due to its abundance of coconut groves.

And if you want to zipline, head to Koloa on the South Shore to go ziplining on Kauai’s longest zipline course. You can fly like a superhero along a 1000-foot zipline through lush forest and over the Waita Reservoir.

Beyond the above-mentioned adventures, a trip to Kauai is not complete until you see the Na Pali Coastline . These beautiful emerald-hued cliffs stretch for 17 miles, and can only be seen via hiking, helicopter, or boat.

The best time to do a Na Pali Coast boat tour is during a summer morning, as this is when the water conditions are the calmest.

Boat tours leave from Hanalei (only in summer months) on the North Shore as well as Port Allen on the South Shore. If possible, opt for Hanalei as you’ll reach the Na Pali Coast from here. Expect the boat tour to be about 4-5.5 hours long. You can choose to go on a catamaran or a motorized raft.

Another option is a Kauai helicopter tour , which offers stunning views over Waimea Canyon, Mount Waialeale, Na Pali Coast, and a few other spots. You can choose from “doors on” or the more popular “door-off” option — which provides unobstructed views and is great for taking stunning photos of Kauai.

Experienced hikers will love the challenge of trekking the 11-mile (one way) Na Pali Coast (Kalalau) Trail , which begins at Ha’ena State Park at Ka’a Beach and takes about 3 days to complete. Note that it requires a permit to hike and camp that must be booked in advance as the limited reservations sell out fast.

Even if you only hike a few miles of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful panoramic views.

Now, I’m sure you’re curious: which of these options for seeing the Na Pali Coast is best? In my opinion, the boat, as it is a longer tour and is way more affordable than a helicopter tour and way easier than a hike.

Kauai Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Kauai . Kauai Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Kauai .

Hawai’i, aka Big Island

If you are a backcountry lover and want to explore not one, but two volcanos — one of which is active — Hawaii is the island for you.

Big Island is the largest island out of all eight major Hawaiian islands, with the two main areas to visit being Kona and Hilo .

Hawaii is home to Manua Kea , the largest volcano on Earth, and Kilauea , the most active volcano, located in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park .

If you’re wondering whether visiting the Big Island with an active volcano is safe, the short answer is yes! While this may sound dangerous, the reality is that the area around the volcano is well-monitored, and visitors are typically kept at a safe distance.

The best things to do in Hawaii alone are to:

• go on a whale watching tour
• hike the scenic and historic King’s Trail (and other Big Island hikes )
• go snorkeling with manta rays
• take a helicopter tour of the Kilauea Volcano
• Just make sure to check if lava is flowing during your visit

Another interesting way to see lava flowing is aboard an evening lava boat tour , which gets you up close to the action.

Alternatively, you can go on a scenic drive along Chain of Craters Road , which provides the best view of the huge hardened lava flows year-round. On this road, you can stop at different points like Thurston Lava Tube , Halemaumau Crater , Devil’s Throat Crater , and Holei Sea Arch .

Big Island is also known for its coffee, particularly in Kailua-Kona . You can visit farms along the Kona Coffee Belt — like Greenwell Farms and Mountain Thunder Coffee — to tour the plantations, learn more about the production process, and taste local coffees.

There is also this in-depth Kona tour , which takes you to a coffee plantation, a bee farm, Kealakekua Bay, and Kaloko-Honokohau Park.

And if you’re just looking to kick back and relax, Big Island has plenty of luxurious resorts and spas where you can unwind — like Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection , a beachfront resort on the Kohala Coast that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

With three swimming pools and a beautiful beach, there are plenty of opportunities to relax and soak up the sun. And for a truly indulgent experience, treat yourself to a massage or facial at the resort’s sumptuous spa.

The hotel also has several dining options to suit any taste, from casual family-style dining to farm-to-table Japanese-inspired dishes.

At Mauna Lani, you will surely receive exceptional service that will make your stay comfortable and memorable.

Big Island Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Big Island . Big Island Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Big Island .

Advice For Solo Dining In Hawaii

Does the thought of eating alone during your solo trip to Hawaii make you feel self-conscious? Here are a few tips:

Bring an activity. Bringing a book or other enjoyable activity can give you something to focus on while dining.

Sit at the bar. It often feels less awkward to sit at a bar alone than a table. Bonus: you’ll have the bartender to chat with if you’d like someone to talk to.

Dine outside of main meal times. This will allow you to dine solo with less people around.

Opt for a food tour. There are many food tours in Hawaii , which have the added benefit of allowing you to meet other travelers and get insider knowledge from your tour guide.

Focus on your food and enjoy. At the end of the day, realize that nobody besides you is focused on the fact that you’re eating alone in Hawaii. So instead of caring what others may or may not think about you sitting on your own, focus on the delicious food in front of you.

Tips For Planning A Solo Trip To Hawaii

Now let’s chat about some important things to keep in mind during solo female travel in Hawaii.

1) Choose the right island. Each Hawaiian island offers a unique experience, so choosing the island that best fits your interests and travel style is essential.

For instance, Oahu and Maui are popular choices for solo travelers, with plenty of activities and reliable transportation options.

If you are visiting Hawaii alone and want a more rural environment to go hiking and camping, Kauai and Hawaii (also called the Big Island) are great options.

Once you pick an island, research its popular areas so that you can choose a centrally-located accommodation near to the things you want to do on your solo trip to Hawaii.

2) Be respectful. Hawaii has unique cultures and customs, so being respectful and aware of local traditions is essential. Also, respecting locals, nature, and sacred sights is crucial.

Here are few additional local tips for showing respect:

• When a car gives you the right way to pass, it’s a nice gesture to shaka 🤙🏽
• Saying aloha (hello) and mahalo (thank you) goes a long way
• Never touch or get too close to wildlife — it’s illegal!

3) Research local transportation. To make traveling to Hawaii solo easier, figure out your transportation method. Not all Hawaii islands have public transportation, and renting a car is always the best option if you’re comfortable driving.

Again, you can use Discover Cars to quickly compare your rental options.

Another excellent choice for solo travelers wanting to see the sights without renting a car is to book a tour.

Here is a full list of top-rated tours in Hawaii .

4) Know how to stay safe on a solo trip to Hawaii. Hawaii is generally a safe destination for solo travelers; however, it’s essential to take precautions like:

• Pack important travel safety essentials
• Stick to well-lit areas at night, avoid isolated beaches or trails, and stay aware of your surroundings
• If you plan on hiking or participating in outdoor activities alone, let someone know where you’ll be and when you expect to return
• Pay attention to any warning signs at the beach or at the beginning of the hiking trails
• Consider joining tours to meet other travelers and enhance your Hawaii experience

By taking these simple steps, you can enjoy all that Hawaii offers while staying safe during your solo travels.

What Does Hawaii Solo Travel Cost?

The cost of solo female travel to Hawaii can vary widely depending on your travel budget , trip style, and the length of your stay. That being said, the average weekly cost is about $2500 to $5000.

Here is a cost breakdown for a solo trip to Hawaii :

Accommodation:

• Hostel dorm bed: $45 per night
• 3-star hotel room: $150 per night

Transportation:

• Car rentals: $50 to $150 per day
• Moped rentals: $50 per day for a 7-day rental
• Bus ride: $2.50
• Hawaiian shave ice: $5-$10
• Fast food plate: $10-15
• Restaurant entree: $22-50 

Excursions:  Hawaii offers a wide range of activities for free. If you want to do a tour, prices can vary widely; but, expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $200+ per activity.

A solo trip to Hawaii is expensive, but it’s worth visiting. To reduce costs, consider visiting outside of peak season — which is typically late December through March — and booking your flights and hotels a few months in advance.

Do You Need Travel Insurance For Hawaii?

When visiting Hawaii — or anywhere else in the world — it’s wise to get travel insurance.

One of the  best travel medical insurance for travelers  is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Frequently Asked Questions About Solo Travel To Hawaii

Now let’s go over a few common questions about planning a solo trip to Hawaii.

Q) Is Hawaii safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, Absolutely! Hawaii is generally safe for solo female travelers, and you can enjoy exploring this beautiful destination alone.

You’ll likely have a worry-free trip if you take standard precautions — such as staying aware of your surroundings, keeping your belongings close, and avoiding isolated areas after dark.

Plus, the locals in Hawaii are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, so you’ll feel right at home in no time.

Q) W hat is the best Hawaiian island for solo travel?

Oahu is often considered the best place in Hawaii for solo travel. It offers endless outdoor activities, museums, and iconic landmarks like Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor — which provide an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Hawaii.

For those seeking relaxation, Oahu has some of the  best beaches in Hawaii, including Waikiki Beach and Lanikai Beach. Also, getting around the island is much easier than the other islands.

Q) What is the best time to visit Hawaii?

The best time to visit Hawaii is during the shoulder seasons of May to early June or September to mid-December. During these times, you can get score great deals while avoiding the crowds.

Hawaii’s climate is relatively consistent year-round, so you can expect warm temperatures and occasional rainfall no matter when you visit.

Q) What is the most affordable Hawaiian island to visit?

Oahu is often considered the most affordable island to visit. One of the reasons for this is that the island has a diverse range of accommodations — including hostels, hotels, and vacation rentals, making it easier to find affordable lodging options.

Additionally, Oahu has an excellent public transportation system that can take you anywhere on the island without spending too much.

Q) Can you drink tap water in Hawaii?

Yes, tap water in Hawaii is generally safe to drink. The water in Hawaii comes from the onshore aquifers or accumulated underground rainwater.

Due to its natural porous volcanic rock filtration, no fluoride is added to water; however, the taste of tap water can vary depending on the location and the source of the water.

Final Thoughts On Going To Hawaii Alone 

Hawaii is a fantastic destination for solo travelers. As we’ve explored, Hawaii is generally safe for solo female travelers, with plenty of activities to suit various interests and budgets.

Whether you’re looking to relax on a beach, hike to a scenic waterfall, or explore the local food scene, Hawaii has something to offer.

From the stunning natural beauty of Maui to the bustling city life of Oahu, each Hawaiian island has its own unique charm.

While getting to Hawaii may require some planning, many airlines offer direct flights from major cities worldwide. Plus, once you arrive, getting around as a solo traveler is relatively easy — with plenty of transportation options available.

And with Hawaii’s consistently warm weather, there’s always a right time to visit, whether seeking a peaceful escape or an exciting adventure.

In short, consider the Hawaiian islands for your next solo trip!

What are your top tips for planning a solo trip to Hawaii?

Enjoyed this guide to solo female travel in Hawaii ? Pin it for later!

About The Author

Bridget is a mindful travel blogger based in Oahu, Hawaii. On her blog, bridgetgutierrez.com , you’ll find in-depth travel guides and helpful tips to help you travel to Oahu. Follow her travels on  Instagram . 

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Hi, I’m Jessie on a journey!

I'm a conscious solo traveler on a mission to take you beyond the guidebook to inspire you to live your best life through travel. Come join me!

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Wow, what an amazing experience! I’m so jealous! I’ve always wanted to take a solo trip to Hawaii and it sounds like you had a great time. I’m sure you made some amazing memories that will last a lifetime. Thanks for sharing your story!

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Explore > Interests > Adventure > Solo travel on Kauai

Solo travel on Kauai

I’ve always said that when you travel alone, you don’t have to be lonely. Managing your shyness and participating in some local activities are two great ways to meeting new people on the road. Another trick is finding the right balance between solo time and spending time with others.

Only you can know how much alone time you actually need. And as far as spending time with others? Well, that’s fairly easy to do if you know where to look.

Kauai  is a fantastic destination for solo travelers. With stunningly beautiful nature all around, the island offers an array of things to do both on your own and with others. Of course, it’s also a fantastic destination for couples and groups and everything in between. When I wrapped up an epic hiking journey in Asia earlier this year, I decompressed here.

Whether I’m at home or on the road, I like to have a lot of time on my own. I most often practice this solo time in the mornings, mainly because I’m an early riser. I take advantage of quiet time when I’m traveling by getting up early, grabbing a cup of coffee, and going for a walk. On Kauai, the early-morning time means I get to experience cooler temps.

This morning routine can also be a great way to connect with humanity. Most hotel  rooms on Kauai either have coffee makers in the rooms or coffee stations in the lobby. I have found that if I frequent the same coffee shop daily while I’m traveling, it gives me a chance to get to know the baristas a bit. If I’m lucky, I might even meet a local or two and score some local tips.

Take a surfing lesson

Surfing lessons are another way to meet new people as a solo traveler. There are a number of companies offering surfing lessons on the island; one of my favorites is Kauai Surf School. Instructors from this school teach classes every day with groups and individuals; the times I’ve gone out with them, they’ve always been super-nice and patient with my very rudimentary skills.

The instructors also are great sources of local knowledge. When your class is over, take the opportunity to ask the instructors for suggestions about best breakfast spots, music venues, or bakeries. These guys and gals are usually very excited about living in paradise and usually are more than willing to share their inside secrets.

Viewfinder Tip: Schedule your time so that you spend half of each day alone and the other half doing activities with others. 

Go to a concert

Concerts are another great spot to be solitary or social, depending on your preference. Local artists and performing groups regularly schedule concerts around the island at a variety of venues—from bars to schools to concert halls. I recently attended a concert at the Kauai Beach Resort held by the Garden Island Arts Council. Not only did I see world-class slack-key guitarist Jeff Peterson (he’s featured on The Descendants soundtrack), but I also met a number of friendly locals and snowbirds spending some extended time on the island. Prior to the concert, there was even an ukulele jam session where musicians offered free lessons.

Take a hike

Kauai has more hiking trails than any other island in Hawaii. If you’re a hiker, this means the Garden Isle is a great place to hit the trails.

