Semi- mid life crisis trip to Oahu in 10 days =)

[westcoastwoman]

I'll be coming there to find sun, sand and solace. Need to get away. I've never taken a trip alone so this should be interesting and exciting! I have rented a car but not made any accommodation plans. I would like to drive around and see the beauty of the island. I have been to all the islands, but just not alone and free to do whatever I want at a moments notice!

I remember the quiet beauty of the North Shore and the bustling entertainment of Waikiki. I would like to keep it mellow, maybe even run into some other friendly travelers or locals. I want to feel safe too.

Any recommendations for where to practice using my Nikon lens? Any places that are not too touristy? Any warnings of where I shouldn't go alone or how to travel alone?

A friend told me that when she goes to Oahu with her hubby, they don't make plans, they just wander. But I see myself lost and sleeping in my car if I do that. LOL!

Thanks friends...

[VacationBuddy]

hi there,

Unfortunately, the safest places are the touristy ones and if you are planning to wonder off the tourist trail, you need to exercise caution just as everywhere else in the world.

As far as i am aware, Oahu and the rest of Hawaii has problems with car break-ins so, don't leave any valuables in your car rental.

Also, avoid the coastline between Nanakuli and Waianae as it is known for having homeless camps on the beach.

A good spot for taking pictures is Makapuu Point, which is a beautiful, scenic spot overlooking the Makapuu Peninsula.

hope this helps
Vacationbuddy

[westcoastwoman]

Thank you for the advice on where not to go, knowing me I would end up right there. =)

I'm starting to get scared and thinking- "Oh crap, what have I done? I've NEVER gone anywhere like this alone!" But I'm excited to do something I've never done before at the same time.

[brendanshapiro]

We too are wanderers, and love to get in the car, with our beach gear, and big ziplock bags to keep our cameras safe from water and sand, and drive along the coast beginning at Diamond Head. Once you pass Kualoa Ranch, where Chinaman's Hat Island sits offshore, it's a smorgasbord of one beach after another. We pull over to the side of the Kam Hwy., run down to the water, take a swim, then get back in the car and do the same as the mood hits. We stop at Giovanni's or some other Shrimp truck for a meal, sample shave ice where we find it, pick up Kahuku corn from roadside vendors, take lots of photos.
Going to Hawaii with no plans is our favorite thing to do. You can't relax if you're on a quest to see and do it all.

[ruka]

well aloha

just saw your blog while i was researching my recently spontaneously arranged trip to oahu....
i believe youve gone through your travels in oahu, just wandering if youve got any tips for me as i will be there at the end of May. like what other island vital for me to see?????

Hope you had fun and found any answers or better understanding to this crazy thing called life!
take care now