Brittney ChastenComment

Νπ‘©π’ŠΝπ’“Νπ’•Νπ’‰Νπ’…Νπ’‚Νπ’š Νπ’—Νπ’ŠΝπ’ƒΝπ’†Νπ’” Νπ’ŠΝπ’ ͏𝑯𝒐͏𝒏͏𝒐͏𝒍͏𝒖͏𝒍͏𝒖

Brittney ChastenComment
Νπ‘©π’ŠΝπ’“Νπ’•Νπ’‰Νπ’…Νπ’‚Νπ’š Νπ’—Νπ’ŠΝπ’ƒΝπ’†Νπ’” Νπ’ŠΝπ’ ͏𝑯𝒐͏𝒏͏𝒐͏𝒍͏𝒖͏𝒍͏𝒖

Year 29 has been a vortex of emotions for me.

Around the time of this trip (June), I was in a confusing relationship. I felt trapped in this cocoon of knowing there was more I could do career wise, but unable to figure out what I wanted to pursue. I was dealing with my anxiety of how to make more income.

And to top things off,

I was turning 29!!!

No, but seriously.. my 29th birthday came up so fast and I felt so behind in life.

Shouldn’t I be married by now?

WTF am I still doing asking my mom what insurance plan is right for me!

I’m GROWN ! Like GROWN, GROWN !

The point is, turning 29 was a rush of emotions. So a solo dolo trip to Honolulu is just what ya’ girl needed to reset, refocus and understand MY own prioritize in life.

Going to Honolulu by myself was a last minute discussion. I literally landed from a 3-day trip at LAX. Saw a flight to Honolulu boarding and decided to go (crazy, I know). It was a 4-day trip and well worth it! To get there I went from… Los Angelesβ†’Honolulu

And then, the adventure began.

 Overall rating: Solid 2

Rating scale is from 1-3, 3 being the highest rated. Based on comfort as a POC + woman, affordability, activities that interested me.

6 Hot tips for Honolulu

  1. Plan at least one full day of activities with tour groups. It’ll make you feel more comfortable knowing you have plans, plus its a great way to meet new people. Also, book at least one AMAZING/ expensive dinner by yourself. You’d be surprised how good food taste when your free to stuff your mouth and not talk to anyone else. 

  2. I HIGHLY suggest wearing some type of protective hairstyle. Esp if your anal about your hair like me (if my hair don’t look right, I’m not going no where). And sis, a lace front wig you can't get wet DOES NOT COUNT. For me at least, the last thing I want to worry about on vacation is my hair. Not that it would stop us from ever living our best lives…

  3. PLEASE for the love of baby Jesus, bring shoes you can walk in. Especially if your trying to save money. Walking/taking public transportation is the best way to go about things. Bus system is simple enough to use. If all else fails, use that Google map giiirrlll.

  4. See...I’m going to stop you right there. No, you didn't bring enough shorts or loose dresses. It’s Hawaii, it gets hot. 

  5. If your staying in a hostel, please remember to read what that particular hostel offers. Not every hostel will have soap, hair spray (damn well not our type), sun lotion, towels to rent and locks. So take note of what you’ll need to bring.

  6. I don't care what anyone says, Dole Plantation. DO IT. Best pineapples hands down. (Oppressors argue with yourself). 

Hostel:

Even when I travel solo, usually I don’t stay in hostels. A personal choice for the most part. But also, I travel solo to have my own space & peace of mind. For Honolulu, I felt different. I wanted to try things I’ve personally been too timid to do. And during this abrupt trip, I found the sequential hostel right on Wikiki Beach for $41 USD a night! I found this gem, on Hostelworld.com. Think of Hostelworld.com as an easier way to meet new people around the globe in your own hotel. I’ve found reassurance in the fact that this is a credible website to get great reviews on amazing hostels.

The hostel I stayed at (pictured above) is called β€œThe Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel” by IH. The hostel provided breakfast, a rooftop lounge area, co-ed (or not) hostel rooms and a number of other comforts. I opted to stay in a all female room. Which included two bunk beds, a kitchen complete with a fridge, and of course a en suite bathroom. Upon check in, the host asked for a $20 key deposit (given back after check out). I was also able to rent washcloths ($3) and a lock and key if needed to keep my belongings inside my room (there are small lockers for your valuables). I will say, the ONLY downside I felt from staying here, is waking up my bunk mates when I had to leave early for excursions. Other than that, it was a win-win situation for me. Book your stay at The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel, or at any other hostel now on Hostelworld.com.

Excursions:ο»Ώ

Groupon was there for the win with this trip. I booked two different excursions around Honolulu. The first one was an Aloha Circle Island Tour (details to follow below), the second was a one hour surf lesson from Surf Caddy. Groupon is an app I can always count on for fantastic last minute deals. This little gem (Groupon) gives me insight on what other tourist like to do, plus it allows me to book deals within a certain price range. Aloha Circle Island Tour cost me $68 USD while my surf lesson cost around $100 USD (with a video included by instructor). Click the pictures below to find out more information about both excursions I booked!

Food:

So, remember when I made a tip of taking yourself out to an amazing/expensive dinner when traveling to Honolulu?  Even if you don't remember, I’m going to take a few moments out and brag about my birthday dinner at 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar. WHEW, chile. This food was good! I’m talking about ALL YOU CAN EAT crab legs, salt and pepper shrimp, sushi, salad bar, prime rib! I can go ON! But I’ve linked the website menu for you sis! Do yourself a favor, and book a dinner reservation at 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar in Honolulu. The service was impeccable, the food experience over exceeded expectations and overall, my birthday dinner was more than I imagined. 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar in Honolulu, you wont regret it. 

Now listen, if you’ve already been to Honolulu but you have yet to visit Leonard’s Bakery, you haven't been to Honolulu.*PERIOD* Leonard’s Bakery is from all appearance a staple in Honolulu. With Leonard’s long standing history since 1952, patience with the line is needed to be able to indulge in these malasada. A malasada is a Portuguese doughnut without a hole. And Leonard’s offer a number of different flavors. I highly suggest getting just enough to eat them warm (they come out the oven warm). In my experience trying to microwave them didn't work out the best. In any case, make it a certainty to stop by Leonard’s Bakery and try a malasada. 

Thanks for traveling with me through Honolulu!

If you enjoyed the content you just read and watched, please subscribe and comment below! For more information on how I felt as a solo black woman, dressing in Honolulu, food, and general suggestions, please watch the video posted atop this blog post. Or, contact me via Instagram or email.

π‘Όπ’π’•π’Šπ’ 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 π’—π’‚π’„π’‚π’•π’Šπ’π’ π’”π’Šπ’”, π’Œπ’†π’†π’‘ π’ƒπ’†π’Šπ’π’ˆ 𝒂 π’ƒπ’–π’•π’•π’†π’“π’‡π’π’š π’Šπ’ 𝒂 π’“π’π’π’Ž 𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 π’π’‚π’…π’šπ’ƒπ’–π’ˆπ’”.