The Sierra Club of Kauai sponsors regular weekly outings on many of these trails. The organized hikes range from easy to strenuous; many also dovetail with the chance to do some cleanup before, during, or after the hike. Hikes are categorized as service-oriented, family-friendly, interpretive, and/or educational. It really feels good to take one of these hikes and know that you’re helping preserve the island’s natural beauty while also meeting others with similar interests.

Learn Hawaiian history, arts, crafts, and music

The Kauai Cultural Center is located at the Coconut Marketplace in Kapa’a, and is a central destination whether you’re staying on the North Shore (near Princeville and Hanalei) or down closer to Poipu. The Center offers classes on hula, ukulele, lei-making, slack-key guitar, flower hairpiece-making, and more. Many of the courses are in the morning, so you can grab breakfast at nearby Java Kai, take a class, and then hit the beach or pool in the afternoon. Most classes cost about US$5. The Center also offers a free hula show every Wednesday at 5 p.m. local time.

If you’re staying on the North Shore, there also are drop-in hula classes at the Church of the Pacific in Princeville every Thursday afternoon. Participation costs a US$20 donation. The church is located on Kuhio Highway on the way to Hanalei. If you’re not up for a hula lesson, keep your eye open for other events here, including concerts and craft fairs.

What are your favorite ways to make new friends when you travel solo?

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Solo Travel in Kauai: Why the Kapaa Bike Path is a Must Do

Embracing Solo Adventures in Kauai: An Introduction

Kauai, a gem in the Hawaiian archipelago, is a paradise for solo adventurers seeking serenity and breathtaking natural beauty. Solo travel here is not just a journey across a physical landscape, but also an exploration of one's inner self. It’s about embracing the freedom to explore at your own pace, discovering hidden gems, and making unique memories.

In the heart of this verdant island lies a treasure often sought by those who travel alone: the Kapaa Bike Path. This path is more than just a route; it's a passage through Kauai's soul, offering a mix of tranquility, adventure, and stunning ocean vistas. Whether you're a seasoned solo traveler or embarking on your first solo expedition, the Kapaa Bike Path promises an experience that blends the thrill of discovery with the peace of solitude.

As we delve deeper into the wonders of Kauai and the allure of the Kapaa Bike Path, we invite you to envision the journey with a sense of adventure and openness. The path is not just about the destination, but the myriad of experiences that unfold with each pedal stroke.

In the next section, we'll explore why Kauai is a perfect destination for solo travelers and how the Kapaa Bike Path exemplifies the island's appeal.

Table of Contents

Kauai Solo: Discovering the Island's Charms

Kapaa Bike Path: A Solo Traveler's Paradise

Ride in Style: 'Hele On Kauai' Bikes and the Kapaa Trail

Why Choose 'Hele On Kauai': Beyond Just Bikes

Customizing Your Ride: Options for Every Solo Explorer

Safety and Simplicity: Your Peaceful Ride Assured

Scenic Stops: A Solo Traveler’s Photographic Journey

Concluding Thoughts: Your Next Solo Adventure Awaits

Solo travel in Kauai offers an unparalleled opportunity for self-discovery and connection with nature. The island's unique blend of serene beaches, lush rainforests, and the majestic Waimea Canyon makes it a solo traveler's dream. Kauai, often referred to as the "Garden Isle," is not just a destination; it's an experience that resonates deep within the soul of every traveler.

The Kapaa Bike Path, also known as Ke Ala Hele Makalae, is the jewel in Kauai's crown for solo adventurers. Stretching along the eastern coast, this path offers breathtaking ocean views, access to hidden beaches, and a chance to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the island. The ease of access and well-maintained route makes it ideal for a leisurely ride, where one can pause to soak in the panoramic views or to simply enjoy a moment of solitude.

Safety is a key concern for solo travelers, and the Kapaa Bike Path addresses this perfectly. The path is well-lit, frequently populated by fellow bikers and walkers, and offers a safe environment to explore. This makes it a preferred choice for those journeying alone, ensuring a worry-free experience while basking in the island's splendor.

Moreover, the path takes you through some of Kauai's charming coastal towns, offering a glimpse into the local lifestyle. Solo travelers can engage with the friendly locals, try out local cuisines, and experience the warm Hawaiian hospitality that Kauai is known for.

In essence, the Kapaa Bike Path is not just a route; it's a gateway to discovering the heart of Kauai. It embodies the spirit of solo travel – freedom, adventure, and the joy of discovering the unknown. As we continue, we will delve into the specifics of the Kapaa Bike Path and how 'Hele On Kauai' can elevate this already mesmerizing experience.

The Kapaa Bike Path, an enchanting trail stretching along Kauai’s eastern coastline, is a must-visit for any solo traveler. Officially known as Ke Ala Hele Makalae, which translates to “The Path that Goes by the Coast,” this path offers an unrivaled experience that seamlessly blends adventure with tranquility, a hallmark of Kauai's natural landscape.

Spanning several miles, the Kapaa Bike Path invites solo explorers to journey through a variety of scenic landscapes. From the bustling beaches of Kapaa Town to the quieter stretches near Donkey Beach, the path provides a diverse experience. Each turn brings a new vista, whether it's the azure blue of the Pacific Ocean, the lush green of coastal flora, or the distant mountains that frame this picturesque island.

One of the path's greatest appeals to solo travelers is its accessibility and ease of navigation. Well-signed and maintained, it's suitable for all levels of biking experience. Whether you're a casual rider or an avid cyclist, the path offers a comfortable and enjoyable ride, free from the hustle of motorized traffic. This accessibility ensures that solo travelers can confidently explore without the stress of navigating complicated routes.

Additionally, the Kapaa Bike Path is more than just a biking trail; it’s a journey through Kauai’s cultural and natural history. Along the route, information plaques provide insights into the area’s rich heritage, adding depth to the solo traveler’s experience. It's an opportunity to connect with the land and its stories, creating a more meaningful and memorable adventure.

As solo travelers seek destinations that offer both adventure and the chance to reconnect with themselves, the Kapaa Bike Path stands out as a perfect choice. In the next section, we'll explore how 'Hele On Kauai' enhances this experience with its diverse range of bikes and services, adding comfort and convenience to your solo journey.

Ride in Style: Hele On Kauai Bikes and the Kapaa Trail

As you embark on your solo journey along the captivating Kapaa Bike Path, Hele On Kauai stands ready to enhance your experience. Our diverse range of bikes ensures that every solo traveler finds their perfect match for this adventure. Whether you're seeking a leisurely ride with a beach cruiser, the efficiency of a city bike, or the thrill of an electric bike, our collection caters to every preference.

Our location, conveniently situated right on the path, allows you to start your journey with ease. No need for cumbersome transportation arrangements – just hop on and start exploring. This accessibility is especially beneficial for solo travelers, offering a seamless transition from arrival to adventure.

Understanding the unique needs of solo adventurers, we've tailored our services to provide not just a bike, but a complete biking experience. This includes essential accessories like helmets and locks, ensuring your safety and peace of mind as you explore. Our bikes are meticulously maintained, providing reliability and comfort on your journey.

But Hele On Kauai offers more than just standard bikes. Our range includes tandem bikes for those who might team up along the way, electric bikes for effortless exploration, and even kids' equipment, catering to solo parents on an adventure with their little ones. This variety ensures that every solo traveler, regardless of their biking preference or company, finds something that suits their needs.

Moreover, our online reservation system makes it convenient to plan your trip in advance, a crucial aspect for many solo travelers. And, for those unexpected moments, our replacement and repair services ensure that your adventure continues uninterrupted.

At Hele On Kauai, we believe that your solo biking adventure should be as unique as your reasons for embarking on it. In the next section, we'll delve deeper into what makes Hele On Kauai the ideal choice for your solo exploration of the Kapaa Bike Path.

Why Choose Hele On Kauai: Beyond Just Bikes

At Hele On Kauai, we understand that a great solo adventure on Kauai's Kapaa Bike Path is about more than just renting a bike; it's about providing a complete and memorable experience. Our commitment to excellence in service and an extensive range of offerings set us apart, making us the go-to choice for solo travelers.

Affordability is at the forefront of our services. We believe that exploring Kauai shouldn’t break the bank. Our competitive pricing ensures that you can enjoy the best of the Kapaa Bike Path without financial worries, making your solo trip both enjoyable and economical.

The variety of bikes in our fleet is unmatched. From the leisurely pace of a beach cruiser to the modern convenience of an electric bike, and even tandem bikes for an impromptu shared ride, we have something for every kind of solo explorer. Our kids' bikes and tow-behind trailers also make it easy for solo parents to share the adventure with their children.

Our prime location right on the Kapaa Bike Path means you can start your journey the moment you step out of our door. This convenience is invaluable for solo travelers looking to maximize their time exploring the natural beauty of Kauai.

Furthermore, our replacement and repair services ensure that you're never stranded. Should you encounter any issues, we're there to get you back on the path as quickly as possible. This peace of mind is crucial for solo travelers navigating unfamiliar terrain.

We also cater to your safety needs by including helmets and locks with every rental. And for those planning ahead, our online reservation system makes it simple to secure your ideal bike well before your trip begins.

Lastly, for those preferring the ultimate convenience, our doorstep delivery service brings your chosen bike right to you, allowing more time for exploration and less for logistics.

At Hele On Kauai, we're not just a bike rental service; we're your partners in adventure on the Kapaa Bike Path, dedicated to making your solo Kauai experience unforgettable.

Personalized Experiences: Tailoring Your Ride

At Hele On Kauai, we understand that every solo traveler's journey is unique. That's why we offer a personalized biking experience, tailored to suit your individual style and preferences as you explore the Kapaa Bike Path.

Diverse Bike Options for Every Solo Explorer: Our extensive range of bikes caters to every type of solo adventurer. Choose a Beach Cruiser for a relaxed, scenic ride along the coastline, or opt for a City Bike for a smooth and efficient journey. For those seeking a bit of assistance on longer stretches, our Electric Bikes offer the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Hybrid Bikes strike a balance between leisurely cruising and more active biking, ideal for those who want a bit of both.

Family-Friendly Choices: Solo traveling parents will appreciate our Kids' Tandem Bikes, Kids' Tow-Behind Trailers, and Kids' Beach Cruisers. These options ensure that even the littlest adventurers can join in on the fun, making family memories that will last a lifetime.

Safety and Comfort as a Priority: Safety is paramount, especially for solo travelers. We provide helmets and locks with every rental, ensuring that your journey is not just enjoyable but also safe. Our bikes are regularly maintained and inspected, guaranteeing a smooth and reliable ride.

Convenience at Your Fingertips: With our Online Reservations, planning your solo trip is hassle-free. You can choose and reserve your preferred bike from the comfort of your home, ensuring that it’s ready to go when you arrive. Plus, for those who prefer the ultimate convenience, our Doorstep Delivery service brings your bike directly to you, allowing you to start your adventure right from your accommodation.

By choosing Hele On Kauai, you’re not just renting a bike; you're crafting a personalized solo adventure on the Kapaa Bike Path, tailored to your preferences and designed for an unforgettable experience.

For solo travelers exploring the serene landscapes of Kauai's Kapaa Bike Path, safety and convenience are paramount. At Hele On Kauai, we prioritize these aspects to ensure a peaceful, worry-free ride, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings.

Prioritizing Your Safety: We understand that when you're riding solo, safety can be a significant concern. That's why we provide well-maintained bikes equipped with necessary safety gear. Each rental comes with a sturdy helmet and a reliable lock, ensuring your security on the trail and peace of mind when you stop to explore. Our bikes are regularly serviced to guarantee their reliability, so you can focus on the journey, not the gear.

The Kapaa Bike Path, a scenic route winding along Kauai’s eastern coast, is a paradise for solo travelers and photography enthusiasts. As you pedal along this picturesque trail with your Hele On Kauai bike, you’ll find numerous spots perfect for capturing the essence of Kauai’s breathtaking landscape.

Captivating Coastal Views: The path runs parallel to the coastline, offering unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean. One of the must-stop locations is Kealia Beach, where the ocean's azure waves meet the golden sand. It's a perfect spot for a panoramic shot or a tranquil moment watching surfers and beachgoers.

Historic Gems Along the Way: The path also takes you through areas rich in local history. The Kapaa Town section, with its quaint shops and local eateries, provides a glimpse into the island's culture and is ideal for street-style photography.

Natural Wonders: Don’t miss the opportunity to capture the majestic sight of Sleeping Giant Mountain in the background. The verdant landscapes and mountain views offer a striking contrast to the ocean vistas and are a testament to Kauai's diverse natural beauty.

Wildlife Encounters: For nature lovers, the path offers chances to spot local wildlife. Keep your camera ready for sightings of Hawaiian monk seals or sea turtles, especially near more secluded beaches.

Sunrise and Sunset: For those chasing the golden hour, the path is a prime location for both sunrise and sunset shots. The natural lighting during these times casts a magical glow over the landscape, creating postcard-worthy images.

Remember, solo travel is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. The Kapaa Bike Path, with its array of photogenic spots, allows you to capture not just images, but also memories that you'll cherish long after your solo adventure ends.

As we draw to a close on our exploration of the Kapaa Bike Path and its allure for solo travelers, it's clear that Kauai offers an exceptional journey, teeming with natural beauty, cultural richness, and the freedom of the open trail. Hele On Kauai stands ready to enhance this experience, providing the perfect companion in our diverse range of bikes and top-notch services.

The Solo Traveler’s Dream in Kauai:  Whether you seek a peaceful ride along the coastline, an opportunity to capture stunning photographs, or a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and history, the Kapaa Bike Path is your gateway. It's a place where solo travel transcends into an unforgettable adventure, offering moments of introspection, joy, and awe at every turn.

