TravelGuides

(TGA) - Hi all,
My sister is planning to spend her holiday in Hawaii this year but unfortunately her husband is on business then, so she will be traveling alone. Does it really matter traveling alone in the US in general and Hawaii in particular?
Thanks all for your help.
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Tell her to stick to a resort area for the most part...Waikiki on Oahu or Kaanapali on Maui. That's just me and where I would be comfortable as a single, others may be more adventurous! Rent a car on Maui and she'll have a blast! Hawaii is very safe for single travelers if she is smart and does her homework!
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I feel very safe and comfortable traveling to Hawaii as a solo, mature female. I do enough research to know which areas of the island(s) are somewhat sketchy, as Hawaii is not immune from problems with drug related crimes and homelessness. Of course, I carry a cell phone and travel with a small netbook computer so I can touch base with family every day. I tend to stay in smaller condo complexes or hotels where I feel less anonymous. Dining alone does not bother me at all. The only change from when I travel with my husband or another companion is that I don't spend much time in the ocean. Even at life-guarded beaches, it is not the best idea to swim alone. If I do go in the water, I spot a nice family or strong-looking swimmers and tend to stick fairly close to their patch of water.
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Thanks both for your replies. Definitely she needs more search before leaving home.
Cheers
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If your sister is going to rent a car, then any island would be good.
If not, then she should stay in Waikiki on Oahu.
While it is better to rent a car, she can get to most attractions by bus.
Lots of info:

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Thanks dusty.
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Aloha Anewworld :)
I've only traveled solo to Hawaii and stayed on Kauai, Maui, and the BI, multiple times. I've never had a problem and I haven't hung out in just my resort either. Usually I stay in B&Bs, or smaller places. I've taken drives all over the islands, gone on short walks/hikes, taken tours, gone to beaches, events, shopping, dining, sightseeing. And I've made friends. I don't go out at night, however, as I don't go out at night at home. Have your sister follow the same precautions she does at home and she will be fine. Hawaii is not a theme park ~ crime does happen ~ so if she is street smart ~ she should be fine.
jc
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I don't think she needs to hole up in her room after dark, but she should stick to populated areas. No problem on the Waikiki strip in Honolulu or at restaurants/stores on any island, but she do needs to do her homework. Once she decides where she wants to go she should ask on the specific forums what to avoid.
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I don't think she needs to hole up in her room after dark, but she should stick to populated areas.
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LOL! Exactly, pzp ~ I didn't express myself right. I do go out to planned events, concerts, luau's, meals, shopping. I just don't think it's wise to go hoofing around in the dark in unfamiliar places without a plan of some sort. If she conducts herself how she does at home, she should be fine. A lot of people think that nothing bad can happen to them while on vacation ~ well, it can, unfortunately :(
jc
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Thanks. Really appreciate your advice.
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I'd advise her to stick to the Waikiki area. Heavily policed, tourist-oriented. She can enjoy all the usual activities during the day ( swimming, surf lessons if she cares to partake, sunset cruises, shopping) during the day and stroll the main strip (Kalakaua Avenue) in the evening and night without much fear regarding safety. Hawaii, although generally considered a safe tourist destination, certainly does have its share of nasty areas.
Lots of dining and entertainment options in Waikiki. A fun place.
The other islands are sketchy at best, depending on the area. Some of the islands are downright boring after the sun goes down. Sure, you can park yourself in your hotel room with your remote but really...if you have a choice?
Some islands are characterized as being "for the newly wed (who provide their own entertainment) and the nearly dead (who don't give a hoot)." Since I would assume your sister is in neither category I would go with Oahu, specifically Waikiki.
If she is looking for the best mix of fun, entertainment, and relaxation I'd recommend Oahu.
Edited: 3:12 am, January 21, 2010
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