Solo in Paradise: Exploring Hawai‘i’s Honolulu & Big Island

Soak up Waikiki energy

Honolulu is the perfect solo base: it’s buzzing, walkable, and endlessly social. During New Year’s Eve, the city feels like a magnet for travelers from all over the world. The fireworks over Waikiki Beach were unforgettable, but what surprised me was how the energy carried into January—with hotel pool parties, casual beach gatherings, and rooftop cocktails. It’s the ideal time to meet people, both locals and fellow travelers.

Diamond Head & Manoa Falls

Hiking is part of Hawai‘i’s DNA. Diamond Head Crater is the classic trail, and while it’s popular, nothing compares to those panoramic views of Waikiki once you reach the summit. For something wilder, I spent three hours hiking Manoa Falls Trail—a rainforest path that ends at a waterfall. Pack bug spray and sunscreen—the humidity and mosquitoes are real, but the reward is worth every step.

Life between bikes & beaches

Honolulu has a great bike-share program called Biki, and cruising along the coastline was one of my favorite ways to spend a morning. After a ride through Ala Moana, I’d park, grab a cold drink, and jump in the ocean. Afternoons were for lazy swims at Queen’s Surf Beach—the city’s unofficial gay beach, always alive with volleyball and laughter.

Hula’s & hidden gems

Every city has its institution, and in Honolulu, it’s Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand. It’s laid-back, open-air, and the kind of place where you watch the sunset with a cocktail and leave with new friends. But the real hidden gem? The unofficial nude beach near Diamond Head. I went almost daily, and the best part wasn’t the freedom of sunbathing—it was the sense of community. The same mix of locals and travelers showed up every day, making it feel like a little family.

Tip: get there around midday, settle in for the afternoon, and stay through golden hour. The sunsets here are some of the best I’ve seen in my life.

Adventures on the Big Island

The Big Island couldn’t be more different from Honolulu—rugged, raw, and breathtaking. One of the highlights of my trip was a helicopter ride over the island’s volcanic landscapes. I booked last-minute during peak season, which meant driving across the island to another heliport, but the flight was absolutely worth it. Seeing the vast craters and dramatic terrain from above gave me a whole new perspective on Hawai‘i’s power and beauty.

I also joined a submarine tour, descending below the surface to see reefs and tropical fish—it felt like stepping into another planet. Between excursions, I explored black-sand beaches and waterfalls, each corner of the island showcasing a new landscape. Kona, where I stayed, had a slower rhythm: mornings began with coffee by the ocean, and evenings ended with sunsets that seemed to last forever.

Food in Hawai‘i is as memorable as the landscapes.

At both my hotels—the Hilton in Waikiki and my oceanfront hotel in Kona—breakfasts were a highlight. Fresh tropical fruit, strong Kona coffee, and local pastries made mornings feel indulgent yet authentic.

In Honolulu, I loved grabbing poke bowls from small, local shops—fresh, simple, and often my go-to lunch after a day at the beach. Evenings often started with Mai Tais at Hula’s, where the vibe was equal parts social and scenic.

On the Big Island, mornings at Island Lava Java in Kona were unbeatable: ocean views, waffles, and endless coffee refills. I also enjoyed The Fish Hopper for seafood with a view and Papa Kona Restaurant, where live music and cocktails at sunset created a perfect close to the day.