Why Choose Hele On Kauai:  Our commitment to providing a tailored, safe, and convenient biking experience makes Hele On Kauai the ideal choice for your solo journey. With our affordable rates, variety of bike options, and convenient location right on the path, we ensure that your adventure in Kauai is as smooth as it is memorable. Our online reservation system and doorstep delivery service add to the ease, allowing you more time to explore and less time worrying about logistics.

A Call to Adventure:  We invite you to embrace the spirit of solo travel and discover the enchanting Kapaa Bike Path with Hele On Kauai. Whether you're a seasoned solo traveler or about to embark on your first solo journey, our bikes and services are here to make your trip extraordinary.

Book your bike online today at   www.kauaibeachbikerentals.com/rates  and get ready to experience Kauai like never before. Your next solo adventure on the Kapaa Bike Path awaits, and Hele On Kauai is here to guide you every pedal of the way.

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How to Plan a Solo Trip to Hawaii

Do you have questions about solo travel in hawaii keep scrolling for my step-by-step guide on how to plan a solo trip to hawaii that will blow your mind, this guide to planning a solo trip to hawaii was written by marcie cheung (a hawaii travel expert) and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

You’ve been dreaming about that solo trip to Hawaii, but you aren’t sure where to start.

I’ve been traveling to Hawaii since I was a child, and today it’s still my favorite place to visit! Below you can find all of my best tips and perspective to help you plan solo travel to Hawaii.

You might love to travel solo, or perhaps it’s a new experience you’ve been craving. Solo trips are great for relaxing and shedding the responsibility of everyday life. You don’t have to worry about anyone else, so you have the ultimate flexibility and independence!

A solo trip to Hawaii is great for everyone. You can meet people or spend time alone on a white sand beach. But you might have questions about how safe it is to travel so far from home by yourself.

So, is Hawaii good for solo travelers? It’s easy, safe, and a lot of fun to plan a solo trip to Hawaii. And you can read all the details below!

Why turn to me for Hawaii advice? Having explored the islands on 40+ occasions, my perspective is truly seasoned.

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Hawaii itineraries complete with daily schedules, fun activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

How to Stay Safe When Traveling to Hawaii Alone

The Hawaiian Islands are very visitor-friendly and  crime rates are super low  when compared to the rest of the US! When you’re planning a solo trip to Hawaii, the best thing you can do to protect yourself is to be mindful and prepared.

Do your research concerning the area where you’ll be staying. Search forums or even call your hotel and ask about the neighborhood at night and transportation in the area. Also, think about how you plan on getting to your hotel from the airport.

Since you’ll be alone, I suggest using apps for car services. Both Uber and Lyft are on the 4 major islands, and there’s also  Execucar . This is better than using a taxi because you can monitor the GPS tracker and there’s a record of your location if anything happens.

Before you travel to Hawaii, try to give someone back home your itinerary. Typically, you’d give it to a family member, a friend, or a coworker. Check in regularly during your trip and keep them updated on where you’re going next.

And when you get to your hotel, it’s good to let your concierge know you’ll be traveling alone. This way they can give you their take on the area and keep an eye out for you as you come and go!

What’s the Best Island for Solo Travel?

Normally when you travel by yourself, it’s recommended that you stay in more populated areas to avoid being isolated, especially at night. But ultimately, this is a personal choice.

All the Hawaiian Islands are very welcoming to travelers on a solo trip to Hawaii. But I recommend either Oahu or Maui , especially if it’s your first time in Hawaii . Below you can read a quick overview of what each island offers a solo traveler.

I consider Oahu the best Hawaii island for single men and women.  It’s the most affordable island , and it’s home to the popular Waikiki!

There’s quality shopping, great nightlife, beautiful Waikiki beach, and great day hikes with lots of traffic.

If you’re looking for luxury resorts and golf courses, you’ll find them in West Maui. Plus, this is the best place to enjoy whale watching .

Or you can head outdoors with the Road to Hana and Haleakala National Park . All of this is why I think it’s the best Hawaiian island for solo travel.

Great if you’re an experienced outdoors person looking for a thrill and lots of challenging and breathtaking adventures. You can hike canyons, book helicopter rides, or raft down a river.

Kauai also has an incredible food scene with tons of food trucks, farm tours, and several farm-to-table restaurants.

This is the place for the solo traveler seeking a classic Hawaiian vacation experience. The Big Island of Hawaii enjoys a mix of great urban environments and natural areas.

Come here if you want to see lava at the  Hawaii Volcanoes National Park . And there are lots of tourist attractions, plus Kona coffee, and white sand beaches!

Where to Stay on a Solo Trip in Hawaii

The great thing about Hawaii solo travel is the many options you have when it comes to where you’ll rest your head.

You don’t have to worry about paying for extra people, and you only have to listen to your own comfort. You could even try out more than one of the great options below!

Solo trips are popular with avid campers. It’s the perfect setting to get back to nature, and who doesn’t want to sleep right on the beach? Hawaii has many great state parks and natural areas that offer camping permits. You can find tent camping, RV setups , and even cabins.

The tricky thing about Hawaii camping is that campsites are often isolated and offer very little when it comes to amenities. When you’re a single guy or gal going to Hawaii alone, it’s not recommended to be in the middle of nowhere by yourself, just in case.

But if you insist on including camping on your solo trip to Hawaii, there are safer ways! Try out  Hipcamp . It’s like VRBO, but for campsites.

In Hawaii, a lot of people who own farms or unique retreats use Hipcamp. You can find tent sites on beautiful ginger farms, RV camps, and even cabins and treehouses in the rainforest behind your host’s house. It’s a great way to get the camping experience, but with a little caution.

One big perk of solo trips is that they tend to be more affordable! A lot of singles in Hawaii will stay at cheap digs and save their money for big-price experiences. Staying at a hostel is a popular way to go.

If you’ve never considered a hostel, you should! They tend to offer dormitory-style rooms with 2-6 beds with shared common areas. You’ll cook and eat with your fellow boarders in the hostel kitchen.

And many hostels are a lot of fun with game rooms, outdoor spaces, and even group activities that you can sign up for! It’s a great way to meet new people and even find a crew to hang with in Hawaii.

One that I recommend is  The Beach Waikiki Hostel . It’s one of the best places in Hawaii for solo travel. You can enjoy super affordable lodgings in the heart of Waikiki near all the hustle and bustle.

They host BBQ nights and scheduled group outings you can sign up for and just pay a small fee to join to cover costs!

And if you’re in Maui on a surfer getaway, check out  Aloha Surf Hostel  in Paia on the Road to Hana. They have different buildings with a variety of boarding options.

It’s right off the beach and it’s perfect for surfers, because of the hostel’s built-in surf club! It’s also in Paia, which is super trendy with great shops, eateries, and nightlife.

If you prefer a traditional hotel while you’re traveling solo in Hawaii, there are plenty to choose from. For singles, you might want to look for adult-only sites with many high ratings.

If you consider yourself an eco-tourist,  Volcano Eco Retreat  is a great hotel and a unique experience.

Located on the Big Island, Volcano Eco Retreat feels like an exclusive, custom hotel experience. That’s because you’ll be in 1 of just 4 King-sized bungalows set in an Ohia rainforest on the side of Kilauea Volcano!

Enjoy daily vegan and vegetarian breakfast, as well as locally grown vegan and vegetarian dining options for the rest of the day. There are also cocktails and champagne that you can enjoy by the fire or in the outdoor whirlpool spa. Hang out in the common area, book a massage, or do yoga with complimentary mats. 

There are lush gardens where you can spend your day or use the hotel as a base to explore the nearby Hawaii Volcanoes National Forest. 

If you’re looking for the best Hawaii resorts for singles, I have a few options for you. Resorts offer amenities and services you don’t get at a hotel or vacation rental.

And on a solo trip, these amenities make a huge difference. There are restaurants, cocktail hours, and activities that offer you the chance to mingle with strangers and meet people.

The  Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa  is on Maui’s luxurious West Coast with so many amazing attractions and things to do for guests. Join a tennis match or hit the golf course.

Decompress at the outdoor Spa Moana or strike up a conversation at the Hyatt’s 5 on-site restaurants! And at the Moana Athletic Club, you can join a group hike or book a personal fitness trainer.

In Oahu, the  Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort  will make you feel like royalty. There are more than 20 restaurants and cocktail lounges, and you can even attend exclusive happy hours.

Go shopping, enjoy a spa, or lounge with new friends by 5 different pools. The Hilton also has group fitness classes and a cultural activity center for all ages. Read my full Hilton Hawaiian Village review .

Things to Do on Your Hawaii Solo Trip

On your solo trip to Hawaii, you might want to relax by a beach or go for a long hike. Just be aware of your surroundings and make wise choices.

Think about the fact that you’ll have to leave whatever you bring on the shore unattended. And it’s best to look for popular hikes where you’ll cross paths with other hikers!

So, here’s a list of the top things to do as a solo traveler in Hawaii!

• Visit historic sites like  Pearl Harbor  in Oahu and  Hulihe’e Palace  on Big Island
• Start the night off right and meet people on a  Waikiki Sunset Cocktail cruise
• Go on the  Diamond Head Crater Hike  for amazing views of Waikiki
• Look for the most popular Hawaiian foods, like poke, shave ice, and manapua
• Enjoy the iconic Waikiki in Oahu or visit Hawaii’s longest beach, the serene Papohaku Beach on Molokai
• Attend a classic luau, one of which is at the  Polynesian Cultural Center
• Island hopping is ideal for solo travelers, and it’s the best way to travel between the Hawaiian Islands
• Book  a helicopter tour of Kauai’s natural wonders , including Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast
• Go on a snorkeling tour of the coral reefs at Molokini Crater
• Visit  the food trucks  around Kauai that are open every day of the week

FAQ about Solo Travel in Hawaii

A trip to Hawaii will include costs like flights, hotels, food, things to do, and travel on the island. This all typically runs between $2000 and $4000 for a week. There are ways to lower that cost a little on a solo trip, with cheaper hotels and free activities. Or you can splurge on the ultimate luxury retreat!

You’re more than welcome to go alone! Don’t worry about what people might think. Anyway, they’re having too much fun to think about the fact that you’re solo! In fact, most attractions and dinners in Hawaii are super welcoming to single travelers. Just do what you want to do and have the time of your life.

While Hawaii is known as one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world, it’s also great for singles. Each of the islands offers a different experience that will appeal to singles. Big Island has volcanoes and Oahu has great nightlife. For the ultimate outdoor adventure, go to Kauai. And Maui has a variety of cultural experiences.

Have a Blast Planning Your Solo Trip to Hawaii

A solo trip to Hawaii can be a rewarding experience. You can meet new friends if you’re brave enough to start a conversation. A solo trip is also a great way to retreat from it all and have an “Eat Pray Love” moment.

The Hawaiian Islands are safe for single travelers, and you’ll be surprised how welcome everyone will make you feel!

Looking for more Hawaii travel tips? Find out how to rent a car in Hawaii , best Hawaiian island for hiking , biggest Hawaii mistakes to avoid , and tips for visiting Hawaii for the first time !

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Solo Travel in Hawaii

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Hawaii in the USA , is a dream destination that I have yet to discover on a Hawaii solo trip. So, for this guide, I've compiled a list of recommendations from our solo female community on their favourite things to see and do in Hawaii. 

If you are planning to solo travel to Hawaii, discover where to go in the islands, where to stay as a solo and how to get around. All recommendations for Hawaii solo travel come with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement. Just choose the relevant section or read the full article for your solo trip to Hawaii. 

* Before you solo female travel in Hawaii, check what paperwork or visas are required for The USA

N.b. By booking through this page for your solo travel Hawaii trip, you are helping to improve the lives of vulnerable girls about the globe. Thanks for helping.

About Hawaii

Getting around hawaii, hawaii accommodation.

• Tours in Hawaii

Yoga Retreats in Hawaii

When to go to hawaii, conscious travel in hawaii, map of hawaii, plan a trip to hawaii.

Hawaii is an amazing destination and one for the solo bucket list. It attracts women searching for transformational travel, surfers and nature and volcano lovers. As well as gorgeous locations, the islands have a lot of historic significance. Crime is virtually nonexistent here but as a solo be careful with your belongings on isolated beaches.

Each island in Hawaii has its own individual character. Areas such as Hilo are untouristy, so you can integrate with the locals for a more authentic experience. The hiking in Kauai is stunning but if you want to avoid couples or people honeymooning then you may want to skip Kauai. 

Hawaii is part of the USA and is known for its volcanic islands, national parks and lava fields, eco-tourism, and black sand beaches. It is also a mecca for surfers but there is more to Hawaii with its cosmopolitan, eclectic atmosphere than riding its waves. Below are our favourite can’t miss Hawaii destinations to inspire you for your Hawaiian trip.

The Magic of Maui

If your budget allows for it then you really can't go wrong with the breathtakingly beautiful island of Maui in Hawaii. This paradise isle is filled with natural wonders including waterfalls, volcanoes and hidden beaches. The sunsets at the East Maui volcano (Haleakalā) are simply breathtaking.

To meet others head to the north end of the island which is more populated. It is also touristy (it is windy here too). Or l earn more about the history of Maui and Hawaiian values through a storytelling and culinary evening at Mokapu Farm . 

Maui is also great for diving with lots of marine life or you can take a Maui snorkel tour with an option of SNUBA too. You can even snorkel through underwater lava arches and swim with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles at Turtle Town. Just look out for the current between Maui and Molokai, which can be strong. 

