Hawaiian tourism is back in full force after experiencing a steep dip in its total visitor count between 2020 and early 2021. For all of 2022, a total of 9,247,848 visitors arrived in the islands, representing an 89% recovery from 2019 when it welcomed 10,386,673 visitors.
While group tours and resort getaways are common ways to explore the Aloha State, there’s a hidden gem waiting for those with a sense of adventure and a desire for authentic experiences – the solo road trip. Imagine winding through lush valleys, chasing cascading waterfalls, and discovering secluded beaches all on your own schedule. In this article, we’ll explain why a solo road trip is the best way to truly experience the enchanting paradise of Hawaii.
You can avoid crowded tourist spots
Solo road trips can often lead you to lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path spots that are not crowded with tourists. Instead of being crammed into a big tour bus that only takes you to all the usual destinations, you’ll be free to visit local recommendations and venture into unique locations that larger groups might miss.
For instance, the Manoa Heritage Center offers small tours through a garden of native Hawaiian and Polynesian plants, and to see the only intact and restored traditional Hawaiian temple or “heiau.” You can also add the Koko Crater Botanical Garden to your itinerary, which features 60 acres of pathways that take visitors through a 2-mile loop of plumeria trees, a cactus garden, a kiawe grove, and more.
You can tailor your transportation to your needs
On a solo road trip, you can get into the nooks and crannies of the island. You can go places in a rental car that you just can’t get to by any other means of transportation. You can visit waterfalls, national parks, small towns, and anywhere else where there’s a road, without having to rely on bus schedules or ride-hailing services like Uber.
For the best deals, we recommend that you rent a car at Honolulu Airport rather than Waikiki as it is a resort town known to charge higher rates. It’s also more convenient because you’ll be able to pick up your rental as soon as you land. Just make sure to book your rental in advance, especially during the high season from mid-December to March.
You can make your own schedule
When you’re traveling with a big group, there isn’t really much room for spontaneity. But on a solo road trip, there’s no need to coordinate with others or stick to a rigid plan. If you find a place that captivates you, you can linger as long as you want without other people rushing you to move on to the next destination. Additionally, you have the freedom to take breaks whenever needed, whether it’s for a scenic view, a local cafe, or a leisurely stroll.
A quieter locale perfect for solo travelers who want to see a different side of Oahu is Kaneohe. You can kick off your day with breakfast at the family-owned Kaneohe Pancake House, then bask in the morning sun with sea turtles at the Kaneohe Sandbar, or go shopping at the Winward Mall. Since you’re going solo, your schedule is up to you!
You can cultivate a sense of mindfulness and appreciation
Through solitude, connection with nature, tranquility, and liberty to wander, you can relish the beauty of your surroundings in a way that allows you to be fully present and deeply appreciative of the moment. Moreover, the flexibility afforded by a solo road trip means having the chance to carefully curate your itinerary in a way that prioritizes local businesses. As much as possible, try opting for an independent, locally-owned hotel, hiring a local guide, and finding out if there are any community projects that you can support. Doing so will allow you to develop a sense of mindfulness and intentionality that will only enhance your trip.
In essence, a solo road trip in Hawaii empowers you to be the master of your own adventure. You can set the pace, decide when and where to go, and fully savor the Hawaiian experience on your own terms, making it a truly personalized and enriching travel opportunity.
