Hi guys, I managed to get the cheap return ticket to Honolulu from recent Jetstar sale.
I've never travelled alone before apart from going back to my home country and recent Asia trip. I was robbed on my last day in Indonesia.
I am wondering if this Hawaii trip is gonna be miserable and dangerous, LOL.
Is it safe to go for a hike on my own? What about staying in a backpacker hostel?
Also, should I stay in Honolulu for the entire 10 days?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated :)
Like pinkscarf, I've also travelled a lot by myself, never encountered trouble (yet) and met lots of great people along the way. Backpackers are great for that!
I do tend to avoid doing stupidly risky things like loitering in strange alleyways at night (although I'll still wander out at night, I'll just think about where I am) and, if I were you, I'd probably join up with some people I met at a hostel for hiking. I also make sure I never carry more money than I'm happy to lose, although I think that really should be a thing for male travellers as well.
Lonely Planet's thorntree forums have a board for women travellers, you might be better off taking your Hawaii specific question there.
i know it sounds cheesy but I usually try the tour bus option for half day to get the high lights and then explore the public transport system to get places I've seen and want to spend time at. Like anything common sense is your best ally and don't trust "friendly" strangers who ask too many questions. In a crowded museum in Paris a small group of us were warned about a known pickpocket who was dressed like a normal businessman and blended well with the crowd. Police on roller blades were patrolling but an experienced person can have relieved you of your stuff before you realise. If you have more than one credit card keep them separate.
Best of all just enjoy your trip :) I'm off to Singapore with my incredibly cheap ticket from Scoot next week and also going solo.
Thanks guys for the advices, I feel more positive now and looking forward to my trip. My recent experience of being robbed in my own home country made me scared of travelling alone.
I will definitely consider backpackers mainly to find companions and also to save money so I can do more shoppings in Honolulu :)
We stayed in Honolulu and found 5 days to be more than enough. We hired motorbikes one day to tour some of the island, which was enjoyable, however there isn't an awful lot outside of the main centre other than taking in the coast.
Beaches were good if this is your kind of thing, however like Australia, beware of the sun. It was super strong when we visited in June.
If I were to do it again, I would deffo visit some of the other islands. Especially seeing as you have 10 days.
One last thing. OzBargain is probably not these best place to get well rounded advice on travelling, unless you are heading to Dick Smith's or Hardly Normals of course :-)
Yup, sounds like 10 days is too much for Honolulu, will def consider going to other islands.
LOL, I was hoping fellow ozbargainers might have tips and tricks to holiday in Hawaii on a budget.
Will check out Lonely Planet's thorntree forums as suggested by saine.
Ozbargainers will tell you the best places to shop..
Do not go out in remote areas by yourself in the outlying islands. Even in the daytime. A considerable number of native Hawaiians still feel outsiders are invaders and can be violent towards solo females in isolated circumstances. You will not run into these in Honolulu.
The cultural centre and pineapple plantation are amoung the best, if they are still operating.
Wow! Lucky you! I tried but didn't get through..
I havn't been to hawaii before but I have travelled alot alone and I have been fine. Just have to be smart about things like not knowing where you are going, not travelling alone late at night in unknown areas etc usual common sense stuff..
I have also met lots of people at hostels so even though its not the most comfortable place to stay at least you won't be lonely!!
You will have a great time :) Enjoy the shopping