Road To Hana

If you come to Hawaii and plan to stay in Maui, you simply have to see the Road to Hana, one of the most gorgeous landscapes and beautiful drives in the world. Journey along the Hana

Highway to East Maui and you'll see beautiful sites including gorgeous waterfalls, black sand beaches, unique volcanic cinder cones, bamboo fields, and the only winery in Maui. Stop at some of the fantastic beaches and hidden coves along the way.

USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor

The most popular visitor destination in the whole of the Hawaiian islands is the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Each year, more than 2 million people visit the Arizona Memorial in Honolulu to learn more about what happened at this famous harbour and the events that transpired on that fateful day. 

This site is operated by the National Park Service and is made up of more than 17 acres of land. You'll need at least two hours to join the guided tour which includes the boat shuttles, a film about its history and an additional boat tour. * Find out more about the tour

If you love to surf, then you’re going to absolutely fall head over heels in love with the North Shore of Oahu. This area is well renowned for its amazing coastlines, beautiful beaches, and its waves during the winter that are completely larger-than-life. Waimea Bay is a big wave surfing spot where you can watch surfers riding the perfect waves.

But surfing isn’t the only thing to do on the North Shore as Oahu has some of the islands' best shipwrecks and aeroplane wrecks to dive down to. You can even take a shark dive on the North Shore. 

Or head to the East Side for some great long beaches and body surfing. For somewhere more remote with calmer beaches, head to the West Side of the island. If walking along a beach at sunset is more your style, a walk along the shore of Waikiki Beach in the evening is simply magical. 

Art lovers, on the other hand, will love the Haleiwa Arts festival held on the North Shore of Oahu annually. The event celebrates local culture and includes dance, music, arts, jewellery, painting and sculpture.

Head to the island of Kauai, for a slower pace of life. It is the oldest of the islands and is known as ‘the Garden Isle' as it is covered in lush tropical rainforest. While here, you should definitely explore Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, a sacred space that spans 17 miles of cliffs, beaches and waterfalls along the island's North Shore. Manawaiopuna Falls even appeared in the movie Jurassic Park.

You do need to do some planning before you tackle the steep footpath of the Kalalau Trail in the park, especially if you aren't familiar with the terrain. You may feel more comfortable as a solo taking a guided kayaking trip or boat tour from Port Allen to see the coastline from the water instead. 

As with the majority of Hawaii, Kauai is also ideal for diving. Be prepared to spot a shark or two as off the shore of Kauai you might run into some tiger sharks and black-tip reef sharks. 

Another area for hiking is the big island of Kona. One area that's good for solos is Kailua-Kona on the Big Island. The ‘Kona Side' is the liveliest and is a good base if you're planning to spend time on the west coast.

There are many things to do in Kona to keep you entertained from farmers' markets, shops, seaside restaurants and the Kailua pier, as well as plenty of Kona coffee to drink.

Because it's mainly sunny and dry here, it's good for sunbathing, hiking past lush waterfalls in the National Parks or snorkelling at Cook's Bay seeing beautiful reefs. There is nothing that you can't find on the island. 

If you have time, the island of Molokai is also fantastic for hiking. This island is the second smallest Hawaiian island and has some of the world's highest sea cliffs, scenic trails and secluded beaches. But it's also an island that is rich in heritage. It isn't touristy and the majority of the population here are native Hawaiians who live rurally. 

Take a guide if you're planning to take the steep path to Kalaupapa National Historical Park, a preserved area that was a former leprosy colony, or view it from the viewpoint in Palaau State Park, or visit Papohaku Beach, one of Hawaii's longest beaches. You won't find many other visitors here so it's perfect for some solitude and to experience authentic Hawaii. 

The Road to Hana is one of the most popular activities and is the most beautiful drive in Hawaii. Hire a car to experience these gorgeous landscapes at your own pace. The busiest roads in Hawaii are on Oahu where you'll find developed roads and motorways.

The least busy is Molokai. There is hardly any traffic here and hiring a car is the best way to get around or you can do what the others do and hitchhike which is normal and encouraged. 

Or you could take an inland cruise that takes you around the islands. Water taxis operate between Maui and Lanai, and Hawaiian Air and Mokulele Airlines both offer flights to and from the islands.

It’s also possible to see Hawaii on a layover, even if you only have 8 hours to spare. Taking an Uber can be the quickest and easiest mode of transport if you are short on time.

Depending on what time you arrive, you can check your bag in early and hire a car (or take an Uber) to experience an early morning sunrise hike at Diamond Head State Monument, and avoid the crowds. Then onto the Pearl Harbour Memorial which is only a 40-minute drive from the airport. 

* TIP – Rome2Rio is a great resource for how to get from place to place.

Hawaii has all types of accommodations. From hotels to B&Bs, boutique accommodations, and apartments.  If you're drawn to areas that are more touristy, you may prefer the beaches of Waikiki for resorts, or resorts on the Big Island or Kauai.

The best areas to stay in Maui for resorts are near Lahaina and Ka’anapali Beach but a ccommodation can be pricey in Maui. The Whaler Maui real estate scene is hot in case you decide to stay!

You can cut costs by finding a more affordable Airbnb, or a guesthouse away from the expensive area of Wailea. Molokai offers a more authentic experience where you can book homestays and stay with the locals. 

There are many eco-lodges in the area, but given the beautiful greenery, you might want to set up a camp in one of the campgrounds instead. 

Below are recommended accommodations from our solo female community. For all other accommodations, click on the link below. 

* Check prices, dates and availability for all Hawaii accommodation

Honolulu – Queen Kapiolani Hotel

In Honolulu, this 4-star hotel is only one block from Waikiki Beach. The staff are really friendly and welcoming. There’s an outdoor pool with a stunning view of Diamond Head, yoga classes, free filtered water and coffee in the lobby, as well as an onsite restaurant, and a gym.

Rooms have air-conditioning and many have fridges and a balcony. Choose from a studio ocean view, a studio, a junior suite with a balcony, or a queen or king with a city or ocean view. You can also upgrade to a penthouse.

• Prices start from $197 for a studio ocean view
• Check prices, dates and availability: Queen Kapiolani Hotel

Maui – Aloha Surf Hostel

The Aloha Surf Hostel on Maui is a great place to stay for solo travellers. As well as being located between Kanaha beach, and Ho’okipa beach on the North Shore, some of the best surfing spots, they offer tip-based tours around the island every day to hiking trails and hidden beaches, making it easier to meet others to explore the island with.

It’s really sociable too with ping pong, a pool table and a hot tub to chill out in. Plus. Paia town is nearby with shops and restaurants. Choose from a bed in a dormitory room or a private room if you prefer your own space. Breakfast is included in the rate.

• Prices start from $50 plus tax for a bed in a dorm room
• Check prices, dates and availability: Aloha Surf Hostel

Volcano Eco Retreat by Heart Core Hotels

Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, the Volcano Eco Retreat is a friendly vegetarian and vegan oasis, set within the peaceful Fern Acres. The grounds are stunning and you really feel one with nature with cute lizards and a frog chorus at night.

Bikes here are free and there is a spa to help you rejuvenate and unwind. The beds in your bamboo bungalow are comfortable and you’ll receive a warm welcome and plenty of delicious homemade produce and breakfast too. Bungalows come with a garden view.

• Prices start from $255 for a bungalow with a garden view.
• Check prices, dates and availability: Volcano Eco Retreat

Tours of Hawaii

Banzai Divers – Offers diving in the Pupukea Marine Life Preserve in Hawaii (known as ‘Sharks Cove.’) See turtles, seals and rays and experience underwater lava tubes, tunnels and arches. Choose from a snorkel tour or a night dive. Even if you have never dived before you can experience your first dive here. 

Get Your Guide Hawaii – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated activities and day tours in worldwide destinations including Hawaii. Choose from a 2-hour whale-watching cruise from Lahaina Harbor, an audio tour of the Official USS Arizona Memorial in Oahu, or a Molokini and Turtle Town snorkel from Maui including lunch.

Some of the tours require a minimum of 2 people but there are plenty to book as a solo including a Waikiki glass-bottom boat cruise from Honolulu, or Waikiki, and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online. Read my Get Your Guide review   or click the link below for all their tours.

* Check all Get Your Guide tours, prices and availability

Viato r Hawaii – Viator is similar to Get Your Guide. They are an American company and a tour platform with more than 345,000 tours and worldwide activities. Choose from an ultimate Circle Island adventure including Waimea Waterfall, a night manta ray adventure where you are guaranteed to see the rays or a Kuala Ranch Hollywood movie site and ranch tour to see where films such as Jurassic Park, and Pearl Harbor were filmed. Read my Viator review or click the link for all their tours.

* Check all Viator tours, prices and availability

For the spiritual and wellness Girl about the Globe, there are plenty of retreats in Hawaii. From Hawaii retreat centres to sound healing and spiritual retreats in Hawaii, here are the recommended retreats in Hawaii for solo female travellers. For all other Hawaii retreats, click on the link below and search for recommendations based on the duration of time or cost. * Check all yoga retreats in Hawaii

6 Day Sound Healing in Maui

If you’re staying in Maui, this 6-day sound healing and yoga retreat in Maui, Hawaii is a mystical alchemy experience. Find your true north and get clarity on your path during a daily 2-hour yoga and sound healing retreat. Through pranayama, breath work and guided meditation with EFT energy and learning about shadow archetypes you will experience true transformation at the Black Swan Temple. Prices are from £2498 / $3095 for a private single room including daily vegetarian breakfast and lunch. * Check dates and availability: 6 Day Sound Healing Retreat

8 day Ayurvedic Alchemy Yoga Retreat

Rejuvenate and heal your soul in this week-long retreat in Hawaii. Held at a permaculture farm on Maui, you can enjoy daily yoga and breathwork with an abundance of nature as you visit the island’s tallest waterfall and beaches on this Hawaii yoga retreat.

As well as crystal bowl sound healing, you’ll also receive an introduction to Ayurveda and sauna nights. The price starts from £2500 / $3098 for a shared dorm on the farm as well as delicious organic meals. * Check dates and availability: 8 Day Ayurvedic Alchemy Retreat

10 Day Yoga Immersion Retreat

If you have longer than a week, this 10-day Hawaii retreat yoga immersion retreat includes traditional ashtanga vinyasa yoga and Ayurveda for all yoga levels. In a paradise retreat in Maui learn the 8 limbs of yoga including Patanjali Sutras and breath and Pranayama work.

Enjoy an introduction to the perfect health as well as meditation practices and Ayurvedic-influenced juices. The retreat includes free time to explore nature hikes and the beaches of Maui. Prices start from £1496 / $1854 for a private single room. * Check date and availability: 10 Day Maui Yoga Retreat

Hawaii is warm all year round and has pleasant temperatures every month. The coasts can vary with different climates making it perfect to visit at any time. However, the best time to visit is from March to September when it is hotter. These months also have less rainfall.

To escape the crowds, visit between October to November when it is quieter. Expect cooler temperatures the higher the attitude. The chart below shows the annual temperatures in Honolulu from January to December. 

• Can I drink the water? Yes, but check in the more remote areas.
• Is tipping expected? Hawaii is part of the United States where tipping is expected for every service. Tip between 15-20% in restaurants, $1-$2 for drinks, and $5-$10 for tour guides depending on whether it’s a half or full-day tour. Find out more
• Fixed price or barter? Fixed price generally.
• Any ATMs? Yes, you’ll find ATMs all over Hawaii.
• Which side of the road do they drive? The right-hand side
• Good for vegetarians? Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan restaurants on the Big Island, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu. 
• Any Seven Wonders of the World? No.

Social Impact Projects

Many native Hawaiians do not benefit from the tourism industry. Many have been left homeless due to rising rent prices or bigger companies buying off their land. Thus, it is extremely important to support native-owned and native-run projects and initiatives and to decolonize your vacation as much as possible.

The Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association was founded on the basis of wanting to sustainably develop Hawaii’s hospitality and tourism industry by using native Hawaiian cultural values. On their website , you can find resources on how to write about Hawaii respectfully.

Native Intelligence – Native Intelligence is a retail establishment located in Wailuku, Maui. Their goal is to showcase local artists and creatives who protect and evolve traditional craftmanship. Native Intelligence prides itself on being an advocate for both culture and community.  

Hololeʻa – Tour Loko Ea Fishpond. Take a tour around the Loco Ea fishpond and learn about its history and enjoy a vast array of demonstrations from bamboo-pole fishing to net-throwing. Participants are encouraged to help restore the pond to its former glory through meaningful work activities.  

Stay Eco in Hawaii

Native-owned hotels and hostels are hard to come by, which illustrates further the problem of social and economic injustice the indigenous population of the islands face. The hotels suggested here are great for the environment but sadly not native-owned or native-run, thus take these suggestions with a grain of salt.  

The Modern Honolulu

The Modern Honolulu is a trendy and award-winning hotel that is perfectly suited for the solo traveller. Its perfect location at the gateway to Waikiki Beach begs tourists and travellers alike to explore the culture of the island, go shopping, or venture into the great outdoors.

Equipped with SMART Room technology, having their own green team, and donating all food scraps to a local farm, the Modern Honolulu is perfect for the urban traveller who likes to stay green!  

* Check prices, dates and availability: The Modern Honolulu

Volcano House

Do you dream of rolling out of bed and waking up on the edge of a volcano? Promise it’s not that scary! At Volcano House, you can stay in one of their historic guest rooms, cabins or campsites and do just that! Shop a collection of jewellery and crafts made by local artisans at their gift shop, enjoy the hotel’s commitment to the preservation and protection of the national park's resources and have fun on your once-in-a-lifetime adventure.  

