Discussions

One of places on my bucket list is Hawaii and I would like to go whenever possible. I have searched for plane ticket to Honolulu so I have an idea of the price for budgeting. But I get confused when looking for options for places to stay. Any tips or recommendation to how to find a place to stay. Somewhere close to attractions, clean, safe and not expensive?  
Also, is Hawaii a good place incase I go solo?  
What are nice places to visit while there. Also how many days of visit would be good ?  
Please share your thoughts and experience.  
Thank you in advance.

You will have a awesome time when you decide to go. Biggest thing was deciding on what budget you want to spend and your style of entertainment.

Most hotels along Waikiki I would say were pretty safe. I know we were a couple and yes there is a lot of homeless, but I never felt unsafe or not wanting to walk through the main shopping areas. Just be sensible. Watch for the resort fees at hotels, some are $50 USD a day which adds a lot to a weeks stay. Depending what you like to do Pearl Harbour, Hanauma Bay and Diamond Head. You can buy Trolley passes which take you to most of the tourists spots but they do work out expensive but fun to do at least once. We ended up buying daily regular bus passes and used public transport, very easy to get around on them just hop on and off. We did do a coach tour of the island as that offered the best option to see the west coast and the Dole plantation. I can’t wait to go back, it really is a beautiful island with so much to see and do. Or Sandy beaches and warm water to do next to nothing. Hope you have a fantastic trip.

It’s been quite a few years since I’ve been. We stayed at Aqua Aloha Surf Waikiki. It was a nice area close to beach and a market.

If you are going to Honolulu and don't intend to just sit on Waikiki beach you will need one. Don't rent from a main line rental agency - use Turo. Much better pricing and less hassle. With no traffic you can drive around the entire island of Oahu in just over an hour, but usually tourist seasons are traffic-y and it can take a couple of hours.  
 
LOVED Kualoa Ranch which is a good 20 minute drive outside of Honolulu. They have filmed tons of movies there (like Jurassic Park, Skull island, etc) There are amazing tours via bus or rent an ATV to tour the area. Worth the money.  
 
About a half hour out of Honolulu is North Shore, wonderful little area to explore. Amazing shave ice shops there, which you have to try at least once  
 
The Dole plantation is OK, but kinda gimmicky. (And you can get Dole Whip at the Polynesian centre too ,so you don't have to go all the way there.  
 
The Polynesian Center (between Honolulu and North Shore) is OK too, but can be pricy. If you want to do luaus, it's a good place to check one out.  
Honolulu is the highest grossing Costco in the world (but no where near as packed as Canadian stores, which is funny) We spend a lot of our time around the Costco area, which is a very cool area to explore - simply because my family does a lot of scuba diving and they launch their boats from there. Lots of brew pubs around the area too. There is also an outlet mall which is neat.  
 
I can't speak to hotels because we always have free accommodations (a friend owns a house halfway between north shore and Honolulu) We try not to eat out a lot when we are there either, we hit Costco and stock the kitchen (and liquor cabinet) and eat from home as much as we can. But there are food trucks EVERYWHERE and some of them are real gems.  
Honestly unless you ADORE snorkeling, Hanuama Bay is not worth the trouble. We found it terribly busy and there are far nicer places to snorkle. Lots of really cool hiking available too.

Pearl Harbour.  
 
My god - I had goosebumps standing on the decks of those ships. Look for a groupon because it is costly - but an amazing experience to do once in a lifetime.  
 
if you go by yourself, I don't think you would be sorry. You can have a lot of tranquility if you are off the beaten path.

I think one thing most people have failed to mention is that Hawaii is VERY expensive. In your original post you asked for a place “not expensive” however there really isn’t anywhere in Hawaii that is not expensive as Hawaii is very pricey. It is very beautiful but you will definitely pay more than a traditional Mexican holiday. Good luck

It's a must have, easier than a go fund me when u get home.  
Last time I was in Hawaii I ordered a hamburger 18, fries...another 18....not my go to place.

What about VRBO or Air BnB? If we ever go, we thought to go via a cruise which touches on most every island (I think) you would have to look see. I envy you, as it is also on my bucket list (health wise, it may never happen for me). Go, if you can (alone or with)