Girl's guide to solo travelling with confidence

If you are looking for inspiration or any ideas for how to travel around the Hawaiian Islands in under two weeks, then this blog is for you. 

4 days in O’ahu, Hawaii

Lively, social and active 

Known as the Gathering Place, O’ahu is the third largest and most populated island of the Hawaiian Islands. I visited during the month of April, when I arrived the weather was perfect and the time of year coincides with the quieter months when less tourists travel to Hawaii.

I landed at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and went straight to The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel, thinking this would just be an amazing week filled with beach days, and a chance to relax. I was so wrong because I had no idea how much the Islands of Hawaii truly have to offer. 

The hostel staff were so friendly and run daily tours which are perfect if you are a solo traveller and looking to meet people. One of the tours took us to Waikiki Beach, Shark Cove, and Pipeline (famous for surf competitions). We went snorkelling and then visited Sunrise Shack for lunch which was a really nice location with lots of food trucks with different options.

The weather was so beautiful and the ocean was so clear and nice! In the evenings there are also free Luau’s along the main Waikiki beach which anyone can go along to, to watch. Kalakaua Avenue in O’ahu is the main strip and has so many restaurants and bars so there really is something for everyone!

Since I was only in O’ahu for a short time, I reached out to iamcarolinecarniel on instagram to organise a photoshoot for myself. We went to China Walls- it’s a famous sunset spot and it kind of looks like Mars but next to the ocean. If you’re looking for an amazing photographer to help you find your inner main character energy- then reach out to Caroline.

The hostel hosted a boat party which is not to be missed! It runs during sunset, so it’s an amazing opportunity to meet new people and swim and party at sunset. 

On my last day, we hiked to Manoa Falls which made an appearance in the Jurassic Park film! At the end of the trail we went to swim in the waterfall. We then took a drive to a lookout point at Diamond Head and then went and visited the botanical gardens which was also beautiful!

3 days in Maui, Hawaii  

Beautiful, exciting, and adventurous

Today I’m travelling to the next island I wanted to visit, Maui. I stayed at Aloha Surf Hostel which is located in a cute little town known as Paia. The hostel was super close to the beach and also has a jacuzzi which made the vibe really chilled and it was easy to meet new people.

We went to do some hikes and we did the 13 Crossings Trail- it was really fun to do a different type of hike which is more challenging and takes you across rivers. At the end of the trail is a waterfall which was also really special and made the long hike worth it. We then drove around the Island to hike the Waiheʻe Ridge Trail in West Maui, Hawaii. This hike was even longer, but the lookout at the top of the mountains were incredible! The weather was beautiful and even though there were some clouds it made the mountains look mystical.

The next day I joined a boat day-tour to visit Molokini Crater which is famous for snorkelling and is a protected marine sanctuary. We saw lots of fish and sea urchins and on the journey back we even saw a whale with her calf and a pod of dolphins! The tour offers lunch, and professional photographs were also included in the day trip. The staff were really friendly and helpful and provided a very safe and fun atmosphere for everyone.

3 days on the Big Island, the Island of Hawai’i

Peaceful, powerful and quiet

I travelled to the Big Island from Maui on a tiny 6-seater plane.  I had already researched some hostels before I landed and found the Open Gate Hostel which is an eco lodge located on a cooled lava field. I thought would be different and fun to stay at, so even thought it was an hour from the airport I thought I would try it! The hostel looks like a treehouse, and had a really communal and fun atmosphere. Open Gate also has a stargazing platform on the roof and as the hostel is located away from any bright city/town lights, the stars were especially bright. We even saw shooting stars!

We visited Black Sand Beach for a while, and then headed to the Bee Dance at the Hawaiian Sanctuary- highly recommend you check it out!

The next day we visited the Black Rock Hot Springs which were about a 20 minute drive from the hostel. The hot springs were so peaceful and relaxing, and there are local markets nearby for lunch.

Later we drove to the famous Mauna Kea Observatory to see the stars (and snow)which yes it’s surprising that Hawaii has snow, but it’s true. One of the things that I have discovered on my trip to the Hawaiian Islands is that it is one of the most ecologically diverse places in the world. We didn’t get access to the Observatory because we didn’t have a Four-Wheel drive, so we went to a lower lookout known as sunset hill. So we watched the sunset above the clouds and later saw SO MANY STARS. 

Also just a tip, it was freezing, so definitely bring weather designed for snow/really cold weather!

The next day I headed back to O’ahu before heading home, and I decided to go for the luxury part of my trip and stayed at the Alohilani Resort . It had a beautiful infinity pool and the staff were so friendly and helpful. The view overlooking the ocean made the atmosphere very relaxing and perfect for cocktails.

I just loved my time in Hawaii- I hope these recommendations help for travelling to one of the most beautiful places I have ever been!

Daisy xox