* Check prices, dates and availability: Volcano House

Books to read before you go: Detours: A decolonial guide to Hawai’i

Issues affecting vulnerable girls in Hawaii

* For many holiday-makers Hawaii looks and feels like paradise, however, the small island suffers from over-tourism, over-exploitation, and sex trafficking. A study conducted by Child and Family Service revealed that more than a quarter of their participants mentioned having experienced sex trafficking. 64% of those who experienced sex trafficking identified as Native Hawaiian and three-quarters identified as female.

* The same report unearthed that community problems and child abuse most likely contributed to the vulnerability of those victims. Read more…

Current Time in Honolulu

Budget – $170 a day

Capital –   Honolulu

Population – 1.416 million

Language spoken – English

Local Currency – US Dollar  

Do I need a visa?  

Vaccinations Required  

Did you know? Hawaii is also considered part of Polynesia

Lingo – They speak English

Useful Info

Airlines to Hawaii  

The Best Time to Go – May 

Which Plug Do I Need?  

UNESCO Sites in Hawaii  

Events and Festivals in Hawaii

Local Cost Guide

Local Customs & Traditions

Authors: Thank you to: Yolande Jackovics Langley, Monica Tang, Mara Furlenmeier, Tracy Milne, Samantha Cunningham, Sarah Logan Gregory from our Girls about the Globe community for helping to put this guide together. 

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1 thought on “ Solo Travel in Hawaii ”

I like how you mentioned that Hawaii is warm all year round and has pleasant temperatures every month. My cousin mentioned to me last week that she is planning to go to Hawaii for her birthday and asked me if I have any idea where is the good place to go so that we can enjoy our vacation there. Thanks to this informative article and I am considering myself to join her and I’ll be sure to tell her that we can rent a taxi tour guide as they can help us bring to our ideal destination.

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How to Have an Awesome Solo Trip in Maui

10/12/2016 by Kristin Addis 37 Comments

When I was in high school, someone I knew took a trip to Hawaii by himself and I remember feeling really bad for him, because a solo trip to such a romantic destination must be terrible, right?

That was before I had experienced the benefits of solo traveling firsthand, and after years of doing it, I started to envy him for going to such an amazing destination on his own. Ultimate freedom in a place as raw and adventurous as Hawaii sounded like a dream come true.

When the opportunity came up for me to work on a photography project in Hawaii, I jumped at the chance to check it out solo, confident that more than a honeymoon destination, Hawaii can be a great solo female travel destination, too.

Turns out that it totally is! These are some of the best activities in Maui, plenty of which will give you opportunities to meet other travelers, and enjoy a few solo adventures too:

Road to Hana

This famous road has over 600 turns, and though some of them are hairpin turns on a one-lane road, as long as you take it slow and go before the other tourists are on the road, you’ll be just fine.

The Road to Hana has quickly become one of the most popular activities on Maui since it takes you through some of the dreamiest landscape on the island, including waterfalls, black sand beaches, jungles, and a bamboo forest.

I did this one alone, and was glad to have all of the time and space that I needed to really do it justice in the way that I wanted to.

You won’t have cell service out there, so I recommend getting the Gypsy Guide for the Road to Hana as it’s synced to satellite. The voice on the app, I named him ‘Bill’ because he seemed like a Bill, gives really good suggestions on the must-sees, gives some historical background, and will let you know in plenty of time before you get to each landmark. Without a navigator, that help was invaluable.

I have a bunch of tips here for how to do the road right, to get away from other tourists, and to have a more pleasant drive!

Maui Surfer Girls

I’m so very glad that I gave surf lessons on Maui a try. I’ve been resisting surfing for so long and I honestly don’t know why. I guess I just assumed it would be difficult and I’d be battling it out with a bunch of guys who are way better than I am.

Maui Surfer Girls made me feel so comfortable with the whole experience. The waves on the side of Maui that they teach on (Olowalu Beach near Lahaina) are nice and small, the views of the green mountains as you ride the waves in are beautiful, plus I had plenty of room to learn.

To my surprise, I was already standing by my second wave, and rode two all the way in during my two-hour lesson. Having the female-friendly, non-competitive environment that these lessons provided just made me feel good, and the surf camps they offer make it easy to meet other female travelers too! Try some Maui surf lessons out, it’s a blast, really!

Snorkeling the Molokini Crater

This was actually my first activity on the island and I was surprised by how easy it was to make friends on the boat. Even though people were there with their significant others, they were friendly and I ended up chatting with and making friends with people right from day one. I also found the crew to be particularly friendly and easy to talk to, which made the whole experience great as a solo traveler.

The Molokini Crater is a crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater that is pretty famous for snorkeling and even diving. For me, the boat ride was the best part as being on the ocean is one of my favorite things in life. Jumping into the warm water, spotting an octopus, and swimming around just added to the fun.

You have a few options for booking a trip like this, but I’d suggest a smaller boat. I saw some that appeared to have hundreds of people, while the Alii Nui’s max is 60 (but there were only 24 when I went last Monday). The food was excellent, the wine and beer were free-flowing, and it included a pickup and drop off at my hotel.

A few solo female travel tips:

• Safety: Thankfully Maui is pretty safe and most crime is limited to petty theft. That said, plenty of people on the island don’t even lock their doors so that’s a pretty good indication that it’s a safe place for solo female travelers. Just make sure that you lock your rental car ( book here ! By the way, despite what the guy at the rental place tries to upsell you, a compact car on Maui will do you just fine).
• Meeting others: It might be easier than you think. I hadn’t realized I already knew plenty of people in Maui. Post on your Facebook page that you’re heading there and you may be surprised who knows whom!
• Consider using social media: If you have an active social media account like Instagram or Snapchat, you might be able to find people that way. If not, use sites like Couchsurfing.org or meetup.com .

Where to stay and eat: 

• The Grand Wailea : The rooms and grounds are out of this world, and the staff will customer-service you all day. It’s awesome. The Grand Wailea also has some of the best food I’ve ever had. I’m being completely serious. Their restaurant, Humuhumu had delicious eats. Even if you don’t stay at this hotel, splurge on the dinner. It’s SO worth it!
• Kaanapali Beach Hotel : Talk about a great sunset spot! This hotel is intimate without being tiny and is a great mid-range option.
• Budget: Camping in Hawaii is awesome, and you can save tons of money if you’re willing to brave the occasional rain. If not, check out AirBnB for options. Definitely eat at Ono Tacos, a taco truck in Lahaina, for some cheap and seriously delicious fish, al pastor, pollo, and asado tacos.

So if you’re thinking of visiting Hawaii and are tired of waiting for the perfect opportunity, or person, to go with you, look no further than your own reflection. Seriously, I was so surprised at how easy and enjoyable it has been to meet people in Hawaii, whether it’s locals or other tourists. Don’t fear a solo trip here, rather embrace it and enjoy the adventure!

*As mentioned in the intro, I was here on a photography assignment and therefore partnered with the Hawaii Tourism Board to bring you this article. Some of these links are affiliate links. I only promote the things I love think you’ll love too. Your trust always comes first. 

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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Brooklyn Murtaugh says

10/12/2016 at 11:52 pm

Hawaii has never been high on my “go to” list, but the older I get the more I want to go! I lived in Australia for a bit and had planned to try surfing, but for some reason I never did it. I think due to being nervous. The company you went with sounds great!

Kristin says

10/13/2016 at 11:07 am

I was nervous too and then once I tried I was like, okay that was way more fun and less scary than I thought. What was I actually worried about?

10/13/2016 at 3:28 am

Love this. Have always wanted to go to Hawaii but whereas I’m still travelling and refusing to ‘settle down’, all of my friends have. This has gI’ve me the confidence to go by myself. So New Zealand (again) next year and Hawaii for 2018 i think. Thanks!

10/13/2016 at 11:06 am

Sweet! I was surprised at how easy it was to meet people. I thought it might be a little bit lonely but found that the alone times didn’t bother me at all because I was so stimulated by the surroundings and people are in such a good mood on Maui -they’re on vacation!

John Parker says

10/13/2016 at 7:24 am

Thanks for sharing your solo travel experience with us.

10/13/2016 at 11:12 am

It’s a GoPro Hero 4 with a dome: http://amzn.to/2ed4qQJ <- that's the one I have but I think it's pretty crappy and would consider getting a better quality one if you think you'll use it much. The top already broke and my friend had to fix it. The dome is necessary to get the half in half out of water shots 🙂

Serhat Engul says

10/14/2016 at 1:12 pm

Breath-taking beauty of nature and great photographs. Thank you.

Jocelyne says

10/14/2016 at 8:54 pm

Wow. You’ve done some serious travels and yes I’ve gone to Mexico by myself and let me tell you it was amazing! Love every bit of it.

10/14/2016 at 10:09 pm

Sounds like an awesome trip! I would definitely love to go there, Hawaii is a great destination for honeymoons but boasts just as much for single people. I feel like I’d have to take it one island at a time though, or there wouldn’t be enough time to see everything there!

10/16/2016 at 1:26 am

Yeah definitely give the islands their time! I wish I’d had longer but then again I almost always do.

Lauren Will says

10/15/2016 at 7:23 pm

What a great guide! Maui is so much fun…. HumaHuma is one of my fave spots!!! The spa at The Grand Wailea is incredible as well 🙂

10/16/2016 at 1:01 am

I heard the spa is amazing! I’m not usually a spa person because I want to be outside exploring but if I’d had more time there I think I would have had to check it out.

Dave Briggs says

10/19/2016 at 1:12 am

Fantastic things to do on the island. Glad to find that you’ve found it completely safe. The snorkeling bit is appealing to the adventurer in me tremendously! And trekking to that incredible jungle would be perfect as well!

10/20/2016 at 1:12 am

Tons of great snorkeling in Maui and Hawaii in general!

10/28/2016 at 2:32 pm

Great tips! My first trip to Hawaii I spent six weeks there solo and loved every minute. There are some great hostels on Maui in particular including Banana Bungalow and Aloha Surf Hostel which include free tours every day. It’s an awesome way to meet other travelers and also to cut costs as you won’t need a car rental (which can add up when you don’t have someone to split it with.) Mahalo <3

11/01/2016 at 2:35 pm

Thanks for the hostel ideas! I wouldn’t have even thought of that (which is silly, because why not?)

Carrick says

12/05/2016 at 6:31 pm

Hi Kristin!

Lovely post and beautiful photos. Maui is such a fantastic island, isn’t it? We just returned from visiting in October and we fell in love. We didn’t spend much time there, but we got up early (like, should’ve just stayed awake early) and drove up to Haleakla National {ark to catch the sunrise. It was totally worth it.

Maybe some day you can make it up there and I can take some surfing lessons!

Safe travels!

12/05/2016 at 6:51 pm

That’s something I missed that I’d wanted to do. Something to go back for!

Lisa Williams says

07/24/2017 at 7:06 am

I’m thinking about heading back to Maui, solo this time. I love snorkeling but would be afraid to go it alone. Any recommendations on groups? Besides Molokini…..

07/25/2017 at 8:51 pm

I’m guessing any tour you take would be able to accommodate you.

Marirose says

08/05/2017 at 7:01 pm

This post is exactly what I was looking for! I’m thinking about doing a solo trip to Maui. Thanks so much for the tips. Even more excited for it now.

How long did you stay there? I have 10-11 days to plan for. Considering island hopping. Would this be something you’d recommend, or do you think there’s enough to do on the island for 10 days?

08/06/2017 at 6:53 pm

I was in Hawaii for the same amount of time and also visited Molokai https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/off-the-beaten-path-hawaii-molokai/ and Lanai: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/lanai-hawaii-activities/

Loved that mix but wished for more time. Who doesn’t want more time in Hawaii?

01/23/2018 at 7:08 pm

How long did you go to Hawaii for? I am looking at going during Easter break.

01/24/2018 at 4:22 am

It was 10 full days between Maui, Lanai, and Molokai.

Silvia says

03/12/2018 at 4:53 am

Hi! Thanks for all the tips and inspirations 🙂 I was wondering though if it’s impossible to visit Hawaii without renting a car: since I’ll be by myself, it will be quite expensive renting one all alone :-/ Many thanks in advance! Silvia

03/14/2018 at 2:25 am

There’s a bus system and lots of people hitchhike. I actually picked up a couple of hitchhikers myself!

Serena Belluschi says

04/26/2018 at 9:32 am

Hi!, did you rent a car on your own? did you manage to find someone to share with? I am planning to do solo trip to maui but not sure on which side of the island to stay. The cheapest is hostels in Kahului or paia but then I have to go around from there!

04/27/2018 at 9:11 am

I rented it on my own. I did give rides to people but they were hitchhikers so I didn’t ask for money or anything like that. It’s an expense for sure but the good news is you don’t need the Jeep they’ll try to upsell you. Just get the cheap car!

Stephanie says

05/22/2018 at 5:06 am

I’m will traveling to Hawaii in Oct. and for the first week I will be with a friend in Oahu and the second week I will be by myself. I would like to go to another island, but wasn’t sure which one would be the best for a female traveling alone. I came across you blog and I have read everything you posted about Hawaii, and found it to be interesting. Is there an island that you would recommend over the others? I was thinking of going to Maui. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

05/22/2018 at 7:09 am

I love them all for different reasons. Lanai and Molokai are both tons of fun too but you’ll spend more time solo there, I imagine. Maui will have lots of other people as would Kauai. The big island is super adventurous and fun as well but, well, bigger. I’d base it on how much you’d like to be alone and what kind of scenery speaks to you the most. They’re all different!

Eleasabeth says

09/03/2018 at 3:16 am

I also spent a really good time there during my last summer holidays and came back with a lot of pleasant memories.

Micaela says

12/03/2018 at 10:34 am

Were you able to capture your ‘selfies’ alone or did you typically ask other travelers, etc?

12/04/2018 at 1:29 am

I took all of them alone: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/how-to-take-travel-selfies/

01/31/2019 at 4:02 pm

After visiting the island a few times with family, I now want to travel their alone Great reading your article.

I would like to know more about your assignment and how you partnered with the Hawaiian tourism board. I myself am a professional wedding photographer who travels on off seasons.

02/01/2019 at 7:38 am

They contacted me to help them promote Hawaii to my audience. I think they were particularly interested in that part of it.

10/05/2019 at 1:44 pm

was this an expensive trip including hotels, foods, travel?

10/05/2019 at 2:08 pm

You can make it cheaper by camping and eating at food trucks, or more expensive depending on the car – which doesn’t need to be a Jeep even if they try to sell you on an upgrade – so you have options on a budget!

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The Best Hotels in Kauai

Stay at these editor-loved properties and T+L award winners in sunny Hawaii.

Alesandra Dubin is an LA-based lifestyle writer and editor. As a veteran digital journalist, she's covered travel, food, parenting, and more for over 15 years. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and countless other online and print outlets. An avid traveler, she often trots the globe with her husband and their twins. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @alicedubin. Alesandra holds a master's degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

The Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort

Nicknamed the “Garden Isle,” Kauai is beloved for its 550 square miles of lush tropical vegetation and pristine beaches; its wild terrain made it an apt filming location for the likes of “Lord of the Flies,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” and the Jurassic Park franchise. While still beautiful and rustic, more recently Kauai has seen a rise in posh new hotels, including the stunning 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay.

Ready to plan your next trip to Kauai? Read on to discover the best hotels and resorts in the region, from opulent five-star lodgings to budget-friendlier rooms, plus plenty of choices for residential-style stays with room for larger groups. As a travel journalist who has explored all over Hawaii for work and leisure many times over the last 15 years, I curated this list with expert recommendations from Travel + Leisure editors, contributors, and readers, along with winners from our World’s Best Awards .

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

Also available to book at Expedia.com

This expansive resort is packed with amenities for families, including a pool with the longest resort waterslide in the state.

Expect to do some walking at this spread-out resort, as it’s situated on 50 acres.

Located on the South Shore, this resort sprawls over 50 acres, offering lush gardens and pools that are the stuff of dreams for families: one is tricked out with four waterslides — including the longest resort waterslide in Hawaii at 150 feet. (Fear not, child-free travelers: there’s also a quiet adults-only pool.)

Additionally, there’s a 1.5-acre saltwater lagoon that offers a sandy beach complete with swim-out islands. On-site are championship golf and the full-service Anara Spa, a grand 45,000-square-foot space that includes a 24-hour fitness center, open-air yoga studio, and dry and steam saunas. Tidepools restaurant offers fine dining under thatched-roof bungalows perched above a koi-filled lagoon at the base of a waterfall.

The Details: 

• Location: Koloa
• Distance From Airport: 16 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible guest rooms, restaurants, swimming pool
• Loyalty Programs: World of Hyatt
• Parking: Self-parking included in the resort fee, or valet parking for $40 per day
• Resort Fee: Yes
• Rates: From $960 per night

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

This is the island’s posh new addition, with a focus on wellness and a next-level spa and fitness center.

Be prepared to splash out for rooms here, with starting rates in the four figures.

Opened in 2023 on the site of the former St. Regis Princeville, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is an ultra-posh new entry onto Kauai’s hotel scene. The North Shore property situated on a legendary beach is all about biophilic design principles, with natural landscapes woven through low-impact structures that blend seamlessly into their cliffside environment. Streams and gardens dot the property, where there are 252 airy rooms, including 51 suites.

The 18,000-square-foot Bamford Wellness Spa includes cryotherapy and hyperbaric chambers, infrared saunas with halotherapy, ice baths, a meditation pod, and a salt pod flotation chamber. And the 10,000 square-foot Anatomy fitness center is an open-air oceanfront environment with indoor and outdoor yoga spaces. Among the many dining options is the signature 1 Kitchen, with a plant-driven menu and one of the island’s largest wine lists.

• Distance From Airport: 29 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible rooms, restaurants, bars, and restrooms, braille signage, plus an all-terrain beach wheelchair available for guests who need it.
• Loyalty Programs: Mission by 1 Hotels
• Parking: Valet with $50 charge plus tax per night
• Resort Fee: No
• Rates: From $1,200 per night

“When it comes to setting, this was one of the most stunning hotels I've stayed in. You can't beat its position on beautiful Hanalei Bay, overlooking Makana Mountain and the start of the Na Pali Coast. It's a wellness-focused hotel, and the spa, gym, and wellness programming are top notch. (But that doesn't mean you can't indulge in some Mai Tais; we even learned a recipe we now use at home.) 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is extremely romantic — you'll wake up to rainbows most mornings — and it's where my fiancé and I chose to celebrate our engagement. Still, I think it could be just as ideal for a girls' getaway.”

–Nina Ruggiero, Senior Editorial Director

Ko’a Kea Resort on Po’ipu Beach

The Meritage Collection

Also available to book at Hotels.com

This resort offers the island’s closest hotel accommodations to the water, sitting on stunning Poipu Beach.

The pool is on the smaller side, and the restaurant closes early.

Located on the sunny South Shore, this 121-room boutique resort with unobstructed views sits on Poipu Beach, a stretch of golden sand and sea known for top-notch snorkeling, diving, and surfing. Rooms and suites were renovated in 2022, and all feature balconies or private lanais. The resort offers direct beach access; it’s the closest resort to the beach on the island.

On-site is the full-service restaurant, Red Salt, now offering the weekly dinner Pa’ina series that gathers 14 guests at a time for a golden-hour meal with chef Noelani Planas. The property now also offers cabana dinners: six-course meals in an oceanfront cabana with front-row seats of Poipu Beach. There’s also a poolside bar and grill featuring Hawaiian dishes, plus a full-service spa with five treatment rooms, a couples suite, and two outdoor spa cabanas. The property also features an expansive oceanfront lawn and fire pits. In partnership with Envoy, you can reserve a private Tesla during your stay to explore the island. Ko’a Kea earned a place on our World’s Best Awards list in 2023.

• Distance From Airport: 15 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible rooms available.
• Loyalty Programs: Stay Golden
• Parking: Yes, $35 per night plus tax per vehicle
• Rates: From $494 per night

Timbers Kauai – Ocean Club & Residences

Timbers Kauai at Hokuala

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

Residential-style accommodations all have multiple bedrooms, lanais, and sea views.

A convenient location near the airport also means airplane noise under the flight path.

This property occupies prime oceanfront location within the 450-acre Hōkūala resort, and is surrounded by idyllic walking and biking trails. The two- to four-bedroom residences and townhomes each offer at least three private lanais as well as ocean views. Here, there is the Jack Nicklaus Ocean Course, two-tiered infinity pool, fitness center with group classes, lagoons, beach access, and oceanfront dining. There’s also a kids club available. Timbers scored a spot in our World’s Best Awards in 2022.

• Location: Lihue
• Distance From Airport: 3 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible parking, rooms, and elevator for upper floors.
• Parking: Free valet parking
• Rates: From $1,895 per night

The Lodge at Kukui’ula

Greogry Blore / The Lodge at Kukui'ula

This property offers a wide range of lodging sizes and full access to the suite of amenities offered by the Club at Kukui'ula — golf, spa, dining, pools, tennis, and more.

Services here are focused more on club members than hotel guests.

Located on the sunny South Shore, this resort community offers exclusive access to The Club at Kukui'ula through its home rentals. Luxury residential accommodations located at the entrance to the club offer indoor-outdoor island living, with options for cottages, bungalows, and villas, offering one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom options. Each spacious home has a gourmet kitchen, dining area, roomy lanai, and private outdoor garden showers. They’re all walking distance from the club and its services.

The Details:

• Distance From Airport: 11 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible rooms and common areas
• Parking: Yes, included with resort fee

Kauai Shores

This hotel offers an uncommonly budget-friendly option, with high value for the price and bike rentals included with the resort fee.

While colorful and cheerful, rooms may feel dated.

This hotel offers a knockout beachfront location, offering guests direct access to the peaceful Royal Coconut Coast. Although the hotel is far more budget-friendly than most on our list, its rooms are well maintained with retro-inspired design tinges, and feature modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and open-air lanais. The large windows offer views of the lush tropical gardens, pool, mountains, and sea. Complete the experience with beachside yoga and dining at Lava Lava Beach Club. Bike rentals are included with the resort fee.

• Location: Kapa’a
• Distance From Airport: 7 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible rooms, common areas, signage, on-site parking, registration desk, trained staff
• Rates: From $238 per night

The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas

The largest villa accommodations here sleep eight adults with residential-style amenities.

The cliffside location means no direct beach access.

This family-friendly cliffside vacation ownership resort is near Anini Beach and a short drive from Hanalei Bay. Dining options include the Princeville Bistro or Nanea Bar & Grill. There’s a 24-hour fitness studio as well as outdoor pools overlooking the ocean. Each residential-style villa here includes a furnished lanai, living and dining areas, a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, and sofa bed, so they’re ideal for groups traveling together. Floorplans range from studio accommodations to two bedrooms up to 1,300-plus square feet, with room for as many as eight adults.

• Location: Princeville
• Distance From Airport: 25 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible guest rooms, on-site parking, elevators, and swimming pools. Service animals welcome.
• Loyalty Programs: Marriott Bonvoy
• Parking: Yes, $25 per day
• Rates: From $438 per night

Marriott Kauai Lagoons - Kalanipu’u

This property offers lodgings in two- and three-bedroom villas, so it’s perfect for group or family travel.

Given the residential format, there isn’t a full suite of amenities on-site; there are no food or beverage outlets.

Marriott's Kauai Lagoons overlooks the deep blue sea surrounded by sparkling lagoons and beautiful coastline along the east shore. The property offers spacious villa vacation rentals, just right for groups or multigenerational family travel. There’s a two-level pool, whirlpool spa, and fitness center offering group fitness classes. Two- or three-bedroom vacation rentals have ocean views, separate living spaces, sofa beds, and full kitchens plus spacious balconies. From the resort, it’s easy to access nearby island attractions such as Fern Grotto, Huleia National Wildlife Refuge, and Opaeka'a Falls.

• Distance From Airport: Less than one mile
• Accessibility: Accessible on-site parking, elevators, and swimming pools. Service animals welcome.
• Parking: Yes at $25 per day
• Rates: From $577 per night

Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort

The hotel is conveniently located near the airport and close to drug and grocery stores, which is particularly useful for families traveling with kids.

The rocky beach doesn’t make for ideal swimming.

Located on Kauai’s eastern coast, this family-friendly resort is situated in the cute and eclectic town of Kapa'a, and is centrally located with easy access to the airport and nearby adventures (such as Smith's Tropical Paradise, and Wailua Falls), with 360-degree views of the island's natural beauty. The property features an infinity pool with separate sides for children and adults. Plus, there’s on-site dining at The Crooked Surf, Moa Moa, and Luau Ka Hikina. Rooms boast mini fridges and private lanais.

• Accessibility: Accessible on-site parking, elevators, rooms, service animals welcome
• Parking: Free on-site parking or valet is available for $20 per day
• Rates: From $382 per night

Paul Dyer / The Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort

This resort has an enormous all-ages-friendly pool, an accessible starting price point, and is conveniently located near the airport.

Hospitality and housekeeping services may be spotty.

This beachfront resort is conveniently located merely two miles from Lihue Airport, so it’s easy to get situated and start enjoying your trip right away. Rooms feature views of the ocean, gardens, or pool. On-site are four restaurants, a spa, salon, and fitness center, and the largest one-level pool in Hawaii: a sweeping round blue expanse in the center of the property with the hotel buildings arranged around it. The property offers direct access to Kalapaki Beach, and is situated near nature reserves including Kalepa Mountain Forest Reserve and the Ahukini Recreation Pier State Park.

• Distance From Airport: 2 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible rooms, signage, spa, pool, and more
• Loyalty Programs: Sonesta Travel Pass
• Parking: Yes, $30 self-parking or $40 valet per night
• Rates: From $319 per night

Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection

This resort offers some of the largest accommodations on the island, with villas up to four bedrooms. It also has a great pool complex.

This is not a beachfront property.

Situated on 25 acres of lush grounds, this property offers studios, one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom villas ranging from 500 to 3,600 square feet. Studios have kitchenettes and full-size washer/dryers and the villas have full kitchens and private bathrooms for every bedroom. One of the largest single-level pools on Kauai, the main pool here comprises 350,000 gallons of water and features waterslides, an infinity edge, swim-through waterfalls and grotto, a kids’ splash pad, dancing water fountains, and more.

There’s also the Lagoon pool with an island, lagoon, basketball hoop, and fire pits. A smaller pool with waterfalls is for adults only. On property are the full-service Spa at Koloa Landing; the couple’s treatment rooms have a private lanai, rainfall shower heads and the island’s only Japanese Ofuro soaking tub. The hotel is just a short walk from the Shops at Kukui’ula Village.

• Distance From Airport: 14 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible parking, elevators, pool, restaurants, rooms, and more. Service animals welcome.
• Parking: Yes, complimentary on-site self and valet parking.
• Rates: From $634 per night

Know Before You Go

Consider renting a car.

Kauai is one of the more remote Hawaiian islands, so the easiest way to get around is with your own car. Rideshare and taxis work too, but they can be expensive and not as plentiful as on the mainland. Some hotels run shuttles on a schedule, and there is also a public bus system.

Understand the different regions of Kauai before booking accommodations

Different regions of Kauai offer different experiences, so take this into account before booking and consider splitting your time between several accommodations if you want a varied experience. The main regions with accommodations are the North Shore (Princeville, Hanalei), east coast (more densely populated), and South Shore (home to family-friendly beaches and more affordable vacation lodgings).

Expect precipitation

Kauai is generally warm and tropical year round, with substantial rain. The dry season runs from April to October, and the months between November and March are considered the wet months. December and January — popular months for travel from the mainland — see the most rain.

How We Chose These Hotels

Alesandra Dubin is a travel and lifestyle journalist who has visited Hawaii for work and leisure many times over the last 15 years (most recently getting stuck in the state in January for days after the grounding of Alaska Airlines’ 737 Max 9 fleet). The hotels on this list were chosen based on her expertise and research as well as the firsthand accounts of Travel + Leisure editors and other contributors. Several of these hotels have also been voted into their respective categories in the World’s Best Awards by T+L readers. All of our hotel recommendations also align with our T+L Hotel Values .

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Solo Trip to Hawaii | 2024 Hawaii Travel Guide for Solo Travelers

Hawaii is an absolutely gorgeous location to travel to that should be on every solo traveler’s bucket list! It draws people looking for life-changing trips, and there is so much to do and see here, from enjoying the beautiful ocean with a surf lesson or snorkeling and exploring its underwater world, to exploring the great outdoors on land in its stunning national parks. The islands are not only stunning but also very important historically and culturally.

Hawaii is a very safe place to travel alone, and although there is hardly any crime, you should still always be cautious when on a solo trip. You are bound to meet tons of new people since the locals are known for being kind and welcoming.

Are you ready to get out of your comfort zone and take a trip on your own? Read on for our complete guide to traveling to Hawaii solo!

Hawaii Entry Requirements for Canadians 

One of the following documents must be presented by Canadian citizens flying to Hawaii:

• a passport that must be valid for their entire stay
• a current NEXUS card that can be utilized at self-serve kiosks at specific airports

COVID-19 Requirements for Hawaii

To enter the United States, Canadians who qualify for the COVID-19 vaccine must be vaccinated.

There is no longer a requirement to present recovery from COVID-19 documentation or negative pre-departure COVID-19 test results.

Best Time to Visit Hawaii Solo

It is hard to pass up visiting Hawaii during this time of year! The summer season starts in May and goes until October. The hottest months have weather that is perfect for the beach, with highs around 28-30°C and lows of only around 20°C.

Cold Season

The winter months in Hawaii are from November to April. The rainy season that occurs from December to March doesn’t stop visitors looking for a winter getaway – it’s actually the peak travel season! During the winter season you’ll experience temperatures around 23-24°C. Average precipitation is high, especially in December. To avoid the rain, vacation on the west and south coasts, which tend to be drier. But on the Hawaiian Islands, rain showers are very brief and don’t last days or even hours, so it’s still a wonderful time to visit Hawaii!

Best Time to Visit Hawaii – Our Recommendation

We think a great time to visit Hawaii is between September and November, or between April and June!

During these times, the weather is pleasant, and travelers can get great deals on airfare and accommodation. It’s best to get your vacation in early, before school breaks start, especially if you’re hoping for fewer people around the popular sites!

Getting Around in Hawaii

Hawaii car rentals.

Public Transportation is truly lacking on the Hawaiian islands and you don’t want to rely on it to get around. The best way to get to where you want to go on a solo trip to Hawaii is to rent a car.

Tier One Tip: reserve your rental car sooner rather than later to make sure you get a decent price, as rental cars can get very pricey in Hawaii.

Island Hopping in Hawaii

You can travel between the islands of Hawaii by using one of three airlines: Mokulele, Hawaiian, or Southwest.

Hawaiian Airlines operates interisland flights to:

• Honolulu International Airport on Oahu.
• Kahului Airport on Maui.
• Lihue Airport on Kauai.
• Kona and Hilo airports on the Big Island.

How Long To Stay in Hawaii on a Solo Trip

On one of the larger Hawaiian islands, you might easily stay two or three weeks in Hawaii as a solo traveler and never get bored. You may, however, have to give up some of your plans on your first island if you decide to add a second or multiple islands.

Our advice: take your time researching and choosing the best Hawaiian Island that will fit your travel needs best. Since you’re traveling solo, what you do is up to nobody else but YOU!

Or, if you’d like to talk to someone who had been to Hawaii before and can advise you on which island(s) are best for you as a solo traveler, contact your Tier One Travel Specialist .

Things To Do in Hawaii as a Solo Traveler

Here are some of the best destinations over six of Hawaii’s most popular islands for solo travelers.

Hawaii: The Big Island

The Big Island of Hawaii is a whopping 4,000 square miles, and still growing!

This is the youngest of all of the Hawaiian Islands, and larger than the other seven major Hawaiian Islands put together. And fortunately, with that larger size comes great geographical diversity. 

Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

You can choose to explore the summit of an active volcano at the UNESCO Heritage Site, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Visit remnants of old fishing villages, listen to native birds sing in the rain forests, or stroll the shoreline of black sand beaches and even see lava falling into the ocean. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, contains two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Maunaloa and Kilauea. This is an incredible spot to explore while traveling solo if you want to experience the best of Hawaiian nature.

Stargazing on the Big Island

One of the best activities to do on the Big Island is stargazing. Did you know that you can see most of the stars visible from the earth from the Big Island of Hawaii? Hawaii’s Big Island offers some of the most incredible stargazing experiences on the planet; in fact, Mauna Kea is home to the world’s biggest research observatory. Join a knowledgeable guide for a narrated tour of our beautiful solar system. This is an incredible activity to do solo since you’ll be able to stay and stare at the stars for as long as you want.

Helicopter Tours

The Big Island of Hawaii has a very diverse climate, with waterfalls thousands of feet high, green rainforests, snow-capped mountains, and Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano,  explore the Waipi‘o Valley all on an incredible helicopter tour to see Hawaii from a different point of view. This is a great option when you’re traveling alone, this is also a great way to meet other travelers since you are usually with other people on these tours.

Go For A Drive

The Hāmākua Heritage Corridor scenic drive is known for its miles of water-carved gulches, lush green valleys, massive cascading waterfalls, and gorgeous seaside views. Having the freedom to drive wherever you want on the island is a big perk to solo travel in Hawaii.

Swim with Manta Rays

One of the most magical experiences you can have on Hawaii Island is swimming with the manta rays, which are elegant and harmless sea creatures with wingspans of up to 16 feet! Hop on a snorkeling tour where you’re likely to see a lot more wildlife than just Manta Rays. This is another great way to meet other travelers, while on a snorkelling tour.

Oahu is full of tropical aromas and perfect temperatures, the turquoise ocean, schools of colorful fish, green rainforest, lush scenery, and nearly endless things to do. Solo travelers will always feel welcome in Oahu!

Honolulu, The Capital City

You can find everything in Hawaii’s capital city, from great dining to world-class shopping. There is so much to see and do in this incredible city, from relaxing on the famous Waikīkī Beach, exploring Iolani Palace, wandering museums, and much more. Which makes it a perfect place for solo travelers to spend a day!

Surfing in Oahu

With endless golden beaches, inviting blue waves and lovely weather, you can play in the water all year round on Oahu.

If you’ve always dreamed of hanging ten on a longboard, Waikiki Beach is the perfect place to take your first surfing lesson (another great way to meet other travelers)! The world’s best and boldest surfers can be seen performing in Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu which is renowned for its 30-foot waves in the winter. Summertime brings about a significant calming of the water, making it a wonderful place to go swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

Snorkeling in Oahu

Beyond surfing, you can explore the clear blue ocean along 112 miles of coastline, making snorkeling a top activity on Oahu.

 For some of Oahu’s best snorkeling beaches, we recommend: 

• Hanauma Bay, for its high fish population
• Kuilima Cove, for its perfect beginner snorkeling conditions
• Kahe Point, for its clear deep water
• Kaena Point State Park, for its quiet, beautiful sand beach further away from the city
• Sharks Cove, for its wonderful blue water and tropical fish. 

Tier One Tip:  If you choose to snorkel solo, make sure to take every precaution to stay safe. Don’t snorkel if the water is rough or if there aren’t many people around. Go on a group snorkeling tour if you aren’t confident about going on your own.

Whale Watching

This is a must for solo travelers who love wildlife. While on a sunset cruise or sailing excursion, you might spot a humpback breach during whale-watching season (December through May).

These gentle giants come to the warm Hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves, making Oahu a perfect place to experience these beautiful creatures. You can also spot whales from Oahu’s many beaches and from southeastern Oahu spots like the scenic Makapuu Lighthouse, Hanauma Bay, and Diamond Head.  

See Oahu from a different point of view! If you’ve always wanted to feel the rush of skydiving, there’s no better place to do it than on Oahu’s North Shore. Fly above the clouds and fall through the Hawaiian skies at 120mph, taking in panoramic views of Oahu’s green mountains and deep blue waters that few have ever seen. Skydiving is definitely an experience you will always remember; perfect for the truly adventurous solo traveler!

Oahu Helicopter Tours

Oahu’s pleasant, year-round weather is perfect for helicopter tours. Experience breathtaking sights and stunning vistas as you fly around the islands, soaring over the turquoise waters, you’ll venture around Diamond Head’s crater, fly past white sand beaches, and glimpse landmarks only visible by air such as Sacred Falls. 

Oahu Hiking 

Oahu’s diverse tropical terrain, unmatched ocean views, and wide range of activities will easily bring out your adventurous side! Don’t forget to be well prepared while going hiking especially when you’re by yourself. Bring enough water and snacks, wear proper shoes, etc.

Here are some of the most popular treks on the island:  

Diamond Head 

Hike to the top of the iconic volcanic crater Leahi (Diamond Head)/the Diamond Head State Monument for a panoramic view of Waikiki. The views you’ll take in from the top viewing platform are not only beautiful but are also recorded as the longest land views you’ll see in the world! 

Waimea Falls Park

Waimea Falls Park is one of the great Oahu hikes/strolls for lovers of the outdoors! Walk along a flat road that is surrounded by botanical gardens, which will keep you entertained until you reach the stunning 50 ft, Waimea Falls. 

The Manoa Falls Trail

This Oahu hiking trail is located above Waikiki in the Manoa Valley mountainside.  The Manoa Falls Trail is a somewhat easy but still adventurous hike through a lush bamboo and guava tree forest, so it’s perfect for those traveling solo. The prize at the end of this hour-long hike is a towering 150 ft waterfall. Set your expectations high for this hike! 

Kaniakapupu Ruins 

Kaniakapupu Ruins, Located in the Nu’uanu Valley off the Pali Hwy are the remains of King Kamehameha III’s summer home, originally built in 1847. Today you can take a short stroll through a bamboo forest and visit the Kaniakapupu Ruins, one of the oldest standing structures on Oahu!

Oahu Golfing

Play golf well into the evening on a long Hawaiian summer day. What better place to tee off than surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges and the Pacific Ocean? Don’t let the crashing waves distract you; these gorgeous courses are fun yet challenging and a great solo activity. Plus, you’re sure to make likeminded friends while playing a round!

Here are some Oahu golf courses that we recommend:

Turtle Bay Golf Club

On the North Shore is the Turtle Bay Golf Club. The Palmer Course is consistently regarded as the best course on Oahu and among the very best on all the islands! This course at Turtle Bay is an absolute must-play during your visit to the area.

Royal Hawaiian Golf Club

On the Windward Coast is the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club. Nestled between the majestic Mount Olomana and Ko’olau Mountains, this course is an awe-inspiring experience with Oahu’s most stunning views. 

Hawai‘i Prince Golf Club

The Leeward Coast is home to the Hawai‘i Prince Golf Club. This Golf Club offers 27 dramatic holes, the only golf course of its kind in Hawaii. 

Ko Olina Golf Club

Also on the Leeward coast is the Ko Olina Golf Club, listed as one of Golf Digest’s “Top 75 Resort Courses in the U.S.” It is a challenging 18-hole course, but there are also golf lessons and daily clinics available with top PGA professionals! 

Polynesian Cultural Center

Solo travelers who love learning about new cultures will love spending the day exploring the rich heritage of the Pacific Islands at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Wander through tropical scenes and explore authentic villages and mingle with locals that are part of six Pacific cultures. Enjoy the adventure of traditional hands-on activities, play ancient games, dance, learn how to fish without a net, and sample poi. Dine like royalty at an authentic Polynesian luau and top it off with the most fabulous evening show on the islands. This is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture!

Pearl Harbor

At Pearl Harbor, hear first-hand stories from survivors describing the chaotic scene on Battleship Row. Walk through an airplane hangar that still bears the scars from that fateful morning. Peer into the shallow harbor where the USS Arizona Memorial is located where you can still see the sunken structure. Visiting Pearl Harbor is an experience that will be etched into your soul forever and will offer you a new perspective on World War II. Solo travelers who love history should definitely put this on their Hawaii bucket list!

Immerse yourself for a part or more of the day in five historic sites that comprise Pearl Harbor today: the WWII Valor in the Pacific, Battleship Missouri Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, USS Oklahoma Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. 

Maui is the second-largest Hawaiian island and it, too is full of exciting contrasts— think luxury resorts set against white-sand beaches, and charming small towns tucked against country roads that wind along the coast. Solo travelers will love a visit to Maui!

Maui Travel Update: Due to the wildfires that started on August 8, 2023, all unnecessary travel to West Maui (including Lahaina, Napili, Kaanapali, and Kapalua) is highly advised against until October 17, 2023. The other Hawaiian Islands, such as Kauai, Oahu, Lanai, and Hawai’i Island, as well as other parts of Maui (such as Kahului, Wailuku, Kihei, Wailea, Makena, and Hana), are still open. We ask all visitors to the islands to exercise extra caution and respect as the community recovers from this tragedy. Find the official travel advisory here .

Visit The Haleakalā National Park

The remote and sacred Haleakalā National Park offers a taste of history and adventure. The finest place to view what may be the most breathtaking sunrise on earth is at the Haleakalā Visitor Center. Witness the sun rise from beneath a vast sea of clouds. Haleakalā’s sunsets and the starry skies visible at night are possibly equally magnificent! This is perfect for solo travelers willing to make the journey to enjoy a moment of tranquility while enjoying the gorgeous views.

Explore Lahaina

The journey is worthwhile for this colorful and beautiful village. The city’s main activities include visiting various boutiques and gift shops. There are also fashion stores with famous names like Coach and Michael Kors. There are also markets on the weekends at Lahaina Harbour under the large banyan tree. This is a great spot for solo travelers who love to shop!

The Road to Hana

The greatest attraction on Maui without a doubt is the picturesque Road to Hana. The main draw of traveling the Hana Highway on Maui is the journey itself, not the final destination. There aren’t many words that can explain the breathtaking splendor of this drive, with its cliffs covered in lush, green valleys teeming with waterfalls. This drive can be challenging and sometimes stressful! There are many options available to get someone to do the driving for you if you don’t want to do the drive alone.

Explore West Maui

West Maui offers equal parts adventure and relaxation with its abundant sunshine, shopping, world-class golf, and scenic drives along the West Maui mountains. There’s so much to do in this area for solo travelers, from snorkeling in colorful reefs or teeing off on a championship green to exploring the shops and galleries of a historic whaling town or enjoying a five-star feast at one of West Maui’s stellar restaurants.

Tour East Maui

Powerful surf, lush rainforest, and waterfalls that pour straight onto the road are just some of the highlights you can see while in East Maui. Streams rush down the forested side of Haleakalā into glistening pools, waves wash up onto jet-black volcanic beaches, and vines dangle over the winding highway. Maui’s rural North Shore and East Side are full of gorgeous, natural landscapes that you will want to photograph around each and every bend. Outdoorsy solo travelers will love exploring east Maui. 

Kauai is Hawaii’s fourth largest island that is nicknamed the “Garden Island” for good reason! This is the oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain that is covered in many beautiful landscape elements such as emerald valleys, mountain spires and jagged cliffs, tropical rainforests, and flowing waterfalls. Although Kauai’s hiking is beautiful, as a solo traveler you might want to avoid it if you don’t want to encounter honeymooners or couples. But if you’re okay with running into some couples, this could be a great destination for adventurous solo travelers.

Visit Waimea Canyon

Waimea Canyon, on Kauai’s West Side, is described as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Although it is not as big or as old as the actual Grand Canyon, you won’t encounter anything like this geological wonder elsewhere in Hawaii. The Waimea Canyon Lookout provides panoramic views of wild foliage, tropical cliffs, green-and-pink scenery, captivating waterfalls, and striking rainbows. One of the most popular things to do at the canyon is to explore its hiking trails! Experience the natural splendor of Kauai’s Waimea Canyon on a guided tour, learn about the fascinating geologic history of the canyon and stop at several vista points along the way for great photos. 

Visit the historic island town of Hanapepe and see highlights of the southern coast, including the Koloa Sugar Mill, Spouting Horn blowhole, and the luxurious beach resorts of Poipu. You can also shop at the westernmost bookstore in the USA at the Talk Story Bookstore.

See Kokee State Park

Located North of Waimea Canyon on Kauai’s West Side is Kokee State Park. This state park is covered in forest, wildflowers, and hiking trails, making it an excellent spot to see native plants and colorful Hawaiian forest birds like the apapane, iwi and moa. The park also offers some of the state’s finest hiking trails. Some trails lead to views of Waimea Canyon, others wind through wet forests with sweeping views of valleys opening to the North Shore.

Explore The Napali Coast

Spanning 17 miles along Kauai’s North Shore, the Napali Coast is a sacred place known for its extraordinary natural beauty. Emerald cliffs with sharp ridges tower above the Pacific Ocean, exposing beautiful beaches and waterfalls that fall to the valley floor. The rugged terrain appears the same as it did centuries ago when Hawaiian settlements thrived in the deep, narrow valleys.

Tier One Tip: The Na Pali Coast is only accessible from May through September because of high winter surf and weather conditions.

There are many ways to experience the Napali Coast as a solo traveler – let’s explore some of them!

Hiking is a must along the Napali Coast. There are numerous trails to explore, but the most famous hike on Kauai is the challenging 11-mile Kalalau trail along the Napali Coast. Beginning at the end of the road at Kee Beach, most people hike in and stay at least one night before returning. Others limit their hike to the first two miles, which leads to Hanakapiai Beach. Whichever you choose, you’ll be treated to amazing views of Kauai’s North Shore.

Take a Flying Tour Over Kauai

All of these options are amazing, but aerial tours might be the best way to grasp the magnitude of the Napali Coast. Soar over Kauai on an aerial adventure with a local helicopter company. You’ll get a front-row seat to scenic areas that are largely inaccessible by land or water, such as the iconic Manawaiopuna Falls, which was featured in Jurassic Park.

Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse

Perched at the northernmost tip of Kauai, the 52-foot Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse was built in 1913 as a beacon for traveling ships. Although its light was turned off in the 1970s, it still serves as one of the island’s most visited attractions.  The lighthouse is located within the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary for seabirds. This picturesque peninsula is a must-see on your visit to the Napali Coast!

Visit the Kilohana Estate

Solo travelers interested in history should visit Kilohana, a restored plantation estate that provides a glimpse of life in the 1930s. The site of a Tudor mansion, the estate was home to one of the island’s most famous families. Manicured green lawns surround the estate, which now features a restaurant and several unique shops like the Koloa Rum Company. Once the center of a 27,000-acre sugar plantation and the hub of Kauai business, cultural and social life, the 35-acre estate now features tropical gardens and an old plantation village. The classic Kauai Plantation Railway gives you a tour of Kilohana’s working farm. 

Water Activities

Solo travelers who want to get into the water will love these watersports. They’re also great for going on tours and meeting some new people and potentially, other solo travelers!

Experience the wild beauty of Kauai’s breathtaking Napali Coast on a sailing and snorkeling cruise where you can see an unbelievable perspective of soaring emerald sea cliffs, sparkling waterfalls, and remote beaches, all from the deck of a lavish catamaran! 

Kauai Snorkeling

On the North Shore, fantastic shoreline snorkeling beaches include the reefs off of Kee Beach and Haena Beach Park. Anini Beach offers a lagoon great for beginning snorkelers. Makua, or “Tunnels” Beach in Haena also has a wide reef area that’s a great one to experience. Be sure to check ocean conditions and currents prior to going out, especially during the big north shore swells of the winter.

On the East Side, Lydgate Beach Park offers a safe snorkeling lagoon which is great for solo snorkelers who are just starting out.

On the South Shore, Poipu Beach State Park offers amazing, protected areas for snorkelers.

Scuba Diving

Kauai also offers a variety of scuba sites for beginners and experienced divers. Dive tours offer plenty of tropical fish, reef creatures, dolphins, and honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles) to discover. Experienced divers will generally find more thrilling spots on the east and west shores, including cave exploration and lava tubes.

Whether you are certified in diving or not you will be able to have an amazing underwater experience.

Those new to scuba should start on the north or south shores (Hanalei, Kee Beach, or Poipu Beach). 

Kauai whale-watching tours are a must-do in Hawaii! From December to May, you are likely to catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola, or humpback whale, off Kauai’s shorelines. 

You can also spot whales from Kauai’s many beautiful beaches, including Poipu Beach on the South Shore, and from scenic spots like Kilauea Lighthouse and the Napali Coast’s Kalalau Trail on the North Shore. On the East Side, the Kapaa Overlook between Kapaa Town and Kealia Beach is another notable viewing spot. So, keep your eyes peeled, you never know when you will see these gentle giants

Kauai Paddle Boarding

Similar to surfing but using a longer, wider board, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) has become an increasingly popular water activity over the past several years. On the island of Kauai, you’ll often find paddlers on the sparkling blue waters of Hanalei Bay, Poipu Beach or Kalapaki Beach. You can easily find rental places on the islands to hook you up with gear, and often-times lessons as well, if you’re new to the sport!

Kauai Kayaking

Kauai is home to the only passable rivers in Hawaii, so kayaking is an essential part of a unique Kauai getaway. You can relax and take in the scenery as you paddle down the Wailua River which passes through lush, jungle landscapes along with the island’s East Side. Other river routes include the Huleia River from Nawiliwili Harbor in Lihue, as well as the Hanalei River on the North Shore, the longest on the island.

Consider traveling to Lana’i to soak up the seclusion and quiet that Lāna’i offers, from five-star luxury resorts to off-road adventures. This lesser-known Hawaiian island has few paved roads, and plenty of opportunities for adventure for solo travelers.

Hunt for petroglyphs, ride horses or sip cocktails while watching for dolphins in Hulopo‘e Bay. You’ll need a four-wheel drive vehicle to explore the areas beyond Lāna‘i City – which is part of the fun! Solo travelers who want to treat themselves to a luxurious vacation will love Lanai.

Hulopo‘e Beach’s golden stretch of sand is one of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches. Spend a day here, making use of the uncrowded picnic tables, barbeque grills, restrooms, and showers. The sheltered waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring tide pools. 

Hulopo‘e Bay is a protected marine reserve. You can even see Hawaiian Spinner dolphins and humpback whales here during the winter months! And Hulopo‘e Beach is just as beautiful beneath the water’s sparkling surface. Strap on a snorkel and you’ll have the chance to see parrotfish, pencil urchins, and honu (sea turtles)!

Solo travelers looking for a luxurious and secluded holiday will find that Lana’i is really the perfect destination.

Life is simple and inspiring on Moloka’i, a mere 38 miles long and 10 miles across at its widest point. This rural island is home to incredibly unique wonders — including the world’s tallest sea cliffs, and Hawaii’s longest continuous fringing reef! Visit and you’ll see how natural charm and potent history are inextricably linked on this secluded, beautiful little island. Solo travelers really looking to get away from it all will love the time they spend in Moloka’i.

Likewise, the beaches on Moloka‘i are beautiful and secluded. However, there are no lifeguards on duty on the island, so solo travelers should use caution when entering the water, especially during the winter months when the surf tends to be bigger.

From golfing to hiking, whale watching, visiting cultural centers and so much more, Moloka’i is full of opportunities and adventure and is more of an “undiscovered” Hawaiian island.

If you are looking to explore a quieter and more secluded island, Moloka’i might be perfect for you for your next solo trip!

This is only the start of all of the solo adventures available to you on the islands of Hawaii.

PLANNING ON A SOLO TRIP? We’ve got your back! When you’re ready to book your next getaway, contact one of our TierOne Travel agents. They have extensive knowledge of all current events in the travel industry and will be able to craft something incredible that is suited to your unique needs and will get you to your destination as stress-free as possible.

One call; endless experiences!

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I booked a last-minute hotel room in Hawaii with credit card rewards — it saved me nearly $700

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• During a family trip to Hawaii, I decided at the last minute to spend a few days traveling solo.
• I used credit card rewards to book a hotel room, which turned out to be easy and affordable.
• I got plenty of extra points for my next big trip by using my credit cards throughout my stay.

Last year, during a family trip to Hawaii, I decided at the last minute to venture on my own for the last leg of the vacation and book a few nights at a separate hotel in Honolulu. I debated whether to pay out of pocket or use some of my points toward the hotel room.

After poking around, I decided to book accommodations using points I had accumulated from my Capital One Venture X credit card. Booking the room was less expensive than I expected, and the process was pretty straightforward.

I booked my hotel entirely with rewards

Looking at hotel rooms in downtown Honolulu, I stumbled upon a boutique hotel a few blocks from Waikiki Beach. The total cost for three nights, including taxes and hotel fees, came out to just under $600 — not including a $100 hotel fee.

While the app allows you to partially pay for a hotel, flight, or rental card with points and the remainder using your card, I decided to book my three-night stay entirely with my travel rewards — roughly 59,000 points.

I have two Capital One cards, the Venture X and the VentureOne , and could use a combination of points from either card. I was tapped out of points on my VentureOne card, so I redeemed points from my Venture X card for the hotel room. My Venture X card had an annual credit, but I had used it on a trip to Yellowstone earlier in the year.

I saved money from hotel perks

The boutique hotel I stayed at offered several perks that I scooped up, which helped me save on my trip: free yoga mats, which came in handy during sunset yoga sessions, and free admission to several art museums on the island.

I enjoyed perusing the natural and cultural artifacts at the Bishop Museum and skipping the $34 adult entrance fee. As an added bonus, I received a complimentary tray of local snacks, such as chocolate macadamia nuts and Maui-style potato chips, which I brought home with me to give as souvenirs.

The hotel room was the only thing I spent some of my points on, as I'm hoping to save up as many points as possible for a longer international trip in the near future. I used my Venture X card to book the flights, earning me 5x miles. If I had used my card to book the hotel or car rental (we used a combination of Lyft, public transportation, and Hui, Hawaii's car share service, on the trip), I would've earned 10x miles.

I used my credit card for all other purchases during my time in Hawaii, including food, sightseeing, and shopping. Putting most of my trip expenses on my credit card netted me 2x miles, and I paid off my balance in full in the next billing cycle.

Last-minute changes happen. But instead of paying a lot more for a last-minute hotel room, I was able to use miles from my card to cover the additional cost of accommodations during my Hawaii vacation.

Watch: Marriott International's Tina Edmundson tells Insider that the travel mindset has changed since the pandemic

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